I Can Confirm This
SF tourism czar speaks out against the city turning into a shithole (an expensive shithole).
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
$1,000 Bet
I'd bet anyone a cool grand that the anonymous racist graffiti at Depauw is a hoax by some of the folks protesting it.
Also related: this is a new chapter in the absurdly dumb protests in our country - now they are protesting an event the protestors openly acknowledge has nothing to do with the very thing they are protesting. As dumb as the Starbucks protests are, at least there is some connection to be made (although one manager calling the cops isn't really the fault of every single Starbucks, is it?)
I'd bet anyone a cool grand that the anonymous racist graffiti at Depauw is a hoax by some of the folks protesting it.
Also related: this is a new chapter in the absurdly dumb protests in our country - now they are protesting an event the protestors openly acknowledge has nothing to do with the very thing they are protesting. As dumb as the Starbucks protests are, at least there is some connection to be made (although one manager calling the cops isn't really the fault of every single Starbucks, is it?)
Monday, April 16, 2018
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Russians
They are talking retaliation against the West.
Unwise.
The Russians are great fighters, but so were the Germans and the Japanese. And the thing about dictactorships are that taking out one man and all his support is a lot easier than defeating an entire nation, especially with the technology available today.
They are talking retaliation against the West.
Unwise.
The Russians are great fighters, but so were the Germans and the Japanese. And the thing about dictactorships are that taking out one man and all his support is a lot easier than defeating an entire nation, especially with the technology available today.
The Revolution Eats Its Own
Starbucks protest. It's easy to hand over other peoples money, space, and labor. Harder when it's your own.
Starbucks protest. It's easy to hand over other peoples money, space, and labor. Harder when it's your own.
Investigation Into Broward County
This is really interesting and worth reading. Don't see why this isn't the national story instead of the NRA.
This is really interesting and worth reading. Don't see why this isn't the national story instead of the NRA.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Let's Get GRRM On It
The Syria situation is too complex to model. Someone should hire authors and screenwriters to develop various scenarios. We are better suited than social scientists.
The Syria situation is too complex to model. Someone should hire authors and screenwriters to develop various scenarios. We are better suited than social scientists.
Housing
Wells numbers suggest bad news for housing market going forward. Although we should take ZeroHedge with a grain of salt because the sky is always falling over there.
I'm of two minds re: housing in Coastal California. On the one hand, the prices are high because of supply issues that I don't see going away. On the other hand, incomes aren't rising as fast as prices and something that can't go on, won't. So that fact goes some of the way to explain how a small 1% rise in rates totally kills new mortgage applications: new buyers are pushing their housing costs to the limit.
What breaks first?
Wells numbers suggest bad news for housing market going forward. Although we should take ZeroHedge with a grain of salt because the sky is always falling over there.
I'm of two minds re: housing in Coastal California. On the one hand, the prices are high because of supply issues that I don't see going away. On the other hand, incomes aren't rising as fast as prices and something that can't go on, won't. So that fact goes some of the way to explain how a small 1% rise in rates totally kills new mortgage applications: new buyers are pushing their housing costs to the limit.
What breaks first?
Debt and Dave Ramsey
Listening to his podcast today, he said something that caught my attention: when you carry debt, you're lying with snakes. Most of the time, you won't get bit, but eventually you will.
It didn't take me long to discover this - on my very first mortgage application. These people are scum and although they don't mean to screw you, they will -- for any variety of reasons that are theirs and not yours.
Listening to his podcast today, he said something that caught my attention: when you carry debt, you're lying with snakes. Most of the time, you won't get bit, but eventually you will.
It didn't take me long to discover this - on my very first mortgage application. These people are scum and although they don't mean to screw you, they will -- for any variety of reasons that are theirs and not yours.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Kap
Not being worked out by the Seahawks because he is undecided on the anthem.
Everyone is looking for some type of GOTCHA to blame the NFL for blackballing Kap. But it's obvious: this is a combination thing - the QB position matters a lot more than other positions, Kap is a mediocre QB of questionable starter-quality, and his stance is bad for business. Here's another thing none of these reporters write about: I'm sure the protests are not popular in the locker room. Some guys support, but other guys don't. Having a QB being the face of a radical faction within the locker room does not sound like a recipe for football success to me. These reporters aren't reporters. They don't dig into the reasons for what's happening, they simply try to use the situation to get across their own political opinions.
Not being worked out by the Seahawks because he is undecided on the anthem.
Everyone is looking for some type of GOTCHA to blame the NFL for blackballing Kap. But it's obvious: this is a combination thing - the QB position matters a lot more than other positions, Kap is a mediocre QB of questionable starter-quality, and his stance is bad for business. Here's another thing none of these reporters write about: I'm sure the protests are not popular in the locker room. Some guys support, but other guys don't. Having a QB being the face of a radical faction within the locker room does not sound like a recipe for football success to me. These reporters aren't reporters. They don't dig into the reasons for what's happening, they simply try to use the situation to get across their own political opinions.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Paul Ryan
I kinda like the guy and sadly, his decision to retire makes me like him more. He seemed like an adult. And although that seems like a small thing, and maybe it is, but it seems to me in short supply.
So the announcement is sad on a number of levels: 1) simply reflects what we already know - our national politics sucks 2) why do our "elites" need to sacrifice being good parents.
I'm not convinced the meritocracy isn't making us a nation of Tracy Flicks - a bunch of soulless overachievers and busybodies who actually don't do much of anything well other than participate in an echo chamber.
I kinda like the guy and sadly, his decision to retire makes me like him more. He seemed like an adult. And although that seems like a small thing, and maybe it is, but it seems to me in short supply.
So the announcement is sad on a number of levels: 1) simply reflects what we already know - our national politics sucks 2) why do our "elites" need to sacrifice being good parents.
I'm not convinced the meritocracy isn't making us a nation of Tracy Flicks - a bunch of soulless overachievers and busybodies who actually don't do much of anything well other than participate in an echo chamber.
Zuckerberg and Senate Hearings
Facebook collects data on non-users, too. Yep. And then this:
PS - I can't picture the US Government regulating Facebook is going to help anything. Tyler Cowen has been looking at the issue in much more depth than I. The thing I find absurd is the idea that people WANT the government to regulate Facebook. Does Facebook provide any essential service? I don't see what government involvement seeks to achieve. If users don't trust Facebook, it ought to be their responsibility to get off it.
Facebook collects data on non-users, too. Yep. And then this:
In another startling revelation about how Facebook is reaching out beyond its members, CNBC reported that Facebook has been in discussions with a number of hospitals, including the Stanford Medical School and American College of Cardiology, asking that they share data about their patients, such as illnesses and prescription info, as part of a research project.Uh huh. Look...I can see a good application of this...but I can also see a bad one. What makes us remotely confident Facebook cares either way?
PS - I can't picture the US Government regulating Facebook is going to help anything. Tyler Cowen has been looking at the issue in much more depth than I. The thing I find absurd is the idea that people WANT the government to regulate Facebook. Does Facebook provide any essential service? I don't see what government involvement seeks to achieve. If users don't trust Facebook, it ought to be their responsibility to get off it.
Monday, April 09, 2018
I Call Bullshit on Everyone
From Day 1, it was obvious Facebook wasn't interested in privacy and was only appealing to the pathetic, stalking impulse inside everyone. And they sought to monetize it somehow. All people needed to do was say no or cancel or not sign up in the first place. But 3 billion or whatever number of you didn't. And that's fine. But you won't get MY sympathy now. In fact, it's pretty silly to hear people SHOCKED by all this. Face it. You gave away your digital privacy because you were afraid of not being invited to party or you wanted to promote the brand of you.
From Day 1, it was obvious Facebook wasn't interested in privacy and was only appealing to the pathetic, stalking impulse inside everyone. And they sought to monetize it somehow. All people needed to do was say no or cancel or not sign up in the first place. But 3 billion or whatever number of you didn't. And that's fine. But you won't get MY sympathy now. In fact, it's pretty silly to hear people SHOCKED by all this. Face it. You gave away your digital privacy because you were afraid of not being invited to party or you wanted to promote the brand of you.
The Chinese Audience
Doesn't buy American values. Or maybe because our storytelling at a blockbuster level is so lousy?
Doesn't buy American values. Or maybe because our storytelling at a blockbuster level is so lousy?
Sunday, April 08, 2018
Gender Neutral Kids
This sounds like the makings of a disaster on many different levels. How long will it take the parents to realize they are more likely to be the targets of their kids inevitable rage (from being raised in a boundary-less environment) than the rest of society?
This sounds like the makings of a disaster on many different levels. How long will it take the parents to realize they are more likely to be the targets of their kids inevitable rage (from being raised in a boundary-less environment) than the rest of society?
On Kevin Williamson and Abortion
Ross Douthart on the issue. And Conor Friedersdorf on the same.
My views on the issue will be obvious and unsurprising to anyone: disagree with Williamson's position, also disagree with his firing.
Only thing I'll add is this: I'm not particularly religious and my official stance is pro-choice, but I know what Douthart is talking about. I've been had close friends say - without any sense of regret or horror - that, yes, without a doubt, they would abort a down syndrome fetus. And I will confess this sentiment makes my stomach churn.
My wife and I spoke briefly about what we would do in such a situation and came to no conclusion. I couldn't honestly say what I'd do. I have had a few, not particularly meaningful interactions with down syndrome people over the years and don't find myself pitying them, or feeling like their lives are worthless, but I rather enjoyed their company. I can't say what this means, but I'd probably go back to the point that human life (including that of a fetus) has intrinsic value and I wouldn't be so quick to discard it for the sake of inconvenience.
Because that's the sick part, isn't it? My pro-choice stance is based upon the presumption that abortion is a hazy issue. A fetus is not a person. It is a fact that many women will find themselves pregnant without any reasonable chance to raise the child well. This is a reality and so we have a choice - the law chooses or the women chooses. My position is to err on the side of the women.
But the Down Syndrome question is different. Presumably, the issue here is that parents (or the women) ARE trying to have a baby, or at the very least are capable of raising A CHILD well, and they learn the fetus doesn't meet their expectations or desires. Aborting a fetus in this situation is entirely different, isn't it? A women is saying: I could raise a baby, I just don't want to raise this baby because it'll be hard for them. Or perhaps, what they truly mean: because it will be hard for me?
Ross Douthart on the issue. And Conor Friedersdorf on the same.
My views on the issue will be obvious and unsurprising to anyone: disagree with Williamson's position, also disagree with his firing.
Only thing I'll add is this: I'm not particularly religious and my official stance is pro-choice, but I know what Douthart is talking about. I've been had close friends say - without any sense of regret or horror - that, yes, without a doubt, they would abort a down syndrome fetus. And I will confess this sentiment makes my stomach churn.
My wife and I spoke briefly about what we would do in such a situation and came to no conclusion. I couldn't honestly say what I'd do. I have had a few, not particularly meaningful interactions with down syndrome people over the years and don't find myself pitying them, or feeling like their lives are worthless, but I rather enjoyed their company. I can't say what this means, but I'd probably go back to the point that human life (including that of a fetus) has intrinsic value and I wouldn't be so quick to discard it for the sake of inconvenience.
Because that's the sick part, isn't it? My pro-choice stance is based upon the presumption that abortion is a hazy issue. A fetus is not a person. It is a fact that many women will find themselves pregnant without any reasonable chance to raise the child well. This is a reality and so we have a choice - the law chooses or the women chooses. My position is to err on the side of the women.
But the Down Syndrome question is different. Presumably, the issue here is that parents (or the women) ARE trying to have a baby, or at the very least are capable of raising A CHILD well, and they learn the fetus doesn't meet their expectations or desires. Aborting a fetus in this situation is entirely different, isn't it? A women is saying: I could raise a baby, I just don't want to raise this baby because it'll be hard for them. Or perhaps, what they truly mean: because it will be hard for me?
Tony Robbins on MeToo
This is not going to go the way you think.
MeToo will advantage a very narrow group of already privileged women into a narrow advantage over equally advantaged men. And the only thing I imagine they will discover is that powerful women can be every bit as monstrous as men, albeit in a slightly different way.
This is not going to go the way you think.
MeToo will advantage a very narrow group of already privileged women into a narrow advantage over equally advantaged men. And the only thing I imagine they will discover is that powerful women can be every bit as monstrous as men, albeit in a slightly different way.
All You Need To Know...
...About our culture can be summed up by the fact that David Hogg and Emma Gonzalez are household names, but there was a kid at Parkland named Anthony Borges who took bullets for his classmates, is credited with saving 20 lives and barely anyone is talking about him.
What is the difference between these students? One took courageous action and wants to hold the school and local authorities responsible for not doing their job. The other students are pushing a popular liberal national policy goal of blaming an organization (the NRA) who had nothing to do with the shooting at all.
...About our culture can be summed up by the fact that David Hogg and Emma Gonzalez are household names, but there was a kid at Parkland named Anthony Borges who took bullets for his classmates, is credited with saving 20 lives and barely anyone is talking about him.
What is the difference between these students? One took courageous action and wants to hold the school and local authorities responsible for not doing their job. The other students are pushing a popular liberal national policy goal of blaming an organization (the NRA) who had nothing to do with the shooting at all.
Saturday, April 07, 2018
Clever Arguments
On why California models American's future and the end of Republicanism.
All I can say is: maybe.
Contend with these facts/realities: California is losing population because cost of living is too high. The last time I was in San Francisco driving around, I saw homeless people openly injecting needles into themselves. I don't remember this type of thing when I lived in SF. Anecdotally, one of the most common fantasies amongst my younger-ish adult peers is leaving CA for lower cost of living places. The strangest person you can come across in coastal california is not a transgendered person who cut off their penis and takes hormones, not a porn actor, not tech titan, or a famous novelist, but rather someone who has (or wants) more than 2 kids.
Also, I've live in California my entire life and I don't know a single person who thinks the state is a better place to live today than decades ago. So, if this is the future, what we also might want to consider is whether that is a good thing.
On why California models American's future and the end of Republicanism.
All I can say is: maybe.
Contend with these facts/realities: California is losing population because cost of living is too high. The last time I was in San Francisco driving around, I saw homeless people openly injecting needles into themselves. I don't remember this type of thing when I lived in SF. Anecdotally, one of the most common fantasies amongst my younger-ish adult peers is leaving CA for lower cost of living places. The strangest person you can come across in coastal california is not a transgendered person who cut off their penis and takes hormones, not a porn actor, not tech titan, or a famous novelist, but rather someone who has (or wants) more than 2 kids.
Also, I've live in California my entire life and I don't know a single person who thinks the state is a better place to live today than decades ago. So, if this is the future, what we also might want to consider is whether that is a good thing.
Tuesday, April 03, 2018
File This Under Duh
Having fathers in the home and/or neighborhood benefits black boys.
This article explains in a kind way everything that's wrong with PCism. The folks who conducted this study misrepresent their own data so as not to say what is exceeding obvious: having fathers around benefits kids. Why acknowledging such an obvious truth is offensive blows my mind. And I see no reason why this would apply more specifically to black kids vs white kids. Even a marginally competent father with limited part time work provides an extra pair of hands for childcare, child teaching, income, etc. Or the potential for as much.
Having fathers in the home and/or neighborhood benefits black boys.
This article explains in a kind way everything that's wrong with PCism. The folks who conducted this study misrepresent their own data so as not to say what is exceeding obvious: having fathers around benefits kids. Why acknowledging such an obvious truth is offensive blows my mind. And I see no reason why this would apply more specifically to black kids vs white kids. Even a marginally competent father with limited part time work provides an extra pair of hands for childcare, child teaching, income, etc. Or the potential for as much.
Monday, April 02, 2018
Sunday, April 01, 2018
Paying Off Mortgage
With the standard deduction increasing, there is less of a reason to use the mortgage interest deduction.
Easier said than done, but still, small incentives add up.
With the standard deduction increasing, there is less of a reason to use the mortgage interest deduction.
Easier said than done, but still, small incentives add up.
The Left Will Eat Itself (And Already Is)
Steve Kerr and Kevin Durant face questions from reporter about why they didn't attend protests in Sacramento for the killing of an unarmed black man.
The question with progressivism is always going to boil down to: why don't you donate all your money to poorer people than yourself? Or donate all your time to protesting injustice? And when the obvious answer to those questions don't satisfy, the progressive appeals to the state to mandate we all do more.
PS - I rather like Durant's pithy response: "We had a game."
Steve Kerr and Kevin Durant face questions from reporter about why they didn't attend protests in Sacramento for the killing of an unarmed black man.
The question with progressivism is always going to boil down to: why don't you donate all your money to poorer people than yourself? Or donate all your time to protesting injustice? And when the obvious answer to those questions don't satisfy, the progressive appeals to the state to mandate we all do more.
PS - I rather like Durant's pithy response: "We had a game."
Autonomous Vehicles
I'm on record of being skeptical of autonomous vehicles, but I want to log my thoughts in a deeper way:
1. I have no problem with the technology per se, but I'd rather not be a guinea pig in the QA phase of introducing the technology to the "real world."
2. I can forsee LOTS of obvious problems introducing these vehicles onto the roads. Just a couple: when in traffic and you need to switch lanes and you gesture to the other driver and make an agreement to switch lanes - how with autonomous vehicles deal with this situation? As a result of autonomous vehicles, will people become "worse" drivers - in particular - people who are already bad drivers and don't like driving in the first place? Will this result in more accidents where human drivers are meant to "take over" from the vehicle? Who bears responsibility on accidents? The human driver or the car company? There are often driving situations that are technically "illegal" but safe. Likewise, there are driving situations that are legal, and yet, unsafe? How will a driverless car make this decision? Can a driverless car be hacked and used as an undetectable weapon?
3. A terrific idea is for a single, small city to become driverless cars ONLY. I can see that being a lot more safe - and the roads redesigned for driverless cars. I would not live in this city, but would enjoy visiting it a lot.
4. How much will the things cost? How costly to improve infrastructure to make it work? I am skeptical we are going to be saving money. Do I want my transportation costs to go up?
5. I like driving culture. What will the impact on this culture be?
6. I hate traffic. I am open to the possibility the vehicles will somehow reduce traffic, although I don't quite see how. I perceive telecommuting and staggered work times to be simpler, cheaper, and more effective ways of achieving the same.
7. I do see cool opportunities to reinvent the movie car chase.
I'm on record of being skeptical of autonomous vehicles, but I want to log my thoughts in a deeper way:
1. I have no problem with the technology per se, but I'd rather not be a guinea pig in the QA phase of introducing the technology to the "real world."
2. I can forsee LOTS of obvious problems introducing these vehicles onto the roads. Just a couple: when in traffic and you need to switch lanes and you gesture to the other driver and make an agreement to switch lanes - how with autonomous vehicles deal with this situation? As a result of autonomous vehicles, will people become "worse" drivers - in particular - people who are already bad drivers and don't like driving in the first place? Will this result in more accidents where human drivers are meant to "take over" from the vehicle? Who bears responsibility on accidents? The human driver or the car company? There are often driving situations that are technically "illegal" but safe. Likewise, there are driving situations that are legal, and yet, unsafe? How will a driverless car make this decision? Can a driverless car be hacked and used as an undetectable weapon?
3. A terrific idea is for a single, small city to become driverless cars ONLY. I can see that being a lot more safe - and the roads redesigned for driverless cars. I would not live in this city, but would enjoy visiting it a lot.
4. How much will the things cost? How costly to improve infrastructure to make it work? I am skeptical we are going to be saving money. Do I want my transportation costs to go up?
5. I like driving culture. What will the impact on this culture be?
6. I hate traffic. I am open to the possibility the vehicles will somehow reduce traffic, although I don't quite see how. I perceive telecommuting and staggered work times to be simpler, cheaper, and more effective ways of achieving the same.
7. I do see cool opportunities to reinvent the movie car chase.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Asia Tilt
Very interesting article discussing the decline of the West - specifically Western Europe - and how Trump is actually positioning America more Eastwards - thinking about what we can borrow from China and Singapore.
This is the first thinker - Bruno Macaes - who manages to discuss Western decline in a way that doesn't just feel awful and shitty, but rather a fact to be recognized and dealt with. This concept has already reframed how I think about the world and my life.
The world is changing. Adjust accordingly.
Very interesting article discussing the decline of the West - specifically Western Europe - and how Trump is actually positioning America more Eastwards - thinking about what we can borrow from China and Singapore.
This is the first thinker - Bruno Macaes - who manages to discuss Western decline in a way that doesn't just feel awful and shitty, but rather a fact to be recognized and dealt with. This concept has already reframed how I think about the world and my life.
The world is changing. Adjust accordingly.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Interesting Take on Parkland
Students at Parkland admit to bullying and ostracizing the shooter. But of course, it's the NRA's fault.
Students at Parkland admit to bullying and ostracizing the shooter. But of course, it's the NRA's fault.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Women
Two of my two favorites right now are Camile Paglia and Roseanne Barr.
We don't need more protection for women in the workplace and elsewhere. We need stronger women.
Two of my two favorites right now are Camile Paglia and Roseanne Barr.
We don't need more protection for women in the workplace and elsewhere. We need stronger women.
Logging
Film: Death to Stalin
Good, but perhaps not great. Jason Isaacs incredible and obviously so was Steve Buscemi. Worth seeing if nothing more than a primer on Soviet history. Most Americans probably don't know who Zhukov was. Look him up on wikipedia. He beat the Germans in the field where they sent their best. We outsmarted and organized the Germans. The Russians beat them in a blood bath.
TV: Roseanne
The most relevant TV show to come along since...I can't remember. Successfully captures the tone of the original, a difficult thing to do. And I've long wondered if John Goodman is one of the greatest living American actors. Guy can do sitcoms, heavy drama, and doesn't not rely on irony or wink-wink spoofing of himself. And am I wrong, but can't he sing as well?
Film: Death to Stalin
Good, but perhaps not great. Jason Isaacs incredible and obviously so was Steve Buscemi. Worth seeing if nothing more than a primer on Soviet history. Most Americans probably don't know who Zhukov was. Look him up on wikipedia. He beat the Germans in the field where they sent their best. We outsmarted and organized the Germans. The Russians beat them in a blood bath.
TV: Roseanne
The most relevant TV show to come along since...I can't remember. Successfully captures the tone of the original, a difficult thing to do. And I've long wondered if John Goodman is one of the greatest living American actors. Guy can do sitcoms, heavy drama, and doesn't not rely on irony or wink-wink spoofing of himself. And am I wrong, but can't he sing as well?
Saturday, March 24, 2018
People in America
Are the people who live in America no longer Americans? I can't help but have this thought when I see the intensity and fervor with which both the 1st and 2nd Amendment are attacked day after day, week after week. It is as if people don't regard the Constitution at all. As if it isn't a document any more important than an op-ed in a newspaper.
America is an idea. That idea is written down in the founding documents of our nation - the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and studied and examined in the Federalist Papers, etc. Yes, it is a living idea, an idea that evolves, and it was designed to be. But what America is not - is a mood, nor a group of opinions to be negotiated.
It certainly seems that the most vocal Americans today care not a bit about the Constitution, but instead about safety, being inoffensive, and diversity (whatever that means). They want to turn out country into a safe, public playground made from non-toxic materials where no one can get hurt. What an awful vision of the world and the people in it.
Are the people who live in America no longer Americans? I can't help but have this thought when I see the intensity and fervor with which both the 1st and 2nd Amendment are attacked day after day, week after week. It is as if people don't regard the Constitution at all. As if it isn't a document any more important than an op-ed in a newspaper.
America is an idea. That idea is written down in the founding documents of our nation - the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and studied and examined in the Federalist Papers, etc. Yes, it is a living idea, an idea that evolves, and it was designed to be. But what America is not - is a mood, nor a group of opinions to be negotiated.
It certainly seems that the most vocal Americans today care not a bit about the Constitution, but instead about safety, being inoffensive, and diversity (whatever that means). They want to turn out country into a safe, public playground made from non-toxic materials where no one can get hurt. What an awful vision of the world and the people in it.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Self Driving Cars
Are an utopian fantasy. And like all utopian fantasies, dangerous.
Are an utopian fantasy. And like all utopian fantasies, dangerous.
Industry experts know that driverless cars are more hype than reality. As I noted earlier this week in Asia Times: "The Information, a consulting organization that showcases industry specialists, recently held a conference call on self-driving where one expert warned: 'You have to remember that self-driving does not work, at least in… a highly functional, driverless robotaxi sense. It does not work. And there are many folks clamoring for architectures to get there. Again, think back to flight. Do you ever watch those YouTube videos where the guy pumping the umbrella and the dude with a big corkscrew and the person with the bird wings? I would think of it more that way. It is left to be seen which one of those architectures gets you to a useful outcome.'"On second thought, all this self-driving car stuff is actually marketing exploiting utopian thinking.
High School Students
Why anyone is listening to high school students for suggestions about policy or government is beyond me. Didn't we all go to high school and remember how stupid we were? These kids are no different.
It feels like no one is tending the store in America any more.
Why anyone is listening to high school students for suggestions about policy or government is beyond me. Didn't we all go to high school and remember how stupid we were? These kids are no different.
It feels like no one is tending the store in America any more.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Gangs vs. Frats
The Atlantic has gone full SJW. The article poses the question of the difference between gangs and frats. How about starting with this one: one is designed for criminal activity, the other is not.
The author actually mentions MS-13 and college frats in the same sentence. What is going on the world?
The Atlantic has gone full SJW. The article poses the question of the difference between gangs and frats. How about starting with this one: one is designed for criminal activity, the other is not.
The author actually mentions MS-13 and college frats in the same sentence. What is going on the world?
Cambridge Analytica
All I can say on the issue is that I don't get it. OF COURSE Facebook harvests and uses the data it collects on users. Why does anyone think the company is worth billions of dollars? Because they pay a monthly subscription to look at their friends' pictures? People are upset because Facebook takes their data and tries to manipulate them into buying, selling, voting, etc. That's the entire premise of Facebook and why I never signed up. I find this outrage to be completely preposterous and nevertheless support the movement to cancel Facebook. I've always said no one should use Facebook, but 1/4 of the world's population disagreed with me.
An outcome I would find utterly absurd, however, is the US Government deciding to reign in Facebook now - after the Trump election outcome vs. when Obama got elected and everyone was talking about how clever and forward thinking Obama's team was for using social media. What a bunch of turds all these people involved with this story are...
UPDATE: If this whole thing cripples Facebook, it strikes me that Trump gets inadvertent credit. MAGA!
All I can say on the issue is that I don't get it. OF COURSE Facebook harvests and uses the data it collects on users. Why does anyone think the company is worth billions of dollars? Because they pay a monthly subscription to look at their friends' pictures? People are upset because Facebook takes their data and tries to manipulate them into buying, selling, voting, etc. That's the entire premise of Facebook and why I never signed up. I find this outrage to be completely preposterous and nevertheless support the movement to cancel Facebook. I've always said no one should use Facebook, but 1/4 of the world's population disagreed with me.
An outcome I would find utterly absurd, however, is the US Government deciding to reign in Facebook now - after the Trump election outcome vs. when Obama got elected and everyone was talking about how clever and forward thinking Obama's team was for using social media. What a bunch of turds all these people involved with this story are...
UPDATE: If this whole thing cripples Facebook, it strikes me that Trump gets inadvertent credit. MAGA!
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Thomas Sowell in 1995
More right back then about today than any editorial penned this weekend.
Mascots of the annointed:
My favorites:
“Some Americans will never appreciate America, until after they have helped destroy it, and have then begun to suffer the consequences.”
I was cured of this notion by traveling and living in other countries for only a short period of time. You quickly learn how great America is -- and how falsely romantic socialist and communist ideas are. It only took me 3 days in Prague, a week in Cuba, and a bus ride in Venezuela to grasp this idea.
“There was a time when we honored those who created the prosperity and the freedom that we enjoy. Today we honor the complainers and sue the creators. Perhaps that is inevitable in an era when we no longer count our blessings, but instead count all our unfulfilled wishes.”
And not reading history doesn't help.
More right back then about today than any editorial penned this weekend.
Mascots of the annointed:
Whoever is condemned by society at large -- criminals, bums, illegal aliens, AIDS-carriers, etc. -- are eligible to become mascots of the anointed, symbols of their superior wisdom and virtue. By lavishing concern on those we condemn, the anointed become morally one-up on the rest of us. Is that important? To some it is paramount. A quarter of a century before the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln said in a speech in Springfield, Ill., that the greatest danger to the future of the United States would come, not from foreign enemies, but from that class of people that "thirsts and burns for distinction." These people could not find that distinction "in supporting and maintaining an edifice that has been erected by others," according to Lincoln. In other words, there is not nearly as much ego satisfaction in building up this country as in tearing it down. Our schools and colleges are today turning out more and more people who have been taught to want to "make a difference," "save the planet" or "reinvent government" -- in short, to treat policy-making as an ego trip.UPDATE: A twitter account worth reading.
My favorites:
“Some Americans will never appreciate America, until after they have helped destroy it, and have then begun to suffer the consequences.”
I was cured of this notion by traveling and living in other countries for only a short period of time. You quickly learn how great America is -- and how falsely romantic socialist and communist ideas are. It only took me 3 days in Prague, a week in Cuba, and a bus ride in Venezuela to grasp this idea.
“There was a time when we honored those who created the prosperity and the freedom that we enjoy. Today we honor the complainers and sue the creators. Perhaps that is inevitable in an era when we no longer count our blessings, but instead count all our unfulfilled wishes.”
And not reading history doesn't help.
Friday, March 16, 2018
My Globalization Fear
Perhaps the long term result of globalization is that the US will start becoming more like China and Russia, than they become like us. After all, they've both been around a lot longer.
And why this is bad: Chinese Citizens with "Bad Social Credit" to be blocked from trains and planes.
In the long term scheme of things, China and Russia may view us as little more than the smart, innovative kids who will build a bunch of cool toys they can steal and use to exert old fashioned power.
Perhaps the long term result of globalization is that the US will start becoming more like China and Russia, than they become like us. After all, they've both been around a lot longer.
And why this is bad: Chinese Citizens with "Bad Social Credit" to be blocked from trains and planes.
In the long term scheme of things, China and Russia may view us as little more than the smart, innovative kids who will build a bunch of cool toys they can steal and use to exert old fashioned power.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Opioids
Politicians took millions money from the drug company that makes Oxycodin.
Politicians took millions money from the drug company that makes Oxycodin.
It’s difficult to tell exactly how far Purdue’s influence reaches, because the pharmaceutical industry pays front organizations to do most of its lobbying and that often occurs at the state level. The company has also pushed their influence in areas outside of Congress, such as to patient advocacy groups, hospital accreditors, physicians and federal agencies.Dig a little and I bet you will find the same story behind the Transgender movement. These companies fund political and social ideas to popularize "new norms" in order to make profit. It's the oldest game in the book and if you're wondering why so many people are saying 2+2 = 5, this is why.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Nashville Student Protests
Teens pull down and burn American flag and brawl over gun violence.
Anyone with half a mind knows teens do not have fully developed brains and nihilistic, criminal tendencies (particularly the boys). This is a not a surprise. What is a surprise is the permissive adult culture who is trying to exploit teen idiocy into a political movements/ideas. They don't have any, believe me. I was one once.
Teens pull down and burn American flag and brawl over gun violence.
Anyone with half a mind knows teens do not have fully developed brains and nihilistic, criminal tendencies (particularly the boys). This is a not a surprise. What is a surprise is the permissive adult culture who is trying to exploit teen idiocy into a political movements/ideas. They don't have any, believe me. I was one once.
This Is Rather Interesting
...Sex differences greater in societies where mates freely choose (vs. arranged).
Counterintuitive, but nonetheless goes some of the way to explain why American women - despite more opportunity and freedom than most other people who've ever existed on the planet, still feel tremendous pressure and burden.
...Sex differences greater in societies where mates freely choose (vs. arranged).
Counterintuitive, but nonetheless goes some of the way to explain why American women - despite more opportunity and freedom than most other people who've ever existed on the planet, still feel tremendous pressure and burden.
Friday, March 09, 2018
Thank God For Armond White
He's not right all the time. Maybe not even very often at all. But he's still the most important critical voice we have because he dares to speak against the problems in film culture: the corporate values, the cultish progressivism, the sadism, the arrogance. No one misses his ire. And he is at least capable of speaking about aesthetics and film history instead of only ideology and wokeness.
Here, he talks about Wrinkle In Time. Now, I'm hesitant to criticize a film I haven't seen, but gimme a break - I'm not seeing this movie. Especially after White eviscerates it. I remember the first time hearing about DuVernay and being like - oh cool, a new, original voice. Then I found myself tortured by actually watching Selma. Good lord, what a piece of shit. And then I saw DuVernay speak and discovered she's a PR person and her whole "career" now makes sense. She made 1 not very good movie. Literally, 1 movie and her name was suddenly blasted around film circles like some type of auteur. What gigantic scam. And even more evidence of a scam: her next film is a $100 million dollar Disney picture based on a famous children's book with Oprah in it. Talk about a desperate, almost fanatic ploy to be taken seriously and loved.
Now...you ask...why pick on DuVernay? Isn't her career the exact same as Patty Jenkins? I'd argue there are a couple of differences. One, Monster was a legitimately personal film. I didn't love it, but it was at the very least interesting and original and she managed to coax out that performances from Charlize. Selma? An entirely forgettable, inelegantly directed film about one of the greatest Americans in history. That's almost hard to pull off.
Second, Jenkins was in the Hollywood trenches for years after - directing loads of pretty good television and out there trying to get stuff made. She wasn't held up as some type mystical new important American the way DuVernay is. I guess part of it is just hitching herself to the Oprah thing, but God, why does anyone take her seriously as a filmmaker is beyond me.
To be fair, I haven't seen Wonder Woman either.
He's not right all the time. Maybe not even very often at all. But he's still the most important critical voice we have because he dares to speak against the problems in film culture: the corporate values, the cultish progressivism, the sadism, the arrogance. No one misses his ire. And he is at least capable of speaking about aesthetics and film history instead of only ideology and wokeness.
Here, he talks about Wrinkle In Time. Now, I'm hesitant to criticize a film I haven't seen, but gimme a break - I'm not seeing this movie. Especially after White eviscerates it. I remember the first time hearing about DuVernay and being like - oh cool, a new, original voice. Then I found myself tortured by actually watching Selma. Good lord, what a piece of shit. And then I saw DuVernay speak and discovered she's a PR person and her whole "career" now makes sense. She made 1 not very good movie. Literally, 1 movie and her name was suddenly blasted around film circles like some type of auteur. What gigantic scam. And even more evidence of a scam: her next film is a $100 million dollar Disney picture based on a famous children's book with Oprah in it. Talk about a desperate, almost fanatic ploy to be taken seriously and loved.
Now...you ask...why pick on DuVernay? Isn't her career the exact same as Patty Jenkins? I'd argue there are a couple of differences. One, Monster was a legitimately personal film. I didn't love it, but it was at the very least interesting and original and she managed to coax out that performances from Charlize. Selma? An entirely forgettable, inelegantly directed film about one of the greatest Americans in history. That's almost hard to pull off.
Second, Jenkins was in the Hollywood trenches for years after - directing loads of pretty good television and out there trying to get stuff made. She wasn't held up as some type mystical new important American the way DuVernay is. I guess part of it is just hitching herself to the Oprah thing, but God, why does anyone take her seriously as a filmmaker is beyond me.
To be fair, I haven't seen Wonder Woman either.
Monday, March 05, 2018
#MeToo
If you subscribe to the #MeToo movement (which I don't), you must believe Juanita Broaddrick's rape claim against Bill Clinton (which I do). She has been steadfast in her claim from day 1, told numerous people about it, and the scenario she depicted was similar to scenarios claimed by other Clinton had affairs with. In short, it is highly plausible she is telling the truth.
And if you believe Juanita Broaddrick, they you must also believe that Hillary Clinton knew about the incident, covered it up, and even attempted to intimidate Broaddrick into not talking about it. Which sounds to me like the actions of a criminal. And so all these sanctimonious Hollywood folks grousing on and on about the system and complicity and blah-blah-blah, ought to contend with the fact that their candidate in 2016 (not very long ago even by the standards of those utterly ignorant of history) was a direct enabler of this activity and provided cover for possibly criminal behavior.
And you must then also contend with the fact that you may have voted for Bill Clinton once or twice (a likely rapist) and probably just voted for Hillary in 2016. This would make YOU part of the problem, would it not? And it would make you a raving hypocrite.
The more nuanced view would involve admitting that there is rape and rape-rape and what Clinton did wasn't cool, but it was the freaking 1970s, and we need to all chill the f--- out. Or, you ought to be going after him. I don't see another position that one can rationally justify.
If you subscribe to the #MeToo movement (which I don't), you must believe Juanita Broaddrick's rape claim against Bill Clinton (which I do). She has been steadfast in her claim from day 1, told numerous people about it, and the scenario she depicted was similar to scenarios claimed by other Clinton had affairs with. In short, it is highly plausible she is telling the truth.
And if you believe Juanita Broaddrick, they you must also believe that Hillary Clinton knew about the incident, covered it up, and even attempted to intimidate Broaddrick into not talking about it. Which sounds to me like the actions of a criminal. And so all these sanctimonious Hollywood folks grousing on and on about the system and complicity and blah-blah-blah, ought to contend with the fact that their candidate in 2016 (not very long ago even by the standards of those utterly ignorant of history) was a direct enabler of this activity and provided cover for possibly criminal behavior.
And you must then also contend with the fact that you may have voted for Bill Clinton once or twice (a likely rapist) and probably just voted for Hillary in 2016. This would make YOU part of the problem, would it not? And it would make you a raving hypocrite.
The more nuanced view would involve admitting that there is rape and rape-rape and what Clinton did wasn't cool, but it was the freaking 1970s, and we need to all chill the f--- out. Or, you ought to be going after him. I don't see another position that one can rationally justify.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Absurd
California is going to unleash driverless cars on the road despite ZERO public data on safety, feasibility, etc.
I find it worrying how much trust Americans are willing to place in technology and how little trust we put in each other. It is a recipe for a fast downward spiral of increasing dependence.
California is going to unleash driverless cars on the road despite ZERO public data on safety, feasibility, etc.
I find it worrying how much trust Americans are willing to place in technology and how little trust we put in each other. It is a recipe for a fast downward spiral of increasing dependence.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Overrated - Underrated
One of my favorite podcast segments is Tyler Cowen's overrated - underrated he does with guests.
How about this: the Olympics?
Underrated! I almost completely zoned out on the Olympics for at least a decade. I swear, I've totally and completely missed at least 4 of them. Like I didn't even remember they happened. But last night, caught some of the women's figure skating. Holy shit! What high drama! The two Russian girls....incredible. You have this frontrunner girl, having come back from injury, everybody unanimously thinks is the best in the world and then she gets upstaged completely by her 15 year old like protege. So this protege is just killing it and then in the final skate, the frontrunner who is just tense and you can just read on her face and body: ultra competitive, goes out and does the skate of her life. She's crying from emotion afterwards. Kills it. And then still loses by 1 point to the protege, who has the more natural talent and strength. I found it incredibly captivating. The frontrunner was like all soul and passion, the protege, all strength, grace, and talent. What a match up.
And this also...part of my prior dislike of the Olympic sports has to do with the stupidity of a lot of them. Luging? Biathlon? It's like who cares. And typically, I feel the same about ice skating. But my mind has flipped 180 degrees. I say, we ought to be embracing this absurd, and perhaps stupid pursuits of excellence. Because the pursuit of excellence is getting lost in our society today. With all the drumbeats of equality and diversity and metoo and victimhood, etc, what we need more of is beauty, aesthetics, tradition, and excellence. This is what the Olympics stands for and strange as it sounds, I think this thing that was getting lost is now needed much more than before.
One of my favorite podcast segments is Tyler Cowen's overrated - underrated he does with guests.
How about this: the Olympics?
Underrated! I almost completely zoned out on the Olympics for at least a decade. I swear, I've totally and completely missed at least 4 of them. Like I didn't even remember they happened. But last night, caught some of the women's figure skating. Holy shit! What high drama! The two Russian girls....incredible. You have this frontrunner girl, having come back from injury, everybody unanimously thinks is the best in the world and then she gets upstaged completely by her 15 year old like protege. So this protege is just killing it and then in the final skate, the frontrunner who is just tense and you can just read on her face and body: ultra competitive, goes out and does the skate of her life. She's crying from emotion afterwards. Kills it. And then still loses by 1 point to the protege, who has the more natural talent and strength. I found it incredibly captivating. The frontrunner was like all soul and passion, the protege, all strength, grace, and talent. What a match up.
And this also...part of my prior dislike of the Olympic sports has to do with the stupidity of a lot of them. Luging? Biathlon? It's like who cares. And typically, I feel the same about ice skating. But my mind has flipped 180 degrees. I say, we ought to be embracing this absurd, and perhaps stupid pursuits of excellence. Because the pursuit of excellence is getting lost in our society today. With all the drumbeats of equality and diversity and metoo and victimhood, etc, what we need more of is beauty, aesthetics, tradition, and excellence. This is what the Olympics stands for and strange as it sounds, I think this thing that was getting lost is now needed much more than before.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Netflix is a Parasite
Watching Chris Rock's new special. Not his best material. My impression of Netflix: a rich star fucking machine. They just throw money at these stars, they don't get the best from them.
That said, I've loving Babylon Berlin. But then again, that's just German TV, not actually produced by Netflix.
Watching Chris Rock's new special. Not his best material. My impression of Netflix: a rich star fucking machine. They just throw money at these stars, they don't get the best from them.
That said, I've loving Babylon Berlin. But then again, that's just German TV, not actually produced by Netflix.
Seen on a Blog
"How come the Russians knew to focus on the purple states and Hillary didn't?"
Exactly.
Foreign countries are going to try and mess with our elections. The outrage about Russia has nothing to do with what actually happened, but entirely to do with the coastal elite being horrified by Trump.
"How come the Russians knew to focus on the purple states and Hillary didn't?"
Exactly.
Foreign countries are going to try and mess with our elections. The outrage about Russia has nothing to do with what actually happened, but entirely to do with the coastal elite being horrified by Trump.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Chart
A fairly clear chart why people are having fewer kids. Healthcare, college costs, daycare, and housing are all increasing in cost whereas TV, cell phones, clothes, and software are dropping in cost. Things cost more, you get less of it -- things cost less -- you get more of it.
A fairly clear chart why people are having fewer kids. Healthcare, college costs, daycare, and housing are all increasing in cost whereas TV, cell phones, clothes, and software are dropping in cost. Things cost more, you get less of it -- things cost less -- you get more of it.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Sell Signal
McDonalds is taking cheeseburgers off their happy meal menu.
I have MCD stock and this, to me, is a major sell signal. What an idiotic idea.
McDonalds is taking cheeseburgers off their happy meal menu.
I have MCD stock and this, to me, is a major sell signal. What an idiotic idea.
School Shooting
What's striking about the debate that emerges about every school shooting is whether we should control guns (which has a small chance of working) or addressing mental health (which seems like a gargantuan task), but no one proposes limiting media coverage of these school shootings, which would almost certainly cause fewer people to copycat.
What's striking about the debate that emerges about every school shooting is whether we should control guns (which has a small chance of working) or addressing mental health (which seems like a gargantuan task), but no one proposes limiting media coverage of these school shootings, which would almost certainly cause fewer people to copycat.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Good
Unilever threatening to pull ads from Facebook, Google, etc.
Seems to be these big tech firms deserve to be on the receiving end of lectures and condemnation vs. the giving end.
Unilever threatening to pull ads from Facebook, Google, etc.
Seems to be these big tech firms deserve to be on the receiving end of lectures and condemnation vs. the giving end.
Monday, February 05, 2018
My Suggestion: Don't Move There
Edina public schools down the shithole due to "equality" and "racial consciousness."
The author asks at the end of the article:
Edina public schools down the shithole due to "equality" and "racial consciousness."
The author asks at the end of the article:
I might be wrong, but I don’t believe that most liberals agree with this identity politics extremism in its various intersectional manifestations. Why don’t they stand up to it? Some do; the people who contribute to the 4thWaveNow site, where Sarah R.’s story appeared, aren’t all conservatives by any means. Where are the old-fashioned liberals? Do they really want to see their institutions radicalized? Do they honestly think this is going to work out for the common good? Where do they think this is going to end, anyway? I’m asking in all seriousness. `The old fashioned liberal is right here, my friend.
Sunday, February 04, 2018
#MeToo Backlash
Color me unsurprised.
Political ideologues generally could use some game theory study. They're only able to see about 2-3 moves ahead and ultimately do themselves and their causes more harm than good. The problem for the rest of us, is that they often manage to damage everything around them in the process.
Color me unsurprised.
Political ideologues generally could use some game theory study. They're only able to see about 2-3 moves ahead and ultimately do themselves and their causes more harm than good. The problem for the rest of us, is that they often manage to damage everything around them in the process.
12 Rules for Life
As I'm reading the Jordan Peterson book and everyone else is doing it...
1. Avoid Drugs. Drug use (or selling) is a good sign something is wrong or you are somehow on the wrong trajectory. Try to figure out what that thing is. Maybe it's just being young and stupid...but even if it is, it's not a bad idea to be young and stupid for less vs. more time. Or, it could be self-medicating. Not bad to try and figure out what that thing is, either.
2. Save Your Money
3. Aim High. Even if you fail to meet goals, etc, you will generally be objectively better off to have "gone for it" than to have not in order to avoid disappointment. I'd apply this to a lot of the important things in life - career, love, etc.
4. Err of the side of too many sexual encounters versus too few.
5. For exercise, choose activities that bring you joy as you are more likely to stick with it and thus bring you better fitness, health, and also be fun. And if you are busy, take the stairs versus the elevator.
6. In contrast, for career, choose something you are good at versus something that brings you joy. Because you spend so much time with it, you will start to enjoy things you are good at and I imagine start to dislike things you aren't after awhile. Also, you stand to make more money this way.
7. If you want to have kids, start making decisions in advance of having kids that lay the groundwork for it. For example - young men: get a job, young women - don't date losers. And once you're close, don't wait for the perfect moment, just jump in.
8. I've never met anyone I thought read too much. On the other hand, almost everyone I know has spent too much time in school.
9. Understand life to be a series of phases. Therefore, do not assume what is happening in this moment is by any means permanent. Thus, if things are going well, enjoy it and see #2. And if things are not, do not wallow, just consider that things can and will get better, especially if you make choices that will lead you there.
10. Surround yourself with good people and people you like and preferably BOTH. It makes everything a lot easier.
11. If you are American, find ways to meet and befriend people from as many foreign countries as you can. The best option, of course, is to travel a lot and for extended periods of time. If money or time or obligations limits this possibility, you can also find ways to meet foreigners and immigrants in the United States. One of the downsides of being American today is that it's easy to believe the world revolves around us and that all of our political and social pathologies are unique to us. They are not. You learn this very quickly and intuitively when interacting with foreigners. One of my favorite aspects of living in Los Angeles - a truly global city - is the vast number of foreigners I interact with in all sorts of walks of life - from studying with, to teaching, to working for/with, living next to, going to daycare, friends/family, playing soccer, etc. Just to sample a list off the top of my head, countries include - Taiwan, Philippines, Armenia, El Salvador, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, India, China, Korea, Nigeria, Rwanda, Germany, Italy, UK, Columbia, Canada, Iran, Turkey, Russia, France, Sweeden...I mean that's a pretty damn good list. It's all around us everywhere in LA - maybe not as much in other places - but I find this a pretty remarkable and under explored and appreciated part of life.
12. Reduce drag in your life. This will mean different things to different people. For me, an example: I hate shopping for clothes, so I just decided I'm going to buy most everything from JCrew. I probably am not getting the best "deals" or maximizing my "look," but it's one less thing for me to think about. If I need a shirt or pair of pants, I just go to JCrew, see what I like and buy it. Done. A similar idea is to always try and minimize my commute. Many folks have a basic choice: less house/less commute vs. more house/more commute. I say choose the the former.
I realize I am less qualified than most others making these lists, but they are sort of fun. There's a good chance I'm wrong about 50% of them, but I'm not sure which 50%.
As I'm reading the Jordan Peterson book and everyone else is doing it...
1. Avoid Drugs. Drug use (or selling) is a good sign something is wrong or you are somehow on the wrong trajectory. Try to figure out what that thing is. Maybe it's just being young and stupid...but even if it is, it's not a bad idea to be young and stupid for less vs. more time. Or, it could be self-medicating. Not bad to try and figure out what that thing is, either.
2. Save Your Money
3. Aim High. Even if you fail to meet goals, etc, you will generally be objectively better off to have "gone for it" than to have not in order to avoid disappointment. I'd apply this to a lot of the important things in life - career, love, etc.
4. Err of the side of too many sexual encounters versus too few.
5. For exercise, choose activities that bring you joy as you are more likely to stick with it and thus bring you better fitness, health, and also be fun. And if you are busy, take the stairs versus the elevator.
6. In contrast, for career, choose something you are good at versus something that brings you joy. Because you spend so much time with it, you will start to enjoy things you are good at and I imagine start to dislike things you aren't after awhile. Also, you stand to make more money this way.
7. If you want to have kids, start making decisions in advance of having kids that lay the groundwork for it. For example - young men: get a job, young women - don't date losers. And once you're close, don't wait for the perfect moment, just jump in.
8. I've never met anyone I thought read too much. On the other hand, almost everyone I know has spent too much time in school.
9. Understand life to be a series of phases. Therefore, do not assume what is happening in this moment is by any means permanent. Thus, if things are going well, enjoy it and see #2. And if things are not, do not wallow, just consider that things can and will get better, especially if you make choices that will lead you there.
10. Surround yourself with good people and people you like and preferably BOTH. It makes everything a lot easier.
11. If you are American, find ways to meet and befriend people from as many foreign countries as you can. The best option, of course, is to travel a lot and for extended periods of time. If money or time or obligations limits this possibility, you can also find ways to meet foreigners and immigrants in the United States. One of the downsides of being American today is that it's easy to believe the world revolves around us and that all of our political and social pathologies are unique to us. They are not. You learn this very quickly and intuitively when interacting with foreigners. One of my favorite aspects of living in Los Angeles - a truly global city - is the vast number of foreigners I interact with in all sorts of walks of life - from studying with, to teaching, to working for/with, living next to, going to daycare, friends/family, playing soccer, etc. Just to sample a list off the top of my head, countries include - Taiwan, Philippines, Armenia, El Salvador, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, India, China, Korea, Nigeria, Rwanda, Germany, Italy, UK, Columbia, Canada, Iran, Turkey, Russia, France, Sweeden...I mean that's a pretty damn good list. It's all around us everywhere in LA - maybe not as much in other places - but I find this a pretty remarkable and under explored and appreciated part of life.
12. Reduce drag in your life. This will mean different things to different people. For me, an example: I hate shopping for clothes, so I just decided I'm going to buy most everything from JCrew. I probably am not getting the best "deals" or maximizing my "look," but it's one less thing for me to think about. If I need a shirt or pair of pants, I just go to JCrew, see what I like and buy it. Done. A similar idea is to always try and minimize my commute. Many folks have a basic choice: less house/less commute vs. more house/more commute. I say choose the the former.
I realize I am less qualified than most others making these lists, but they are sort of fun. There's a good chance I'm wrong about 50% of them, but I'm not sure which 50%.
In A World Without Curry...
Who would the best point guard in the NBA be? Nominations:
Westbrook
Irving
Lillard
Wall
Harden (do we call him a PG)
CP3
Too many to count...
The scariest are Westbrook and Wall for their athleticism and two way capability (if they apply themselves).
Offensively, Harden and Irving have to be the two best.
CP3 for his bball IQ.
But if I were building a team from scratch and got one of these guys, I'm not sure I wouldn't take Lillard. He seems like possibly the best teammate of the bunch and the guy has balls of steel. He's maybe the best "alpha" of the lot. Consider - Westbrook and Wall are both a little weird and seem to rub others the wrong way. CP3, too, but in a different way. Irving believes the world is flat and has only succeeded as a #2 guy (thus far) and Harden is notorious for being a little soft when it matters. Lillard is none of those things.
Who would the best point guard in the NBA be? Nominations:
Westbrook
Irving
Lillard
Wall
Harden (do we call him a PG)
CP3
Too many to count...
The scariest are Westbrook and Wall for their athleticism and two way capability (if they apply themselves).
Offensively, Harden and Irving have to be the two best.
CP3 for his bball IQ.
But if I were building a team from scratch and got one of these guys, I'm not sure I wouldn't take Lillard. He seems like possibly the best teammate of the bunch and the guy has balls of steel. He's maybe the best "alpha" of the lot. Consider - Westbrook and Wall are both a little weird and seem to rub others the wrong way. CP3, too, but in a different way. Irving believes the world is flat and has only succeeded as a #2 guy (thus far) and Harden is notorious for being a little soft when it matters. Lillard is none of those things.
Monday, January 29, 2018
No Crap-ola
Eliminating mortgage interest deduction would lower home prices and increase home ownership.
As soon as I started looking into houses, I figured this out. The way people buy houses is they look at how much they can borrow, add that to the down payment, and then see how much house they can afford. The Mortgage Interest deduction factors into the "how much they can borrow" section and increases how much people can pay. When I was buying a house, I would've preferred higher interest rates AND no mortgage deduction, because it would've driven down the price more and my monthly would've been the same. But of course, now that I'm in a house, I prefer the housing prices to remain high (although I don't actually get to capitalize on those gains in any way).
In slightly other news, I heard on a radio program the other day that when employers auto-enroll employees in 401k plans (a darling "nudge" idea), those same employees end up increasing their consumer debt. Shocking news that money is fungible, ie if it goes one place, it cannot go to another place. So, the "nudge" people claim their policies work because people save more for retirement, but the fact is - they are the same and maybe even worse off because they have more consumer debt! What geniuses these architects of human behavior are!
I believe laws should be written to be simple, clear, and fair. Not to promote "values," as more often than not, they end up backfiring. Just think about the home ownership example. Mortgage interest deduction is meant to encourage home ownership as a path to wealth. Instead, it makes home ownership less likely, more stressful, expensive, and in actuality works as a simple wealth transfer from non-home owners to existing home owners.
We should hire game designers to write laws, not ideologues.
Eliminating mortgage interest deduction would lower home prices and increase home ownership.
As soon as I started looking into houses, I figured this out. The way people buy houses is they look at how much they can borrow, add that to the down payment, and then see how much house they can afford. The Mortgage Interest deduction factors into the "how much they can borrow" section and increases how much people can pay. When I was buying a house, I would've preferred higher interest rates AND no mortgage deduction, because it would've driven down the price more and my monthly would've been the same. But of course, now that I'm in a house, I prefer the housing prices to remain high (although I don't actually get to capitalize on those gains in any way).
In slightly other news, I heard on a radio program the other day that when employers auto-enroll employees in 401k plans (a darling "nudge" idea), those same employees end up increasing their consumer debt. Shocking news that money is fungible, ie if it goes one place, it cannot go to another place. So, the "nudge" people claim their policies work because people save more for retirement, but the fact is - they are the same and maybe even worse off because they have more consumer debt! What geniuses these architects of human behavior are!
I believe laws should be written to be simple, clear, and fair. Not to promote "values," as more often than not, they end up backfiring. Just think about the home ownership example. Mortgage interest deduction is meant to encourage home ownership as a path to wealth. Instead, it makes home ownership less likely, more stressful, expensive, and in actuality works as a simple wealth transfer from non-home owners to existing home owners.
We should hire game designers to write laws, not ideologues.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Science Proves What We Know, But Are Afraid to Say...
Turns out being a minority or woman HELPS with employment opportunities (at least in this certain field).
Everywhere I've worked, being a woman or minority is looked upon as a net positive or neutral. Maybe this isn't the case in all industries, but worth a think.
Turns out being a minority or woman HELPS with employment opportunities (at least in this certain field).
Everywhere I've worked, being a woman or minority is looked upon as a net positive or neutral. Maybe this isn't the case in all industries, but worth a think.
Jay-Z
Says on Van Jones, money doesn't equal happiness. Kinda strange words from Jay-Z, but beyond that - he's right - money doesn't equal happiness - but is the point of politics to make people happy? I don't think so. It's to make things fair, just, and orderly.
Says on Van Jones, money doesn't equal happiness. Kinda strange words from Jay-Z, but beyond that - he's right - money doesn't equal happiness - but is the point of politics to make people happy? I don't think so. It's to make things fair, just, and orderly.
Friday, January 26, 2018
Adult Baby Market
Interesting piece at the Ringer. Maybe I should say - interesting idea for a piece. Why are the Ringer articles so long? Jesus. I had to stop reading. It often seems as though the articles that ought to be short are too long and the articles that could be longer are not, ie Game of Thrones stuff.
Anyhow, I've been thinking about this a bit lately with respect to "self driving cars." One of the reasons I'm against them at the moment is that culturally speaking, they are just another product that infantilizes us. It's like no one wants to be able to do anything anymore. I'd much rather have a society where everyone could drive stick shift than a society where people don't even need to know how to drive.
Interesting piece at the Ringer. Maybe I should say - interesting idea for a piece. Why are the Ringer articles so long? Jesus. I had to stop reading. It often seems as though the articles that ought to be short are too long and the articles that could be longer are not, ie Game of Thrones stuff.
Anyhow, I've been thinking about this a bit lately with respect to "self driving cars." One of the reasons I'm against them at the moment is that culturally speaking, they are just another product that infantilizes us. It's like no one wants to be able to do anything anymore. I'd much rather have a society where everyone could drive stick shift than a society where people don't even need to know how to drive.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
#Me Too
Like Casey Affleck, I'll be skipping the Oscars this year.
The unifying thing behind intersectionalism, #metoo, and BLM, is that they alienate potential allies in favor of a Mao-ist puritanism. They play the Game of Thrones like Cersai Lannister. The end result is going to be bad for everyone, themselves included.
Like Casey Affleck, I'll be skipping the Oscars this year.
The unifying thing behind intersectionalism, #metoo, and BLM, is that they alienate potential allies in favor of a Mao-ist puritanism. They play the Game of Thrones like Cersai Lannister. The end result is going to be bad for everyone, themselves included.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
This Jordan Peterson Interview
One of the reasons it's gained so much traction is that I imagine many young men have had similar conversations with "feminists." If one has spent time on a college campus or any major US city, surely one has been in a conversation/debate/argument where one's words are deliberately misconstrued. What's satisfying is how Peterson handles the situation with calm and jijitsu-like wins the argument.
Peterson identities the same enemies that Trump has, but in a more rational, intellectual vs. animalistic framework. Whatever you want to say about Trump, his influence has been profound. I don't think we get Peterson, or the sex scandals without Trump being in office. These are truly strange times.
One of the reasons it's gained so much traction is that I imagine many young men have had similar conversations with "feminists." If one has spent time on a college campus or any major US city, surely one has been in a conversation/debate/argument where one's words are deliberately misconstrued. What's satisfying is how Peterson handles the situation with calm and jijitsu-like wins the argument.
Peterson identities the same enemies that Trump has, but in a more rational, intellectual vs. animalistic framework. Whatever you want to say about Trump, his influence has been profound. I don't think we get Peterson, or the sex scandals without Trump being in office. These are truly strange times.
Monday, January 22, 2018
When You're Right, You're Right
Can't believe Rupert Murdoch has now become a voice of reason with respect to trustworthiness of news, but he's nevertheless right.
Can't believe Rupert Murdoch has now become a voice of reason with respect to trustworthiness of news, but he's nevertheless right.
“Facebook and Google have popularized scurrilous news sources through algorithms that are profitable for these platforms but inherently unreliable,” his statement reads. “Recognition of a problem is one step on the pathway to cure, but the remedial measures that both companies have so far proposed are inadequate, commercially, socially and journalistically.”You get what you pay for. Nowadays, no one wants to pay for news and then we complain about fake news. On the other hand, newspapers were a great industry at one time, but the businessmen got their greasy fingers on the companies and started cutting back staff to boost their profits. Which in turn lead to crummier and crummier coverage and they didn't have the horses to fight and benefit from technological disruption. Or maybe it's just the cycle of things...
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Pocahontas
"Elizabeth Warren's Native American Problem Goes Beyond Politics."
The problem isn't that her family had a myth (or perhaps some truth) that they had a Native American ancestor. The problem is that it matters and serves as a type of cultural currency.
"Elizabeth Warren's Native American Problem Goes Beyond Politics."
The problem isn't that her family had a myth (or perhaps some truth) that they had a Native American ancestor. The problem is that it matters and serves as a type of cultural currency.
Trump: Lost in Hysteria
The case against Trump is beginning to hinge on improbable future speculations (ie nuclear war) and specious claims: he is racist.
He had a good year one. I wouldn't bet it can continue, but Trump has proven me and everyone else wrong time and time again.
The case against Trump is beginning to hinge on improbable future speculations (ie nuclear war) and specious claims: he is racist.
He had a good year one. I wouldn't bet it can continue, but Trump has proven me and everyone else wrong time and time again.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Logging
Films: The Disaster Artist and Hostiles
The Disaster Artist might be an excellent movie and even though I didn't love it as much as 3 Billboards, I hope it'll win the Academy Award for the meta-story behind the movie. Still, I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. Feels like we're all laughing at the guy and not with the guy no matter the scale it goes to. To illustrate, I never had any interest in seeing The Room because it feels like the enjoyment comes from being a detached, ironic tourist of madness. Is there something wrong with this? I don't know, but I know it doesn't feel good. Then again, I love Fitzcarraldo, so I don't know...
Hostiles...my god...this film has the intellectual capacity of a rodent. Christian Bale and the setting and cinematography carry the first 20-30 minutes, but it really takes a narrative nose-dive at the midpoint and then totally jumps off a cliff toward the end. There are a few good action shootout sequences, but the "movie" fails its most basic storytelling function as plots are set up only to be abandoned and then completely new stories just pop up out of nowhere. The worst sin, however, is simply being mindlessly ideological, treating all the characters as mouthpieces for the radical political idea that the US Army *gasp* mistreated Native Americans. Jesus, this deserves a special place in the videostore for shit.
Films: The Disaster Artist and Hostiles
The Disaster Artist might be an excellent movie and even though I didn't love it as much as 3 Billboards, I hope it'll win the Academy Award for the meta-story behind the movie. Still, I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. Feels like we're all laughing at the guy and not with the guy no matter the scale it goes to. To illustrate, I never had any interest in seeing The Room because it feels like the enjoyment comes from being a detached, ironic tourist of madness. Is there something wrong with this? I don't know, but I know it doesn't feel good. Then again, I love Fitzcarraldo, so I don't know...
Hostiles...my god...this film has the intellectual capacity of a rodent. Christian Bale and the setting and cinematography carry the first 20-30 minutes, but it really takes a narrative nose-dive at the midpoint and then totally jumps off a cliff toward the end. There are a few good action shootout sequences, but the "movie" fails its most basic storytelling function as plots are set up only to be abandoned and then completely new stories just pop up out of nowhere. The worst sin, however, is simply being mindlessly ideological, treating all the characters as mouthpieces for the radical political idea that the US Army *gasp* mistreated Native Americans. Jesus, this deserves a special place in the videostore for shit.
Simultaneously Great and Terrible News
Saudi Arabia opens up movie theaters for first time in 30 years. First movies seen: ‘The Emoji Movie’ & ‘Captain Underpants’
Saudi Arabia opens up movie theaters for first time in 30 years. First movies seen: ‘The Emoji Movie’ & ‘Captain Underpants’
Monday, January 15, 2018
The Atlantic
Caitlin Flanagan on Nov 11: The Hell With The Witch-Hunt Debate.
Caitlin Flanagan on Jan 11: Wait, This Is A Witch-Hunt
Liberals have made their bed on this stuff with empowering grievances. Now they get to sleep in it.
Caitlin Flanagan on Nov 11: The Hell With The Witch-Hunt Debate.
Caitlin Flanagan on Jan 11: Wait, This Is A Witch-Hunt
Liberals have made their bed on this stuff with empowering grievances. Now they get to sleep in it.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Depression
Is everything we think we know about depression wrong?
Or, more accurately, is everything we know about depression from the marking departments of drug companies that sell anti-depressants.
One of the biggest scandals, I think, that will sometime break will be about how drug companies are controlling the narrative on how we think about health.
I think it is highly probable that our entire conversation about transgenderism is being funded by companies who sell puberty blockers and hormones that transgender patients will need to take for the rest of their lives. It would be very good for them if health insurance companies are politically forced into paying for those drugs for as large a patient pool as possible. Ask yourself this: is this paranoid scenario more likely or is it more likely that for 10s of thousands of years there have been countless number of human beings walking around in bodies that aren't really who they are? I say we ask a smart computer the question.
Is everything we think we know about depression wrong?
Or, more accurately, is everything we know about depression from the marking departments of drug companies that sell anti-depressants.
One of the biggest scandals, I think, that will sometime break will be about how drug companies are controlling the narrative on how we think about health.
I think it is highly probable that our entire conversation about transgenderism is being funded by companies who sell puberty blockers and hormones that transgender patients will need to take for the rest of their lives. It would be very good for them if health insurance companies are politically forced into paying for those drugs for as large a patient pool as possible. Ask yourself this: is this paranoid scenario more likely or is it more likely that for 10s of thousands of years there have been countless number of human beings walking around in bodies that aren't really who they are? I say we ask a smart computer the question.
Friday, January 12, 2018
More African Immigrants
Tyler Cowen says let's have more. I agree. I've had awesome experiences teaching students from Nigeria and Rwanda -- I found the students to be intelligent, kind, respectful, and intellectually curious.
Tyler Cowen says let's have more. I agree. I've had awesome experiences teaching students from Nigeria and Rwanda -- I found the students to be intelligent, kind, respectful, and intellectually curious.
A Bad Idea
A feminist prof recommends men take drugs and undergo complicated medical procedures to be able to breast feed.
Trying to pacify folks like this is akin to handing Hitler Czechoslovakia.
A feminist prof recommends men take drugs and undergo complicated medical procedures to be able to breast feed.
Trying to pacify folks like this is akin to handing Hitler Czechoslovakia.
A Few Random Thoughts on Money, Investing, Etc.
1) In my adult working life I cannot remember a time where stocks were this robust and positive. That suggests to me - a "buy and hold"guy - that it may be worth taking some earnings. And if not now, when?
2) Most financial anxieties can be resolved by holding more cash.
3) The easiest way to get more cash is to work more.
4) Diversification is good, but often misunderstood and misused. For instance, I once heard of someone who diversified by investing in a series of different Target Date funds. Also, diversification can easily justify buying or holding unwise investments (bitcoin, gold, etc).
5) Getting married is probably the best financial decision one can make, provided it's a good marriage.
6) The easiest mistake to make is to buy too much house or spend too much on housing (particularly in CA)
7) I think the financial advice world undervalues individual stock purchases for the same reason doctors often prescribe overly cautious medical approaches. They don't want poop on their face. But remember, it costs nothing to hold onto a stock (unlike a mutual fund or ETF, which although they might have small fees, always have some fees). And also, it's not difficult to identify Blue Chip stocks. And also, it's kinda fun to own a company. I'm not saying invest all your money into a single stock, but many folks caution against buying any single stock at all. And while there is risk a company can take a shit like Enron, it's also possible a company can go gangbusters - look at stocks like McDonalds, Home Depot, Apple, or Disney where you get an outsized return on investment within a certain time period.
8) Finances, like a lot of things, are about developing good habits. I don't have the patience to budget, so instead put into place a forced savings amount each month. Its worked for me. The best habit is to live on less money than you make. In that case, 100% of the time you will be okay.
9) If you know nothing, absolutely zero about investing and don't want to learn it, probably just regularly putting money into a Target Date fund, holding a cash pile, and buying a house when it makes sense is going to set you up fine.
10) Being unemployed sucks worse and does more harm than most people think. The idea behind unemployment insurance is to not be pressured into taking a job that doesn't meet your skillset, but I think it's probably better to get whatever job you can while you are looking for a better job if for no other reason than to keep your mind occupied and your sense of self worth higher. Plus, you might learn something or meet interesting people. Then again, I've never been any type of Executive where is seems like different rule sets apply.
11) Buying shit like clothes, gadgets, toys etc rarely gives me the pleasure I expect whereas with buying experiences like travel, good restaurants, parties, etc., I have almost never regretted even when it wasn't necessarily pleasurable. If that makes sense.
12) You don't get to take it with you, although you do get to give it to people you love.
13) I'd personally like to become more generous.
14) The only kind of debt payment that doesn't make me want to shoot myself in the face is a mortgage, but I suspect maybe it should.
15) If investing gives you anxiety, so should inflation.
16) Many tough decisions become easier when framed by a longer timeline. That is: will this current choice be good for me in 5, 10, 20 years, etc.
17) My real estate agent called money "just numbers in a bank account" getting transferred into home value, but if you need to eat or more likely, buy a new car or pay for daycare, you can't exactly sell the study or a portion of the master bedroom to pay for it.
18) The time to ask for a raise is not when you need it, but when you have leverage. The hard part is identifying when you have leverage -- most regular people are not good at it.
19) I'd bet planning for "best case scenarios" gets people in more trouble than planning for "worst case scenarios."
20) Eating well and exercising is cheaper than the health costs of not.
21) You will have health costs that far exceed what you think you should pay. Plan accordingly.
22) Remember when you buy stuff, you also need to buy space to hold it.
23) Anxiety and frustration may be a sign you are doing things wrong, but it also might be a sign you are growing and learning.
24) Developing avenues of money-making not tied to your labor is a good expenditure of time.
I guess I had more thoughts on this matter than I thought when I sat down to write this post.
1) In my adult working life I cannot remember a time where stocks were this robust and positive. That suggests to me - a "buy and hold"guy - that it may be worth taking some earnings. And if not now, when?
2) Most financial anxieties can be resolved by holding more cash.
3) The easiest way to get more cash is to work more.
4) Diversification is good, but often misunderstood and misused. For instance, I once heard of someone who diversified by investing in a series of different Target Date funds. Also, diversification can easily justify buying or holding unwise investments (bitcoin, gold, etc).
5) Getting married is probably the best financial decision one can make, provided it's a good marriage.
6) The easiest mistake to make is to buy too much house or spend too much on housing (particularly in CA)
7) I think the financial advice world undervalues individual stock purchases for the same reason doctors often prescribe overly cautious medical approaches. They don't want poop on their face. But remember, it costs nothing to hold onto a stock (unlike a mutual fund or ETF, which although they might have small fees, always have some fees). And also, it's not difficult to identify Blue Chip stocks. And also, it's kinda fun to own a company. I'm not saying invest all your money into a single stock, but many folks caution against buying any single stock at all. And while there is risk a company can take a shit like Enron, it's also possible a company can go gangbusters - look at stocks like McDonalds, Home Depot, Apple, or Disney where you get an outsized return on investment within a certain time period.
8) Finances, like a lot of things, are about developing good habits. I don't have the patience to budget, so instead put into place a forced savings amount each month. Its worked for me. The best habit is to live on less money than you make. In that case, 100% of the time you will be okay.
9) If you know nothing, absolutely zero about investing and don't want to learn it, probably just regularly putting money into a Target Date fund, holding a cash pile, and buying a house when it makes sense is going to set you up fine.
10) Being unemployed sucks worse and does more harm than most people think. The idea behind unemployment insurance is to not be pressured into taking a job that doesn't meet your skillset, but I think it's probably better to get whatever job you can while you are looking for a better job if for no other reason than to keep your mind occupied and your sense of self worth higher. Plus, you might learn something or meet interesting people. Then again, I've never been any type of Executive where is seems like different rule sets apply.
11) Buying shit like clothes, gadgets, toys etc rarely gives me the pleasure I expect whereas with buying experiences like travel, good restaurants, parties, etc., I have almost never regretted even when it wasn't necessarily pleasurable. If that makes sense.
12) You don't get to take it with you, although you do get to give it to people you love.
13) I'd personally like to become more generous.
14) The only kind of debt payment that doesn't make me want to shoot myself in the face is a mortgage, but I suspect maybe it should.
15) If investing gives you anxiety, so should inflation.
16) Many tough decisions become easier when framed by a longer timeline. That is: will this current choice be good for me in 5, 10, 20 years, etc.
17) My real estate agent called money "just numbers in a bank account" getting transferred into home value, but if you need to eat or more likely, buy a new car or pay for daycare, you can't exactly sell the study or a portion of the master bedroom to pay for it.
18) The time to ask for a raise is not when you need it, but when you have leverage. The hard part is identifying when you have leverage -- most regular people are not good at it.
19) I'd bet planning for "best case scenarios" gets people in more trouble than planning for "worst case scenarios."
20) Eating well and exercising is cheaper than the health costs of not.
21) You will have health costs that far exceed what you think you should pay. Plan accordingly.
22) Remember when you buy stuff, you also need to buy space to hold it.
23) Anxiety and frustration may be a sign you are doing things wrong, but it also might be a sign you are growing and learning.
24) Developing avenues of money-making not tied to your labor is a good expenditure of time.
I guess I had more thoughts on this matter than I thought when I sat down to write this post.
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
Tesla
A review. I've glanced at a couple reviews, and none of them are short. They all sing high praises. I remain unconvinced.
I'm a Tesla-bear for the simple reason that I wouldn't buy one. Why? First, the cost. Tesla 3 is supposed to be a medium-cost consumer car, yet they trudge out a $55K version to be tested. I find this very strange. They pitch a 35K car and then test drive a 55K car. That'd be like shopping for a topline Toyota Camry and then test driving an M3, and thinking Jeez, that was a good driving experience. NO SHIT!
Second: convenience. To me, an EV needs to be extra special to merit the cost because I don't know how or where to charge them whereas I know how to get gas.
Third: Value uncertainty. If I spend 30K on a Subaru, I know I'm getting a car that can go cross country, handle well in snow, handle poor weather, and will last 200,000 miles and upwards of 10-15 years. I know there are an abundance of Subaru mechanics who can work on the cars for a relatively reasonable cost. I know there are new parts. I know there is a resale market if I decide a need a different car. With Tesla, I have no idea how much new batteries cost. I have no idea even what parts are needed. I have no idea how much those parts cost, how often one will need one. I have no idea who I would call if the car didn't work one day. I have no idea if it would easy to be a sell a used one if I didn't like it.
I'm generally in favor of being an early adopter of new technology and paying the premium to move into the future. But for me the cost and risk is too high on this car. Plus, for 55K you're talking luxury. I'd go with a BMW or Audi.
I suppose you get some virtue points for buying Tesla. 55K seems a lot of pay for it.
A review. I've glanced at a couple reviews, and none of them are short. They all sing high praises. I remain unconvinced.
I'm a Tesla-bear for the simple reason that I wouldn't buy one. Why? First, the cost. Tesla 3 is supposed to be a medium-cost consumer car, yet they trudge out a $55K version to be tested. I find this very strange. They pitch a 35K car and then test drive a 55K car. That'd be like shopping for a topline Toyota Camry and then test driving an M3, and thinking Jeez, that was a good driving experience. NO SHIT!
Second: convenience. To me, an EV needs to be extra special to merit the cost because I don't know how or where to charge them whereas I know how to get gas.
Third: Value uncertainty. If I spend 30K on a Subaru, I know I'm getting a car that can go cross country, handle well in snow, handle poor weather, and will last 200,000 miles and upwards of 10-15 years. I know there are an abundance of Subaru mechanics who can work on the cars for a relatively reasonable cost. I know there are new parts. I know there is a resale market if I decide a need a different car. With Tesla, I have no idea how much new batteries cost. I have no idea even what parts are needed. I have no idea how much those parts cost, how often one will need one. I have no idea who I would call if the car didn't work one day. I have no idea if it would easy to be a sell a used one if I didn't like it.
I'm generally in favor of being an early adopter of new technology and paying the premium to move into the future. But for me the cost and risk is too high on this car. Plus, for 55K you're talking luxury. I'd go with a BMW or Audi.
I suppose you get some virtue points for buying Tesla. 55K seems a lot of pay for it.
Brooks on Trump
He's mostly right. It does seem like Trump's "crazy" is now at least partially by design. Sort of a "bad cop" routine that serves as a distraction to his political enemies, while his other hand is competently putting into place policies he was elected to do.
He's mostly right. It does seem like Trump's "crazy" is now at least partially by design. Sort of a "bad cop" routine that serves as a distraction to his political enemies, while his other hand is competently putting into place policies he was elected to do.
I'm With Them
French artists defend men's right to hit on women.
As Woody Allen says at the end of Hollywood Ending, "Thank God for the French."
French artists defend men's right to hit on women.
As Woody Allen says at the end of Hollywood Ending, "Thank God for the French."
Monday, January 08, 2018
Aspirational Faith
I believe this article pertains to writing. But maybe that's me seeing something that isn't there.
I believe this article pertains to writing. But maybe that's me seeing something that isn't there.
Weird
Damore files discrimination lawsuit against Google.
It's no secret being a Republican in certain industries is frowned upon.
Damore files discrimination lawsuit against Google.
It's no secret being a Republican in certain industries is frowned upon.
Thursday, January 04, 2018
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
Insanity
A sports columnist compares Jimmy G's last five games with the Niners (2017) to Colin K's last five games with the Niners (2016).
A sports columnist compares Jimmy G's last five games with the Niners (2017) to Colin K's last five games with the Niners (2016).
When the team and the coaching was great, so was Kaepernick. And when the team had given up on him and on themselves, he was still pretty damned good. It’s insulting to pretend like the 49ers were the Browns or the Texans, suffering mercilessly while bad quarterbacks cycled through their starting lineup like the world’s crappiest parade. They needed better general managing and a real head coach, not a new QB.Somehow he neglected to mention Jimmy G's record was 5-0 and Colin K's record was 0-5. But who really cares about wins and losses, right?
Sunday, December 31, 2017
How To Get a Car For (Relatively) Free
Did a little car shopping over the break and the whole financing thing comes up. Sometimes you'll hear someone argue for the benefits of a car lease. The only benefit I see is buying more car than you can afford. Here is a simple example of the math on a lease based upon my own experience owning my car for 15 years.
Car lease cost - $300 a month. This is neither cheap or expensive. I think you can get a cheap car lease for $200, but it's common to see people paying $400 a month.
Car lease cost = $3600 a year.
Assuming you took that money and put into the stock market instead at a modest 5% return per year, it'd accumulate to $85,166. About $27K of that in interest alone.
I think you can buy a new car for $27K, or, that is the amount of interest accumulated from not leasing.
*Granted this is comparing apples and oranges, assumes one has enough money in the first place to buy a car outright vs leasing and perhaps there is additional pleasure to be gained from driving a new car every 3 years vs being stuck in an old one. But it also demonstrates how one type of behavior leads one into spinning ones wheels like a mouse in a cage whereas the other one can enrich you, if that were a personal goal.
Did a little car shopping over the break and the whole financing thing comes up. Sometimes you'll hear someone argue for the benefits of a car lease. The only benefit I see is buying more car than you can afford. Here is a simple example of the math on a lease based upon my own experience owning my car for 15 years.
Car lease cost - $300 a month. This is neither cheap or expensive. I think you can get a cheap car lease for $200, but it's common to see people paying $400 a month.
Car lease cost = $3600 a year.
Assuming you took that money and put into the stock market instead at a modest 5% return per year, it'd accumulate to $85,166. About $27K of that in interest alone.
I think you can buy a new car for $27K, or, that is the amount of interest accumulated from not leasing.
*Granted this is comparing apples and oranges, assumes one has enough money in the first place to buy a car outright vs leasing and perhaps there is additional pleasure to be gained from driving a new car every 3 years vs being stuck in an old one. But it also demonstrates how one type of behavior leads one into spinning ones wheels like a mouse in a cage whereas the other one can enrich you, if that were a personal goal.
Various and Likely Incoherent Thoughts As 2017 Comes to an End...
Obviously, it was the year of Trump...and it seems to me to have gone much better than many of the pessimistic prognosticators predicted. No new wars. In fact the opposite: the destruction of ISIS. The stock market went gangbusters. And the meritocratic elite with their PC-corporatist values got put on notice that their power and hold over the American culture knows limits. Cleary, with Trump, things could go wrong in the future and the increasing of the national debt is worrisome - but it's not like Bush, Obama, or any electable national politician would've been doing something about the debt, either. I didn't vote for Trump, nor would go back and vote for him again. My basic assessment that he's too "risky" a figure stands. But that's not to say I don't think his presidency could end up being a rather good thing. How I hold these two seemingly contradictory beliefs, I hope, is evidence that I hold a first rate intelligence.
On another note: Trump seems to have been quite productive in a number of areas. He satisfied conservatives with his judicial appointments. He reset the negotiating terms on a number of foreign policy issues (which may be good or bad, it is way to soon to tell). He passed a sneaky good tax reform, that as a competitive poker, board, and fantasy game player, I sort of admire. He did five things with his tax plan:
1) Political - Positive Action: Passed legislation that will give tax cuts to 80% of Americans and therefore be welcome. For better or worse, this is the best thing Republicans represent to Americans (myself included) -- being the party of tax cuts. We can go 'round and 'round whether this is a good thing or not, but this is one of the few "winner" political issues for Republicans.
2) Political - Negative Action: Screws his political enemies in NYC and CA (which include me) via the mortgage interest deduction limitation and other disincentives to itemizing. As a strategy board game player, one must admire the cleverness of such a move.
3) Policy Action: Undermined Obamacare through the backdoor when he couldn't get rid of it. Also, very clever, using Obamacare's poorly constructed design against itself.
4) Policy Action: Making a move towards a simplification of the tax code.
5) Policy Action: Encouraging the value of business vs. the value of property. Probably a good thing.
Obviously, it was the year of Trump...and it seems to me to have gone much better than many of the pessimistic prognosticators predicted. No new wars. In fact the opposite: the destruction of ISIS. The stock market went gangbusters. And the meritocratic elite with their PC-corporatist values got put on notice that their power and hold over the American culture knows limits. Cleary, with Trump, things could go wrong in the future and the increasing of the national debt is worrisome - but it's not like Bush, Obama, or any electable national politician would've been doing something about the debt, either. I didn't vote for Trump, nor would go back and vote for him again. My basic assessment that he's too "risky" a figure stands. But that's not to say I don't think his presidency could end up being a rather good thing. How I hold these two seemingly contradictory beliefs, I hope, is evidence that I hold a first rate intelligence.
On another note: Trump seems to have been quite productive in a number of areas. He satisfied conservatives with his judicial appointments. He reset the negotiating terms on a number of foreign policy issues (which may be good or bad, it is way to soon to tell). He passed a sneaky good tax reform, that as a competitive poker, board, and fantasy game player, I sort of admire. He did five things with his tax plan:
1) Political - Positive Action: Passed legislation that will give tax cuts to 80% of Americans and therefore be welcome. For better or worse, this is the best thing Republicans represent to Americans (myself included) -- being the party of tax cuts. We can go 'round and 'round whether this is a good thing or not, but this is one of the few "winner" political issues for Republicans.
2) Political - Negative Action: Screws his political enemies in NYC and CA (which include me) via the mortgage interest deduction limitation and other disincentives to itemizing. As a strategy board game player, one must admire the cleverness of such a move.
3) Policy Action: Undermined Obamacare through the backdoor when he couldn't get rid of it. Also, very clever, using Obamacare's poorly constructed design against itself.
4) Policy Action: Making a move towards a simplification of the tax code.
5) Policy Action: Encouraging the value of business vs. the value of property. Probably a good thing.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Logging
The Last Jedi - felt like I was watching a mixed tape of Star Wars, which beats listening to a cover band (A Force Awakens). Rogue One is the best one since the original series, IMO.
I, Tonya - biggest delightful surprise of the year.
3 Billboards - my favorite movie of the year.
Downsizing - I missed significant portions. Felt not totally well put together, but I don't get the hate for the film. Strikes me as more interesting than Get Out, which is getting praised as the best film of the year.
Dunkirk - strikes me as only worth seeing in IMAX. And quite worth it.
Get Out - fell asleep 3 times before completing it.
The Last Jedi - felt like I was watching a mixed tape of Star Wars, which beats listening to a cover band (A Force Awakens). Rogue One is the best one since the original series, IMO.
I, Tonya - biggest delightful surprise of the year.
3 Billboards - my favorite movie of the year.
Downsizing - I missed significant portions. Felt not totally well put together, but I don't get the hate for the film. Strikes me as more interesting than Get Out, which is getting praised as the best film of the year.
Dunkirk - strikes me as only worth seeing in IMAX. And quite worth it.
Get Out - fell asleep 3 times before completing it.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Simultaneously Annoying and Correct
Interview between Jeffrey Goldberg and Nikole Hanna-Jones re public schools. She nails it here re: liberals:
Yeah. But what you want is a majority-white school with a small number of black kids and a good number of Latino, a good number of Asian. That makes you feel very good about yourself because you feel like your child is getting this beautiful integrated experience. The problem is that the public schools in New York City are 70 percent black and Latino.
So, for you to have your beautiful diversity, that means that most black and Latino kids get absolutely none. The tolerance for increasing particularly the percentage of black kids is very low, and even lower if those black kids are poor. No white parents in New York City mind having my kid in their school because they feel like I’m on their level. But if you get too many of kids like mine who are black but poor, there’s very little tolerance.When I was in high school, I flirted with the idea of banning private schools because it would force public schools to be better. Now that I'm older, I'm highly skeptical any such project would work and that we benefit from having choice - it moderates public schools, which could easily otherwise deteriorate into DMV-like conditions.
Here's a thought for someone who's primary goal in life is the advancement of African Americans (this is not my primary goal in life, that is why I suggest it for someone else) -- instead of trying to improve outcomes for ALL African Americans across the entire country by trying to shame liberals into big, huge, sweeping political changes, just go to one of these so called "lousy" schools with majority African American / Latino children and turn it into a great school. I don't think this would be rocket science. You could easily get the money and resources to do it. Because you just need one local example. I can almost guarantee you'd have white families banging down the doors trying to get their kids in the school IF it were providing a good education. And if not...then a) you'd have a good evidence whites are racists and b) you'd have a great school and wouldn't really care.
If it worked, Control-Copy-Paste elsewhere.
Monday, December 11, 2017
So Much Winning
Why didn't the "Arab street" protest the Jerusalem announcement?
My guess: they have more important things to do with their time and American and European Liberals are painfully ignorant about what Palestinians and other Arabs actually think and feel.
Why didn't the "Arab street" protest the Jerusalem announcement?
My guess: they have more important things to do with their time and American and European Liberals are painfully ignorant about what Palestinians and other Arabs actually think and feel.
Wednesday, December 06, 2017
Good Point
For those attracted to relativism:
"If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so."
For those attracted to relativism:
"If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so."
Monday, December 04, 2017
Imagine
If Trump pulled off a Middle East peace deal.
I know years of focusing on the Palestinian issue hasn't gotten anywhere, so to shift the focus to confronting/making a bulwark against Iran may not be such a dumb idea at all.
If Trump pulled off a Middle East peace deal.
I know years of focusing on the Palestinian issue hasn't gotten anywhere, so to shift the focus to confronting/making a bulwark against Iran may not be such a dumb idea at all.
Sunday, December 03, 2017
Machado De Assis
These NFL anthem protests are beginning to resemble a Machado De Assis aburd novella.
The incoherence of all parties is beginning to turn comic. None of it makes any sense whatsoever. Nobody even knows what is being protested anymore.
Everyone should read The Alienist.
These NFL anthem protests are beginning to resemble a Machado De Assis aburd novella.
The incoherence of all parties is beginning to turn comic. None of it makes any sense whatsoever. Nobody even knows what is being protested anymore.
Everyone should read The Alienist.
Saturday, December 02, 2017
Fake News
ABC suspends senior news correspondent for "not properly vetting" the story about Flynn testifying against Trump.
For all the hysteria about Trump, it'd strengthen the case against him if he didn't end up being right so often.
ABC suspends senior news correspondent for "not properly vetting" the story about Flynn testifying against Trump.
For all the hysteria about Trump, it'd strengthen the case against him if he didn't end up being right so often.
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