September 2023 Linkpost

Who knew that facial exercises could shave off three years – if only they worked on my sense of humor too!

Philosophy & Human Nature

Who Goes Nazi? (harpers.org)
This timeless essay from 1941 by Dorothy Thompson explores personality types susceptible to fascism through a parlor game at a gathering, drawing from her experiences as a foreign correspondent. I would note that it’s a macabre but insightful look at human nature, identifying traits like resentment, insecurity, and a craving for power in those who might align with authoritarianism. It’s memorable for its psychological depth and relevance to understanding societal vulnerabilities.

Marriage Matters More Than Career for Happiness (nytimes.com)
David Brooks argues that marriage is a stronger predictor of happiness than career success, backed by studies showing married people are 30 points happier than unmarried ones, with marital quality as the top factor in life satisfaction. A University of Chicago study and Pew surveys highlight shifting priorities among young adults, with only 32% viewing marriage as crucial. I would observe that this framework connects to broader ideas about human fulfillment, suggesting we prioritize relationships over professional achievements for lasting joy.

Adorable Little Detonators: Friendships and Parenthood (thecut.com)
This essay delves into how parenthood disrupts adult friendships, with personal stories of isolation and resentment when some friends have kids and others don’t, supported by a 2017 study showing friendship quality declines most when children are around age 3. Anecdotes illustrate emotional strains, like feeling excluded or overwhelmed. A buddy shared this, noting how it captures the human tension between life stages, but with hope that open communication can rebuild bonds – it’s useful for navigating these inevitable shifts.

Academic Research & Science

Artificial Wombs on the Horizon (nature.com)
This article discusses preclinical advancements in artificial womb technology to aid extremely preterm babies, referencing studies on improved survival but ongoing health challenges. Though details are limited, implications include reduced deaths and disabilities. I would point out its potential to revolutionize neonatal care, connecting to broader ethical questions about human development.

Ten Thousand Years of Solitude: Isolation in Tasmania (discovermagazine.com)
Jared Diamond examines how 10,000 years of isolation led Tasmanians to abandon technologies like bone tools and fish-eating, contrasting with mainland Australia’s progress due to larger populations and connectivity. Key findings highlight technological regression from taboos or lack of diffusion. I would note this anthropological insight into how isolation stifles innovation, with practical applications to understanding cultural evolution.

A New Lease on Life: Recidivism After Long Sentences (sentencingproject.org)
This report analyzes low recidivism for violent offenders post-release, using BJS data from 404,648 releases showing only 2% of homicide convicts committing another homicide within five years, and state studies like Louisiana’s 205-person sample with 8% reimprisonment at five years. Methodology mixes quantitative tracking and testimonies. Implications challenge long sentences, suggesting policy reforms for reintegration – it’s eye-opening on human capacity for change.

Facial Exercises for a Younger Look (nytimes.com)
A Northwestern study with 16 women completing a 20-week program of 32 exercises found participants appeared three years younger on average, from 51 to 48, with improved cheek fullness. Methodology involved daily then alternate-day sessions. I would highlight its implications for non-invasive aging solutions, a simple framework for maintaining vitality.

Technology & Society

Driverless Cars: Safer Than Humans? (understandingai.org)
Analyzing 102 crashes over 6 million miles by Waymo and Cruise, key findings show Waymo’s serious crashes (3-4) lower than human rates, with fault often on others; NHTSA estimates a major crash every 500,000 human miles. Implications suggest AVs could outperform humans in safety. A colleague mentioned this, noting its broader connections to transforming urban mobility.

Smart Glasses and Power Imbalances (techxplore.com)
Researchers argue AR glasses create imbalances, with wearers accessing info or recording without consent, using examples like deepfakes or filters altering appearances. Implications include privacy erosion and need for inclusive designs. I would observe this as a useful warning on tech’s societal impacts, with ethical quotes emphasizing confusion in interactions.

Book Review: Elon Musk (2015 Biography) (astralcodexten.com)
Scott Alexander reviews Ashlee Vance’s biography, highlighting Musk’s intense management, hands-on innovations at Tesla/SpaceX, and self-made background despite some privilege. Implications for tech include faster innovation through urgency. I would note his obsessive style as a framework for understanding disruptive leaders.

NASA Admits SLS Unaffordability (arstechnica.com)
NASA concedes the SLS rocket is unsustainable at current costs, aiming for $70.5 million per engine by decade’s end, but GAO criticizes poor cost tracking. Implications question space program’s future. A pal shared, emphasizing alternatives like cheaper engines from Blue Origin or SpaceX.

The Waste Stream of Consumer Finance (bitsaboutmoney.com)
Patrick McKenzie details credit card debt as the bulk of defaults (2.5-5% rates), sold for 5 cents/dollar, with industry inefficiencies like high turnover leading to abusive practices. Implications expose systemic flaws in finance. I would connect this to broader economic inequities, with quotes on its odious nature.

Gender Ideology in K-12 Schools (city-journal.org)
Examines Gender Spectrum’s trainings promoting neo-identities like rockgender, influencing policies on transitions without parental knowledge. Implications critique educational shifts. Someone pointed this out, noting its conversational take on cultural changes.

Illegal Numbers (en.wikipedia.org)
Explains numbers representing illegal info, like AACS key violating DMCA, or DeCSS as a prime. Implications for copyright and speech. I would note its curiosities in digital rights.

Economics & Development

Lobster Boy in Food Stamp Debate (npr.org)
Fox News featured Jason Greenslate using $200/month SNAP for lobster, fueling GOP cuts of $39 billion from the $80 billion program serving 48 million. Implications highlight welfare stereotypes. I would observe its enduring relevance to policy debates.

Linda Taylor: The Welfare Queen (en.wikipedia.org)
Taylor’s $8,000 fraud under aliases inspired Reagan’s exaggerated “welfare queen” rhetoric, impacting stereotypes despite her broader crimes. Implications on public perception. A friend shared, connecting to economic myths.

Reference & Curiosities

Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (nationalsocialanxietycenter.com)
Rates fear and avoidance in 24 situations; scores indicate anxiety levels from none (0-29) to very severe (95+). Useful for self-assessment – I would note its practical applications in understanding social dynamics.

Average Sunshine by US Cities (currentresults.com)
Data from 1961-1990 shows Phoenix at 85% sun (3872 hours), Seattle at 47% (2170 hours). A buddy mentioned this for relocation curiosities.

Solved Games (en.wikipedia.org)
Games like checkers (draw with perfect play, solved 2007) or tic-tac-toe; chess unsolved. Implications for game theory – memorable for strategic insights.

Derinkuyu Underground City (en.wikipedia.org)
Ancient Phrygian-built city for 20,000, with chapels and defenses, used as refuge till 1923. Fascinating historical engineering.

Lake of the Woods Massacre (en.wikipedia.org)
1736 ambush killing 21 French explorers by Lakota/Dakota, retaliation for raids. Highlights exploration perils.

Kanto Massacre Centennial (english.hani.co.kr)
Post-1923 earthquake, rumors led to 6,661 Korean deaths; Japan obscures truth. Implications for historical accountability.

Politics & Current Events (2023)

Biden Officials Woo Murkowski in Alaska (politico.com)
Cabinet visits address Alaska’s issues like transportation, courting key Republican Murkowski. A pal shared amid bipartisan talks.

DC’s Surging Violence (washingtonpost.com)
Homicides up 29%, robberies 67%; residents question safety. I would note urban crime trends.

Women in Ukraine’s War Effort (nytimes.com)
Women lead volunteering, military roles, shifting norms. Memorable for gender dynamics in conflict.

WSJ Best Colleges 2024 (wsj.com)
Ranks based on outcomes (70%), environment (20%), diversity (10%); Princeton tops. Useful reference.

US News Top Public Universities (usnews.com)
State-funded schools ranked; methodology linked. Complements education debates.

College Income Outcomes Lookup (nytimes.com)
Tool shows income biases at elites; data from 5M+ test-takers. I would highlight inequality insights.

Project 2025: Right-Wing Overhaul (en.wikipedia.org)
Heritage-led plan to consolidate power, dismantle agencies; implications for democracy. Concerning for governance.

Musk’s Server Move Fiasco (cnbc.com)
Musk personally moved servers hastily, causing instability. Exemplifies his urgent style.

NYC Subway Platform Gates Pilot (businessinsider.com)
$100M test at three stations to prevent pushings amid rising assaults. Addresses urban safety.