Ah, Black Friday week. That week where I get to learn which email marketing lists I haven't yet unsubscribed from.

AI is useful where the cost of verification is an order of magnitude lower than the cost of the product.

I think, of all the slides in this report, this is the most important -- it's really worth examining closely. This illustrates why the triumph of electrotechnical is inevitable.

Fortunately existing benefits continue to get paid, though there are some negative consequences to social security programs if the GOP can't manage to pass a budget and the government shuts down. I added a new guide here:

ssa.tools/guides/gover...

The deadline to sign SB 79 and legalize more housing near transit in California is coming up. This is a hugely important bill both for ending the state's housing crisis and for securing its climate future. Please join me in urging @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to sign!

It seems like with off-the-shelf battery systems (ecoflow for example), one could today set up some solar panels for charging an EV entirely DIY (not grid-connected) without involving a utility. The only real barrier I see is the cost of the batteries, which are on a rapid cost reduction curve.

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...

We just found a new moon in the solar system with the JWST. That's incredible.

These pools in the rocks at Point Lobos appear to be formed by trapped seawater from spray getting evaporated and leaving behind salt.

What I don't understand is why the salt formations create thin fibers that look an awful lot like spider webs.

If you have a cat, you should absolutely get one of these transparent window bird feeders.

Apparently there is a blood test for determining if you are immune to Measels, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR titer test). My last MMR vaccine shot was in 2000 so my docs ordered the test. Turns out, my immunity had waned, so I got a new shot. Seems like it might be worth doing, especially lately.

The monarchs at Santa Cruz Natural Bridges today.