Let's Know Things

This week we talk about Jimmy Buffett, Boomers, and the Soviet Union.We also discuss Mitch McConnell, Joe Biden, and the 2024 US Presidential Election.Show Notes(Notes on show notes: for Wikipedia or other reference articles, please follow source links as they tend to tell you which bits of data are legit and which are less so—these are excellent starting points for info, but ideally not the end-points.)Some Relevant Linkshttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/health/mitch-mcconnell-health-seizures.htmlhttps://ourworldindata.org/life-expectancyhttps://theintercept.com/2023/07/27/gerontocracy-google-mcconnell-feinstein/https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/01/30/house-gets-younger-senate-gets-older-a-look-at-the-age-and-generation-of-lawmakers-in-the-118th-congress/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_presidents_of_the_United_States_by_agehttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/dianne-feinstein-went-hospital-minor-fall-home-spokesperson-says-rcna98992https://www.npr.org/2023/08/16/1194115265/sen-mitch-mcconnells-health-issues-spotlights-kentuckys-succession-processhttps://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/raising-social-securitys-retirement-age-would-cut-benefits-for-all-newhttps://www.census.gov/popclock/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerontocracyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_boomershttps://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/music/jimmy-buffett-margaritaville-singer-and-beach-themed-businessman-dies-26e63495EndmatterThe Let’s Know Things Patreon pageRecommended book: Secondhand by Adam MinterMy other projects: UnderstandaryLKT on Apple Podcasts & Spotify (consider leaving a review if you’re enjoying the show)TranscriptJimmy Buffett, the singer behind megahits like Margaritaville and A Pirate Looks at Forty, died at age 76 the first weekend of September 2023.His songs celebrated a particular flavor of aspirational lifestyle, defined by beaches and casual day-drinking and being overall really, really chilled out; something that contrasted with his ambitious, tour-heavy lived experience, but which helped him become one of the wealthiest musicians on the planet, with an estimated net-worth of around $1 billion when he died, more than half of which came from his touring and recording efforts, the rest of which came from all sorts of investments and business dealings, including the Margaritaville Cafe in Key West, which kicked-off a portfolio of restaurant assets, and then casinos and cruise lines, and Margaritaville-branded clothing and alcohol products.He wrote some books, he made some canny investments, and basically did really well for himself—but Buffett will probably remain best known, despite his many accolades, for the vibe that permeated all his public-facing efforts, which captured a sensibility popular with folks of a certain age.If you were born between roughly 1946 and 1964 in the United States, and thus are categorized as a Baby Boomer, there’s a good chance you either romanticize the sort of lifestyle Buffett was a proponent of, or you know a lot of people who do.Maybe these people became Parrotheads—ardent fans of Buffett’s work—or maybe they just like the idea of cruises and beachside vacations and traveling to warmer locales during the winter and thumbing their noses at work when they’re enjoying downtime, completely flipping the switch so they can live as beachbums, even if only for a little while, in order to relax and wind-down and recover from the responsibilities they carry during their normal, everyday lives.That sense of responsibility—derived from a sturdy work-ethic, imbued in them by their parents, who in many cases survived the Great Depression and World War II, and had habits and values shaped by those eras and events—is one of the key traits often attributed to Baby Boomers, people who are in their early 60s through their early 80s, as of 2023.Like all demographic definitions, this one is highly flawed and flexible and generic, and it doesn’t encapsulate the rich spectrum of personalities and variations included in the age-demo it refers to, but like all such categorizations it’s meant to capture a broad, superficial sense of what a group of folks are like, in this case, pointing at what a group of folks who were born and grew up beginning in the middle of the 20th century believe about the world, what they value, how they tend to see things, and so on; all of it in aggregate, and all of it potentially not applicable to any single person who falls into that age range.This sort of categorization is super-flawed, then, but it can be useful to gesture at large-scale trends over time, and that, in turn, can provide us with additional ways of looking at macro-scale changes in society, our economies, and our governance.What I’d like to talk about today is how things are changing in the US, demographically, and how those changes are not, thus far at least, being represented in our government.—At the tail-end of August 2023, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell went silent and froze-u

This week we talk about BRIC, BRICs, and BRICS+.We also discuss the USD, sanctions, and alternative global financial systems.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about ECOWAS, Niger, and proxy conflicts.We also discuss military dictatorships, Wagner, and colonies.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about the Inflation Reduction Act, October Surprises, and Hunter Biden's laptop.We also discuss the 2024 US Presidential election, Trump's legal woes, and inflation.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about LK-99, mercury, and resistance.We also discuss online citizen science, physics, and replication issues.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Phoenix, Death Valley, and heat pumps.We also discuss the greenhouse effect, cascading systems, and energy-related power.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Genesis, the Associated Press, and Glorbo.We also discuss Wikipedia, G/O Media, and ChatGPT.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about the WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and AI.We also discuss streaming platforms, residuals, and entertainment industry economics.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Threads, Meta, and the Fediverse.We also discuss Instagram, follower migrations, and the social media landscape.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about the IMF, the Paris Club, and Pakistan.We also discuss the international monetary system, sovereign debt, and debt traps.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about mouse jigglers, bossware, and the WFH revolution.We also discuss blitzscaling, quiet quitting, and return-to-office demands.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about AI, Reddit, and scraping.We also discuss John Oliver, protests, and LLMs.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about wildfires, PM 2.5 particles, and globalization.We also discuss PM 10 particles, the health impacts of bad air, and PFAS.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Speaker McCarthy, and the US debt limit.We also discuss President Biden, economic crises, and MAGA Republicans.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about the Tsar Bomba, the Davy Crockett, and hypersonic missiles.We also discuss Kyiv, mutually assured destruction, and Cold War thinking.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the grand realignment, and tanks.We also discuss F-15s, spheres of influence, and Zelenskyy.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Tucker Carlson, Disney Plus, and free ad-supported TV.We also discuss ad-supported video-on-demand, the new streaming wars, and the pivot to video.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about student debt, real estate, and local government financing vehicles. We also discuss credit cards, the Belt and Road Initiative, and frontier markets.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about snow water equivalents, ENSO, and the Walker circulation.We also discuss climate bands, La Niña, and warming oceanic surface temperatures.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about carbon leakage, the EU, and the GDPR.We also discuss carbon border adjustment mechanisms, globalization, and the Inflation Reduction Act.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Discord, War Thunder, and intelligence leaks.We also discuss spy ops, infiltration, and Minecraft forums.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.We also discuss LLMs, ad revenue sharing deals, and automation.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.We also discuss LLMs, ad revenue sharing deals, and automation.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode357 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about hydrogen colors, use-cases, and sources.We also discuss the fossil fuel-based economy, batteries, and fuel cells.Show notes/transcript: letsknowthings.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and Silvergate CapitalWe also discuss interest rates, the FDIC, and too big to fail.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode355 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about H5N1, poultry, and globalization.We also discuss COVID-19, influenza types, and inflation.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode254 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about 10x-ing, blitzscaling, and the Millennial Lifestyle Subsidy.We also discuss Uber, Bird, and savings accounts.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode353 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Putin, NATO, and the international order.We also discuss Kyiv, buffer countries, and invasion incentives.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode352 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Otto von Bismark, Medicare, and demographic lopsidedness.We also discuss Social Security, Biden, and globalization.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode351 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Project Mogul, Chinese airships, and the Cold War.We also discuss UFOs, Roswell, and wolf warriors.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode350 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about regulations, the Reagan administration, and market manipulation.We also discuss tech layoffs, market caps, and dividends.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode349 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about patent medicine, BMI, and semaglutide.We also discuss leptin, tirzepatide, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode348 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about gunmakers, blacksmiths, and Lina Khan.We also discuss the FTC, employer-employee relations, and competition law.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode347 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about open standards, custom chips, and China.We also discuss Android, tier-one platforms, and the internet of things.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode346 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Narcan, Kloxxado, and Fentanyl.We also discuss overdoses, opioids, and OTC.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode345 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about signs and countersigns, passkeys, and the LastPass hack.We also discuss quantum computing, security experts, and arbitrary strings of characters.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode344 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Folks!I'm taking a week-ish off at the tail-end of 2022, so there isn't a normal episode today (though LKT patrons and Understandary members will receive this month's bonus episode this Thursday as usual).We'll be back on the normal schedule next Tuesday (the first week of 2023)—thanks so much for listening, and a happy new year to you and yours from here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA :) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about OpenAI, DALL-E 2, and voice assistants.We also discuss snake oil, AI, and GPT-4.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode343 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Tesla, EVs, and Chinese brands.We also discuss California, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the green economy.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode342 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Alexa, Matter, and the tech industry pullback.We also discuss Siri, ELIZA, and Echo devices.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode341 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about steel, calcium carbonate, and the construction industry.We also discuss emissions, COP27, and incentives.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode340 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about SBF, FTX, and Binance.We also discuss bank runs, FTT, and financial contagions.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode339 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Congress, the Red Ripple, and voter turnout.We also discuss polling, Trump, and DeSantis.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode338 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about MBS, Biden, and OPEC Plus.We also discuss the clean energy transition, fistbumps, and kowtowing.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode337 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Ye, Parler, and Twitter.We also discuss Cloudflare, Truth Social, and antisemitism.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode336 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about TSMC, the Three-Body Problem, and economic warfare.We also discuss fundamental research, technological know-how, and the 2022 Communist Party Congress.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode335 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Yankee Candles, Long-COVID, and BA.1.1.We also discuss winter surges, monkeypox, and bivalent boosters.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode334 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Evergrande, Beanie Babies, and interest rates.We also discuss the Fed, Xi Jinping, and affordable housing.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode333 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about moral panics, TikTok challenges, and immobilizers.We also discuss Hyundai, catalytic converters, and The Club.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode332 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about Ukraine, Putin, and political expediency.We also discuss protests, conscription, and NATO.Show notes / transcript: https://letsknowthings.com/episode331 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe