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It might only cost $2 in the vending machine, but that can of soda is a complicated battery. It stores the energy of the machines that were used to mine the bauxite, the ship that brought the ore to Iceland, the astonishing temperatures used to create the aluminum, then more shipping, more processing, more handling, […]
6 months ago

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More from Seth's Blog

Charged by the word

In a hurried world with infinite content, it’s worth considering that you’re no longer paid by the word when you write, in fact, you should pay for every extra word you use. Be as brief as is useful.

22 hours ago 1 votes
The AI effort gap

It can take seven years to get a PhD. And a month to write a useful business plan or a year to write a book. And yet, when AI shows up, our mistake is thinking that if we can’t find useful brilliance in one simple prompt, it’s broken. Imagine what you could discover and create […]

2 days ago 2 votes
Why and how

Let’s get rid of science class in school. Instead, beginning in kindergarten, we could devote a class to curiosity and explanation. A class that persistently and consistently teaches kids to ask why and to answer how. The unacceptable single-word answers are “because” and “magic.” Curiosity is a skill, and it can be taught.

3 days ago 3 votes
Designed, Designy or Well-designed?

If we create something with purpose, we’ve designed it. It’s not an accident. An axe handle is designed, and so is a symphony. Some things, though are designy. The designer’s fingerprints are all over it. The typefaces, knurled edges, needless heat sinks and homage to Dieter Rams are there for anyone who cares to look. […]

4 days ago 3 votes
A good business

Just because it’s useful, needed or worthwhile doesn’t mean it’s a good business. E-bikes are transforming cities and offering mobility to those who previously couldn’t afford it. But they’re a commodity, and it’s difficult to make a significant profit producing them. A good business meets a demand, but it also has scarcity, network effects and […]

5 days ago 4 votes

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Not today, pink elephants of doom

Blue Bulletin #1

14 hours ago 2 votes
Charged by the word

In a hurried world with infinite content, it’s worth considering that you’re no longer paid by the word when you write, in fact, you should pay for every extra word you use. Be as brief as is useful.

22 hours ago 1 votes
Hyperlegible 006: Forsaking Industrialism

Conrad Bastable on how China built its Industrial Platform and what it would take for the West to reindustrialize (hint: tariffs aren't enough)

17 hours ago 1 votes
The AI effort gap

It can take seven years to get a PhD. And a month to write a useful business plan or a year to write a book. And yet, when AI shows up, our mistake is thinking that if we can’t find useful brilliance in one simple prompt, it’s broken. Imagine what you could discover and create […]

2 days ago 2 votes
Weekly Dose of Optimism #139

Dire Wolves, Base Power, ZBB Regulation, Zipline, Amca, Solano Shipyard

3 days ago 4 votes