I live in Rhode Island. Ca. 90% of electricity in Rhode Island is generated by natural gas. So if you re-charge your EV in Rhode Island, you’re fueling your car with natural gas. Some folks have pointed out that EVs are about twice as efficient as ICE vehicles. That is, they waste about half the […]
I was in the vaccine arm of the Moderna mRNA vaccine phase III trial. I’ve had a total of eight jabs since August 2020 and I’m still fine. Of course, I’m just an anecdote. But by now, hundreds of millions have had the mRNA vaccines worldwide, with few if any proven side effects beyond mild […]
Since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, the editorials have been filled with claims that the United States is slipping into authoritarianism. While this possibility is greeted with cheers by right-wing extremists, it is a source of dire concern for liberals and for moderates like me. As Niels Bohr (and Yogi Berra) […]
Kotkin came to my attention through reading the first two volumes of his projected three-volume history of Stalin (the third volume has been long delayed). I just stumbled upon a two-part interview of Kotkin about his second volume. I was curious about what he looked like and how he spoke, so I watched them both. […]
GLP-1-based therapies for obesity have been transformational. The benefits are undeniable, and the risks for most people are negligible. These drugs belong in the class with anti-hypertensives and statins. Who could complain? Here’s one doc who was an initial enthusiast, but who has cooled: “The truth is, most patients don’t stay on anti-obesity medications — […]
When I was growing up, lots of adults smoked. My piano teacher smoked during my piano lessons. Cigarette commercials were on TV. Their jingles were so addictive, we in the trumpet section would play them before band practice. Airplanes used to have a smoking section and a no-smoking light that went on before take-off and […]
The first time I saw a cybertruck in person was when we were eating dinner at a restaurant in East Yellowstone. The restaurant staff were gathered in front of a window, gawking and holding up their cell phones. Someone had parked a cybertruck just outside. I’ve seen a couple here in East Providence RI since […]
Looking at trends in White House décor, it’s easy to conclude the future of gold is bright. But investors see something different in the White House. “Gold futures traded in New York have soared almost 71% this year, on pace for their best annual gain in 46 years. The last time gold had such a […]
As a PhD molecular biologist, I’ve spent my entire career in tech, albeit academic tech. During that time, I’ve had the privilege to work with many colleagues on H-1B visas. I believe in meritocracy, and my experience is that most of these H-1B visa holders were eminently qualified. Were there more qualified Americans out there? […]
Ever since I started voting, I’ve voted in either red states or blue states. I’ve never missed an election. But why bother voting, since I’m outnumbered? Well, for one thing, millions of people have fought and died for the right to vote. I honor their memory by exercising my franchise. Beyond that sentimental reason, though, […]