External Distractions

What's in the Epstein files must fukkin' terrify Trump and his coterie, because distraction theater is ramping up. A round up

Geek: Amplification

Guitarists are snobs, but our snobbery is a mere fraction of the nuttiness of the audiophile ecosystem. The myths are sticky, but real data and tests are good at busting them.

I was scammed

I got scammed. Alas, AI is democratizing spear-phishing, and you should be really wary of the risk.

AI gone wild

AI is increasingly being perverted to create non-consensual adult material, and even CSAM content. Most model owners "try" to gate it, but one seems to flaunt all common sense restictions. Additionally, the predictions about AI at the beginning of 2025 turn out to be dead wrong.

Another Anniversary - 16

Sixteen years ago today, I was going to die. Luck, a quick thinking wife (who was panicking) and a lot of hard work got me here.

Reading and Thoughts: Jan 2, 2026

First post of '26, the Bulwark does a fuckery, AI is going to destroy young people's career prospects, and Hayek's Bastards still are bastardy.

PBS "Passport" - a novel way to subscribe

Adding a streaming service, and supporting PBS and my local affiliate? Sign me the fuck up for that.

Lazy Scammers: Text Phishing

I miss the days of the Nigerian prince scams. At least they were entertaining. Alas, GenAI and some skeevy operators are making it trivial to attempt to scam people. Stay alert!

AYFKM? AI and 1% Commitment

AI is going to fuck up the workforce. Sal Khan (of the Khan Academy) is not offering a serious response to this tectonic shift.

One Week In, and What I'm Reading

The insanity doesn't take holidays off. Read to the end for a pleasant musical coda.

Early Internet Gold

Some maintenance of my dustiest archives uncovered some early internet video gems. I had to share the wealth with you at Christmas!

Favorite Christmas Movies

Enough politics insanity, what are my favorite Christmas movies? Here are my top list, ones I watch every year.