TIDINGS: Time for some game theory


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How reverse game theory could solve the housing shortage

How to win over NIMBYs by rewriting institutional rules, aligning private incentives with the general need to build.

Noema | Hennyge Wichers

Culture shift

Genomic science suggests long links between humans and fermented foods, and considers what we lost when western cuisine moved away from them.

Asimov Press | Rachel Dutton

San Francisco once led the fight against police surveillance

San Francisco turns toward acceptance of surveillance tech, including drones and cameras.

The San Francisco Standard | Cyrus Farivar

Turn the lights back on

Though overshadowed by war with Iran, the effects of the USA's oil blockade of Cuba also demand attention.

Current Affairs | Nathan J. Robinson

The human skill that eludes AI

A look at why generative AI doesn't, and may not ever, produce genuinely good writing.

The Atlantic | Jasmine Sun

Kill chain

On "charismatic technology" and how blaming AI for erroneous targeting decisions, such as the US bombing of a school in Iran, lets responsible humans off the hook.

Artificial Bureaucracy | Kevin Baker

Could the girls of Camp Mystic have been saved?

"Camp is even more beautiful in heaven." Revisiting Camp Mystic and the carelessness that led to tragedy, yet to be fully reckoned with.

New York Magazine | Kerry Howley



Liberals must wage war on rent-seeking

From car dealerships to closed borders, a liberal agenda for tearing down the restrictions that benefit economic special interests.

Liberal Currents | Andy Craig

If liberals get tougher, what will they become?

As a post-Trump future begins coming into view, thoughts on the temptations that "fighting liberals" may need to resist.

Liberalism.org | Kevin Elliott

Texas Republicans are moving from demonizing Muslims to stripping away their rights

"Vote for me so we can kick every dirty Muslim out of Texas." On the rise of overt anti-Muslim bigotry among Republican politicians, particularly on display in Texas.

The UnPopulist | Steve Chapman

Everyone cheering the social media verdicts against Meta should understand what they're cheering for

One needn't be a fan of Meta to be worried about the implications of recent cases for smaller platforms with much smaller budgets. (Seabird, for example!)

Techdirt | Mike Masnick

Dinner and no drinks

As Americans drink less, the cross-subsidy that imbibers provided to diners is hitting restaurants' bottom line.

The New York Times | Meghan McCarron

The indoor evolution threatening to outstrip outdoor golf

Bad weather, limited outdoor space, and slow rounds are a few of the factors driving more golfers to embrace taking swings in a virtual environment.

BBC | Peter Scrivener

How Chuck Norris facts created internet culture as know it

A look back at one of the first online meme joke formats and a more innocent and joyful time to be on the internet.

Gizmodo | Mike Pearl

What the Paramount-Warners merger means for Portland's repertory cinema

The local angle: Portland's vibrant repertory cinemas worry the Warners acquisition will limit access to archived films

Willamette Week | Chance Solem-Pfeifer

The pet I'll never forget

The charming story of Harriet the hedgehog, hired to eat grubs in the garden but claiming a cozy place in the home.

The Guardian | Roger Leitch

Birds are getting hooked on cigarettes

Birds are incorporating cigarette butts into their nests. And possibly for good reason?

Futurism | Victor Tangermann

Why drawing eyes on food packaging could stop seagulls stealing your chips

Lastly, in seabird news... scientists test a novel way of stopping seagulls from stealing your snacks. Or maybe you could just share with your friendly neighborhood seabirds?

The Conversation | Laura Kelley

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