Favorites December 31st 2021 🥳

Bob Wachter @Bob_Wachter

... South Africa falling rapidly after 4-6 weeks, it seems like a highly vaccinated city like SF will be able to survive a similarly short surge without being overwhelmed. In less vaccinated (& mask-y) cities/regions, I'd be far more apprehensive.(12/end)

nytimes.comSouth Africa says that it has passed its fourth wave of cases, and counts few added deaths.Case counts are down by 30 percent in the last week, researchers in the country said.

So, end of January hopefully?

Mike Hudema @MikeHudema

South Korea built this bike lane covered by #solar panels. Cyclists are isolated from traffic, protected from the sun, and it produces 100% #cleanenergy! We have the solutions, implement them. #ActOnClimate #ClimateCrisis #renewables #energy #climatecrisis #BuildBackBetter

This is a cool idea, although I really wouldn't like the idea of biking down the center of a 6 lane highway, seems very unpleasant.

Matthew Yglesias @mattyglesias

Ice skating turns out to be a true worst of both worlds scenario — physically arduous but there’s no Apple Watch workout to get credit for.

When I play Beat Saber, I set it to 'dance'. I went to check just now if there's a 'roller skating' option, and there's not, just skateboarding. But I did make a discovery, there's a 'fitness gaming' option. Beat Saber is more popular than either roller or ice skating?

Ezra Klein @ezraklein

Last point here: Vetocracies are often the product of decay. A process that began for good reason is abandoned (or never taken up) by most agents, and left to special interests. California has lots of these: nytimes.com/2021/07/08/opi…

The article also talks about how the concept of vetocracy applies to cryptocurrencies, if that interests you.

Vice President Kamala Harris @VP

Today @NASA announced an extension of U.S. participation in the International Space Station program through 2030. This demonstrates our commitment to scientific discovery, international and commercial partnerships, innovation, and inspiration.

This is good, but sorta wild the date we're extending it to is so close.

James Medlock @jdcmedlock

Finns posting their wins

Matt Bruenig @MattBruenig

the phaseout of the Finnish mortgage interest tax deduction is almost complete, just one more year left! https://t.co/mMbMNnZFr1

(mortgage interest deductions are not considered good policy)

November 2021, San Francisco