Life Since the Baby Boom

Life Since the Baby Boom is a Substack by a Baby Boomer with a background in high tech, offering a blend of personal musings, insights into the software and music industries, reflections on pop culture, and career advice. The author frequently explores the intersection of technology, art, and society through various lenses, including their own experiences.

Publishing and Writing Software and Patents Music and Movies Artificial Intelligence Career and Workplace Culture Leadership and Management Social Media and Technology Impact Politics and Elections

The hottest Substack posts of Life Since the Baby Boom

And their main takeaways

Broadcast TV: It Only Looks Dead

1152 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Television Media Entertainment Sociology History
  1. Broadcast TV is still relevant, even with the rise of streaming services. People can watch live sports and local news without paying for subscriptions.
  2. Digital broadcasting has increased the number of channels available, including many free options that people may not know about.
  3. Older TV shows often have more depth and quality compared to many new productions. Watching them can remind us of what good storytelling looks like.

Let My People Go

1613 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Voting Rights Demographics
  1. Some counties in Oregon and Illinois feel their state governments don't represent them well, leading them to consider joining nearby states that align more with their views.
  2. In Illinois, issues like high taxes and a long history of political corruption make many residents unhappy, prompting discussions of secession among certain counties.
  3. Changing state boundaries is complicated and requires approval from Congress and the states involved, making it a challenging process for counties wanting to realign.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 3

1383 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Behavioral Economics Cognitive Psychology Human behavior Intellectual history Decision-making
  1. Daniel Kahneman showed that people often don’t act like the rational thinkers we expect. He studied how we make decisions and found many biases that affect our judgment.
  2. He worked with Amos Tversky and together they explored how our minds trick us. Their ideas laid the foundation for behavioral economics, changing how we think about choices.
  3. Kahneman's book 'Thinking Fast and Slow' explains our two types of thinking: fast reactions and slower, more careful thinking. Understanding this can help us make better decisions.

Twitter and Content Moderation

461 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content Moderation Misinformation Politics Elon Musk
  1. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have changed how fact-checking is done on their platforms. Instead of having official fact-checkers, they are relying on community input.
  2. Many suggested corrections on these platforms seem to just be people having different opinions. Often, they don't provide clear facts and can be more about arguing than informing.
  3. The interaction with these community notes doesn't seem to attract much attention. Most users appear to prefer the regular replies over community notes, which might indicate a lack of interest in these corrections.

Have the Democrats Learned Nothing?

922 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Political strategy
  1. The Democrats seem to be repeating past mistakes instead of learning from them. Many people believe they are doing what has already failed them.
  2. In the 1980s, the Democratic Leadership Council was formed to make the party more centrist after major losses. This shows that they have faced similar challenges before.
  3. History may repeat itself again, with a possible clash between moderate and activist members within the party. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
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Orwell Was Way Ahead of You

2075 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Free speech Media Liberalism Authoritarianism
  1. Censorship has existed for a long time. In the past, it was about avoiding upsets with powerful figures like Stalin, and today it can involve platforms suppressing certain views to not offend certain groups.
  2. George Orwell's work, like 'Animal Farm', still applies today. His message about free speech and censorship resonates with ongoing debates about what opinions are allowed in society.
  3. There are parallels between past and present politics. Just like Orwell faced backlash for criticizing the USSR, current tech leaders can face criticism for their decisions that some see as siding with extreme viewpoints.

Big Bird Saves Public TV

691 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Public funding Government Policy Political Advocacy Cultural impact
  1. Public TV often gets funding cuts proposed by some politicians, but it survives by rallying support from well-loved characters like Mr. Rogers and Big Bird.
  2. There are worries about biased reporting from public media, especially from NPR and PBS, which some say have a liberal lean. This has led to calls for directing funding to other media outlets.
  3. Instead of completely defunding public broadcasting, it might be better to diversify funding, allowing support for a wider range of media that reflects different viewpoints.

Great Movies You Might Not Have Seen, Part 4

1844 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Media Literature Performing Arts
  1. There are many great movies that most people haven't seen, and they are worth checking out. These films often have unique stories and perspectives that can inspire and entertain.
  2. One movie, 'After Life,' explores what happens when you die and how people choose a significant memory to carry with them. It's both a thoughtful and fun take on life and memory.
  3. Another interesting film, 'Temple Grandin,' tells the inspiring true story of a woman with autism who revolutionized the livestock industry. It highlights her unique understanding of animals and her journey in overcoming challenges.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 1

2536 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
  1. Roger Ebert was a unique film critic who focused on educating audiences about movies rather than making it about himself. He had a broad appreciation for all kinds of films, from popular favorites to lesser-known gems.
  2. Ebert critiqued films based on how they made viewers feel and whether they broke away from traditional Hollywood clichés. His reviews helped you decide if a movie was worth watching without giving away too much detail.
  3. He inspired many with his insights into filmmaking and storytelling. His ability to express complex thoughts about movies made him a go-to source for understanding cinema better.

A Complete Unknown

2997 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
  1. The movie 'A Complete Unknown' features Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and received praise for his performance, especially his singing.
  2. While the film captures Dylan's life and the era he lived in, it falls short in showing his true impact on culture and music.
  3. The movie includes characters like Pete Seeger and Joan Baez, but some events are fictionalized or inaccurately portrayed for dramatic effect.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 33

922 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Storytelling Character development Narrative Themes
  1. Len has found a new purpose in his retirement by managing an Internet sector mutual fund. It's surprising how his career took a turn he never expected.
  2. Cassie is now a single mom and Len is thrilled to be her child's godfather. Family roles can change, but that doesn't mean they can't bring happiness.
  3. Len is thinking about the future, considering how to help his goddaughter and honoring his late brother. It's important to think about legacy and the impact we can have on others.

A Mostly Fire-Free LA

1152 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political Coverage Public Perception
  1. Not all of LA is burning. In fact, only a small part of the area is affected by fires, and most residents are safe.
  2. News often focuses on dramatic stories, like fires or violence, because they attract more viewers. Good news doesn't get as much attention.
  3. Despite big headlines, the majority of people in LA are not under evacuation orders, showing that the situation isn't as dire for everyone.

Great Movies You Might Not Have Seen

1844 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
  1. Starting a movie club can be fun and a way to share lesser-known films that you love. It's more about enjoying the films together than just picking popular ones.
  2. There are a lot of great films out there that people might not have seen. Films like 'Tokyo Story' and 'Ikiru' can be really moving and worth watching.
  3. Streaming platforms like Kanopy let you watch movies for free using your library card. It's a great way to explore new films without spending money.

Great Movies You Might Not Have Seen, Part 3

1383 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
  1. There are many great movies out there that not everyone has seen. It's fun to explore lesser-known films that can be really impactful.
  2. Some movies combine rich storytelling with beautiful music and art, making them memorable experiences, like 'Black Orpheus'.
  3. Documentaries can shine a light on important moments in history, such as 'When We Were Kings', which focuses on Muhammad Ali's famous fight.

Great Movies You Might Not Have Seen, Part 2

1383 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
  1. There are many great movies that people might not have seen, offering a fresh viewing experience. It's a good idea to explore lesser-known films to mix things up.
  2. Movies like 'Shall We Dance?' and 'Afghan Star' provide unique cultural perspectives and stories that are entertaining and thought-provoking. Watching these films can broaden your understanding of different cultures.
  3. Family-friendly films, like 'The World's Fastest Indian' and 'October Sky,' can be enjoyable for viewers of all ages. They offer heartwarming stories that resonate with both kids and adults.

Notes on Chapter 32

691 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature History Art Family Relationships
  1. The characters have reached important milestones in their lives, like successful careers and personal achievements such as adoption. These moments show growth and fulfillment.
  2. The author acknowledges the loss of a friend who contributed to the writing process, highlighting the theme of family and community. This adds an emotional depth to the story.
  3. There is a hint at upcoming events, like the Microsoft antitrust trial, suggesting that the story will intertwine personal narratives with historical events. This keeps the reader engaged with both plot and context.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 2

691 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Biographies Social Critique Atheism
  1. Christopher Hitchens was a brilliant writer known for his unique talent with words. He could create outstanding articles quickly, even after enjoying drinks with friends.
  2. Hitchens didn't always agree with everyone, but he valued strong thinking and consistency in ideas. His journey shifted over time, reflecting changes in his beliefs.
  3. He was unafraid to challenge societal figures like Mother Teresa and Henry Kissinger, criticizing them for their actions regardless of their popularity. Hitchens focused on truth and human values in his work.

AI is an Assistant

1152 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Tips Nonfiction Storytelling Publishing
  1. AI can help writers by suggesting ways to make their writing more engaging. This includes adding stories and examples to capture interest.
  2. Using a conversational tone makes writing more relatable to readers. Simple language can help connect better than formal, complex words.
  3. It's important to hook readers emotionally and surprise them with interesting ideas. Engaging them with questions can keep their attention.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 3

1613 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Environmental Policy Social Psychology Behavioral Economics Public Goods
  1. The Tragedy of the Commons shows how individual self-interest can harm the common good. If everyone takes too much from a shared resource, like a pasture, it can lead to disaster for everyone.
  2. Not all experts agree on how to manage shared resources. While Garrett Hardin warned about the dangers of overuse, Elinor Ostrom showed that communities can effectively cooperate to manage their resources without strict government control.
  3. Trusting science can sometimes mean questioning popular beliefs. It’s important to look at different viewpoints and actual case studies to understand how people manage shared resources.

Movie Review: Anora

2766 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Art Humanities Social Issues Entertainment
  1. The movie 'Anora' tells a unique love story between a sex worker and a rich young man, highlighting their genuine connection amidst the chaos of their lives.
  2. The film explores themes of acceptance and the complexity of feelings related to sex and relationships, challenging the idea that sex work is simply a job without emotional weight.
  3. The characters bring humor and depth, especially with comedic elements surrounding family dynamics and cultural clashes, making it a fun yet thought-provoking watch.

Thoughts of Chairman Mao on GenZ

1383 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Education & Policy Social Critique Public Policy
  1. Many younger people today have a lot of education but lack real-world experience. This can lead to confusing ideas about life and work.
  2. There’s a suggestion that younger generations should engage in hands-on jobs or military service to gain practical skills and understanding.
  3. The older generations could help by admitting mistakes in how they educated younger people and offer real job training to help reduce issues like student debt.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 32

461 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
  1. Cassie adopted a two-year-old girl named Janine, which has been a big change for her. Despite the challenges of single motherhood, she finds it very rewarding.
  2. The characters are navigating their careers in the tech industry, which is rapidly changing with many startups emerging. Some are struggling with job management and the pressure of their jobs.
  3. Cassie's friends gather for Janine's baptism and share in her joy. They reflect on their own lives and seem to feel a bit left out in the family experience that Cassie now has.

Notes on Chapter 31

461 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
  1. Palm had a great product called the Pilot, but launching hardware is much harder than software due to the costs involved.
  2. Len and Janet are both finding success in unexpected ways, with Len becoming involved in the internet boom after retirement.
  3. The book highlights how different generations view careers and risks, showing a contrast between Len's secure job mindset and Janet's more adventurous approach.

Waffles From Scratch

922 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Breakfast Food Science Home Cooking
  1. Making waffles from scratch can be easy and fun! You don't need a fancy recipe; just follow a simple one and you'll impress your family.
  2. Using the right tools, like a good waffle maker, makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture of the waffles.
  3. It's all about experimenting! You can change ingredients and try new combinations to find what you like best.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 29

1152 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Startups Silicon Valley History
  1. Janet got a job at Netscape and felt nervous about the fast-paced startup culture compared to her old job at 3Com. She was excited but also unsure about how she'd fit in with the younger crowd.
  2. People at Netscape worked really hard, often late into the night, showing their commitment to making their browser successful. They truly believed they could compete with big companies like Microsoft.
  3. Netscape was gaining traction and businesses were interested in licensing the browser for their employees. This surprised Janet because many people assumed the software was only free for individuals.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 1

1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Political theory Social justice Philosophy
  1. Wokeness emphasizes empathy for marginalized people, but it's important to recognize that individual empathy doesn't solve large social issues. What works for one person may not work for a whole group.
  2. John Rawls' idea of the 'veil of ignorance' suggests people will choose fair principles for society without knowing their own future position, but this theory has limitations. People have their own biases and preferences that can't just be ignored.
  3. Studies show that when given choices, people often don't prioritize the needs of the worst-off as Rawls suggests. Instead, they tend to make decisions that maximize the average welfare of society.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 30

922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Startups Investment Software Finance
  1. Netscape went public and became super successful, even though they weren't making profits yet. People were excited about the potential for growth instead of just focusing on profits.
  2. The IPO day was a big moment, with the stock price skyrocketing to $74. This was a huge deal for the people involved, changing their lives and how they viewed their work.
  3. There was a shift in the tech world where everyone suddenly wanted to invest in Internet companies. It became a trend to have '.com' in a company's name, showing how fast things were changing.

Notes on Chapter 29

922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Silicon Valley Corporate strategy
  1. Janet leaves her job at 3Com to work at Netscape during a hectic time in the tech industry. Many developers worked long hours, often staying late into the night.
  2. Netscape was seen as a major threat to Microsoft because of its browser capabilities. The belief was that if everything could be done through a browser, the operating system wouldn’t matter much.
  3. There were shady practices in Silicon Valley, including how Microsoft tried to hinder Netscape's success. This atmosphere led to a sense of distrust among companies during that era.

Wokeness Dismantled, Part 2

1152 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Political theory Social justice Government Political Philosophy
  1. The family functions very differently than larger societies. In a family, people support each other unconditionally, while in broader society, abstract policies cannot replace personal relationships.
  2. Kant's ideas about moral rules might work in theory, but they often fail in real life. What feels fair for small groups doesn't always make sense on a larger scale.
  3. Elinor Ostrom showed that cooperation can work in communities without government intervention, highlighting the importance of the community size when solving problems. What's right for a family or village doesn't always work on a national level.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 31

691 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Tech History Silicon Valley Startups Internet Investment
  1. Cassie at Palm is excited about a new product called Touchdown but worries about funding for its launch. They found a partner to help manufacture it, which is a positive step.
  2. Len's career is taking a turn after Netscape's success, leading him to a possible job managing a new Internet-focused mutual fund. He’s starting to realize he enjoys this direction more than retirement.
  3. The bond between Len and his daughter Janet grows as they navigate their new potential successes together. Both are starting to embrace a more ambitious and wealthy future.

Technology to the Rescue!

1844 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Social media Communication Consumption Human behavior
  1. People have always believed that technology will solve human problems, from the telephone to AI. But no matter the advancements, our fundamental human nature remains the same.
  2. Many technologists share a faith in technology similar to religious beliefs, seeing it as a way to achieve progress and even redemption for humanity.
  3. Connecting people through technology, like social media, often leads to conflicts instead of harmony, reminding us that simply being connected doesn't guarantee understanding or peace.

Sorry, Elon: Henry Ford Started a Colony First

1152 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💾 History Colonialism Economics Agriculture Management Environment
  1. Henry Ford tried to create a city called Fordlandia in the Amazon rainforest to produce rubber. He faced many challenges because the environment was very different from what he knew.
  2. The project suffered from poor living conditions, high worker turnover, and management problems, leading to riots and disease among workers. It was hard to get people to stay and work.
  3. Ultimately, the project failed to produce rubber as intended and Ford lost a lot of money. It shows how difficult it is to impose a new way of life in an unfamiliar place.

Will Elondia Be Like Fordlandia?

922 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration Colonization Health Risks Technology Management
  1. Getting to Mars is much harder than reaching Fordlandia in the Amazon. Mars has extreme health risks like radiation that Fordlandia didn't face.
  2. Both places have serious health and management issues. Living conditions and isolation could lead to major problems for people on Mars, just like they did in Fordlandia.
  3. Fordlandia failed to become profitable and faced worker rebellion. Similar issues could arise in Elondia, where people's morale and management will be crucial for survival.

Notes on Chapter 30

461 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet IPO Software Business Innovation
  1. Netscape going public marked a big moment, but it wasn't an instant fortune for everyone involved. There were rules that kept employees from cashing out right away.
  2. When IPOs happen, share prices can soar initially due to limited availability. But once the lockup ends, prices often drop sharply, leading to disappointment.
  3. Not everyone realized the Internet's impact back then, and many were oblivious to its potential. While some like Bill Gates recognized it as a threat, others lagged behind in understanding.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 28

691 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Innovation Venture Capital Startups
  1. The author is publishing a new book and sharing it in chapters online, hoping readers will find it interesting enough to buy it later.
  2. The story features characters navigating the early internet business landscape, highlighting their challenges and opportunities.
  3. There's a focus on growth versus profitability, showing the tension between the desire to expand fast and the need to make money.

Notes on Chapter 24

922 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Character Plot Themes
  1. A young man named Len travels to New York to find his brother, discovering how to survive by working odd jobs and following leads. He learns his brother went to Russia as part of the Merchant Marine.
  2. Len recalls moments where he helped catch criminals, highlighting that even accountants can be heroes in tough situations, similar to how Al Capone was taken down.
  3. Len gets a chance to be on a public TV show about the Internet, which excites him and his family as they recognize it might fulfill his long-held dreams.

Notes on Chapter 26

691 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet Computing Corporate Innovation Telecommunications
  1. Grant Avery returns to the story, showcasing his journey from working with Fuji Xerox to facing challenges with global citizenship and personal relationships.
  2. Len and Dan's TV segment highlights the mixed reality of media portrayals and the success they found in pushing Internet investments, despite public misconceptions.
  3. The chapter emphasizes how big companies underestimated the Internet, thinking it was only for niche groups, while it was actually on the brink of becoming mainstream.

Notes on Chapter 27

461 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Innovation Startups Investing
  1. IBM partnered with Apple to create Taligent, hoping to finally compete with Microsoft in the PC market. They planned to introduce a 'guest operating system' idea like their mainframes, but not everyone believed it would succeed.
  2. Miriam's divorce from Matt is final, and she's likely to marry someone Matt dislikes. This adds tension to their already complicated relationship.
  3. Len, now a retired investor, is being courted by a VC firm that wants his help with clients. His retirement status makes him less of a threat, allowing him to offer support without competition.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 27

461 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Storytelling Publishing
  1. Reading stories in parts, or serials, is a fun and old tradition. It keeps people coming back for more every week.
  2. Working at big companies can feel familiar, but it often involves juggling different cultures and opinions, especially when many companies team up.
  3. People in tech often have strong opinions about new products, and convincing them can be tough, but it's important to stay confident and informed.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 26

461 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Literary Narrative Character development Technology
  1. Grant is back in Silicon Valley after a long time in Japan and is adjusting to his new life after divorce. It’s a big change for him, and he’s reconnecting with old friends.
  2. Len and Dan are featured on a TV show discussing investments and the Internet. They didn’t know the show would focus so much on their recent embezzling case, which surprised them.
  3. Len shares his strategy for investing in Internet-related companies, looking for those that will benefit from the tech boom. This shows he thinks ahead and tries to find new opportunities.