Sysfin
@sysfin.bsky.social
Unapologetically normie aesthetics.
Lover of Worker Coops.
More unions is more better.
LVT enjoyer.
Tool library hype.
Part time Wikipedia editor.
Also love MST3K, Rifftrax, Last Drive In, Svengoolie, Elvira, USA Up All Night and similar nonsense.
He/him
Lover of Worker Coops.
More unions is more better.
LVT enjoyer.
Tool library hype.
Part time Wikipedia editor.
Also love MST3K, Rifftrax, Last Drive In, Svengoolie, Elvira, USA Up All Night and similar nonsense.
He/him
Reposted by Sysfin
in Breaking Bad, the slightly-less-shameful-than-meth story they come up with to explain Walter White's illicit revenue is that he developed a gambling addiction that nearly drove him to suicide and tore apart his family
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵.
February 16, 2026 at 6:07 PM
in Breaking Bad, the slightly-less-shameful-than-meth story they come up with to explain Walter White's illicit revenue is that he developed a gambling addiction that nearly drove him to suicide and tore apart his family
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵.
Reposted by Sysfin
We need more fiction about how fucking good liberal modernity is, because for all the bellyaching about it, it's a hell of a lot better than what came before, and compared to all the (horrific) actually existing alternatives.
Come to the lib side! We have fun, excellence, and basic human decency.
Come to the lib side! We have fun, excellence, and basic human decency.
February 16, 2026 at 5:44 AM
We need more fiction about how fucking good liberal modernity is, because for all the bellyaching about it, it's a hell of a lot better than what came before, and compared to all the (horrific) actually existing alternatives.
Come to the lib side! We have fun, excellence, and basic human decency.
Come to the lib side! We have fun, excellence, and basic human decency.
I believe this is also how morning radio shows work.
A lot of the streaming stuff didn’t make sense to me until I realised it’s a way of acting like the people you watch on the computer are your friends
Broadly speaking: reality tv is bad for democracy, influencers are bad for democracy, streamers are bad for democracy, YouTubers are bad for democracy.
Exceptions to all categories exist, but it’s astonishing how absolutely clogged our political and media ecosystems are with low-info narcissists
Exceptions to all categories exist, but it’s astonishing how absolutely clogged our political and media ecosystems are with low-info narcissists
February 16, 2026 at 1:36 PM
I believe this is also how morning radio shows work.
Reposted by Sysfin
🚨 HUGE WHO SALE! 🚨 Click https://bgfn.sh/275sale to get up to 50% off dozens of full-cast Doctor Who adventures starring Colin Baker, Peter Davison and Sylvester McCoy.
Offers expire at 23:59 (UK time) on 22 February 2026.
Offers expire at 23:59 (UK time) on 22 February 2026.
February 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM
🚨 HUGE WHO SALE! 🚨 Click https://bgfn.sh/275sale to get up to 50% off dozens of full-cast Doctor Who adventures starring Colin Baker, Peter Davison and Sylvester McCoy.
Offers expire at 23:59 (UK time) on 22 February 2026.
Offers expire at 23:59 (UK time) on 22 February 2026.
Reposted by Sysfin
Sweden curling set up a sting operation to catch Canada cheating i’m fucking losing it
February 16, 2026 at 1:52 AM
Sweden curling set up a sting operation to catch Canada cheating i’m fucking losing it
The best thing about Bsky is seeing a cute little joke then two hours later realizing it was about a serious scandal.
What if I give the curling stone a little kiss after launching it? Is that a crime?
February 16, 2026 at 4:58 AM
The best thing about Bsky is seeing a cute little joke then two hours later realizing it was about a serious scandal.
Reposted by Sysfin
New post about tariffs. Last week two reports found that foreigners have borne very little of the cost. But the CPI came in somewhat soft. Is there a contradiction? As I explain, no.
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/who-is-pay...
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/who-is-pay...
Who Is Paying the Trump Tariffs?
A wonkish guide for the confused
paulkrugman.substack.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:38 PM
New post about tariffs. Last week two reports found that foreigners have borne very little of the cost. But the CPI came in somewhat soft. Is there a contradiction? As I explain, no.
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/who-is-pay...
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/who-is-pay...
Reposted by Sysfin
I still think the internet is the best comp for AI. It was a bubble that popped, but the underlying tech turned out to be real. It enabled a bunch of psychosis and slop, but also some genuinely cool stuff. Massive labor market disruptions, but employment levels look about the same.
February 15, 2026 at 9:46 PM
I still think the internet is the best comp for AI. It was a bubble that popped, but the underlying tech turned out to be real. It enabled a bunch of psychosis and slop, but also some genuinely cool stuff. Massive labor market disruptions, but employment levels look about the same.
I could tell an insane story about some in-laws and which family members they disown and which they didn't.
But i won't because it just depresses me. Just assume the worst and you will get the broad stokes.
But i won't because it just depresses me. Just assume the worst and you will get the broad stokes.
building on a topic we were discussing yesterday: in large portions of the United States, there is a *very strong* cultural norm that the highest social faux pas is to imply moral deficiencies in others even *or especially* if those things are true. It is because half the country were slavers.
I just heard someone say on TV that use of the term "concentration camps" to describe ICE facilities was "very strong language."
I think ICE's concentration camps are very strong abuses of human rights.
I think ICE's concentration camps are very strong abuses of human rights.
February 15, 2026 at 8:36 PM
I could tell an insane story about some in-laws and which family members they disown and which they didn't.
But i won't because it just depresses me. Just assume the worst and you will get the broad stokes.
But i won't because it just depresses me. Just assume the worst and you will get the broad stokes.
Reposted by Sysfin
building on a topic we were discussing yesterday: in large portions of the United States, there is a *very strong* cultural norm that the highest social faux pas is to imply moral deficiencies in others even *or especially* if those things are true. It is because half the country were slavers.
I just heard someone say on TV that use of the term "concentration camps" to describe ICE facilities was "very strong language."
I think ICE's concentration camps are very strong abuses of human rights.
I think ICE's concentration camps are very strong abuses of human rights.
February 15, 2026 at 5:43 PM
building on a topic we were discussing yesterday: in large portions of the United States, there is a *very strong* cultural norm that the highest social faux pas is to imply moral deficiencies in others even *or especially* if those things are true. It is because half the country were slavers.
Reposted by Sysfin
When Democratic leaders say Republicans will be reasonable and go along with Dems’ common sense proposals, that’s not because they expect the GOP to, but because they’re setting up “Republicans are the unreasonable ones.”
Though it’s an open question if bankshots like that fit the political moment.
Though it’s an open question if bankshots like that fit the political moment.
Schumer on DHS reforms: "I believe Republicans will have no choice but to go along with us because it's so common sense"
February 15, 2026 at 2:30 PM
When Democratic leaders say Republicans will be reasonable and go along with Dems’ common sense proposals, that’s not because they expect the GOP to, but because they’re setting up “Republicans are the unreasonable ones.”
Though it’s an open question if bankshots like that fit the political moment.
Though it’s an open question if bankshots like that fit the political moment.
Reposted by Sysfin
99.9% of the time, "there is a wholesome chungus blue collar Southern guy who doesn't have the right vocabulary (i.e. he says slurs) but whose heart is in the right place" is a nothing but a lie people tell themselves to pretend that woke urbanites aren't the vanguard of LGBTQ+ tolerance.
Honestly? Texas.
They may not always have the right vocabulary but it seems like most of them are happy to live and let live as long as you don't trespass on their land.
Gavin Newsom, on the other hand, is a fucking snake.
They may not always have the right vocabulary but it seems like most of them are happy to live and let live as long as you don't trespass on their land.
Gavin Newsom, on the other hand, is a fucking snake.
February 15, 2026 at 2:13 AM
99.9% of the time, "there is a wholesome chungus blue collar Southern guy who doesn't have the right vocabulary (i.e. he says slurs) but whose heart is in the right place" is a nothing but a lie people tell themselves to pretend that woke urbanites aren't the vanguard of LGBTQ+ tolerance.
This mother fucker loves that damn city and everyone in it.
Everyone in the world comes to get married at the NYC Marriage Bureau. Last week, the Mayor stopped by to officiate a few of those ceremonies.
Thank you to all the couples who shared their joy with us. Happy Valentine's Day, New York.
Watch the full video at Youtube.com/nycmayorsoffice
Thank you to all the couples who shared their joy with us. Happy Valentine's Day, New York.
Watch the full video at Youtube.com/nycmayorsoffice
February 14, 2026 at 6:58 PM
This mother fucker loves that damn city and everyone in it.
Reposted by Sysfin
Related: you know what I really really love? An incredibly well edited & well paced“previously.” which relieves characters from having to exposition endlessly.I am v deep in book I’m working on now so NO PROMISES but I’ve contemplating writing an episode about 22 episode seasons called “Previously.”
February 14, 2026 at 3:46 AM
Related: you know what I really really love? An incredibly well edited & well paced“previously.” which relieves characters from having to exposition endlessly.I am v deep in book I’m working on now so NO PROMISES but I’ve contemplating writing an episode about 22 episode seasons called “Previously.”
Reposted by Sysfin
Part of what deeply annoys me about this is that episode counts are so much shorter. So in these sawed-off seasons, characters are spending way too much time telling each other things they all already know. I’m absolutely sure most writers & actors hate this as much as many of us do.
February 14, 2026 at 3:42 AM
Part of what deeply annoys me about this is that episode counts are so much shorter. So in these sawed-off seasons, characters are spending way too much time telling each other things they all already know. I’m absolutely sure most writers & actors hate this as much as many of us do.
I have developed the belief that vast amounts of modern shows would be better with almost no exposition but instead had a narrator.
Then at least I could see actors act instead of them narrating for half a scene.
Then at least I could see actors act instead of them narrating for half a scene.
There are some shows I have given up on because of the constant constant re-stating of exposition. Exposition is a thing that is definitely needed in normal amounts. The amounts being demanded right now by executives at some streamers is excessive & annoying & has killed my interest in some shows
February 14, 2026 at 5:47 PM
I have developed the belief that vast amounts of modern shows would be better with almost no exposition but instead had a narrator.
Then at least I could see actors act instead of them narrating for half a scene.
Then at least I could see actors act instead of them narrating for half a scene.
Reposted by Sysfin
Women also built postwar world: UN (Dr Esther Brunauer forced out of State Dept work on UN/UNESCO by McCarthy), UN human rights dec (E Roosevelt), IMF/Bretton Woods, implementing Marshall Plan, Undersec/Def Anna Rosenberg rec'd key GI Bill pieces/insisted on desegregating military base schools...
February 14, 2026 at 2:18 AM
Women also built postwar world: UN (Dr Esther Brunauer forced out of State Dept work on UN/UNESCO by McCarthy), UN human rights dec (E Roosevelt), IMF/Bretton Woods, implementing Marshall Plan, Undersec/Def Anna Rosenberg rec'd key GI Bill pieces/insisted on desegregating military base schools...
Reposted by Sysfin
This article from 2004 contains the line "Consider the following scenario. It's the election of 2008, and Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton are in a dead heat in a race for the White House."
The future is uncertain, as it always has been.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
The future is uncertain, as it always has been.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
How Jefferson Counted Himself In
Something was funny about the Georgia ballot during the 1800 election. Did Thomas Jefferson act properly in making himself President in 1801? A historical detective story
www.theatlantic.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:40 PM
This article from 2004 contains the line "Consider the following scenario. It's the election of 2008, and Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton are in a dead heat in a race for the White House."
The future is uncertain, as it always has been.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
The future is uncertain, as it always has been.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
Rather then continue having a gross day here....
I'm just gonna enjoy this and be inspired to do my own mini painting and maybe put on some music.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w6p...
I'm just gonna enjoy this and be inspired to do my own mini painting and maybe put on some music.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w6p...
Building ONE Cozy Room for My Calico Critters🐱 | Miniature Dollhouse DIY
YouTube video by Miss Mini Life
www.youtube.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Rather then continue having a gross day here....
I'm just gonna enjoy this and be inspired to do my own mini painting and maybe put on some music.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w6p...
I'm just gonna enjoy this and be inspired to do my own mini painting and maybe put on some music.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w6p...
Reposted by Sysfin
anyway, it turns out that like half the people talking about this are talking about gavin newsom, who is never going to be president, and i am confident enough about this that i simply refuse to offer an opinion about whether i'd vote for him if i had to — i won't have to
this isn't a binary choice; it is a candidate's responsibility to get votes, and it is the citizen's responsibility to vote for the candidate who will produce the best outcomes (or avoid the worst). you can argue all day about harris' campaign but citizens chose trump, an objectively terrible choice
The inversion of electorial responsibilities by American libeerals is extremely bizarre to me. It's a mentality that Democrats cannot fail voters, the voters fail Democrats. If "your guy" didn't win it has nothing to do with the guy and everything to do with a disobedient electorate.
February 13, 2026 at 8:51 PM
anyway, it turns out that like half the people talking about this are talking about gavin newsom, who is never going to be president, and i am confident enough about this that i simply refuse to offer an opinion about whether i'd vote for him if i had to — i won't have to
Reposted by Sysfin
Not really sure how you can see Evelyn Normielib (D, Texas) setting fire to a facility that might have the possibility of becoming an ICE concentration camp and despair about how Dem primary voters are gonna pick Gavin "We are Charlie Kirk" Newsom as the nominee
February 13, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Not really sure how you can see Evelyn Normielib (D, Texas) setting fire to a facility that might have the possibility of becoming an ICE concentration camp and despair about how Dem primary voters are gonna pick Gavin "We are Charlie Kirk" Newsom as the nominee
Hmm keeps getting auto corrected to mommy.
I dont like that.
I dont like that.
February 13, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Hmm keeps getting auto corrected to mommy.
I dont like that.
I dont like that.
Reposted by Sysfin
I think it pretty wild there was so much acrimony in the early bsky days that forming their own app was seen as more likely way to combat harassment then the mods banning people in the cool kids club.
February 13, 2026 at 6:38 PM
I think it pretty wild there was so much acrimony in the early bsky days that forming their own app was seen as more likely way to combat harassment then the mods banning people in the cool kids club.
I really feel that the arguments about Newsom are not really about Newsom. They are a proxy fight for direction of the party.
If you focus on what he signed, you probably think ok of him.
If you're focused on 2026/8, his podcast is clearly concerning because it indicates he won't prosecute hard.
If you focus on what he signed, you probably think ok of him.
If you're focused on 2026/8, his podcast is clearly concerning because it indicates he won't prosecute hard.
February 13, 2026 at 6:35 PM
I really feel that the arguments about Newsom are not really about Newsom. They are a proxy fight for direction of the party.
If you focus on what he signed, you probably think ok of him.
If you're focused on 2026/8, his podcast is clearly concerning because it indicates he won't prosecute hard.
If you focus on what he signed, you probably think ok of him.
If you're focused on 2026/8, his podcast is clearly concerning because it indicates he won't prosecute hard.