There’s been lots of talk about the need for the US to produce more of its own semiconductor chips–but it’s not just the making of the chips that matters, it’s also the making of the machines that make the chips. The market for the highest-end chipmaking equipment is dominated by the Dutch company ASML, which now will be prohibited from exporting these machines to China, per Dutch government agreement with US request.
ASML’s current high-end lithography machine has over 100,000 components and takes 40 freight containers to ship. Unsurprisingly, ASML’s CEO says that the export restrictions will simply push China to create its own technology, and also unsurprisingly, David Goldman (‘Spengler’) agrees.
Mark Andreessen says The most important idea and paper I’ve encountered in the last 20 years is “availability cascades”. His summary here.
The strategic importance of the Black Sea, especially as it relates to the Ukraine War.
Dating dealbreakers for women.
Speaking of dating, here’s a study suggesting that creative output leads to mating opportunities.
Ridicule: Some thoughts at The Orthosphere.
Violence and Self-Esteem: Some thoughts on the connection.
How people kept multiple tabs open in the 1500s:
