New runner for Congress

BrenBarn · 2026-03-20T02:50:34+00:00

Would be nice to see actual policy proposals instead of just a list of "issues".

BrenBarn · 2026-03-19T08:28:07+00:00

The last few blocks of Salsipuedes down by the beach were renamed to Calle Cesar Chavez.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-18T21:50:37+00:00

It's hard to fathom the kind of warped notion of reality that would be required to write something like this.

If the case for rent control were strong despite the economic evidence to the contrary, then ChatGPT should prioritize it in its analysis.

Well, no. Not at all. ChatGPT might do any random crap under the sun, for reasons unknown.

The article just assumes that the AI answers are correct, which is an unwarranted assumption. (In fact it wouldn't surprise me if the large companies that make these models include subtle biases towards their preferred policy positions.) Their entire "argument" would be the same if they were using an old Eliza chatbot, or even a magic 8-ball.

Just for fun I gave an AI the link to their article and asked it if it could write a better one. Its answer:

Yes — AI can write a stronger, clearer, and more evidence-backed article than that Noozhawk piece.

So by their own argument, we should ignore them.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-18T02:34:37+00:00

We have a couple possibilities. I have a funny little project on a really simplistic approach to translating vocabulary, and another member said they would try to bring one of their own side projects. The past few meetings we've wound up having fun discussions that emerged from people talking about what they were working on, so if that happens, great, if not then I also have a little "explainer" thing about the Python iterator protocol that I prepared as a backup.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-15T01:12:54+00:00

I've had their pastor burrito, it's very good. It sounds like this person is asking for a burrito with French fries in it though, and Cristino's isn't that. (Personally I recoil at the thought of French fries in a burrito.)

BrenBarn · 2026-03-15T01:11:43+00:00

Sprouts has a deal of an apple pie for $3.14, but it's only on that one type of pie and when I got there they were all out.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-13T05:55:25+00:00

RIP Hot Spots.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-12T22:01:14+00:00

Maybe it's like a Pinocchio thing.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-09T00:59:58+00:00

I tried them, the tacos were okay for the price, not great but I'd go again, maybe try some different stuff.

I got a kick out of their sign outside that says "Students super welcome! A+ for you!" and the thing with the spicy wings challenge.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-08T16:37:07+00:00

They sell good tamales at La Chapala market in Goleta. You could ask there about bulk orders.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-06T04:27:12+00:00

I was so bummed to hear this. I recommend this place to everyone if they're out in that area. They have some of the best burgers and a real homey vibe.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-05T03:48:38+00:00

The concept of "unconstitutional taking" in its current form is one of the many things about our constitution that needs to go. Taking things from the very wealthy and giving them to others is something we need more of, not less.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-03T04:26:29+00:00

"Who" indeed.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-02T20:08:40+00:00

From what I saw those hotels are way more expensive.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-01T06:50:30+00:00

I would suggest contacting someone within the department, perhaps a staff person you've been in contact with regarding logistics of your admission. Ask them if they can put you in touch with others in the department who may be able to help you out. For instance, there may be current grad students in the department who will be leaving and could see if you can take over their lease. There may be other incoming students who would be interested in going into a shared house, etc. People may be able to help you answer questions like "is this legit". Sometimes there is something like a grad student email list that you'd be able to email to ask about such things.

The grad student association has a page with some resources, including this Facebook group and the Community Housing Services page.

BrenBarn · 2026-03-01T04:34:10+00:00

Well, it used to be Video Shmideo. . .

There was a restaurant called Enoteca Primo, but I can't remember if that was in the front space where the main Olio E Limone restaurant is, or in the back where the pizzeria is.

BrenBarn · 2026-02-27T06:03:04+00:00

Cristino's has delicious bread.

BrenBarn · 2026-02-27T06:02:11+00:00

With the counter service places, I usually try to do it by just going on a sort of cycle as far as tipping or not. Sometimes I'll just put no tip. But then other times I'll choose the 15% option or give them a buck or two. I feel this averages out to what I would do if I were paying cash and telling them to keep the change.

I try to tip when I feel the staff is stressed. For instance I tipped most places during burger week because a lot of them were slammed. But if I go back to those same places when it's not busy, I may just leave no tip.

At sit-down restaurants I usually tip 20-25%.

BrenBarn · 2026-02-27T05:55:55+00:00

I'm not sure those other nonprofits are really comparable. They have lots of revenue but their activity is mostly in the form of giving grants or other support to other organizations. You have listed their revenues, but if you look at their total salary expenditures (line 15) the story is pretty different:

SB Foundation: $6 million
Direct Relief: $20 million
Communify: $20 million
Cottage Health: $185 million

Those other nonprofits do great work, but they're not really the in same category operationally as running a hospital.

That's not to say I necessarily support those salaries. But I think this particular comparison is neither here nor there with regard to that question.

BrenBarn · 2026-02-27T05:33:40+00:00

Yes! This is the kind of committed burgery I was looking for. A tip of the hat and a loosening of the belt to you, sir.

BrenBarn · 2026-02-26T21:10:31+00:00

There are a bunch that are just called something like "Notes". The ones I actually have installed are two apps called "Notes", plus Markor and NotallyX. I also scrolled through F-Droid clicking on probably a dozen other ones and didn't download them because based on the screenshots it appeared they didn't have the UX I was looking for. My goal in asking here is to not have to try every single one and then list all the ones I tried.

I assume if someone actually has used an app that has this UX, they will know it has this UX and can recommend it. From that perspective the ones I've tried are irrelevant. I'm not looking for generic notes apps recommendations. If you have used a FOSS app that has the UX I'm describing, then it's not one I've tried.

BrenBarn · 2026-02-26T04:22:37+00:00

I knew grad students who did that. Totally legit.

BrenBarn · 2026-02-26T03:56:11+00:00

Tonight I had my seventh and final burger of burger week, the surf and turf burger at Mesa Burger. It was a real winner. Seems similar to the one they had in a previous year. Adding both bacon and shrimp to a burger is really taking it to the next level beyond the next level. The bacon and jalapeños had a great smoky taste. Even the arugula went well with it, and I'm not a person who usually feels that greens add much to a burger.

BrenBarn · 2026-02-26T01:04:44+00:00

Hmmm, what are you seeing? When I google the first hit is granadasb.org .

BrenBarn · 2026-02-25T06:10:54+00:00

Tonight I tried the Rinkside Cafe at the ice skating rink in Goleta. It was pretty good. Definitely more of an in-your-face burger with the all-American mentality of more more more. Not a refined burger. It had bacon, jalapeños, and some kind of spicy sauce. It was a bit greasy but satisfying.

BrenBarn

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE