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replicatorblog commented on Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?    · Posted by u/guzik
replicatorblog · 2 years ago
Our fund, Founder Collective, isn't hardware-focused, but we have backed a lot of transformative hardware startups – E.g., Whoop, Formlabs, Cruise, Desktop Metal, Kinsa, Running Tide.

We've also backed a bunch that haven't been able to make it work. It's a tantalizing space, but wickedly hard. That said, we remain ever optimistic and if you're building something in hardware, please reach out – joeflaherty@foundercollective.com

replicatorblog commented on America’s favorite family outings are increasingly out of reach   thehustle.co/americas-fav... · Posted by u/gmays
daveslash · 3 years ago
Your "State Fair vs Disney" really struck a nerve with some people! But I agree with your point. I took your comment to generally mean: Things like Baseball games and Disney used to be economical and within reach to the common-everyday family with a tight budget, whereas now they're out of reach for many people. Part of that is because the attractions themselves are on an elevated level compared to days of yore. These same attractions used to be shittier than they are today! Shittier made them cheaper, and more accessible to the masses. If the common-everyday family on a tight budget is willing to settle for a little less-than-the-best experience, there are still plenty of options available in the form of State Fairs, State Parks, etc... Edit: Spelling.
replicatorblog · 3 years ago
Disney is really overrated as a park.

I live in NH and the local amusement park, called Canobie Lake, has more rides and ride systems than the Magic Kingdom. The "themeing" isn't as nice but it's a fraction of the cost.

I like the Disney Parks, but you're really paying a heavy premium for IP and a potential visit with a Princess. For most people your local Six Flags will be a far better value for the dollar with not much of a dimunition of the experience.

replicatorblog commented on Ask HN: What are the benefits to having children nowadays?    · Posted by u/sforza
Balgair · 3 years ago
Sorry to hear about your daughter, I hope she gets better.

Fuck Cancer.

replicatorblog · 3 years ago
Thanks! She'll be five years post-treatment in November, so we're blessed on that front!
replicatorblog commented on Ask HN: What are the benefits to having children nowadays?    · Posted by u/sforza
replicatorblog · 3 years ago
My nine-year-old daughter has had cancer and been diagnosed with epilepsy and high-functioning autism. Despite these challenges...

+ Being a parent is fun. Kids are super funny. Teaching them stuff is a treat, and seeing their interests emerge is a wonderful feeling. Assuming you love your spouse, you get to see this chimera of the best parts of you and your partner walking around in the world.

+ Kids are also familial and social glue. Even if you live a ways from parents, it's an easy excuse to stay in touch, a place to plan trips. One of the crazy things that as your kids grow they look and sound like different relatives. It's a cool experience.

+ Selfishly, it's nice knowing you'll have some influence on the world, no matter how small, after you pass.

I'm know some childless billionaires and honestly I wouldn't trade the decade-long headstart I've had with my daughter and her brother for all their worldly fun. Everything people say about parenting being the best thing you'll ever do is right – and they're underselling it.

FWIW, I understand the cynicism. You seem like someone who has suffered through tough times. I hope you find peace.

replicatorblog commented on Juul bought an entire issue of a scholarly journal   prospect.org/health/juul-... · Posted by u/i_love_limes
lemonberry · 4 years ago
My father has COPD from over 50 years of smoking. I convinced him to switch to vaping and he's been using a Juul for a few years now. Awhile after the switch his primary care physician listened to his lungs and said they sounded a lot better. She said she because the science isn't in "I can't tell you to vape but I can tell you to keep doing what you're doing".

Should non-smokers pick up vaping? Probably not. But in this one instance it was a good move for a smoker.

I'd like to see more studies in this area and some more regulations on the "juice" for vapes. The quality, and I assume health effects, vary widely between different juices. For example: I bought him a non-refillable vape by another company and he started coughing and complaining of soreness in his throat.

I also think the arguments against the flavored juices are hysterical/hypocritical given the variety of flavors of liquor one can find.

Disclaimer: I think all drugs should be legal.

replicatorblog · 4 years ago
Ecigs are likely one of the most impactful public health interventions of the last 50 years. They provide a substitute that is less dangerous and pleasurable which keeps compliance high.

Juul and their competitors were genius product managers paired with irresponsible to the point of malevolent product marketers.

I would like someone to do a "Years of life saved" calculation that tallies the expected years save by switching smokers to vaping balanced against those who were attracted by vaping who eventually went to smoking. My guess is even with the new entrants the years of life saved would be extraordinary.

u/replicatorblog

KarmaCake day8793October 19, 2008
About
https://twitter.com/josephflaherty

Formerly Wired:

https://www.wired.com/author/joseph-flaherty/

Currently – Content & Community for Founder Collective, a fantastic VC firm:

http://www.foundercollective.com/

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