Technology is enabling black markets to function with more privacy for both buyers and sellers. The latest version of this is called a Dropgang, and it’s fascinating. | learn more
Indian Science Congress skimps on science
“The remarks, which also included a claim that a Hindu god created the dinosaurs, sparked an uproar among scientists and congress organizers and on Twitter.” | learn more
Coming to America sequel is confirmed
The original is one of my favorite movies, so I hope you’re as excited as me. | learn more
Rich New Yorkers are paying pro dog hikers to take pets to the country.
No judgement here – I might do it too if I were in the same position. “Call them coddling or overindulgent, but affluent dog owners like the Carillos have given rise to newfangled services like My Dog Hikes and Kristi’s Kanines. For $85 to $130 a day, they will take city dogs hiking in beautiful places like Harriman State Park and South Mountain Reservation, while their owners are cooped up in cubicles.” | learn more
Is it possible to mediate while drunk?
This is a neat play-by-play documenting how it went for someone who tried. Spoiler: he was able to meditate, but it wasn’t great. “A Reddit user performed an interesting experiment: trying to meditate while drunk after consuming copious amounts of alcohol, with interesting results!” | learn more
How to combat robocalls.
The good news is there’s a plan called STIR/SHAKEN. The bad news is it’s going to require tech changes at all the carriers across the world. I started reading this because I hate hate hate incoming phone calls these days. I kept reading because it was interesting learning about the challenge of stopping robocalls (most of which originate overseas). | learn more
Insights from reading 1,182 ER bills.
“A $5,571 bill to sit in a waiting room, $238 eyedrops, and a $60 ibuprofen tell the story of how emergency room visits are squeezing patients.” | learn more
The year’s weirdest and wackiest inventions.
If anyone gets the swimming pool trailer and wants to invite me over, I will bring Kind bars and wine. | learn more
Bernie Madoff’s victims are close to getting their $19 billion back.
This is a total shock to me – the victims have recovered 70% of their original principal. Everyone who had invested under $1.4mm (~1,400 people) has been repaid in full. Serious round of applause is owed to the trustee Irving Picard. | learn more
What is Gemba?
This is really new to me, and I like it. “‘Going to Gemba’ is the act of visiting the shop floor in Lean. Literally translated as ‘The Real Place’, it pushes leadership to understand their own business.” | learn more