The enforced efficiency train keeps chugging along. “A new minimum standard for lightbulbs has been set at 45 lumens—or brightness—per watt. Retailers can’t sell bulbs that don’t meet the criteria, though households can continue using existing bulbs.” ~ learn more
I couldn’t help but share this sad link because it happened so close to my old home in Wicker Park. “The robbery was the second to hit a Chicago TV news crew this month.” ~ learn more
Aza Raskin’s talk will open your eyes to this amazing tendency of all human languages to map to surprisingly consistent semantic shapes. This allows AI to translate from one language directly to another without an intermediary “rosetta stone.” He takes that amazing phenomenon one step further with the idea that we can also translate animal languages the same way. ~ learn more
This report in Institutional Investor tells the story of stocks who have pivoted from promoting crypto schemes without substance to all-in on AI. “Nvidia’s explosive revenue growth really tells us nothing about the future of AI,” Koppikar explains. “It turns out every scammer in America is trying to buy H100 chips right now so that they can say they own them. In 2021, scam companies put Bitcoin on their balance…
This is a short and helpful reminder to be grateful for all the things we take for granted. ~ learn more
“Is the choice between 4-wheeled and 2-wheeled suitcases archetypal of some broader category? Do we often err in choosing fancy fragile solutions that work best in ideal circumstances over simple rugged solutions that perform better in merciless reality?” ~ learn more
“You can surround yourself with people who are sure that birds aren’t real, or find a community to reinforce that the patent medicine you’re taking works. And that will increase its positive placebo effect.” ~ learn more
This is a wonderful deep-dive into allergies, their increasing prevalence, and the theories that might explain it. “Our very old immune systems can’t keep up with modern lifestyles and diets, leading to increases in all sorts of chronic health problems like allergies and obesity.” ~ learn more
“I was always aware that executive physicals— ultra-high-end, luxury concierge care— existed, but I had never met someone who went through one. and now, due to an accident with my flexible spending account, I ended up with enough cash to try it out.” ~ learn more
I hadn’t considered that some folks weren’t happy with glass for packaging, but it seems that paper has advantages for recyclability, de-carbonization, and weight. “Food Manufacture speaks to Frugalpac about the potential for paper bottles to challenge glass for wine and spirit packaging supremacy.” ~ learn more