tech, startups, internet
Why it’s hard to innovate in construction.
“I suspect this reluctance to innovate is actually a rational calculus based on the expected value of an innovation.” | learn more
oh, chicago
City of Chicago 2022 budget up nearly 60 percent over pre-COVID 2019.
“Not only will many of the city’s tax revenues be up in 2022 as a result of the various stimulus packages for individuals and businesses – and $76.5 million in higher property taxes – but the city itself has an […]
fun facts
14 design secrets.
Why are movie theater curtains red? Why are airplane windows rounded? Answers to these burning questions, and more! | learn more
fun facts
The boiling river in the Amazon.
“When Andrés Ruzo was just a small boy, his grandfather in Peru told him a story with an odd detail: There is a river, deep in the Amazon, that boils.” | learn more
fun facts
How we found the giant squid
“Humankind has been looking for the giant squid (Architeuthis) since we first started taking pictures underwater. But the elusive deep-sea predator could never be caught on film. Oceanographer and inventor Edith Widder shares the key insight – and the teamwork […]
on the blockchain
Jump Trading no longer wants to be secretive.
“Jump Trading was once called one of Wall Street’s most secretive high-speed trading firms. But now, Jump is going fully public with its crypto operation and wants the community to know it is keen on being a vocal and transparent contributor […]
on the blockchain
If you’d bought bitcoin 10 years ago, you wouldn’t be rich today.
An interesting take on how things might have played out. “You would never have become a bitcoin millionaire, so stop regretting it.” | learn more
thoughts of food
Farewell San Francisco sourdough?
“San Francisco sourdough was so special that when the dominant lactic acid bacterium present in its starters was identified, it was named Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis (recently re-named Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis).” | learn more
under the microscope
New details on silicon, subatomic particles and possible ‘fifth force’.
“By aiming subatomic particles known as neutrons at silicon crystals and monitoring the outcome with exquisite sensitivity, the NIST scientists were able to obtain three extraordinary results…” | learn more
under the microscope
Can progressives be convinced that genetics matters?
“Harden understands herself to be waging a two-front campaign. On her left are those inclined to insist that genes don’t really matter; on her right are those who suspect that genes are, in fact, the only things that matter. The […]