tech, startups, internet
The empty promise of data moats
Oh thank god somebody (two gents from a16z) just called B.S. on the generic idea that data = sustainable competitive advantage. | learn more
oh, chicago
Violent crime, jail population drop in first year of bail reform
Looks like they gave no bail to the really rough criminals, and smaller bond amounts to everyone else. “The data shows that the average bond amount fell from $5,000 to $1,000, while the percentage of inmates picking up new charges […]
oh, chicago
Springfield considering raising annual electric vehicle registration fee to $1,000
This story seems to have spread like wildfire in the last day. I’ve been more tolerant than most of our state and local governments reaching into our collective pockets, but this one set me off. If they pass this garbage, […]
fun facts
The chronological history of avocados 🥑
You probably have only eaten Hass avocados. They’re delicious, and all originate from one O.G. tree in California. Learn that story and more, dating back to the 1500s. | learn more
fun facts
The structure of stand-up comedy
The Pudding dissects Ali Wong’s show Baby Cobra line by line and joke by joke to understand its genius. So cool! | learn more
staying thirsty
Harvard quietly amasses California vineyards – and the water underneath
“Making a bet on climate change, the university’s $39 billion endowment has been snapping up farmland and the related rights. In a warming planet, few resources will be as strained as water. ‘It was surprising, the prices they were willing […]
on the blockchain
On stablecoins and beauty pageants
“Some algorithmic stablecoins have proposed incorporating price feeds by asking their token holders. In this post, we point out that this mechanism is broken because of a fundamental incentive misalignment.” | learn more
big ideas
Fuel cell system converts atmospheric CO2 into usable electric current
Is this too good to be true? Anyone know a good chemist who can weigh in? “Korean and US engineers devise hybrid sodium-carbon dioxide fuel cell that eliminates carbon dioxide and produces electricity and hydrogen.” | learn more
thoughts of food
Chicago’s ‘Milk Bar’ being sued for trademark infringement
“The New York-based bakery alleges Jojo’s Milk Bar is ripping off both its name and its logo.” Turns out they’re not the same company… I have to say, I thought there was an affiliation, so the “confusion in the marketplace” […]