tech, startups, internet
SpaceX wins FCC approval to deploy 7,518 satellites.
As context, there are currently fewer than 2,000 operating satellites in space. | learn more
tech, startups, internet
How a promising anti-aging field turned into a battleground.
“In 2013, David Sinclair, a geneticist at Harvard, published a high-profile paper showing that aging mice became more youthful when they were dosed with a NAD-enhancing compound.” Now there are two high-profile well-financed direct-to-consumer companies selling supplements that increase NAD. […]
oh, chicago
The hole in Chicago’s map.
“Ever wonder why there’s a hole in the Chicago map east of O’Hare Airport? Here’s why.” | learn more
oh, chicago
Huge growth in Illinois ‘little baby casinos’.
The Chicago Tribune dives into the growth of the video gambling industry inside bars, truck stops, donut shops and other small establishments. “Video gambling’s revenues have grown by more than 75 percent in just the last three years in Illinois.” | learn […]
fun facts
The history of RFID and electronic tolling.
Tedium highlights the history of the invention of RFID (in the context of espionage) and its role in electronic tolling transponders (like your I-Pass). | learn more
fun facts
The Fresh Prince is back (just for a few minutes).
I’ve locked my phone to only allow social media apps for 30 min per day. Thankfully, this made the cut. Will Smith, his long-time friend Jazzy Jeff, and his son Jaden Smith brought back the classic theme song to Fresh […]
fun facts
The time bandits of Southern California.
“The true story of a ring of thieves who stole millions of dollars’ worth of luxury watches—and the special agent who brought them down.” | learn more
book recommendations
How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
Author: Michael Pollan Author Michael Pollen weaves together a lot of science, stories and experience into an intriguing narrative about psychedelics. I read this shortly after finishing a science-based book about meditation. It seems both methods – mindfulness and psychedelic […]
book recommendations
The Science of Mindfulness: A Research-Based Path to Well-Being
Author: Ronald Siegel I’ve tried meditation a few times in my life, but not yet with the dedication that I apply to other areas. Partly, I’ve been skeptical of its effects. And partly, it’s hard to do! I decided to read […]
book recommendations
The Lessons of History
Authors: Will Durant, Ariel Durant Will and Arial Durant are historians who spent five decades studying world history and creating an 11-volume Story of Civilization. From Wikipedia: “It totals four million words across nearly 10,000 pages, but is incomplete.” This is […]