tech, startups, internet
Why “Uber for X” startups failed.
VC Andrew Chen analyzes why most of the marketplace startups billed as “Uber for X market” have failed. Spot on! | learn more
oh, chicago
The costs of Chicago’s Air & Water Show.
Listeners of WBEZ asked them to find out the costs, and the radio station did the research to deliver! “When it began in 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show had a budget of $88.” Obviously it costs more now… | learn […]
fun facts
Remember the Trapper Keeper?
Thank you, Tedium for not letting us forget: “The Trapper Keeper is a beacon of nostalgia, but genericized branding and school rules have pushed it off to the side. Good luck finding a new one in 2018.” | learn more
fun facts
Admiral Nelson’s body was preserved in brandy.
I learned this on a tour of London this weekend. During the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the victorious Admiral took a sniper bullet to the shoulder and soon died. The ship’s surgeon William Beatty decided to preserve his body for […]
big ideas
Exploring the CRISPR market opportunity.
ARK Invest summarizes how various companies are working to apply the technology across different applications. This is a great shapshot of the investment opportunities in CRISPR right now. | learn more
thoughts of food
The ugly truth of ugly produce.
Phat Beets Produce puts the startup Imperfect Produce “on blast” for their business model. Basically, the author claims that the food wasn’t going un-eaten before their existence, so the business basically reduces supply for food banks. | learn more
thoughts of food
Former Naf Naf execs look to repeat their success.
I love this! Any readers know these guy personally? “Two of the chain’s former execs look to grow a local barbecue chain and start a chain of authentic taquerias, looking to be the ‘Lettuce Entertain You of fast-casual restaurants.’” | learn more
under the microscope
Scientists clock the speed of cell death.
“Stanford scientists have shone the light on one kind of programmed cell death and watched on as the path of destruction was formed, with the speed on show offering vital clues as to the mechanics at play.” | learn more
better doing
5 mental models for parenting.
From the mind of Farnam Street’s Shane Parrish: “No topic provokes more unsolicited advice than parenting. The problem is, no matter how good the advice, it might not work for your child or your particular situation. Here are 5 principle-based […]
retail therapy
How Sears sold technology to middle America.
It’s nice to see a story about the retailer in its prime for a change. “Sears and Roebuck—a firm that has seen better days—helped sell the public on computers, video games, and online services.” | learn more