under the microscope
Two-layer graphene becomes a diamond-hard material on impact.
This is a very interesting development. Imagine ultra-thin bullet-proof clothing and other applications for armor. | learn more
better doing
Why calendars are more effective than to do lists.
This is a great article that explains something that I learned first-hand a few years back. I found myself transferring to-do items to my calendar regularly to plan my time. Eventually, I skipped the to-do list altogether. The calendar has […]
better doing
Growth without goals.
This is a provocative look at goals and their potential dark side. Goals that haven’t been achieved yet may end up becoming “failures” if viewed with the wrong frame of reference. The author has turned to habits for right-now in […]
retail therapy
On the Whole Foods shortages.
I’ve heard speculation about Amazon’s influence being the source of the recent stock-outs. This convincing article instead lays the blame on a new inventory efficiency campaign that’s working well – maybe too well. | learn more
on the blockchain
Inside a pump and dump chat group.
A reporter shares details of his inside look at the chat rooms where crypto ‘investors’ attempt to scam money from the public. Interesting twist – sometimes it backfires! | learn more
tech, startups, internet
The X team has a new approach to connectivity.
One of the technologies they had to apply for Project Loon (balloon-powered internet) turned out to be interesting for other applications. Now Google’s moonshot team is toying with Free Space Optical Communications, which reminds me of ancient light-based relay stations. | learn […]
tech, startups, internet
A conversation with Fred Wilson and Carlota Perez.
This video was posted as “throwback” because the conversation took place about 10 years ago. I hadn’t heard of her before, and am really impressed with her thinking on technology’s impact on finance. I’ve now added some of her writing […]
oh, chicago
How Chicago gave America its time zones.
“Until 1883, the country was a chaos of local times. Then, in one week, almost everyone in America was on the same clock.” | learn more
oh, chicago
A ‘serial stowaway’ made it past TSA at O’Hare airport.
She’s allegedly done this up to 8 times. This week, she made it London before being caught and turned back. | learn more
fun facts
Women endure crises better than men.
“Women today tend to live longer than men almost everywhere worldwide — in some countries by more than a decade. Now, three centuries of historical records show that women don’t just outlive men in normal times: They’re more likely to survive […]