book recommendations

Catherine the Great

I had a basic understanding of Catherine’s (her birth name was actually Sophia) story from The Romanovs. This was a much deeper dive into her story, chronicling the journey of this minor German princess to the Russian throne. She ended […]

big ideas

The future bodyNET. 

“Electronics are set to merge with our bodies to extend our perceptions. Smartphones and watches will give way to the bodyNET: a network of sensors, screens and smart devices woven into our clothing, worn on our skin and implanted in […]

tech, startups, internet

The Shopify story in numbers. 

I’ve highlighted Shopify in the past – specifically how easy it made launching an ecommerce site. Elon’s Musk (above) is also powered by Shopify. As the company crosses $10B in market cap, VC Tomasz Tunguz analyzes their business by the […]

tech, startups, internet

The human-powered answer to AI. 

With Artificial Swarm Intelligence, Unanimous AI predicted these outcomes in 2016: Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar win, Superfecta in the Kentucky Derby, Penguins Stanely Cup win, Cubs Word Series win, Trump GOP nomination. Do I have your attention yet? CEO Louis Rosenberg showcases his […]

oh, chicago

Gang boss has free reign of Cook County Jail. 

“Reputed West Side gang boss — now facing charges in 6 killings — sent guard to hospital, made threats, bragged of violence, records show. And he largely got away with it because Cook County Jail disciplinary board didn’t act soon […]

fun facts

Mushroom pickers stop US tanks. 

In Poland, NATO military drills were interrupted because the locals ignored warning signs and went into the tank grounds to pick mushrooms. | learn more