Notes and observations from a lifelong pursuit of learning.
Articles & Podcasts of Note (Week of 11/4/2019)
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5-Hour Workdays? 4-Day Workweeks? Yes, Please (nytimes.com): Cal Newport (Deep Work and Digital Minimalism) opinion piece about how our views of knowledge work and traditional work schedules are still evolving.
Bill Simmons’ Book of Basketball 2.0 Podcast (theringer.com): Bill Simmons sequel to 2009’s The Book of Basketball isn’t a book but a podcast. No matter, it’s fascinating to see how much basketball has changed in the last decade.
The Collar Bomb Heist (wired.com): In 2003 a man with a bomb forcibly locked onto his neck is forced to rob a bank. Incredible true story described as “one of the most complicated and bizarre crimes in the annals of the FBI.”
How Washington Keeps America Sick and Fat (politico.com): “The share of research dollars devoted to nutrition has stayed largely flat for at least three decades…” even as diet-related conditions like obesity, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are on the rise.
Life is a Ponzi Scheme (nih.gov): The inversion of global age distribution—from many young supporting few elderly to the new arrangement where fewer young support many elderly—is frighteningly similar to the infamous Ponzi scheme.
The Lure of Luxury (bostonreview.net): As someone not swayed by luxurious things, it’s great to get some insight on why luxury goods are so compelling.
My Obsession with the Bon Appétit Cinematic Universe (jezebel.com): I’m fascinated by the ways platforms like YouTube are changing the content-landscape AND I’m a glutton for food programming. I consider this article a double-win.
Regulating Big Tech Makes them Stronger so They Need Competition Instead (economist.com): Cory Doctorow article points to the dark side of regulations: regulatory capture and stronger moats for incumbents. Will our political leaders consider these impacts or go for the expedient solutions that unwittingly bolster these companies?
The Riddle of the Well-Paying Pointless Job (medium.com): “Jobs where you know you could do the work in one to two hours each day, yet you have to pretend you’re working for a whole eight or nine hours.”
This. Isn’t. Sparta. (coup.blog): Magnificent 7-part series about the Hollywood myth of Sparta vis a vis the actual reality of the historical city-state.