How Star Wars toys have changed over the years and why it may not be a good thing for kids. What if there were tons of alien civilizations elsewhere in the Milky Way but they’re all long since dead? And the Danish tradition of leaving porridge out on Christmas Eve to bribe mischievous elves. Sponsors: Skillshare, get a free trial of Premium Membership at skillshare.com/kottke BitTrust IRA, Waive your signup fee BitTrustIRA.com/kottke Links: Star Wars toys and Mandalorian figures aren't really fo...
Dec 23, 2020•18 min
Down the rabbit hole of targeted marketing through the lens of some strange, butt-flap onesie pajamas for adults. Don’t trust the sea foam in Australia. And some Catalonian Christmas traditions that are pretty crappy. Sponsors: BitTrust IRA, Waive your signup fee at BitTrustIRA.com/kottke Skillshare, get a free trial of Premium Membership at skillshare.com/kottke Links: Why are ads for pajamas with a butt flap taking over the internet? (Business Insider) Why Is This Woman's Left A-- Cheek Follow...
Dec 22, 2020•18 min
What will movie theaters look like in a post-pandemic world? And what do companies need to do to weather the storm? New research that suggests our early human ancestors could have hibernated. And the pyrotechnic German punch that Atlas Obscura describes as “mulled wine’s metal cousin.” Sponsors: NordVPN, Get 68% off plus FOUR additional free months––at nordvpn.com/kottke or use coupon KOTTKE BitTrust IRA, Waive your signup fee BitTrustIRA.com/kottke Links: How movie theaters will survive beyond ...
Dec 21, 2020•17 min
Some ways that COVID could change science forever––both good and bad. The business of Christmas trees and why we’re still seeing the effects of the Great Recession in tree prices today. And a site that plays ambient noise from the forests of the world. Sponsors: HelloFresh, Use code ridehome80 to get $80 off including free shipping at HelloFresh.com/ridehome80 Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottke Links: COVID-19 Changed Science Forever (The Atlantic) How Christmas trees are made, expla...
Dec 18, 2020•18 min
Physicists have measured sound diffusion in a perfect fluid for the first time ever and created a surprisingly popular SoundCloud track. A bunch of new works are entering the public domain in just a few weeks. And the Kellogg brothers are best remembered for inventing cornflakes, but in their time they were known for a number of other odd foods; a look at their B-side, including snowflake toast and the world’s first patented meat substitute. Sponsors: Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kott...
Dec 17, 2020•17 min
Genetically-engineered pigs have gotten the all clear. Digging into the field of galactic archaeology. And how Dippin’ Dots can help us better understand the leading COVID-19 vaccines, and may play a role of their own. Sponsors: HelloFresh, Use code ridehome80 to get $80 off including free shipping at HelloFresh.com/ridehome80 Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottke Links: FDA approves genetically engineered pigs (The Verge) Gene editing has made pigs immune to a deadly epidemic (MIT Tech...
Dec 16, 2020•17 min
What are tone indicators? Where do they come from, how are they used, and a look at both the pre-internet history of tone indicators as well as the origin of the emoticon. And, a question for the ages, what was the deal with the leg lamp in A Christmas Story? Sponsors: Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottke HelloFresh, Use code ridehome80 to get $80 off including free shipping at HelloFresh.com/ridehome80 Links: Tone Indicators and How to Use Them (NY Times) "Joke" Conversation Thread in...
Dec 15, 2020•17 min
Some practical tips to help you remember more of what you read. After 51 years, one of the Zodiac Killer’s ciphers has been solved. And Brussels sprouts kind of became cool in the last few years, and it’s not just because bars started serving them with a whole bunch of spices and bacon; it’s also due to some pretty fascinating cross-breeding. Sponsors: BetterHelp, Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/REPORT Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottke Links: How to Remember Everythin...
Dec 14, 2020•17 min
The household features that were shaped by previous epidemics. An ethics committee has approved the French military to start making bionic soldiers. And hot Dr Pepper. Sponsors: NordVPN, Get 68% off plus FOUR additional free months at nordvpn.com/kottke or use coupon KOTTKE BitTrust IRA, Waive your signup fee BitTrustIRA.com/kottke Links: The Curious History of Steam Heat and Pandemics (Bloomberg) From Closets to Subway Tile: How Previous Epidemics Shaped Design (Architectural Digest) French arm...
Dec 11, 2020•19 min
The Great Conjunction is upon us. Learn when and how to see Saturn and Jupiter closer than they’ve visibly been in 800 years. The Austin, Texas pop-up bringing canceled Taco Bell menu items back to life. Advice from a Japanese wellness expert on staying fit without entering a gym. And deepfake Santa is here to spread Christmas cheer. Sponsors: Fundrise, Get your first 90 days of advisory fees waived at fundrise.com/kottke NordVPN, Get 68% off––only $3.71/month, plus FOUR additional free months––...
Dec 10, 2020•18 min
Why did a French company send a whole case of wine into space last year? And, if NASA technically bans alcohol, how come so many astronauts drink it and why are so many companies designing microgravity alcoholic beverage options? All is not merry and bright behind the scenes of some of the more unlikely Christmas songs that have been banned in the past. And you can blast into the past with this site that broadcasts classic old radio shows all day and night. Sponsors: NordVPN, Get 68% off––only $...
Dec 09, 2020•17 min
The COVID vaccines headed for distribution were developed on the fastest timeline in the history of vaccines. But could we do it even quicker next time? Or even make the vaccine before an outbreak? Speaking of vaccines, William Shakespeare officially got vaccinated for COVID-19 today. Yep, you heard that right. And in other weird news, Mount Everest is taller than we thought. Plus, a website to help you stop judging books by their covers. Sponsors: Fundrise, Get your first 90 days of advisory fe...
Dec 08, 2020•16 min
The finder of Forrest Fenn’s treasure chest has been revealed. Also, what does one do with actual buried treasure in the twenty-first century? A special delivery for the astronauts on board the International Space Station. How you can help save bumblebees. And the latest sport to be added to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games lineup. Sponsors: StoryWorth, Get $10 off your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/ridehome Fundrise, Get your first 90 days of advisory fees waived at fundrise.com/kottke Links: Th...
Dec 07, 2020•15 min
The latest in deep sea luxury tourism. The story of a guy who just found out this week that he’s been a meme for years. The fascinating geometry of Pringles. And an actually kinda sweet story about the polio vaccine. Sponsors: CastleGrade, Enter code KOTTKE for 10% off at CastleGrade.com StoryWorth, Get $10 off your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/ridehome Links: Triton's latest submarine puts six people in a bubble, 3,300 feet under (New Atlas) Guy who became a meme thread (Adrian Smith, Twitt...
Dec 04, 2020•17 min
A few reasons why Zoom parties suck so much, some science-backed proposals to make them better, and a few platforms that are trying to do it. A website that will play that radio for you from anywhere in the world and any time going all the way back to 1900. And J.R.R. Tolkien’s house is up for sale. Sponsors: StoryWorth, Get $10 off your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/ridehome CastleGrade, Enter code KOTTKE for 10% off at CastleGrade.com Links: A Mission to Make Virtual Parties Actually Fun (W...
Dec 03, 2020•18 min
The Classic Tetris World Championship final is this Sunday, streaming live online, and if you were also surprised there is a Classic Tetris World Championship, then have I got a documentary recommendation for you. Archaeologists have discovered tens of thousands of Ice Age paintings on a remote cliff in the Amazonian rainforest. And a Christmas song that has been designed especially for dogs. Sponsors: CastleGrade, Enter code KOTTKE for 10% off at CastleGrade.com StoryWorth, Get $10 off your fir...
Dec 02, 2020•17 min
Scientists have used AI to make a massive breakthrough in protein folding that could cause huge ripples in drug treatments and understanding the human body. China has landed a robotic spacecraft on the moon and is bringing back souvenirs. Leave some milk and cookies in the Zoom chat because Santa Claus is officially going virtual. And another quick update on The Monolith. Sponsors: CastleGrade, Enter code KOTTKE for 10% off at CastleGrade.com StoryWorth, Get $10 off your first purchase at StoryW...
Dec 01, 2020•18 min
An update on the mysterious monolith in Utah. The plant-based seafood companies vying to become the fishy equivalent of Beyond Meat. And some tips for socializing outside during the cold winter months. Sponsors: BetterHelp, Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/REPORT CastleGrade, Enter code KOTTKE for 10% off at CastleGrade.com Links: Utah's Mystery Monolith Appeared Around 2016 Near Site of Old Movie and TV Locations (Gizmodo) Here is our official statement on the rumors surrounding t...
Nov 30, 2020•15 min
The Thanksgiving Day prank at NASA that ensured Thanksgiving Day pranks never happened again. How artificial intelligence could finally end the spread of tuberculosis. The new EP from a new wave band that is definitely not just Green Day in masks. And Dr. Fauci’s ruling on whether it’s safe for Santa Claus to visit this year. Links: How a Thanksgiving Day gag ruffled feathers in Mission Control (Ars Technica) These Algorithms Could End the Scourge of Tuberculosis (NY Times) The Network, Which Is...
Nov 25, 2020•17 min
The saga of the infamous pig couch on Craigslist. A strange metal monolith has appeared without explanation in a deserted red rock cove in Utah. What does Yellowstone National Park have to do with the COVID-19 test kits? And a new device that will let you listen to things privately, without others being able to hear them, and with no headphones required. Sponsors: The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/subscribe BitTrust IRA, Waive your signup fee BitTrustIRA.com/kottke Links: Craigslist...
Nov 24, 2020•17 min
Mars may still be volcanically active, which could mean positive things for the potential of life on the planet. More good vaccine news, this time from Oxford and AstraZeneca. And speaking of Oxford, the dictionary took a weird turn for their Word of the Year. Sponsors: BitTrust IRA, Waive your signup fee BitTrustIRA.com/kottke The Jordan Harbinger Show, jordanharbinger.com/subscribe Links: Signs of Recent Volcanic Eruption on Mars Hint at Habitats for Life (NY Times) Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covid-...
Nov 23, 2020•16 min
Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, Wondery (Dr. Death, Dirty John, The Shrink Next Door) and Universal Music Group present Jacked: Rise of the New Jack Sound. The story begins with a keyboard player in the heart of Harlem: Teddy Riley. Teddy’s entire world was music. Playing it. Composing it. Producing it. Teddy and his friend Timmy Gatling followed their dreams and started a revolution in the world of hip-hop and R&B.They crafted hit after hit, and were on top of the world. Their group’s quick ris...
Nov 21, 2020•7 min
Did Ben Franklin really think the turkey should replace the eagle as America’s national bird? Analyzing the microbiome of Leonardo DaVinci’s drawings. And scientists who have figured out a way to rewind cellular aging in humans. Sponsors: Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottke BitTrust IRA, Waive your signup fee BitTrustIRA.com/kottke Links: Should the Turkey Replace the Bald Eagle as the National Bird? Ben Franklin Thought So (Discover Magazine) From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 26...
Nov 20, 2020•16 min
Advice for enjoying the holidays even if you’re spending them alone this year. AI researchers have made a sarcasm detector. And a look at the burgeoning field of paleomixology. Sponsors: Fundrise, Get your first 90 days of advisory fees waived at fundrise.com/kottke Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottke Links: How To Enjoy the Holidays if You'll Be Alone This Year (Vice) 22 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Into Your Own Weird, Perfect Holiday (Vice) Baskin-Robbins Turkey Cake (Baskin-Robbins) ...
Nov 19, 2020•18 min
Some real talk about celebrating Thanksgiving this year. How artificial intelligence is being used to recreate smells from history. And Bunny the Talking Dog, the latest viral star on Tiktok. Sponsors: Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottke Fundrise, Get your first 90 days of advisory fees waived at fundrise.com/kottke Links: How to Reduce (but Not Eliminate) Covid Risk at Holiday Gatherings (Wired) A Pandemic Winter Safety Rule: Don't Spend Time Indoors (The Atlantic) How to Decide if I...
Nov 18, 2020•20 min
A look at trans figures in history in honor of Transgender Awareness Week. New stretchable sensor gloves that could change the game for robots, physical therapy, and VR. Liquid Death, the over-the-top canned water company, has released their second album of the year. Plus a new release from Waffle House. And a quick extra detail about the Moderna vaccine to add to my rundown from yesterday. Sponsors: Fundrise, Get your first 90 days of advisory fees waived at fundrise.com/kottke Fitbod, Get one ...
Nov 17, 2020•19 min
A second potential COVID-19 vaccine is showing incredible efficacy and bringing us a modest dash of hope. The future of sustainable air conditioning. The French media outlet that accidentally published obituaries for nearly a hundred public figures today… all of whom are still alive. And the Star Wars character that the SpaceX Crew Dragon astronauts brought to space this weekend. Sponsors: Fitbod, Get one month free at Fitbod.me/kottke Fundrise, Get your first 90 days of advisory fees waived at ...
Nov 16, 2020•18 min
Why do we associate Friday the 13th with being unlucky? The weird and creative solutions some offices are coming up with for virtual holiday parties this year. And don’t miss the next, and first official, SpaceX astronaut flight launch tomorrow. Sponsor: BitTrust IRA, Waive your signup fee BitTrustIRA.com/kottke Link: 2020’s second Friday the 13th is this Friday (EarthSky) Friday the 13th isn’t unlucky. It’s a meme disguised as superstition. (Vox) Why is Friday the 13th So Unlucky? (Snopes) Thes...
Nov 13, 2020•18 min
A simple question with a very, very complicated answer: how many holes does a straw have? Why the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine could be significant beyond COVID-19. And yet another botched art restoration in Spain. Sponsor: Gabi Insurance, gabi.com/kottke Links: Q: What Is a Hole? A: We're Not Sure! (Kottke) How Many Holes Does a Human Have? (Vsauce, YouTube) What We Talk about When We Talk about Holes (Scientific American) GOING DEEP DISCUSSION TOPIC: "What is a hole?" (David Rees, YouTube) Why It’s...
Nov 12, 2020•19 min
A deep dive into why a statue of an eighteenth century feminist writer has caused such a stir in England. A new YouTube show to watch, made by Hungarian scientists, called The Genius Dog Challenge. And Collins Dictionary’s word of the year. Sponsor: Gabi Insurance, gabi.com/kottke Links: Mary Wollstonecraft finally honoured with statue after 200 years (The Guardian) On women's bodies in statues (Mona Eltahawy, Twitter) On women in parks (Tracy King, Twitter) For Three Suffragists, a Monument Wel...
Nov 11, 2020•17 min
