A programmer shares their years-long struggle with chronic pain, detailing ineffective treatments like ergonomic improvements, stretching, and targeted exercises. They ultimately discovered environmental factors (direct air conditioning exposure) and referred pain as key contributors. The importance of mindset and positive mental attitude in pain management is also highlighted.
A child of the 1970s reminisces about the elusive Sony FX-300 "Jackal 300" radio, a dream machine he never owned. Primarily sold in Japan, this radio boasts a mini CRT television screen, precise analog tuning, a top-mounted cassette player/recorder, AM/FM reception, and a killer retro design. The author praises its unique aesthetics and seeks readers' experiences with this 'holy grail' device.
This article showcases a diverse collection of websites offering DRM-free ebooks, comics, magazines, and RPGs. The list features award-winning publications like Clarkesworld science fiction magazine, publishers specializing in translated East Asian literature (Honford Star), and independent comic creators (Roman Labs). The article also highlights University of Wales Press, providing open-access academic research. It's a valuable resource for readers seeking diverse and accessible digital content, spanning various genres and formats.
Gravelmap, now part of Whitewater, has received a major update! The new Gravelmap boasts enhanced filter controls to search routes by length, elevation, proximity, and more; a new route list view panel for easy browsing and comparison; improved route surface type detection and filtering for confident riding; and a refreshed homepage. Users can easily add and edit gravel segments, with warnings against duplicates and private property. Overall, the update focuses on smoother, more intuitive, and personalized gravel route planning.
The author argues that introversion and extroversion aren't about social skills, but rather where you draw your energy. Most people drain the author's energy, but a select 2% energize them—their "2%ers." Harvard research highlights the importance of high-quality relationships for happiness, making finding your "2%ers" crucial. The author suggests listing your favorite activities and your "2%ers," scheduling time together, and sharing this post with them.
Advocates for privacy often encounter two damaging narratives: that privacy is dead and thus efforts to protect data are futile, and that only perfectly private and secure tools are worth using. The author argues that both mindsets lead to inaction. The article encourages a gradual approach, celebrating small wins like switching from SMS to Signal, even if imperfect. Instead of aiming for perfection, incremental improvements gradually enhance privacy. Building a positive privacy culture is key.
On February 14, 2025, NLRB Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen rescinded memoranda that had deemed certain non-compete and stay-or-pay agreements as violating the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). This reverses the stance of former GC Jennifer Abruzzo. While this is positive for employers, the rescission doesn't eliminate all legal risk. Existing NLRB case law and conflicting ALJ decisions remain, requiring employers to carefully consider state law and tailor restrictive covenants to protect legitimate business interests.
The internet promised a renaissance of discourse, but instead, we find ourselves engaged in low-quality arguments amplified by social media algorithms. These platforms reward conflict, making it difficult to change minds and fostering a Dunning-Kruger effect where confidence outweighs understanding. The author argues that online debate actively harms our thinking, suggesting we shift towards deep reading, writing, and more conducive environments for genuine learning, rather than focusing on winning arguments.
Palmer, an IT engineer, couldn't stand his team's inefficient weekly meetings. He bravely suggested improvements: shortening the meeting to 30 minutes, limiting speaking time to two minutes, and adding one-on-one meetings. While his suggestions were well-received by the team and improved the meetings, he was subsequently rated 'Needs Improvement' in his annual review and accused of lacking teamwork. Palmer leveraged his skills to secure three job offers, and the team he left was reorganized a year later due to poor performance. This story highlights the complexities of office politics, where even doing the right thing can have unforeseen consequences.
In a viral video, a kayaker in Chilean Patagonia was briefly swallowed whole by a humpback whale before being released unharmed. Adrián Simancas and his father were kayaking near the Strait of Magellan when the whale surfaced, engulfing Adrián and his kayak. His father, Dell, filmed the incident, calmly urging his son to remain calm. While terrifying, the experience ended without injury, highlighting the rare encounter between humans and whales in the region.
This post critiques the current societal power structure, termed 'broligarchy,' where a select few hold disproportionate power. While this might yield short-term gains, its inherent narrow-mindedness and lack of consideration pose long-term risks. The author argues that this model ignores fairness and social responsibility, exacerbating inequality and harming overall societal well-being. A call for genuine societal progress emphasizing the needs of all members, rather than solely focusing on economic liberty for a select few, concludes the piece.
This list compiles reviews from numerous restaurants in Colorado Springs, offering a diverse culinary landscape from authentic Cuban food to Thai cuisine. Arelita Authentic Cuban Food takes the top spot with a 5-star rating and 262 reviews, while other establishments like Starving and Manitou Baked also garner high praise. This list provides a wide array of options for diners to explore based on their preferences and tastes.
This article explores the complex question of when a military officer should disobey orders, even legal ones. The author argues that blind obedience is insufficient and that officers possess a moral autonomy stemming from their oath to the Constitution and their responsibility to their subordinates. Using historical examples and personal anecdotes, the author contends that officers have an obligation to challenge illegal or ethically questionable orders, even at the risk of career repercussions. The piece criticizes a lack of Congressional oversight of military actions and the resulting lack of public accountability.
Jacob Kiplimo, a 24-year-old Ugandan runner, smashed the half marathon world record in Barcelona, finishing in an astonishing 56:42. This is a 48-second improvement, the largest ever in the men's half marathon. Kiplimo attributed his success to ideal conditions and a spontaneous acceleration from the third kilometer. He averaged 22.3 km/h. He will now focus on his marathon debut at the London Marathon in April.
Morrisette, a homeless individual, repeatedly experienced a cycle of setting up camp, having it cleared by authorities, and then rebuilding. For two years, despite the kind assistance of Barrows in applying for housing, he felt despair at failing to qualify for priority placement. This article recounts a poignant story of struggle within the system, highlighting the challenges and intertwined hopes of a homeless person seeking help.
Due to a past record, the author experienced a series of issues with the car-sharing platform Turo: the reserved car suffered a flat tire, the replacement arrived late; cancellation failed; the new car was dirty, and registration issues led to a police stop; additional charges were levied upon return. This article highlights the potential risks of the sharing economy: lack of platform oversight, irresponsible individual operators, and difficulty protecting consumer rights. Although the author eventually received a refund, the entire process was time-consuming and laborious, highlighting the shortcomings of the sharing economy's lack of effective regulation and consumer protection mechanisms.
Argentine President Javier Milei's tweet promoting a memecoin called Libra, touted as a project to boost the Argentine economy, led to a spectacular crash. The token initially soared, but within hours, insiders holding roughly 82% of the tokens dumped their holdings, cashing out approximately $107 million and causing a 95% price drop. Milei subsequently deleted his tweet and claimed ignorance of the project's details. The incident highlights the risks of memecoins and the potential for manipulation in highly concentrated markets.
German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was fascinated by the colorful frescoes inside the Eremitani church in Padua, praising Mantegna's work in his Italian Journey diary. Tragically, on March 11, 1944, an Allied bombing raid targeting a nearby German barracks destroyed the priceless Renaissance artwork.
Students in Professor Ari Daniel Levine's World Civilizations I course at the University of Georgia have embarked on an ambitious Wiki project: "Around the World in 380+ Objects." This collaborative effort explores world history (pre-1500 CE) through detailed entries on over 380 museum artifacts from renowned institutions like the Louvre, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each object receives a dedicated page, creating a vast online resource for anyone interested in learning about world history through the lens of material culture.
This code snippet reveals a mass ban of YouTube channels by administrators between January and February 2025. The affected channels primarily featured background music, spanning genres like Lo-Fi, City Pop, and Ambient. The action has sparked speculation, with some suggesting copyright infringement as the cause, while others point to algorithmic misjudgment by YouTube. The impact on independent musicians and creators is significant, leading to discussions about the platform's content moderation practices.
Mary Midgley, a 20th-century philosopher, wrote a radio script in the 1950s, "Rings and Books," exploring the male-dominated nature of philosophical history and its impact on philosophy itself. Rejected as "trivial," it resurfaced decades later. Midgley argued that philosophers' lifestyles influence their views, with the male-dominated tradition neglecting female and family experiences, leading to limitations. Using Descartes as an example, she highlighted his isolated approach, overlooking the importance of human relationships. Midgley's ideas resonate with contemporary feminist philosophy, emphasizing the social and contextual nature of knowledge, challenging traditional objective views.
Drawing on personal experience and insights from books like 'Stolen Focus' and 'Digital Minimalism', the author explores strategies for combating digital distractions and cultivating a deeper, more focused life. The article uses neuroscience to explain how tech companies manipulate dopamine levels to influence behavior, then offers practical solutions. These include creating focused work environments (libraries, cafes), using offline tools (Obsidian), establishing routines, taking regular breaks (physical, mental, creative, etc.), and incorporating mini-retirements. The author argues that minimizing digital distractions and prioritizing high-quality work and life leads to lasting satisfaction and happiness. The piece concludes by emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature, cultivating patience, and viewing creativity as a gardening process requiring nurturing.
A seasoned traveler with over 50 years of experience shares their insights. They categorize travel into two modes: relaxation and engagement, favoring the latter. The article advocates for planning trips around passions, not just famous landmarks, offering numerous practical tips, such as visiting a driver's mother, crashing weddings, utilizing Google Maps for public transit, and taking street food tours. A unique 'laser-back' travel method is introduced: heading to the most remote destination first and meandering back to the city, maximizing the experience.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(933x472:935x474)/Luigi-Mangione-Support-021524-05-4d7c4e2b13df489a83e6b12b90ddfc7e.jpg)
Luigi Mangione, 26, charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, expressed gratitude for the widespread support he's received. In a statement on a website set up by his legal team, Mangione noted an outpouring of letters from across the country and globe, transcending political, racial, and class divisions. While unable to respond to all, he confirmed reading every message. Mangione faces federal murder charges, potentially carrying the death penalty, and state terrorism charges. He has pleaded not guilty to both. Notably, a group called the "December 4th Legal Committee" raised $297,000 for his legal defense from over 10,000 supporters.
A mass resignation of high-ranking officials within the Department of Justice (DOJ) has unfolded over a case against New York City Mayor Adams. Multiple prosecutors, including acting US attorneys and section heads, resigned rather than drop charges against Adams. This is seen as a strong protest against political interference in judicial independence; an insider called it "coercion, not capitulation." The incident sparks debate about political pressure versus legal independence and highlights the complexities of the US political landscape.
This article reveals a powerful technique for resolving conflict in meetings: simply stating what's happening in the room. The author argues that many meetings devolve into unproductive arguments due to clashing priorities, emotions, and unspoken tensions. Instead of engaging in the conflict, the solution is to directly name the collective experience, e.g., "I'm sensing a lot of frustration in the room." This disrupts negative patterns, creates shared awareness, and paves the way for more productive communication and problem-solving. The article provides tactical tips, including using "I" statements, avoiding singling out individuals, and knowing when to escalate.
A visit to a clandestine North Korean state-owned restaurant in Shanghai offers a unique time warp experience. The restaurant's retro decor and waitresses' 70s and 80s attire create a nostalgic ambiance. These highly educated young women from elite North Korean families speak fluent Mandarin, providing impeccable service. The dinner includes a captivating show blending traditional Korean folk songs with classic Chinese tunes. While the food is traditionally prepared, the service is exceptional. This immersive experience provides a rare glimpse into the secretive world of North Korea.
This post details the author's journey in finding the right phone for their child, Sam, who needs continuous blood glucose monitoring. They initially used the Pixel 4a 5G for its large screen, but as Sam became more mobile, a smaller, more rugged phone was needed. For over two years, the Cubot King Kong Mini 3 served as Sam's dedicated "pancreas phone," but its discontinuation necessitates a replacement. A temporary, inexpensive Smart E25 was purchased in an emergency, highlighting its poor quality. The author seeks recommendations for a durable replacement, sharing their experience in finding the right technology for their child's healthcare needs.
One hundred years ago, the opening of Edgware Underground station marked the completion of a tube extension, sparking a suburban building boom. The improved transport links enabled easier commutes, leading to speculative housing developments in diverse architectural styles, from Art Deco gems to Neo-Georgian pubs. The story of Edgware's transformation from farming village to modern town illustrates the profound impact of transit on urban planning and social change.
The author and his wife share a ChatGPT Pro account and utilize AI in distinct ways. His wife, in education and social work, employs AI for drafting addiction prevention materials, writing yoga studio contracts, and researching health information. The author primarily uses it for coding, software development, market research, and task automation. They discovered AI's applications extend beyond technical tasks, serving as a tool to enhance efficiency, aiding in planning and executing tasks, ultimately freeing up more time for family.