Weekly Filet #220: How (and why) we will colonise Mars. And more.
1. How (and Why) SpaceX Will Colonize Mars (Wait But Why)
Another ridiculously long, mindblowingly good article from Wait But Why. It's just astonishing how Tim manages to go really deep on a complex topic and keep you entertained for a couple hours (I found the key just recently in an interview with him: «I just assume I’m writing for a bunch of mes, but me before I started researching the topic.»). And the best thing: You don't even have to buy the argument that we will or should settle on Mars, you'll learn so many things reading this article that it's worth the while no matter what.
2. Europe shouldn’t worry about migrants. It should worry about creeping fascism (New Statesman)
«Is it me,» said my friend, «Or is it just...okay to say things that are violently racist now?»
3. The Autocanonizer (Echonest)
Remember «The Infinite Jukebox»? The same guy now presents «The Autocanonizer». Pick your song and be surprised.
4. Romantic kissing is not the norm in most cultures (Science Daily)
Is this really true? Also, I love scientists: «Romantic kissing was defined as lip-to-lip contact that may or may not be prolonged.»
5. World News Quiz (Mediameter)
A quiz to test your knowledge of what's going on around the world. There's a really interesting twist at the end (it's made by the MIT, after all), so make sure to finish it.
The news for those who missed it last week
I've got some news to share, both good and bad. The good news: I've got an exciting new job, I'm joining NZZ as their first Head of Storytelling. The bad news: That means the Weekly Filet will have to take a break as of September. I love this thing and I will bring it back, but only after I've settled in the new job, which may take a while.
Now, if you're a paying supporter of the Weekly Filet, you can pause or cancel your payments here. Or, if you can afford to be mean, you can just keep paying me to send me a monthly reminder that I'd better end this bloody break real soon. If you're not yet a paying supporter and think it might be a good time to start now – well, that would be outright evil.
Best,
David