A fascinating prank with real consequences
+ Doughnut economics, Chocolate rain, Chat etiquette (#332)
1. What the Hell Is Going On With GameStop’s Stock?
I’m sure there are some broader lessons here about the power of online communities, the illusion of efficient markets, post-post-capitalism and everything else people like to project to it with their confirmation biases, but for now: a fascinating prank with real consequences. Ingredients: A struggling company, hedge funds betting on its decline, an online community willing to buy shares to teach the evil capitalists a lesson (and, maybe, yet another hedge fund in the background, pulling the strings). 💥 Read about it now.
2. I’ve Said Goodbye to ‘Normal.’ You Should, Too.
After the cautiously optimistic view on climate change from last week, some straight up realism on what awaits us once we‘ve defeated the coronavirus pandemic. «Going back to normal now means returning to a course that will destabilize the conditions for all human life, everywhere on earth. […] And disaster will strike, you can be sure of that, so we must begin preparing today for the next shock to the social order, and the next, and the next.» Read it now.
3. My Viral Video and Me
🎶 Chocolate raiiiiiiin. 🎶 — Does it bring back memories? It was one of the first videos to go viral on the web, back in 2007. The BBC Documentary podcast has met with the man behind this video, and other early viral stars, and talked to them about how it has impacted their lives. Very interesting. Initiate time-travel now.
4. Amsterdam Is Embracing a Radical New Economic Theory to Help Save the Environment
«Doughnut economics» is not only the tastiest-sounding economic theory, but an interesting attempt at striking a balance between a life that’s good for humans and sustainable for the environment. Interesting case study from Amsterdam. Read it now.
5. Public debate is good for science
Science, like all attempts at finding truth in chaos, is a messy undertaking. Usually, a lot of the messiness remains inside universities and labs. However, in this pandemic, the public has seen science happen in real time, probably more closely than ever. Too confusing, harmful even? The case for debating science in public: «Let everyone see the noisy, messy deliberations that advance science and lead to decisions that benefit us all.» Read it now.
What else?
A database of words that don’t translate.
I’m 99.9% sure you know someone who needs to hear this bit of chat etiquette.
Headphones on, lean back, enjoy: Rokia Traoré: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
Made me smile: To raise awareness for climate change, Finland’s coldest town will bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympics.
«The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.» — Linus Pauling
Recommendations are already pouring in, but if you missed it last week, here’s my book challenge for you: Check out what books I’m reading and point me to a good one I don’t know yet. If I end up adding it to my all-time favourites, I’ll buy you $100 worth of books.