Veedeeohs
Paternoster Lift
Phased out decades ago due to their unfortunate propensity to kill and/or maim people, there are nonetheless a few of these escalatoravors still in service. -Brian
Food
Which Drink Trends Should Disappear in 2019?
I was mercifully unaware that many of these drink trends existed, but after a little Googling about a few of them I think I'm in agreement with most of these takes. - Calvin
Truvia Crime
The Secrets of the World's Greatest Art Thief
This is insane... dude was living that Versaille life for decades. -Brian
This guy is a criminal version of Ignatius J. Reilly from Confederacy of Dunces. - Calvin
TravelMASity
52 Places to Go in 2019
The NYT annual list is out and just like last year's it is incredible. I've got roughly 20 covered, which leaves 32 to fit into my calendar for 2019. -Brian
You Fancy, Huh
Party Bird Island
We had a few not-awful days this week weather-wise, which has me thinking about summer. So here's a giant floating island thing to start saving your pennies for. - Calvin
Sports (Disc Golf)
Hilaree Nelson, Jim Morrison Make First Ski Descent of Lhoste
Amanda recently went to Vail "for work" and that trip plus this article makes me wonder, "Why do people go outside when it's cold?" I just don't get it. - Calvin
Follytics
Michael Avenatti Lived the High Life While Owing Millions to IRS
No further example of the herd mentality of our modern day media and/or culture is needed beyond this yahoo. For about three minutes he was a semi-serious presidential candidate and TV talk show superstar. Meanwhile, in reality he's stealing (allegedly) money from his clients, business partners, and whoever else will sit still long enough for him to dip his hand into their pockets. -Brian
I love technology (and science)
Lego Hidden Side is like a tiny AR Ghostbusters escape room
There's a good chance I'm buying myself one of these new kits when they're released in August. - Calvin
Further Reading
Mall’s End: What will retail look like without stores?
Courtesy of Joe D. who routinely sends me super-smart and interesting stuff. You should also take note of the source; in a world of absolutely terrible political websites, City Journal stands out as smart, sober and thoughtful. I try to read around all sides of the political spectrum and every time I wander through CJ I'm impressed. -Brian
Further Listening
Career Advice
I share some audio advice on advancing in your career and how to make more money.
-Brian
Rear View Mirror
Did Bobby Fischer play a series of online chess games in 2001 after living for years as a recluse?
Apparently Bobby Fischer is still out there spawn-camping n00bs in online chess matches. Do you think he says rude things about your mother over voice chat as well? -Brian
Trash Fire
Damien Hirst's Shipwreck Fantasy Sinks in Venice
So recently Katie and I watched this documentary about this incredible shipwreck recovered off the east coast of Africa. All these incredible treasures recovered were believed to have been the lost collection of a famous ancient Italian art collector. After finishing it, we had this weird emotional mix of fascination and skepticism–it just seemed too perfect. There were these epic sculptures that seemed like scenes from movies or video games brought to life. Everything recovered was in great shape and seemed too crisply made to have been from ancient Greece or Rome or wherever. After a little googling we realized we'd been had...the whole documentary is actually a "mockumentary" as part of the promotion for this gigantic art exhibition in Venice. I'm not even mad...that's just brilliant marketing, although a bit devious. -Brian