Something About Cats

Something About Cats is a diverse Substack by Ian Yanusko, blending personal insights on startups, international experiences, cultural observations, and personal interests, including technology, the Beatles, and cats. The posts traverse a range of subjects, from travel reflections and expat life to technological tools, literature, and distinct culinary experiences.

Startups International Cultures and Travel Technology and Innovation Music and Culture Lifestyle and Personal Experiences Culinary Discoveries Writing and Creativity Self-improvement Historical and Cultural Reflections

The hottest Substack posts of Something About Cats

And their main takeaways

Japan impressions

39 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Culture Technology Food Design Environment
  1. Japan has high standards in cleanliness, efficiency, and food quality.
  2. Japan feels like a well-designed video game with intriguing zoning and attention to detail.
  3. Japan excels in hardware craftsmanship but lags behind in modern tech innovations.

Finite jest

19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existence
  1. Quantify the value of experiences by considering how many times they may occur in the future
  2. Prioritize what is important and be present in moments, knowing they are limited
  3. Reflect on the finite nature of life to make the most of meaningful experiences

22 from '22

58 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
  1. Favorite new bee-boop computer tool: Clearspace helped cut down on social media time.
  2. Favorite new restaurant: Killer Noodle in Sawtelle, Los Angeles
  3. Favorite new town: Bend, OR

What I'm doing / an election abroad

78 implied HN points • 23 Nov 20
  1. The author is working for a company supporting emerging tech startups in Jakarta through the Alter Global Fellowship Program.
  2. Americans abroad may both overestimate and underestimate the importance of their country's influence and culture globally.
  3. The US presidential election was closely followed around the world, showing the impact and influence of US politics and culture internationally.
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My personal Beatlemania: an intro

19 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
  1. Beatlemania is more than just a phase
  2. The Beatles' impact evolves as you grow and experience life
  3. The Beatles can be viewed as a religion in themselves, offering a unique way to navigate life

Three surprising lessons from Y Combinator

19 implied HN points • 01 May 22
  1. Solve real problems, don't force fit your solution
  2. Success equals not dying in the startup world
  3. Balance self-care and personal growth to scale yourself

What Americans Should Know About Indonesia, pt. 1

0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
  1. Indonesia has the fourth largest population in the world.
  2. Islam is the dominant religion in Indonesia.
  3. The religious landscape of Indonesia changes across different regions.

Chesapeake & Ohio, Pt. 2

0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 21
  1. Day 4 of a multi-day bike trip can be filled with monotony
  2. Highlights of multi-day bike trips are remembered, but most time is spent biking one pedal at a time
  3. Finding joy in mundane moments can make long journeys more bearable

Chesapeake and Ohio, pt. 1

0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 21
  1. The author embarked on a bike trip from Pittsburgh to DC with friends, exploring historical trails and industrial landscapes.
  2. They faced challenges like rough terrains, eerie historic sites, and encounters with local characters along the way.
  3. The journey was filled with moments of adventure, discovery, and reflection, blending physical exertion with historical and natural exploration.

The LinkedIn post

0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 20
  1. Discovering a new career opportunity can lead to unexpected and fulfilling experiences.
  2. Being part of a supportive and collaborative team can enhance learning and growth.
  3. Building strong connections with a community can make a significant difference in adapting to a new environment.

The honeymoon post

0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 20
  1. People in Turkey have differing attitudes and behaviors towards Covid-19 safety measures.
  2. Expensive hammams didn't deter the author from experiencing them in Istanbul.
  3. The street cats in Istanbul are cherished and will be the subject of a future post.

23 from '23

0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Music Art Food Travel
  1. Favorite new bee-boop computer tool: Mailspring, open-source and customizable.
  2. Favorite new restaurant: Angelo's Pizza in Philadelphia.
  3. Favorite new town: Kyoto, Japan - it lives up to the hype.

2023 Holiday gift guide

0 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Coffee Home
  1. Products that last are worth investing in and can bring joy with every use
  2. Researching before buying can help find items with high value-to-price ratios
  3. Finding quality items that are built to last or have high utility can be like no-brainers

Chesapeake & Ohio, pt. 3

0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 21
  1. Self-care is important during long rides, including taking care of your bike.
  2. The journey had a fresh energy on the last day, with new sights and reflections.
  3. The trip marked a significant point for each traveler, leading to reflections on their future paths.

Fairy towers and death cabs

0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 20
  1. Cappadocia in Turkey is a unique blend of stunning scenery and historical architecture.
  2. Exploring tourist destinations may reveal hidden realities, like encountering refugee children working as guides.
  3. Be cautious with cab rides in unfamiliar places, as experiences can be intense and risky.

Welcome to Something About Cats

0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 20
  1. Ian Yanusko writes about startups, expats, politics, and cats.
  2. He is currently living abroad as a fellow with Alter Global.
  3. Don't miss the first issue by signing up for Something About Cats.

Other tales of Christmas

0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
  1. An angel tells Mary she will give birth to a great man named Jesus, the Son of God.
  2. Different interpretations show Mary's varying reactions and expectations towards Jesus.
  3. Mary's encounters with angels and dreams shape her belief in her son's uniqueness.