Why is this interesting?

Why is this interesting? is a daily email by Noah Brier & Colin Nagy exploring intriguing aspects of diverse topics ranging from geography and culture to business strategies and environmental issues. Each post delves into the unique characteristics, challenges, and insights related to various subjects and locations around the world.

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The hottest Substack posts of Why is this interesting?

And their main takeaways

The Forster Craft Sticks Edition

904 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Crafts History Marketing Art Family
  1. Craft activities for kids can be fun and engaging. Subscription boxes that include everything needed for crafting are a great way to keep children entertained.
  2. Popsicle stick lamps started as simple craft projects but can be worth a lot today. Vintage examples can sell for hundreds of dollars now.
  3. Forster Manufacturing Company grew from making toothpicks to craft sticks. Their clever marketing helped them sell millions of toothpicks in America.

The Monday Media Diet with Dylan Neuhaus

663 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Film Art Music
  1. Balance is key when it comes to consuming media. It's good to mix serious content with lighter, entertaining pieces.
  2. Reading deep stories about creativity and production processes can be more interesting than just the finished product, like a popular TV show.
  3. Exploring local grocery stores is a great way to learn about new places, offering a glimpse into the culture and community.

The Monday Media Diet with Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez

1025 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Media Literature Podcasts Books
  1. Fashion reporters Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez enjoy a mix of mainstream news and fashion content. They both prefer reading print magazines and catching up on Substack newsletters when they have time.
  2. Both hosts recommend interesting readings. Lauren highlights the archives of James Surowiecki's business column, while Chantal loves Pandora Sykes’s book review newsletter.
  3. When traveling, Lauren chooses planes for efficiency while Chantal prefers the idea of high-speed trains. They both have unique places they love, like Reddit and Madrid, that offer rich cultural experiences.

The Russia in Syria Edition

603 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy International relations Regional conflicts Power Dynamics
  1. Syria is now in a very unstable state after Assad's regime is gone. This situation brings many challenges, like dealing with chemical weapons and returning refugees.
  2. Russia's naval port in Tartus and airfield in Hmeimim are key for their military power in the Middle East. Losing these would hurt Russia's strategy, especially with ongoing issues in Ukraine.
  3. Moscow is working hard to keep these bases by forming new alliances and adapting their approach. This shows how important Syria is for Russia's influence in the region.

The Monday Media Diet with Meg Daly

482 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cookbooks Culinary Arts Food culture Dining Experiences Gardening
  1. A media diet doesn't just mean consuming less media; it means being picky about where you get your information. Look for sources that report facts without pushing an agenda.
  2. Reading can be more rewarding when you choose bestsellers, as they often have wide appeal. This way, you're more likely to enjoy what you read.
  3. Cooking can bring people together and create lasting memories. Sharing good meals and laughter around the dinner table is a cherished experience.
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The Family Hotel Edition

422 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Hospitality Luxury Experience Industry Trends
  1. Many big hotel chains have made luxury experiences feel like a factory production, losing the personal touch. This can make stays feel more like a standard process than a unique experience.
  2. There is a growing movement toward family-owned hotels that focus on personal service and unique experiences. These hotels offer a more thoughtful and warm atmosphere for guests.
  3. The contrast between corporate hospitality and family-run hotels highlights the importance of genuine care and attention in the hospitality industry. People are looking for more than just standard comforts; they want a human touch.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 37

120 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History Art Media Entertainment Society
  1. Some popes in history had children, which is not something many people know. It's interesting to explore how this affects the image of the papacy.
  2. Research shows that playing Tetris might help prevent PTSD. This means a simple game could actually have a big impact on mental health.
  3. Mapping Middle Earth is a fun way to look at the geography of 'The Lord of the Rings.' It can help fans understand the story better.

The Monday Media Diet with Dan Sinker

1025 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art History Politics
  1. Consuming too much news can cause anxiety, especially with events like elections coming up. It's easy to fall into a cycle of constantly refreshing for updates, but it won't change the outcome.
  2. Enjoying different forms of media can provide a needed break from stress. Listening to entertaining podcasts or watching a funny show can help lighten the mood.
  3. Reading good books, especially by talented writers like Hanif Abdurraqib, can be very rewarding. Their well-crafted words offer a chance to reflect on important themes and enjoy powerful storytelling.

The Dazzle Camo Edition

482 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Design History Photography Automotive
  1. Dazzle camo is a design technique that started in World War I to confuse enemy targeting, using bold geometric patterns. It helps to break up the shape of an object, making it harder to see and aim at.
  2. Car manufacturers adopted a modern version of dazzle camo to protect their prototype vehicles from spy photography. Even though these prototypes look attention-grabbing, the patterns are meant to confuse potential onlookers about the actual design.
  3. Today, prototypes often embrace their visibility with eye-catching patterns and even QR codes. This shift turns a potential exposure risk into a marketing opportunity, generating public interest instead of hiding away.

The Row 7 Flavor Edition

1085 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer Trends Flavor SOURCING Cooking
  1. Row 7 is trying to make vegetables tastier and more enjoyable. They believe that grocery store veggies often lack flavor because companies prioritize size and saleability over taste.
  2. Potatoes, usually thought of as bland, can be packed with flavor when grown from the right seeds in good conditions. A flavorful potato doesn't need lots of toppings to be delicious.
  3. Row 7's produce might be priced high now, but many people are willing to pay for great flavor. If they can keep improving taste and manage costs, they might attract even more customers.

The Minivan Stigma Edition

904 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Automotive Identity Consumer behavior Market Trends Family Dynamics
  1. Minivans used to be very popular for family travel, but now they're often seen as uncool. This change is more about their image than their usefulness because they are still very practical vehicles.
  2. Despite the stigma, there's a growing trend of people using different types of vans for adventure, like those converted for #vanlife. These vans are seen as cool and can still be practical for families.
  3. There's a big opportunity for automakers to redesign minivans to make them more appealing. If they can combine the useful features of a minivan with a cooler look, they could attract more buyers again.

The Mono vs. Stereo Edition

784 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎶 Music Music Production Music history Audio engineering Music genres
  1. Mono and stereo mixes can sound very different from each other. Mono mixes might feel more powerful and live, while stereo mixes offer more depth and spatial detail in the music.
  2. Collecting both mono and stereo versions of records can lead to exciting new experiences. Some songs might sound better in mono, while others shine in stereo.
  3. When buying reissues of old records, it's important to check who remastered the album. Quality remastering can significantly enhance how the music sounds.

The Topography of Thought Edition

965 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Learning Cognition Creativity
  1. Your writing style can show how you think and might predict your success. It's not just about the words you use, but how you organize your ideas.
  2. Some people can express a lot of different ideas briefly, while others might take longer to get through them. This can affect how effectively they communicate their thoughts.
  3. Understanding how successful people manage their ideas can help us improve our own writing and storytelling skills. It’s useful to have data to back up what we believe about writing.

The Adult (Instrument) Learning Edition

482 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎶 Music
  1. Learning an instrument like the drums can help you face fears, like stage fright, and give you a sense of accomplishment. Playing live music with friends can be a rewarding experience and make you feel more confident.
  2. Drumming teaches the importance of patience and practice. Improvement takes time and effort, showing that there are no shortcuts to getting better at anything.
  3. Playing the drums makes you a better listener. You start to hear different parts of songs and appreciate music in a new way, which can lead to discovering new artists and genres you enjoy.

The Monday Media Diet with Harper Reed

784 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art Travel Technology
  1. Harper Reed enjoys a media diet that mixes TikTok for wild recommendations and pen pals for deeper connections. This way, he finds smart content while avoiding too much noise online.
  2. He values meaningful books that reflect his life experiences, like Olga Ravn's work, which helped him think about balance as a new parent and entrepreneur.
  3. Reed is all about exploring new interests and has recently been curious about vintage cameras, old speakers, and quirky fashion like platform shoes. He enjoys diving deep into these rabbit holes when the urge strikes.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 31

361 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Food Travel Entertainment Lifestyle Media
  1. Blank Street Coffee is gaining attention and has some insights on competing with giants like Starbucks in NYC.
  2. There's a video discussing a major traffic issue in New Jersey where a lot of car lanes have to merge quickly into fewer lanes.
  3. A piece about American diners in London highlights the cultural challenges faced by Americans trying to navigate dining experiences abroad.

The World's Most Dangerous Toy Edition

482 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Toys Hobbies Childhood Nostalgia Play
  1. The Cox E-Z Flyer was a very exciting yet dangerous toy that required two people to operate safely. One person would start the plane while the other controlled it as it flew in circles.
  2. Many kids thought they could perform tricks with the plane, but this often led to crashes instead of successful flights. Ignoring safe practices usually resulted in broken planes and unhappy flyers.
  3. Although it was popular among hobbyists, the Cox E-Z Flyer was not made for kids and ended up causing more trouble than fun. It’s a reminder that some toys can be more dangerous than they seem.

WITI community chat

120 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Books Writing Reading Engagement
  1. The author wants to connect better with readers in 2025. They feel that getting feedback from readers will improve the publication.
  2. There will be more subscriber chats this year to discuss books and reading habits. This will help create a community among readers.
  3. To join these chats, readers need to use the Substack app and turn on notifications. It's a simple way to engage in discussions about topics of interest.

Le Bureau des Légendes edition

361 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Television Fiction Drama Intelligence Human experience
  1. Le Bureau des Légendes is a French spy drama that focuses on the emotional side of intelligence work. It shows how the personal lives of agents are affected by their dangerous missions.
  2. The show differs from typical American spy thrillers by being slow-paced and realistic. It emphasizes psychological complexity and real-world geopolitical issues instead of explosions and action.
  3. Fiction can reflect reality in unique ways. Just like the writer Gérard de Villiers, who often wrote about future events based on insights from the intelligence community, 'Le Bureau' offers deep understanding of current world issues through its storytelling.

The Empire of Light Edition

301 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Surrealism Art market Painting Artists Exhibitions
  1. René Magritte's painting 'The Empire of Light' sold for over $120 million, setting a record for surrealist art at auction. This highlights the growing appreciation for surrealism in the art world.
  2. The painting depicts a street at night under a daytime sky, which is a unique and captivating imagery. It's part of a series that showcases Magritte's creative style and imagination.
  3. Magritte is now among a few elite artists whose works have crossed the nine-figure sale mark. This includes famous names like Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso.

The 1968 Edition

361 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Computing Design Space History
  1. In 1968, two important events changed how we see the world: the first photo of Earth from space and the first GUI demo. These moments helped people appreciate our planet's beauty and encouraged new ways of interacting with technology.
  2. Earthrise promoted environmental awareness, leading to events like the first Earth Day, while the GUI made computers more accessible for everyday use. Both advancements reshaped human perspective and knowledge.
  3. Technology has evolved, but many interfaces still use linear designs, which limit our ability to manage complex information. To improve, we might need to look toward using curves like nature does for better efficiency.

The Captagon Edition

361 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Sanctions Middle East
  1. Syria has turned to producing Captagon, a powerful amphetamine, as a primary way to sustain its economy under heavy sanctions. This drug trade is now crucial for the country's finances.
  2. The Captagon business is very profitable, with low production costs and high selling prices in the Middle East. It brings in billions of dollars each year, making it one of Syria's top exports.
  3. The spread of Captagon is causing serious problems for neighboring countries, like rising addiction rates and increased smuggling. This has led to tensions and stricter border controls in those areas.

The Chinese Watch Edition

180 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Art Tradition Craftsmanship Identity
  1. Chinese watchmakers are emerging and creating a name for themselves in the watch industry. They are attracting new fans with their unique craftsmanship.
  2. Swiss watches are known for their quality and tradition, while Japanese watches focus on precision. The new Chinese brands are starting to offer a different perspective in this competitive market.
  3. As China develops its watchmaking skills, it raises questions about whether they can compete with established Swiss brands in quality and prestige.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 29

301 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Trends Lifestyle Entertainment Social
  1. Starbucks has become a popular hangout for teens, offering sweet drinks and a cozy space. This shift has changed its image but raises questions about health and habits.
  2. Running can be addictive for some people, leading to a mindset where they feel they can keep going without limits. It’s important to reflect on the motivations behind such activities.
  3. A video from The Verge explores why cassette and CD players are still bulky despite advancements in technology, revealing some interesting insights about design trends.

The Thursday Selects Edition

482 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Visual Arts Art history Contemporary Art
  1. Jason Charles is a winemaker and photographer, sharing his artistic work with others. It's great to see creative talents represented in different fields.
  2. The Thursday Selects Edition highlights the importance of visually breaking up text to keep readers engaged. Using images can make a post more interesting.
  3. Sharing guest contributions can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to a platform. It's a nice way to involve a community and showcase diverse talents.

The Explicit Baseball Card Edition

301 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Baseball Collectibles History Entertainment
  1. Billy Ripken's baseball card from 1989 is famous for its hilarious and playful mistake. It features something unexpected that caught fans' attention.
  2. Baseball cards were a big deal for many kids, with the thrill of finding rare ones like the Michael Jordan card.
  3. Different brands of baseball cards had their own unique styles, with Fleer being seen as less premium compared to brands like Upper Deck.

The Mantis Shrimp Edition

241 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Zoology Marine life Animal Behavior Ecology
  1. Mantis shrimp can punch very fast, making them the fastest strikers in the animal world. It's incredible how quickly they can hit their targets.
  2. These shrimp are very protective of their territory and will aggressively defend their space against intruders.
  3. Their powerful punches are so strong that they can even break glass, showing just how strong these small creatures really are.

The Monday Media Diet with Ashtyn Butoso

301 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Communication Sports Travel
  1. Ashtyn Butoso is a creative who loves sports and media, and she enjoys a mix of writing, video production, and freelance work. She's also passionate about animal rights and often indulges in various forms of media.
  2. She has a diverse media diet, including newsletters, podcasts, and local NYC content. She particularly enjoys work by Josh Gondelman and Hanif Abduraqib, showcasing her love for both humor and deep storytelling.
  3. Ashtyn recommends everyone visit Porto, Portugal, as it's an underrated gem. She also emphasizes the importance of attending WNBA games to appreciate the uniqueness of the experience.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 26

301 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Entertainment Literature Society
  1. Russia has fined Google an insane amount of money, more than all the money in the world combined. This shows how serious they are about controlling tech companies.
  2. There’s a deep connection between the anime 'Perfect Blue' and the film 'Requiem for a Dream,' offering a unique history worth exploring. Both works have intriguing themes that many people appreciate.
  3. Crows have strong memories and can hold grudges, sometimes even mistaking others for their enemies. This behavior highlights how intelligent and complex these birds are.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 33

120 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Film History Literature Food
  1. Film soundtracks hold deep meaning for many people and are often tied to personal memories and feelings.
  2. Exploring the daily lives of Roman Emperors can reveal interesting insights about their roles and responsibilities.
  3. Popular media, like film clips, can provoke thought and reflection on various topics.

The Africa Smartphone Market Edition

361 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Smartphones Branding Emerging Markets Advertising Market Trends
  1. Emerging markets have unique brand competition, different from the flashy campaigns seen in the U.S. It's often more about creativity and connecting directly with local consumers.
  2. Companies like Tecno are gaining popularity in Africa because they cater to local preferences, like multiple SIM slots, which appeal to users who need more connectivity options.
  3. Advertising in these markets tends to be more genuine and less polished, focusing on grassroots efforts rather than big budget promotions to grab attention.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 32

120 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Restaurants Media History Social Trends Entertainment
  1. The Rainforest Cafe is still popular and has become a hit on social media despite being around for a long time.
  2. Two bank robbers in Pittsburgh attempted to hide from cameras using lemon juice, which didn't work out as planned.
  3. The launch of Pokemon Go caused a lot of paranoia in U.S. intelligence agencies, showing how digital games can have surprising effects on real-world concerns.

The Medium Edition

2171 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Learning Technique Craft Digital Art
  1. Watercolors are unforgiving; mistakes with watercolors are hard to fix because once you put them down, you can't really change them.
  2. Mastering a craft takes practice; just like with watercolors, it's crucial to first understand and excel in the medium before focusing on the message or artistry.
  3. Using technology like drawing apps can help with the challenges of traditional mediums like watercolors; these tools offer the convenience of undo and redo functions that are not available in physical art.

The AI Data Paranoia Edition

241 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Data Privacy Machine Learning Consumer Rights
  1. AI companies often clarify that they do not use customer data for training purposes, especially in enterprise settings. This is important for businesses concerned about data privacy.
  2. There is still some confusion and debate among brands and agencies regarding how AI services handle their data. This shows a need for better understanding and communication on the topic.
  3. Different AI companies have varying terms of service, which can affect how user data is treated, highlighting the importance of reading the agreements carefully.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 24

241 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Entertainment Social Trends Education Media
  1. Recording progress in skills can show how much you improve over time. For example, one person showed that after 2,000 hours of piano practice, he became a great pianist.
  2. It's important to create original work rather than just capturing what others do. Embracing this mindset can lead to greater creativity and success.
  3. Cheating can happen in even the most unexpected places, like in a conker championship, which shows the importance of fair play in competitions.

The Bluey Edition

1870 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. Modern TV often portrays fathers as incompetent or negative figures, but Bluey from the TV show Bluey presents a heartwarming and ambitious portrayal of the modern dad.
  2. Bandit Heeler from Bluey breaks away from the tired stereotype of the bumbling dad by being a primary caregiver who inspires us to be more present, playful, and patient.
  3. Bluey aims not only to entertain children but also to teach parents important lessons, such as experiencing childlike wonder and being present in the lives of their kids.

The Specialist Sneaker Edition

1990 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Athletic performance NBA
  1. Players' evolving playing styles demand specialized sneakers beyond just ankle support and cushioning.
  2. Sneaker design has shifted focus to meet specific playstyles like cutting, running, and jumping.
  3. New era of playstyle specialization in basketball shoes emphasizes using the right tools for optimal performance.