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.

Geography and Culture Business and Innovation Environmental Concerns Digital Culture and Social Media Literature and Art Personal Development Travel and Exploration

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

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 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 Desperate Straights Edition

180 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🎶 Music Genres Albums Artists Lyrics History
  1. The album 'Desperate Straights' combines many different music styles in a unique way, mixing genres like opera and pop.
  2. The lyrics are clever and playful, with the singer's distinctive voice adding to the album's charm.
  3. It's a challenging listen at first, but it becomes more rewarding with each play, making it a true musical masterpiece.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 56

180 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Food Music Media Economics Art
  1. AI is making it really hard for new college grads to find jobs, even those with fancy degrees.
  2. People in Syria are now using metal detectors to search for gold after being free from the harsh Assad regime.
  3. Many startups fail, and there's a lot of confusion in the new media about how to get noticed.

The Kompakt Selects Edition

180 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🎶 Music Artists Genres Record Labels Playlists Music culture
  1. Kompakt is a well-known music label from Cologne that recently celebrated its 500th release. It has a unique style and perspective in the music industry.
  2. Philip Sherburne is recognized as an important music and culture writer who recently wrote a great retrospective on Kompakt.
  3. The label shares similarities with others like Ghostly International, showcasing a strong artistic vision and identity.
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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. 41

120 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Food Sports Lifestyle
  1. The Murdoch family's succession drama is really complex, with tons of legal details coming to light. It shows how family dynamics can get messy when money and power are involved.
  2. There's a subreddit called 'Dad For A Minute' where people can seek advice even if they don't have a father figure in their lives. It's a touching space for those looking for support.
  3. Many people are debating whether the NBA is making a mistake by focusing so much on three-point shots. It's an interesting discussion about how the game is changing.

The Items of Interest Edition

120 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Design Art Fashion Lifestyle Trends
  1. There are some new products worth checking out lately. It's nice to see fresh ideas and designs coming into the market.
  2. This edition feels lighter compared to previous ones, offering a break from heavier topics.
  3. Subscribing can give you more insights and access to past posts, plus a free trial allows you to explore before committing.

Please let me wonder

120 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎶 Music Artists Albums History Genres Culture
  1. Brian Wilson has passed away, which is a significant loss for music fans. His contribution to music was profound and will be remembered.
  2. Many people recognize 'Pet Sounds' as a top album, but there's also appreciation for 'The Beach Boys Today.' It marks a shift in their music style.
  3. The Beach Boys' evolution from surf songs to deeper themes showcases their creativity and growth as artists over time.

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 Saturday Selection, Vol. 40

120 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Social Events Nature Parenting
  1. Casual parties can be fun! In the past, people would invite friends over last minute and not worry about getting dressed up.
  2. Beavers can also be great helpers. Their dams saved a Czech government a lot of money because they help manage water flow.
  3. Reading to kids is more than just fun. It can improve breathing and create special moments between parents and children.

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 Saturday Selection, Vol. 27

120 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Art Fashion Literature Technology
  1. Nike's secretive headquarters in Oregon is giving a rare look inside its operations to celebrate 50 years of the brand.
  2. A new novel by Haruki Murakami is coming out soon, and it's expected to have a storytelling style similar to Christopher Nolan's films.
  3. Young people in China are choosing a 'low desire life' focused on personal happiness over the pressure to work hard all the time.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 25

120 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Travel Entertainment Technology Art
  1. New Zealand limits airport hugs to three minutes to help everyone have a turn. This makes sure the area isn't too crowded for others waiting to embrace loved ones.
  2. Many famous inventions were created by accident, like the tea bag and the Post-it note. This shows how sometimes mistakes can lead to great discoveries.
  3. Some people are using AI to create voices of famous people like Marques Brownlee to sell products without his permission. He is not pleased about this trend.

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.

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.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 30

60 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Literature Media Social Trends
  1. There's a website that focuses on the growing trend of not just saying 'hello' when messaging. It highlights how our digital communication has changed.
  2. One man shared his story of buying 81 leather jackets and how this habit has affected his life. It's a quirky take on consumerism and addiction.
  3. Tokyo's subway system is now managing one of London's subway lines, taking over from the previous Chinese management. This shows how global partnerships in public transport are evolving.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 34

0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Food culture Art events Technology Trends Music Entertainment
  1. Carbone and its related restaurants are changing how we think about dining and celebrity culture. This could have both positive and negative effects.
  2. Google's latest research hints at exciting concepts in quantum computing that support the idea of parallel universes. It opens up a lot of interesting discussions about reality.
  3. San Francisco has a unique musical instrument called the Wave Organ that makes sounds using ocean waves. It's a great example of art and nature coming together.