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

The hottest Substack posts of Why is this interesting?

And their main takeaways

Why is Sedona Interesting?

1930 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🏝 Travel Tourism Destinations Experiences Activities
  1. Sedona's geology is unique, with formations sculpted over 270 million years by elements like wind and water.
  2. Sedona is considered a mystical place with vortexes of spiritual energy attracting healers and seekers.
  3. The city has a unique aesthetic with strict signage requirements, like teal blue McDonald's arches to maintain dark skies.

Why is Chapel Hill Interesting?

1628 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Travel Music Food Literature Politics
  1. Chapel Hill is a university town with charming landmarks and traditions.
  2. Residents enjoy a thriving music scene, independent bookstores, and a fitness culture.
  3. The town embodies progressive ideals with unique features like free public transit and community-focused initiatives.

The Winnipeg Edition

1508 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Cuisine Film Literature
  1. Winnipeg is a city that requires curiosity and appreciation for what it is.
  2. Winnipeg has architectural gems, cultural venues, and exceptional cuisine.
  3. Winnipeg's cheap cost of living attracts artists and musicians, making it a unique and vibrant city.

The Fazioli Edition

542 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎶 Music Musicians Instruments Luxury Recording
  1. Nick Cave's pandemic-recorded album 'Idiot Prayer' showcases the unique and poignant sound of the Fazioli piano.
  2. Fazioli pianos are luxury instruments crafted in Italy, known for their exceptional tonal range and precision.
  3. Each Fazioli piano takes three years to build, reflecting the brand's commitment to combining physics, technology, and artistry.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Youtube Edition

1628 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🕹 Technology Platforms Content Algorithm Media
  1. The evolution of platforms can be a cycle: starting with user focus, then prioritizing business interests, and finally turning inward for maximum value.
  2. YouTube stands out as a platform that has maintained quality over the years despite criticism.
  3. YouTube offers a diverse range of content that appeals to various interests and preferences, making it a beloved platform for many users.

The Aquas Edition

1568 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🌍 World Politics Water Infrastructure Mexico
  1. The history of water management in Mexico City is complex and dates back centuries.
  2. Mexico City faces challenges with water supply and leakage, impacting both urban and rural areas.
  3. Issues with water scarcity have led to environmental and social implications in Mexico City.

The Rimowa Edition

1568 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🎭️ Culture Design Fashion
  1. Rimowa highlights the value of imperfections in their luggage as storytelling elements.
  2. Rimowa educates new consumers to appreciate scratches and dents as part of the luggage's charm.
  3. Marketing by Rimowa emphasizes a lifetime of memories associated with their luggage, promoting emotional connections.

The Biblioteca Personal Edition

1447 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading
  1. Jorge Luis Borges left behind an unfinished gift called Biblioteca Personal.
  2. Borges curated 100 personally-prized literature selections with prologues.
  3. His diverse selections included adventure tales, holy books, and Japanese poetry.

The Operations Order Edition

482 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🚌 Education Military tactics
  1. The Operations Order follows a structured format with key sections such as Situation, Mission, Execution, Service Support, and Command and Signal.
  2. Using the OPORD model ensures important information is communicated effectively, reduces risks, and speeds up operations.
  3. The concept of mission command in the military emphasizes decentralization of decision-making and thorough understanding of the operation's intent to adapt quickly and reach the end goal.

The Monday Media Diet with Sophia Smith Galer

542 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media Books Journalism Language Apps
  1. Sophia curates her news from social media like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, finding content that aligns with her interests.
  2. She enjoys leisurely reading the weekend papers and is a fan of Private Eye, read in a unique way as a family tradition.
  3. Sophia recommends reading Megha Mohan's journalism and mentions Reverso Context as a great language app.

The Kiss of Death Edition

422 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film History Art
  1. Michael Mann is known for his meticulous attention to detail in filmmaking, like the extensive training for the cast in 'Heat'.
  2. The 1957 crash in Guidizzolo, known as the 'Kiss of Death', ended the Mille Miglia race and symbolizes audacity and the recklessness of youth.
  3. The photo of Linda Christian kissing Marquis Alfonso de Portago before the fatal crash is seen as a haunting symbol, with Christian's seemingly detached gaze hinting at a premonition.

The Presidential Physical Fitness Edition

422 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Nutrition Lifestyle
  1. The Presidential Physical Fitness Award had high standards like 40 push-ups, 10 pull-ups, and a 6:30 mile run, with the goal of improving national health and reducing childhood obesity.
  2. The program was ingrained in the US school system and became a cultural memory for a certain generation, showing the impact of collective fitness goals.
  3. China is now emphasizing physical fitness similarly to how JFK did in the 1960s, with a focus on societal benefits like fitness and achievements reflected in their social media platforms.

The Monday Media Diet with Geoff Rickly

361 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Literature Perfume Travel Books
  1. Geoff Rickly reads voraciously, including magazines, newsletters, and novels, with a preference for publications with a strong physical presence.
  2. Rickly recommends John Fosse's 'Septology' as a transformative read that had a profound impact on him as an artist, blending modern and eternal spirituality.
  3. Rickly fell into a deep rabbit hole exploring perfumes, starting from wanting to smell good to seeking unique and even repulsive scents, mentioning various indie perfume brands and his personal favorite, MeM by Antonio Gardoni.

The Monday Media Diet with Ahmed Al Omran

301 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Media Books Apps Travel Web Development
  1. Ahmed Al Omran shares his diverse media diet, including newspapers, RSS feeds, newsletters, podcasts, and social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
  2. Al Omran recommends 'Endel,' an AI-generated personalized soundscapes app, and expresses a preference for trains over planes due to the unpleasant aspects of flying.
  3. Japan is highlighted as a must-visit destination known for its attention to craftsmanship across various aspects of culture, providing unique experiences.

Early Look: WITI Recommends

180 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Recommendations Feedback Launch
  1. A new recommendation site called WITI Recommends is being tested out by Why is this interesting.
  2. They are seeking feedback from their paid subscribers before launching the site to the public.
  3. Paid subscribers can start a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.

The Explorers Club Edition

120 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling Adventure
  1. The Explorers Club has a rich history of adventurers and remarkable achievements like reaching the North Pole and diving to the ocean's deepest point.
  2. The club features fascinating artifacts such as a Yeti scalp, Egyptian writings, and rare animal specimens, creating a real-life 'Night at the Museum' experience.
  3. Through narratives like 'As Told at the Explorers Club,' the journal presents contemporary stories of adventurers like Thomas Baker Slick Jr., who sought legendary creatures like the Yeti.

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.