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 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 Andaliman Edition

1990 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Culture Cuisine Discovery
  1. Batak cuisine is known for its spicy dishes using Andaliman peppers.
  2. Andaliman peppers are related to Szechuan peppers and provide a unique tingling sensation on the tongue.
  3. The numbing sensation of Andaliman peppers can be experienced in Batak highlands, creating a surprising culinary discovery.
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The Specialist Sneaker Edition

1990 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Basketball 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.

The Encyclopedia of Happiness

1930 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-reflection Journaling
  1. Practicing gratitude journaling can help shift your focus to the positive and enhance self-understanding over time.
  2. Keeping a digital record of daily reflections allows for easy access, searchability, and deep self-reflection.
  3. Discovering consistent patterns of joy in your past can inform present and future decisions towards a happier life.

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.

The Creator Credibility Edition

1870 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Podcasts Content creation Influencer
  1. Having a camera crew or a podcast mic can add authority and credibility to a content creator.
  2. The visual presentation, like a podcast mic in shot, can influence perceptions of credibility even if the content itself is not impactful.
  3. Demonstrating credibility in the creator economy is crucial, and visual cues like microphones are a modern way to achieve it.

The Monday Media Diet with Philip Stockton

1870 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media Books Travel
  1. Philip Stockton follows a chaotic and headline-driven media diet.
  2. He recommends reading 'Art of War' by Sun Tzu for competition and Edward Tuftes series on Data Visualization for designers.
  3. Stockton suggests spending time underwater in the ocean and recommends everyone visit a place with good underwater visibility.

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 GAP Playlists Edition

1809 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music Fashion Retail Nostalgia Technology
  1. A Texas schoolteacher named Michael Bise recreated 85% of GAP playlists from his time working there.
  2. GAP took its in-store playlists seriously, with a trend director driving the music selection.
  3. The project of collecting and sharing GAP playlists is a reminder of the emotional experience of in-store shopping compared to online shopping.

The My War Edition

1689 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Process
  1. Noah Brier reflects on the creative process in skateboarding videos
  2. Skateboarding videos show the hard work and numerous attempts behind impressive tricks
  3. Watching talented and creative people discuss their work process is inspiring

The Ollie Edition

1689 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports History Personalities Innovation Revival
  1. Skateboarding history traces back to Florida and the invention of the ollie trick.
  2. The impact of Florida skaters like Alan 'Ollie' Gelfand changed the direction of skateboarding.
  3. The evolution of skateboarding from vert to street style and the influence of skaters like Tony Hawk.

The Colin Field's Hemingway Bar Edition

1689 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🍲 Food & Drink Cocktails Hospitality Craft Service
  1. Colin Field was a legendary bartender at the Hemingway Bar in the Ritz Paris for 30 years.
  2. Field's approach focused on impeccable service, personal touch, and customer-centricity in crafting cocktails.
  3. Persistence was a key characteristic of Field, who worked hard to establish himself at the Ritz and create a lasting legacy.

The (Truly) Greatest Hits Edition

1628 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎶 Music Streaming Music Industry
  1. Greatest Hits compilations in the music industry have historically shaped artist canons.
  2. Streaming platforms now use curated playlists like 'Essentials' instead of traditional Greatest Hits albums.
  3. Artists should consider creating their own curated Best Of playlists to guide fans through their catalog.

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.

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 Brain vs Heart Edition

1568 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration
  1. Techniques in watercolor painting include wet on dry, wet on wet, and fading, each creating different effects.
  2. Choosing the right paper impacts the outcome in watercolor painting, with cold-pressed paper offering a rougher look and hot-pressed paper enabling better detailing.
  3. Don't limit yourself with perfectionism in art; view each piece as a stepping stone in your creative journey.

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 2x2 Edition

1568 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
💼 Business Strategy Visualization Theory Consulting Innovation
  1. 2x2 charts are a common tool in consulting and presentations to explain ideas
  2. The concept of 2x2 charts originated from the worlds of game theory and business strategy
  3. 2x2 charts aim to simplify complex ideas for better understanding and execution in organizations

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 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 Monday Media Diet with Ruddy Aboab

1447 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Travel
  1. Ruddy Aboab, head of Fip Radio, shares his media diet, starting and ending his day with music and incorporating various sources like Fip radio, France info, and magazines.
  2. Ruddy's reading includes books like 'L’été des Charognes' and 'Nino dans la nuit' by Simon Johannin, showing his interest in raw, emotive writing.
  3. Ruddy's deep dive into freediving after watching a documentary led him to immerse himself in the world of apnea, competitions, and sea-related content online.

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 Pen Edition

1387 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Tools Objects Reviews
  1. People have strong preferences for specific pens and writing tools.
  2. There is a variety of pens and tools preferred by different individuals for writing tasks.
  3. Some individuals have specific pens they prefer for different purposes like work, travel, or drawing.

The Summary Edition

1387 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Technology AI Media Information Content
  1. AI-driven summaries are becoming more prevalent, affecting how we consume information.
  2. Tech-enabled summarization tools can be helpful due to the abundance of content, but they may strip away depth and context.
  3. Relying too much on AI for distilling information raises questions about the loss of individual interpretation and meaning-making.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Paul Theroux

1327 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Novels Reading Writing
  1. Paul Theroux emphasizes the ease of staying updated on world events via online news sources and the convenience of assessing contradictions.
  2. Theroux recommends starting with Shakespeare for reading and emphasizes the satisfaction of diving into his works.
  3. Theroux prefers trains over planes for travel and advocates for road trips for the sense of freedom they offer.

The Znachki Edition

1327 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Conflicts
  1. Commemorative pins like 'znachki' from the Soviet era reflected hope for prosperity and open exchange of ideas across borders
  2. Certain 'znachki' symbolized optimism for peace and collaboration, contrasting with current geopolitical tensions
  3. The collection of 'znachki' serves as a wistful reminder of past hopes for Russia's future and the ongoing need for change

The Birding Edition

1266 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Conservation
  1. Birdwatching can be a rewarding hobby that connects us with nature and can lead to deep emotional connections with birds.
  2. Ecological grief is a real and intense response to environmental losses, including bird deaths caused by human-driven changes.
  3. Efforts like building natural bridges and enacting bird-friendly legislation demonstrate steps we can take to protect wild animals amidst ongoing environmental challenges.

The Artist’s Work Edition

1206 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Gender Work Museum Creativity
  1. Encountering artists that grant permission to be true to oneself is powerful.
  2. Redefining 'work' as a sense of purpose, like Rita Deanin Abbey did, can be a bold and pragmatic choice.
  3. Abbey's creation of her own museum challenges conventional gender roles and inspires self-trust and empowerment.

The WITI Recommends Edition

1085 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Products AI Recommendations Software
  1. A new recommendations site, Why is this interesting? Recommends, has been launched after almost five years of planning, bringing together over 1,000 product, book, and software recommendations from their past newsletters.
  2. The use of AI has played a crucial role in extracting and categorizing product recommendations from a vast amount of text, making the process more efficient and manageable.
  3. The team behind the site is open to feedback and suggestions, emphasizing user engagement by encouraging exploration, purchases, and sharing ideas for further improvements.

The Spy Travel Edition

1085 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏝 Travel History Guides Authors Influence
  1. The U.S. government had a significant influence on the creation of modern American travel guides through literal spies like Eugene Fodor and Temple Fielding.
  2. Eugene Fodor, a successful guidebook publisher, was an officer for the CIA's predecessor during WWII and continued to use spies as writers for his company.
  3. The travel industry has evolved from its CIA roots to offer guides catering to various interests and lifestyles, providing valuable insights into different cultures beyond borders.

The Hair Metal Edition

965 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Rock Crime Music videos
  1. The Hair Metal genre was saved by incorporating crime themes in music videos.
  2. Hair metal bands used crime-related narratives to stay relevant and attract mainstream success.
  3. The Hair Metal Crimewave videos helped to keep the genre around longer than expected by engaging audiences with grit and substance.

The Disco Jazz Edition

904 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Discovery Genres Culture Technology
  1. An Indian disco record, Disco Jazz, found a new, enthusiastic audience years after its release due to algorithms and word-of-mouth.
  2. Disco Jazz stands out for its blend of genres and unconventional elements compared to traditional Indian disco music.
  3. The rediscovery of 'Aaj Shanibar' led to increased interest from international DJs, new releases, and proceeds going to the singer for her future music projects.

The Saddle Stitch Edition

904 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft Luxury History
  1. Saddle stitching with two needles creates strong and elegant seams on thick leather like saddles, emphasizing craftsmanship and durability.
  2. The saddle stitch process is a symbol of true luxury, centered on effort, rarity, and longevity, contrasting with mass-produced items.
  3. Hermès still values traditional saddle stitching in their leatherwork for its quality, despite openness to technological advancements if they can improve quality.