The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Lightness of Unscheduled Calls

Register Spill • 196 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Collaboration Remote work Culture Communication Programming
  1. Collaboration without elaborate scheduling can feel light and spontaneous, leading to a more open and fluid work environment.
  2. Embracing unscheduled calls and spontaneous pairing sessions can foster better knowledge transfer and idea exchange among team members.
  3. Using tools that support easy and on-the-fly collaboration can significantly impact the culture and productivity of a remote team, making workdays feel full of possibilities rather than meetings.
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Rabat, Morocco

Maximum Progress • 255 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Destinations Culture Food
  1. Rabat is safe and clean with workers collecting trash early in the morning.
  2. The tourism industry in Rabat is entrepreneurial but not pushy.
  3. Restaurants in the medina have nice atmospheres but are expensive, with better food away from the heavily touristed areas.

Japan's "untouchables"

The Global Jigsaw • 238 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌐 International Society History Culture Discrimination Identity
  1. Japan has a marginalized group called Burakumin, similar to India's untouchables, with a history of discrimination and social exclusion.
  2. Japanese belief in racial purity and homogeneity is rooted in historical constructs and national identity myths.
  3. Despite efforts to eliminate discrimination, Burakumin still face societal stigma and prejudice in Japan, impacting aspects like marriage and social status.

Walking England's Coast Part 2: From New Romney to Brighton

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 793 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Culture
  1. The trek along England's coast from New Romney to Brighton was mostly surrounded by nature, with challenges like stinging nettles and harsh conditions.
  2. England's walking culture allows for public access through private lands and a network of public footpaths, though some paths can be difficult to navigate.
  3. Despite England's great walking system, challenges like thick fields and narrow roads without sidewalks were encountered during the trek.

Why Carrots and Princes Are Orange

Outlandish Claims • 59 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💾 History Culture Language Politics Health Propaganda
  1. Dutch people's preference for growing orange carrots influenced the global dominance of orange carrot cultivars.
  2. The House of Orange's historical significance is intertwined with German propaganda efforts during the Middle Ages.
  3. The color orange became associated with carrots due to British propaganda in World War II linking carrot consumption to improved eyesight.

A Very Special Announcement

First Floor • 393 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎶 Music Electronic Music Newsletter Essays Culture
  1. First Floor newsletter is becoming a book called 'First Floor Volume 1: Reflections on Electronic Music Culture'.
  2. The book includes updated essays from the newsletter, new material, and a foreword by Martyn, offering a comprehensive look at contemporary electronic music culture.
  3. The book shares insights on electronic music culture, industry challenges, and the future trajectory of the genre.

The Google Gemini Debacle Shows Us Why Office Politics Matters More Than Ever

The Ruffian • 393 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Culture Workplace Values
  1. Understanding the cultural and political worldview of staff compared to users is critical for companies, especially in today's politicized environment.
  2. AI companies need to consider and be transparent about their cultural politics to address the challenge of aligning AI values with those of society.
  3. The alignment problem for AI companies extends beyond just aligning values with humanity, and it involves understanding different clusters of values and varying cultural perspectives.

Thinking Week

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 16 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Thought Writing Critique Culture Ideas
  1. Writers who publish regularly can become repetitive and lose their edge over time. It's important for them to refresh their ideas to stay interesting.
  2. The author originally chose Substack to share their book because they believed it would reach more people than traditional publishing. They wanted to connect with readers who may have shorter attention spans.
  3. Over the years, the author has noticed that many ideas they discussed early on are now part of mainstream conversations, reflecting a shift in public awareness and discourse.

The ‘warrior and mystic, ogre and saint’ who became Paul Atreides

Becoming Noble • 438 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Classics Themes Influence Characters Culture
  1. Dune was influenced by Shamil's story in 'The Sabres of Paradise', highlighting themes like fate, environment, war, and nobility.
  2. Shamil's leadership in the Caucasus against Russian forces showed a fierce resistance that was fueled by strong cultural and violent orientations.
  3. The Murids' lifestyle in the mountains mirrors the Fremen in Dune, emphasizing combat training from a young age and a culture deeply rooted in violence and warfare.

Onward (or not!)

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Running Health Fundraising
  1. Climbing a mountain can feel like breaking the rules, but it's also a chance to learn and give back. It's important to reflect on our experiences and not just take without acknowledging the surrounding poverty.
  2. Running through local villages can create genuine connections, showing that kindness and small acts of giving can brighten someone's day. Sharing smiles and support is a powerful way to engage with others.
  3. Listening to your body and taking care of yourself is crucial, especially when traveling. It's okay to slow down and heal before jumping into new adventures.

The Average Chinese City

ChinaTalk • 652 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌐 International China Small Town Economy Education Culture
  1. Some of the top headlines from China reveal struggling economic situations post-zero-covid.
  2. Small cities like Baoji reflect challenges in China's economy with falling home prices and limited job prospects.
  3. Education in small-town China can be marketized, with families fighting for opportunities in local high schools.

On Political Writing

Story Club with George Saunders • 70 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Art Politics Culture
  1. When writing political stories, it's important to elevate the narrative beyond just being an opinion piece. Aim for the story to resonate on a deeper, more universal level that will last beyond current events.
  2. A good story explores complexities instead of presenting a single viewpoint. This helps avoid alienating readers and opens up a space for deeper discussions within the narrative.
  3. Instead of forcing a political stance, let the story unfold naturally. Sometimes, the most powerful messages emerge when you allow the characters and plot to guide the direction.

Act Now! Supplies are Running Low!

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Entertainment Culture Humor Lifestyle
  1. The author is currently busy with personal matters, like traveling and selling a house. This has caused a delay in regular posts.
  2. To engage their audience, they are offering a special sale called Just-4-U with humorous or absurd product options.
  3. They invite readers to sign up for a free trial to access more content and stay connected with their updates.

The River Thames

Cosmographia • 359 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Literature Photography
  1. The River Thames is the lifeblood of London, weaving together history, culture, and commerce, shaping London's identity for centuries.
  2. The Thames has been a strategic hub for trade, commerce, and human settlement for thousands of years, witnessing various historical events.
  3. The river has inspired countless artists, poets, and writers, with its ever-changing moods captured in works of art and literature, leaving a lasting impact on cultural cartography.

The Hero Culture Trap | Sowmya Subramanian

Dev Interrupted • 9 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Engineering Culture Metrics Business Leadership
  1. Building a good team means moving from putting out fires to being proactive. Focus on planning ahead so your team doesn’t always have to deal with emergencies.
  2. Rushing to ship new features isn't always best. Sometimes, following others and quickly adapting ideas can work better in the long run.
  3. When writing code, clear instructions lead to better results. If you’re vague, your code might end up messy and confused.

The Wit's Guide to Coffee

Get Wit Quick • 353 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Quality History Culture
  1. Caffeine affects spiders differently than humans - like making spiders weave weird webs
  2. Too much coffee can trigger existential angst, as seen in coffee-themed comics and tweets
  3. Coffee is deeply ingrained in capitalist work culture, offering breaks and sometimes causing sleepiness

Icefields parkway

Splattern • 119 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Hiking Exploration Culture
  1. Exploring the Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking experience that leaves a lasting impact. The beauty of the mountains and nature can really make you feel alive.
  2. Connecting with locals and fellow adventurers can greatly enhance your journey. Meeting kind people who share your passion can make your experience more memorable.
  3. Finding balance between solitude and connection is important in any adventure. While solo journeys are enriching, sharing experiences with others can bring an added layer of joy.

The Dallas Cowboys are a soap opera (and that's exactly how Jerry Jones likes it)

Huddle Up • 7 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Football Management Media Business Culture
  1. Jerry Jones has changed how the NFL makes money. His approach makes teams share revenue differently than before.
  2. The Dallas Cowboys are known for their dramatic stories, almost like a soap opera. This is part of what makes them interesting to fans.
  3. Jones's style mixes seriousness with fun, making him one of the most talked-about owners in sports.

Rewritten

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture Society Health Technology
  1. Machines are now designed to make us serve them instead of the other way around. It's like technology has gone backward due to government rules.
  2. The CDC has recently shared advice for a specific group of people about breastfeeding. This has raised concerns about the nature of the message they are sending.
  3. Fans of Madonna can be very intense, similar to Beyoncé's fans. A person named Josh has faced some heated comments from them on social media.

Subscriber questions on 2020 Election Fallout, Simmons + Klosterman, NBA, College Football

House of Strauss • 28 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball College Football Media Politics Culture
  1. The 2020 election had huge effects, and the actor's outcomes led to unexpected issues for the winning party. Winning didn't solve problems, and there's a feeling that it was a shaky victory for Democrats.
  2. In sports, the new NBA Cup feels forced and too focused on money, which makes it less interesting for fans. Authenticity matters, and the NBA needs to do better to connect with viewers.
  3. With college football playoffs expanding, there's a worry about too many teams making games less valuable. Sometimes, having fewer teams can make the competition more exciting.

George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 79 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock History Artists Songwriting Culture
  1. George Harrison's song 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' was not just about music; it shows how the Beatles were starting to drift apart. Harrison faced challenges getting his songs recognized while John and Paul took the spotlight.
  2. Eric Clapton's contribution to the song was significant, as he was invited to play guitar, something that hadn’t happened with other artists on Beatles records. This added a new dynamic and was part of Harrison's growth as a musician.
  3. The song represented a shift in rock music during the late 1960s, marking a divide between the pop music of the past and the heavier, more political sound that was emerging. This change in style played a role in the band's eventual breakup.

Five Links for November 2024

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 40 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📰 News Current Events Analysis International Politics Culture
  1. Lebanon has potential wealth but struggles with chaos. A detailed explanation covers its history and issues that prevent economic success.
  2. Raising successful children means being cautious about entitlement. It's important to balance expectations in families that have money.
  3. Web scraping is a growing industry. It's evolving to create marketplaces for data, which could change how businesses use information.