The hottest Performance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Finance Topics

The Moment that Made Louis C.K.'s Career

Neckar’s Notes • 150 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. Louis C.K. faced dark times early in his career but kept going despite feeling lost. He learned that persistence is key, even when things seem tough.
  2. He spent years perfecting his comedy, but realized he wasn't happy with the act he created. This shows that just working hard isn't always enough if you're not passionate about what you're doing.
  3. C.K. admired George Carlin's ability to create deep work, which inspired him but also made him doubt himself. This highlights how comparison can drive us forward or hold us back.

The Clenbuterol Cloud hanging over British triathlon

Honest Sport • 39 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. A British triathlete was found with clenbuterol, a drug often used for performance enhancement. This raises serious questions about doping in sports and how common it might be.
  2. In 2016, a British athlete tested positive for clenbuterol but was cleared due to claims of contaminated meat. This decision has been questioned since it's not as common as suggested.
  3. A recent case of another British triathlete using clenbuterol shows that the drug is accessible in the UK, which increases doubts about the integrity of doping regulations in the sport.

Tár

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. Todd Field, the director of Tár, had a long break from making films due to Hollywood's complicated processes, but his return with Tár showed he still has great talent. His films often dive deep into themes of power and tragedy.
  2. Tár explores complex issues around power dynamics and the consequences of unethical behavior. The film uniquely portrays a female abuser, challenging traditional narratives around power and accountability.
  3. The ending of Tár suggests that her true fulfillment comes from being able to create and manipulate time through music, rather than from traditional values of success or art, highlighting a deeper understanding of what power can mean.

Restaging

Covidian Æsthetics • 10 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. Restaging is about rebuilding the framework of a situation after it has collapsed, focusing on creating movement and flexibility rather than fixing beliefs or truths.
  2. It uses specific techniques to introduce changes within a scenario, allowing for new possibilities without invalidating what's already present.
  3. The process involves both micro-level techniques that create immediate shifts and macro-level stages that reconstruct the entire structure, aiming to help individuals regain their sense of orientation.
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Raw and Fake Raw

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. Raw performances can feel more genuine and moving compared to overly crafted ones. It's often the unpolished and spontaneous moments that resonate most with people.
  2. Our culture often celebrates 'raw' experiences, linking them to authenticity and a connection to real emotions or events. This can include everything from music to acting.
  3. However, there's a risk of 'fake raw' where performers pretend to be unrefined or down-to-earth while actually being quite polished. This can feel disingenuous and can turn audiences off.

Less is More: 2023 Annual Letter

Interconnected • 293 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💰 Finance Performance
  1. The author runs a long/short equity portfolio focused on investing in technology companies.
  2. The author has experience in leadership positions at GitHub, a unicorn database startup, and the White House.
  3. The annual letter provides performance updates and comparisons with relevant benchmarks.

Musicking

Dada Drummer Almanach • 264 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. Musicians need to adapt to different performance spaces and adjust their habits accordingly, even if they were formed early in their careers.
  2. Performers should listen to the space they're in and consider how their music is being experienced by the audience, especially in various venue settings.
  3. Music is not just about playing notes; it's about creating relationships and connections with the audience and other musicians through listening and gestures.

Christian Wolff

Dada Drummer Almanach • 86 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎶 Music Performance
  1. Music exists through performance, meaning it comes alive when played by musicians. The written score is important, but it doesn't define the music completely.
  2. Christian Wolff contributed to a style of music that allows performers to interpret and play it in different ways. This makes each performance unique.
  3. Wolff was part of the New York School of composers, which focused on new musical ideas and included famous figures like John Cage. Their work influenced how we think about music today.

Sir Mo Farah's running partner filmed buying EPO in Kenya

Honest Sport • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. Sir Mo Farah trained with a pacemaker who was later caught buying EPO, a performance-enhancing drug, in Kenya. This raises questions about his training environment.
  2. Farah has been linked to controversial figures in athletics, including a coach under investigation for doping violations. This could negatively impact his reputation in the sport.
  3. While Farah has never failed a drug test, the associations with doping-related individuals and suspicious activity concerning blood tests create a cloud of doubt around his career.

Battle of the Borders

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. There is a new rap battle featuring Borjas and Caplan, focusing on immigration debates. It's a fun and creative way to explore serious topics like open borders versus immigration restrictions.
  2. The rap includes professional singers and a surprise guest, making it entertaining for viewers. It's designed to be family-friendly and can spark discussions among all ages.
  3. One notable line from the battle suggests that civic knowledge is more about who is teaching in colleges rather than immigration policies. This highlights the importance of education in shaping society.

A Heroic Tale Curtailed

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📚 Literature Performance
  1. Homeric poetry's characteristic of digressions and narrative explorations provides context and content to a larger world, reflecting how human memory works.
  2. The intricate meanings in Homeric narratives are collaborative developments in a dynamic context between composer and audience, capitalizing on human memory and cognition.
  3. The story of Othryoneus seeking Kassandra's hand in book 13 of the Iliad reflects themes of war, glory, and futility, with details that resonate through familiar storytelling traditions.

Inside The NBA’s Injury Epidemic: Nobody’s Talking About the Real Cause

Huddle Up • 34 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. NBA players are getting injured more often, even though they have better training and medical care now. This is surprising and raises questions about what's really going on.
  2. Recent data shows that players are suffering from serious injuries, like ruptured Achilles tendons, at much higher rates than before. It's an alarming trend that seems to be getting worse.
  3. There's a need to rethink how player health is managed. Factors such as game scheduling and the increased pace of play may be contributing to the injury crisis in the NBA.

An unanswerable question

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🎶 Music Performance
  1. It's common to feel stuck in the middle of learning a skill, as there's a lot of unclear paths between beginner and expert.
  2. Asking for clear guidance on your personal journey can be tough because everyone's path is unique.
  3. You can learn a lot by observing others, even if you can't get a complete roadmap for your own journey.

Adventure Athlete or Street Performer?

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 25 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. Running can feel like a performance, where making people smile is just as important as the run itself. It's fun to think of each place you visit as a stop on your own adventure tour.
  2. Having a purpose, like raising money for charity, can make your activities feel more meaningful. It helps you stay motivated and connected to what you're doing.
  3. Life can be full of surprises and connections, like meeting new people or sharing experiences that remind you of childhood. These moments can brighten your day and lead to new adventures.

The Alter Ego Effect

Intentional Wisdom • 58 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Performance
  1. Creating alter egos can help improve performance in various aspects of life.
  2. It's common for individuals to exhibit different versions of themselves in different settings.
  3. Physical objects and names can play a significant role in embodying alter egos.

Orange Micro's OrangePC

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Orange Micro's OrangePC was a hardware solution for Mac users to run DOS and Windows applications.
  2. OrangePC provided a Wintel-compatible computer with features like Pentium processors, sound emulation, and VGA support.
  3. Compared to software emulators like SoftPC, OrangePC offered faster performance and better integration between Mac and PC applications.

The "Macros" for healthy engineering teams - part 1: Carbs

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Performance
  1. Just like our bodies need carbs for energy, engineering teams need motivation to stay productive and innovative. Motivation drives teamwork and helps in overcoming challenges.
  2. Understanding and recognizing the importance of tasks keeps team members engaged, similar to how complex carbs provide lasting energy. When people see their work as meaningful, they stay motivated longer.
  3. Effective coordination within a team acts like fiber in our diet, helping everything run smoothly. Good teamwork and communication lead to better performance, especially in remote settings.

WOData: CrossFit Open 24.2

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. The author shares their strategy and analysis for CrossFit Open Workout 24.2, achieving a high score and feeling proud of their performance.
  2. The workout consists of a 20-minute AMRAP involving rowing, deadlifts, and double-unders, with the author focusing on efficient transitions and pacing throughout the routine.
  3. By analyzing their execution in terms of time per round, movement, and transitions, the author reflects on areas where they excelled and areas for potential improvement, like quicker transitions for better performance.

Len vs Glenn

The Ruffian • 270 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Performance
  1. Leonard Bernstein and Glenn Gould were unique artists who embraced new ideas and media.
  2. Bernstein and Gould had a productive disagreement over the interpretation of Brahms' first Piano Concerto.
  3. Bernstein's handling of the crisis with Gould shows the value of open discussions and learning from disagreements.

Tyranny and the Plot

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
📚 Literature Performance
  1. Book 8 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus shaping the plot through divine council and speeches, emphasizing the influence of Gods and Humans in the narrative.
  2. Zeus's control of the plot showcases his authority and highlights the consequences of opposing him, reflecting a theme of power dynamics and storytelling.
  3. Scholars propose book divisions in the Iliad align with potential performances, with Zeus's speeches marking key moments and guiding the understanding of the epic's plot.

Dear Athletes, Don't Sports Bet, Because Sports Betting is Fake

House of Strauss • 23 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. Athletes should avoid sports betting because it's too risky and easy to get caught. The system is designed to catch people who try to cheat.
  2. Recent scandals show even top players can get involved in betting issues, which can hurt their careers. Betting can lead to serious consequences, like being put on paid leave.
  3. Gambling on games can make it seem like athletes are trying to manipulate outcomes, and it’s not worth the potential fallout. Staying clear of betting keeps their careers safer.

The LLM Will Meet You Where You're At

Covidian Æsthetics • 22 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Interacting with LLMs can feel like a rich experience, similar to using psychedelics. It's about how the user engages with it, and what they bring affects the interaction.
  2. The experience with LLMs is not just about the technology but also about the user's state of mind. If users are not mentally prepared, they might struggle or feel overwhelmed.
  3. Engaging with LLMs changes the roles of users and AI. It's a collaborative experience where both influence each other, creating a unique dialogue that evolves with each interaction.

How to work with the best people

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
💼 Business Performance
  1. Working with skilled people helps you learn and grow because they can show you what you don't know. It's important to surround yourself with those who excel in their field.
  2. To attract top talent, you need to bring something valuable to the table. Just asking to work with them isn't enough; you have to offer something they want.
  3. Understanding the needs of others is key. Whether it's in a jam session or a workplace, showing that you can add value makes you a desirable collaborator.

FLASH UPDATE: That was the most memorable distance race ever run at a New Hampshire indoor state championship

Beck of the Pack • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. A highly dramatic distance race took place at a New Hampshire indoor state championship between Lucian Gleiser and Jamie Lano, leading to unexpected results.
  2. The track and road running world is witnessing an increase in fast times, making it challenging to reevaluate what constitutes a world-class performance.
  3. The sport of competitive running is evolving with more athletes breaking records, potentially influenced by factors like advanced footwear and a larger pool of global talent.

A Klezmer Revival in South Seattle?

The Cholent • 39 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Performance
  1. The Royal Room in South Seattle has become a hub for local bands embracing their Eastern European musical roots, particularly klezmer music.
  2. Klezmer culture in Seattle has experienced a revival with the efforts of musicians like Mark Lutwak and events like Klezmer Starts Here!
  3. Younger generations are showing an increasing interest in klezmer music, embracing it as roots music and connecting to their Jewish heritage.

Release Notes — March 2nd 2023

tldraw • 39 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. The update brings a new design interface with improved performance.
  2. An open source release of the Signia library is available for developers.
  3. Various tweaks, fixes, and improvements were implemented, including better app performance and enhanced drawing quality.

Speed vs the Appearance of Speed

The Serverless Mindset • 39 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Focus on giving users a sense of progress to hide unoptimized areas of your system
  2. Strive to achieve the Appearance of Speed in user experience rather than focusing solely on actual speed
  3. Show something to the user quickly and update the page with data to enhance the feeling of progress in the application

Growing queues faster in go.

Software Bits Newsletter • 206 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Dynamic data structures can change size at runtime, like a stack or queue.
  2. Using % to recompute element indices in Go's queue implementation can impact performance.
  3. Comparing copyUsingMod and copyUsingCopy functions in Go revealed potential improvements in performance.

LLMs Will be Like Ozempic for Golf

House of Strauss • 16 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. Using LLMs can help golfers improve their skills quickly by analyzing data and giving specific feedback. This is similar to how some people lose weight with certain medications.
  2. The combination of robot assistance and personal instruction can enhance learning in sports like golf, which relies on precise techniques.
  3. There is potential for widespread improvement in golf skills, which might change the sport and how people engage with it.

Injury-free or it doesn’t count

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. Injuries can be serious for athletes, and pushing through pain isn't always the best choice. It's important to listen to your body and take time to recover.
  2. The culture of 'no pain, no gain' can affect how we think about training and progress. Sometimes, we need to rethink our goals and focus on doing what's safe for our bodies.
  3. Minimizing running miles and accepting help when offered can be a smart way to stay healthy. It's okay to change your approach to fitness to prevent injuries.

Polymorphic vectors.

Software Bits Newsletter • 206 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Inheritance can impact performance negatively in C++ due to issues like indirection and virtual function dispatch.
  2. Data-oriented design (DOD) can lead to improved performance by optimizing data organization over code organization.
  3. Using a struct of arrays approach instead of std::variant can offer better performance and minimize memory overhead in certain scenarios.

Lessons in Leadership from Formula 1: Christian Horner vs Toto Wolff

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
💼 Business Performance
  1. Leadership styles can really affect how well a team performs. Some leaders pile on pressure, while others focus on support and growth.
  2. When teams feel secure and supported, they tend to perform better. Creating a positive environment helps people grow into their roles.
  3. It's important to think long-term when leading. Investing in people and their development brings better results instead of expecting immediate performance.

Enduring Value

Steelhead • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💼 Business Performance
  1. Raising more private capital pre-IPO shows a weak positive correlation with larger enduring public market cap.
  2. Companies that raise more private capital pre-IPO tend to have slightly higher growth rates post-IPO.
  3. There is a weak/negligible positive correlation between raising more private capital pre-IPO and greater enduring sales efficiency.

The High Performer's Trap: When Self-Criticism Starts Working Against You

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Performance
  1. Being too hard on yourself can hurt your performance. It’s better to be kind to yourself instead of listening to your inner critic.
  2. Perfectionism can create a cycle of negative self-talk. When you set high standards, you're more likely to feel like a failure when things go wrong.
  3. Treat yourself like you would a friend. Instead of blaming yourself, focus on what you can learn and do better next time.

cppyy

Software Bits Newsletter • 206 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Python is versatile for many tasks like web development and data science.
  2. Using C++ for compute-heavy tasks in Python can boost performance.
  3. Cppyy offers a simple way to integrate C++ code snippets into Python for performance improvements.

Unraveling the Internals of Video Streaming services

Engineering At Scale • 45 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Video streaming is a big part of internet traffic today, making up over 82% of it. Understanding how video streaming works is important, especially for tech job interviews.
  2. Key concepts in video streaming include frames, pixels, bitrate, and resolution. These terms help define video quality and how videos are stored and transmitted.
  3. Video encoding and transcoding are crucial for making video files smaller and compatible with different devices. This process ensures smooth playback without losing too much quality.