Cool Stuff Daily

Choosing to remain in the dark; on the power of “deliberate ignorance.” Plus, AI that can make academic articles more comprehensible, and one site in particular that took off last week. And a new browser-based history game that I at least can’t stop playing. Sponsors: Munk Pack, Use code KRH at Munkpack.com for 20% off your first purchase Jenni Kayne, Use code KRH at jennikayne.com for 15% off you...

The thought leaders who inspired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plus, his childhood name change, what to make of his legacy, and more. Also today, what caused the massive volcanic eruption in Tonga over the weekend? And gather up your silver bullets, it’s a Full Wolf Moon tonight. Sponsors: Jenni Kayne, Use code KRH at jennikayne.com for 15% off your first order Munk Pack, Use code KRH at Munkpack.com...

What is slow internet and is it a thing we should still be striving towards? What about slow email? Plus, in some very pressing news, the US Food & Drug Administration has officially deregulated French dressing. And Welsh scientists have determined that masks make people look more attractive. Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at...

The growing market for non-alcoholic beers, and a new “undistilled non-whiskey” that’s arrived just in time for Dry January. Plus, the search for a new king of a tiny island. And, the debate over “ghost flights” is heating up in Europe. Sponsors: Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balance Indeed, Get a free $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com...

The real physics of Wile E. Coyote’s 10 billion volt electromagnet. Plus, cannabis can prevent SARS CoV-2 from spreading. Technically. And does listening to this podcast at double speed decrease your comprehension? Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balance Links: The P...

A human has received a genetically-altered pig’s heart in a transplant for the first time ever. Plus, China’s lunar lander found water on the moon. And a look into the origins and phenomenon of Wordle. Sponsors: Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balance Indeed, Get a free $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Links: In a First, Man Re...

Scientists are working on a plan to shoot tardigrades into interstellar space on lasers. Plus, the James Webb Space Telescope is so-far going better than anyone had dared to imagine. And alpaca’s favorite new year snack: Christmas trees. Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtab...

How Boaty McBoatface is helping diagnose the severity of the situation at the Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica. Plus, it looks like solar shingles are finally actually a thing. And something to try this weekend––the Dutch practice of uitwaaien. Sponsors: ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN.com/kottke for an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Ho...

A look at predictions for today from a 1922 article in The New York Herald. Plus, move over self-driving cars, introducing fish-operated vehicles. And car commercials in France will soon require advertisers to tell people not to drive. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN.com/kottke for an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package Links: Image 87...

Gravity as a possible solution to one major drawback of wind and solar power, and reasons to be cautiously optimistic about our prospects for the climate overall. Plus, the link between physical strength and mental health. And the CDC’s zombie preparedness guide. Sponsors: ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN.com/kottke for an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify...

The history and future of predicting the future. Plus, a new “open-source” COVID vaccine that could help way more people around the world get vaccinated. And, after taking down a statue of Robert E. Lee in Virginia, local experts found two time capsules inside its base. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN.com/kottke for an extra 3 months FREE on...

A fresh argument for reclassifying Pluto as a full-fledged planet that would open the doors for way more planets than just the OG nine. Plus, it was raining fish in Texas last week. And if you’ve been trying to remember the title of a book you read as a kid, a new community on Instagram might be able to help you out. Sponsors: ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN.com/kottke for an extra 3 months FREE on a one-y...

A history of the humble donut as a symbol of American patriotism, and a circular source of joy world round. Plus, a round-up of New Year’s traditions from around the world––in case you’re looking for a little inspiration on this perhaps quieter-than-usual New Year’s Eve. Links: Doughnuts: The fried treat that conquered the modern world (BBC) The Delicious Democratic Symbolism of...Doughnuts? (JSTO...

The argument for emojis as folklore, the top emojis of 2021, and why an emoji reference site is being archived in the Library of Congress. Plus, it turns out gray hair can return to its original color… sometimes, and temporarily. And, waterbeds didn’t fully go away after the early 90s. Their main consumer base just shifted… to cows. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by ente...

What is the real driver of all of humanity’s innovations, doctrines, and oddities? According to some psychologists, disgust. Plus, the surprisingly recent history of counting down to midnight on New Year’s Eve. And forget smell-o-vision, now there’s a TV you can taste. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottk...

A round-up of Christmas traditions from around the world and throughout time. Plus, the US Army is working on a vaccine that could protect against all COVID and SARS variants, including omicron. And there’s a cream cheese shortage so Kraft Heinz is bribing us not to make cheesecakes over the holidays. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke GiveWell, Have your donation mat...

The James Webb Space Telescope is launching on Friday. Here’s what to expect, and why astronomers are so stressed out about it. Plus, Scotland may soon be issuing a three centuries overdue pardon to victims of its many witchcraft trials. And when the snowstorms come this season, your town might just be de-icing the roads with beet juice. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by...

How an athlete’s blood could boost cognitive function, potentially in non-athletic people. Plus, the origin and meanings of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” And, Christmas in July takes on a whole new meaning with cruises designed specifically for professional Santas. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Shopify...

How a librarian discovered a secret library within her library. Plus, some tips for unplugging more deeply when you’re on vacation. And the group of actual birds knocking Adele and Ed Sheeran off the top of the Australian music charts. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentr...

It turns out those pesky spotted lanternflies have changed the local honey in Pennsylvania, and it’s… kind of good? Plus, the FDA has approved eye drops that fix age-related vision problems. And one company is trying to prevent new staff turnover by letting them see what the job is really like using VR headsets. Sponsors: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com GiveWell, Have your d...

A NASA spacecraft has just touched the sun for the first time in human history. Plus, are floating neighborhoods the future for coastal towns? And a look back at the origin of online reviews, and a question about their future. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Li...

When did we first start sending holiday cards and will the tradition ever end? Plus, the health risks for humans in space and a high-tech sleeping bag that could prevent astronauts’ vision from deteriorating. And, Keanu Reeves explains what was going on in the infamous Sad Keanu photo. Sponsors: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250...

Need a creative boost? Try this napping hack from Thomas Edison and Salvador Dalí––research from this month says it actually works. The woman who successfully traded a bobby pin for a house. And Swedish towns are trying to reclaim their names from IKEA products. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Tentree, Use code KOT...

Insights from the real-life NASA scientist behind Netflix’s new killer-comet movie, Don’t Look Up. Plus, reindeers are the only mammals whose eyes change color with the seasons. And their noses kind of do too––the science behind that, and the history of the most famous red-nosed reindeer of all. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at...

Finally we get some truth from bird truthers. Everything you need to know about the Birds Aren’t Real movement. Plus, New Zealand is banning tobacco completely for the upcoming generations. And Instagram is bringing back the chronological feed! Kind of. Sponsor: Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at chec...