Blog/Commentary
Stoic Climate Action — co2mmit
A stoic response to climate change involves exploring the actions we control. How the words of Epictetus, Seneca & Marcus Aurelius inform action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Politics
Illinois Democrats drew new maps. They pushed the GOP to the right. - The Washington Post
Kevin McCarthy’s ouster from the U.S. House speakership reflected a push toward the fringe caused in part by gerrymandered districts. The congressional map in Illinois offers a prime example.
Media
What “The Office” reboot should look like, according to office workers - The Washington Post
Dwight is now monitoring your keystrokes, Stanley and Kevin are always black tiles on Zoom, and there’s a new Gen Z office influencer filming everything.
Climate Change
Climate Destruction Fuels a Growing Sector of the US Economy - Bloomberg
Spending tied to the consequences of global warming has made up 32% of America’s GDP growth since 2016.
It’s Not Your Imagination. Summers Are Getting Hotter. - The New York Times
As the planet has warmed, summer temperatures have shifted toward more extreme heat.
Environment
$67 Billion of Rare Minerals Is Buried Under One of the World’s Biggest Carbon Sinks - WSJ
A fight is brewing in Canada about how, or whether, to dig out materials essential for EV batteries that lie deep beneath vast peat bogs.
Technology
Does Sam Altman Know What He’s Creating? - The Atlantic
The OpenAI CEO’s ambitious, ingenious, terrifying quest to create a new form of intelligence
Culture
Ecuador Was a Retirement Paradise for Americans. Then the Drug Gangs Arrived. - WSJ
‘Magical’ beachfront towns have been transformed into violent transit points for cocaine; ‘there is so much grief watching mothers have to bury their sons.’
Why does Canada have three of the world's most liveable cities? - BBC Travel
With Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto all ranked in the top 10 of the Global Liveability Index 2023, we speak to residents in each city to find out what makes life so sweet.
Real Estate
How HGTV’s ‘Home Town’ Transformed Laurel, Miss. - WSJ
Before Erin and Ben Napier moved to Laurel, downtown was dead. Now, stores have opened, unemployment is down and property values are up.
Mortgage demand falls to lowest level since 1996
Mortgage rates just continue to climb higher, taking a particularly big leap last week.
Food
You Gorged on Your European Vacation but Lost Weight. Why? - WSJ
Americans who eat their way through Europe sometimes come home surprised to see a lower number on the scale.