Thursdays are all about longform links on Abnormal Returns. You can check out last week’s linkfest including a look at the rise of India as a global power.
Quote of the Day
“Does a mask protect me from aerosolized virus?” or “Does this seat belt keep me from flying through the window in an accident?” are different types of questions than “Does aspirin reduce death rates after a heart attack?”
(Oliver, Ungrin & Vipond)
Books
- An excerpt from "When the Heavens Went on Sale" by Ashlee Vance. (bloomberg.com)
- A Q&A with Henry Grabar author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World." (vox.com)
- An excerpt from "Touch Matters: Handshakes, Hugs, and the New Science on How Touch Can Enhance Your Well-Being" by Michael Banissy. (behavioralscientist.org)
- A Q&A with Jonathan D. Cohen author of "For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America." (vox.com)
- A Q&A with Drew Millard author of "How Golf Can Save Your Life." (dirt.fyi)
Longreads
- Why super-intelligent AI is unlikely to kill us all. (slate.com)
- New green energy projects are increasingly coming under organized opposition. (wsj.com)
- Vladimir Putin is notoriously sober, but vodka plays a big role in his regime and country. (politico.com)
- Lindsey Graham's path mirrors that of the Republican Party. (specialto.thebulwark.com)
- Are free-living dogs happier than your pet dog? (aeon.co)
- Want to lower sea levels? Flood some ancient dry lakes. (unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com)
- Where do great ideas come from? (thegeneralist.substack.com)
