Pieces
Revisiting the Algorithm that Changed Horse Race Betting
This paper examines the elements necessary for a practical and successful computerized horse race handicapping and wagering system. Data requirements, handicapping model development, wagering strategy, and feasibility are addressed. A logit-based technique and a corresponding heuristic measure of improvement are described for combining a fundamental handicapping model with the public’s implied probability estimates. The author reports significant positive results in five years of actual implementation of such a system. This result can be interpreted as evidence of inefficiency in pari-mutuel racetrack wagering. This paper aims to emphasize those aspects of computer handicapping which the author has found most important in practical application of such a system.
The Beautiful Danger of Normal Life During an Autocratic Rise
A transcript of an episode of 'The Opinions' where David Leonhardt and M. Gessen discuss the human inclination to normalize life during a serious crisis. They draw parallels between the public response to Vladimir Putin's autocratic rule in Russia and the political climate of the Trump era in the United States, exploring the concept of 'shock exhaustion' and effective ways to resist the diminution of democracy.
4.6 Billion Years On, the Sun Is Having a Moment
Despite ongoing global challenges, renewable energy has rapidly shifted from an 'alternative' to the mainstream, cost-effective choice for power worldwide. This article details the exponential growth of solar and wind power, highlighting key statistics from the US, China, and developing nations, which demonstrate a profound and hopeful transformation in the global energy system.
Why Is Cancer Drug Revlimid So Expensive?
A personal investigation by ProPublica reporter David Armstrong into the exorbitant price of Revlimid, a crucial drug for his own multiple myeloma treatment. The article traces the drug's history from its controversial thalidomide origins to its current status as a blockbuster cancer treatment. It exposes the strategies employed by drugmaker Celgene, including patent manipulation and suppression of generic competition, that led to the drug's price being hiked 26 times, costing nearly $1,000 per pill despite a manufacturing cost of 25 cents.
How to live an intellectually rich life
An article by Utsav Mamoria that uses the metaphor of a journey through fantastical lands to outline a path to a richer intellectual life. It argues for overcoming societal pressures and personal ignorance through satisfaction, curiosity, routine, and collaboration, drawing on concepts like Conway's Game of Life and stories of figures like Dorothy Hodgkin and Yitang Zhang.
Is 1 Prime, and Does It Matter?
The article discusses the historical and mathematical reasons why the number 1 is not considered a prime number. It explores how the definition of 'prime' has evolved to maintain the elegance and consistency of mathematical theorems, such as the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic. The author argues that mathematical definitions are human choices shaped by the need for coherence and beauty, rather than being eternal truths.
How Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Failed Children on Safety, States Say
Dozens of state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, accusing the company and its C.E.O., Mark Zuckerberg, of knowingly harming children and teenagers by designing platforms like Instagram to be addictive and harmful. An analysis of court filings reveals that Meta leaders repeatedly prioritized capturing young users and driving engagement over implementing safety measures, despite internal warnings from employees about the risks to youth mental health and welfare.
Are You the Same Person You Used to Be?
The article explores the philosophical and psychological question of personal identity and continuity over a lifetime. It examines whether we remain the same person from childhood to old age, discussing research like the Dunedin study, and contrasting views of the self as either a continuous narrative or a series of separate episodes.
Photos: 13 Years on Mars
This week, NASA marks the 13th anniversary of the landing of its Curiosity rover on the surface of Mars. Curiosity has now driven more than 22 miles across the cold and dry planet, over the course of 4,620 Martian days, making countless observations and discoveries.
Mendenhall River Hit Record High From Glacier Melt
An overflowing glacial lake north of Juneau, Alaska, caused the Mendenhall River to surge to a record height, prompting floods and evacuations. The article explains the phenomenon of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), their increasing frequency due to rising temperatures melting glaciers, and the specific history of such events at the Suicide Basin near Juneau since 2011.
She Worked in a Harvard Lab to Reverse Aging, Until ICE Jailed Her
Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist researching aging at a Harvard lab, was detained by ICE after failing to declare frog embryo samples upon returning from France. Having fled Russia due to her political opposition to the Ukraine invasion, she now faces deportation from a Louisiana detention center, a case highlighting the stringent immigration policies of the Trump administration and causing alarm in scientific and Russian émigré circles.
Regime Change in the West?
Perry Anderson traces the concept of 'regime change' from its origin describing international economic order shifts to its modern use for government overthrows. The article analyzes neoliberalism's endurance through financial crises, the rise of populism as a reaction, and questions whether current political changes signal the end of the neoliberal era.
Elon Musk's Starlink Connects and Divides Brazil's Marubo People
The introduction of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet to the remote Marubo Indigenous tribe in the Brazilian Amazon has brought both significant benefits and profound challenges. While improving communication for emergencies, education, and health, it has also introduced issues like social media addiction, exposure to pornography, online scams, and a decline in traditional cultural practices, creating a deep debate within the tribe about its future.
What Happened When Mark Zuckerberg Moved In Next Door
The billionaire has bought at least 11 properties in Palo Alto, Calif., creating a compound for his family, a private school for his children — and headaches for his neighbors.
‘The Interview’: Curtis Yarvin Says Democracy is Done
An interview with political theorist Curtis Yarvin by David Marchese for The New York Times Magazine. Yarvin discusses his anti-democratic views, advocating for a monarchy or a C.E.O.-led state. He explains his belief that democracy is failing and how his ideas have gained traction with figures like JD Vance, Peter Thiel, and others in Silicon Valley and the new right.
The Anti-Social Century
An article in The Atlantic by Derek Thompson exploring the rise of solitude and social disconnection in America. It examines how this trend, accelerated by technology, the pandemic, and changes in lifestyle, is reshaping personalities, politics, and social structures. The author discusses the decline in community engagement, the shift from public to private life, and the psychological and societal consequences, including increased polarization and a 'need for chaos'. The piece also touches on the role of AI in potentially deepening this isolation.
How a Mole Infiltrated the Highest Ranks of American Militias
A wilderness survival trainer, outraged by the Jan. 6 riot, spent years undercover infiltrating right-wing militias like the Oath Keepers and AP3. Without informing the FBI, he gathered a massive trove of documents and recordings, providing a unique window into a new generation of militia leaders, including doctors and government attorneys, and their operations.
The Missing 11th of the Month
An investigation into why the '11th of the month' appears less frequently in historical texts, a phenomenon highlighted by an xkcd comic. The author discovers that the discrepancy is largely due to Optical Character Recognition (OCR) errors, where '11th' is often misread as 'llth', 'IIth', or 'nth', particularly influenced by the design of fonts following the invention of the typewriter.
Like AC for the Outdoors
The article, adapted from Sam Bloch's book, argues that shade is a critical and democratic solution to combat the life-threatening effects of rising global temperatures. As heat becomes a more significant danger than other natural disasters combined, the author posits that investing in shade infrastructure—both natural trees and artificial structures—is as crucial for 21st-century public health as clean air and water were to the 20th. Shade not only provides physical comfort but also fosters social cohesion and is essential for making our cities livable in a warming world.
America's Aging Workforce
The article explores the growing trend of older Americans working past traditional retirement age due to financial necessity. Using the story of Walter Carpenter, a 69-year-old worker in Vermont, it highlights the challenges faced by an aging workforce, including inadequate retirement savings, the rising cost of living, and the shift from pensions to 401(k) plans. The piece also discusses the broader economic implications and potential policy solutions.
You Can Now Buy Eggs From In-Ovo Sexed Hens!
An article discussing the introduction of in-ovo sexing technology in the US egg industry, which allows for the ethical identification of male embryos before hatching, thus preventing the culling of male chicks. It highlights the availability of 'Humanely Hatched' eggs from brands like NestFresh and Kipster and encourages consumer support to drive widespread adoption of this more humane practice.
Why does a fire truck cost $2 million?
An investigation into the soaring costs and production delays of fire trucks, attributing the issue to industry consolidation by private equity firms like American Industrial Partners (AIP), which formed the REV Group. The article details how this has led to aging fleets and financial strain for fire departments nationwide, such as in Chicago, and discusses the potential for antitrust action.
What to Do When the Supreme Court Is Wrong
The article discusses the implications of controversial Supreme Court decisions, drawing parallels between the 1986 Bowers v. Hardwick case and recent rulings under the Trump administration. It highlights how legal defeats can galvanize activism and lead to long-term victories, citing the eventual overturning of Bowers. The piece examines the current Court's handling of issues like birthright citizenship and immigration, suggesting that while the conservative majority often seems avoidant or complicit with Trump's actions, legal challenges through class-action lawsuits and state-level actions continue to be effective strategies for upholding constitutional principles.
Trump’s ‘Gold Standard’ for Science Manufactures Doubt
The article discusses how the Trump administration's 'Gold Standard Science' executive order provides a framework for political appointees to manufacture doubt about scientific evidence. This approach allows them to delay or block regulatory actions, particularly concerning public health and the environment, by demanding unattainable levels of certainty and reshaping science to fit policy goals, a tactic similar to the 'doubt science' pioneered by the tobacco industry.
Trump fires Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner after dismal employment report
After a jobs report showed slower hiring and downward revisions for previous months, President Donald Trump fired Erika McEntarfer, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Trump alleged political manipulation of the figures without evidence. The report indicated only 73,000 jobs were added in July, with significant reductions in May and June's estimates, leading to a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 4.2%.
The Rubik's Cube Perfect Scramble
An article detailing the process of finding a 'perfect scramble' for a Rubik's Cube, where no two squares of the same color touch. The author outlines the strict criteria for the scramble, the computational method used to search for a solution among 43 quintillion possibilities, and the discovery of a single unique solution that took 5 days to compute.
The End of Airport Shoe-Screening Is Populism Theater
The article analyzes the recent end of the TSA's mandatory shoe-removal policy at airports. Author Ian Bogost argues that this change is not driven by improved security but is a form of 'populism theater,' a superficial gesture to please the public. He traces the policy's history from its origin after the Richard Reid incident to its evolution into 'security theater' and a system where premium travelers could bypass the inconvenience. The author concludes that the policy's termination reflects a broader trend of governmental nihilism and indifference, prioritizing popular appeal over addressing systemic issues in aviation security and regulation.
The Birth of the Attention Economy
The article discusses the 19th-century rise of cheap, daily newspapers as the first true attention economy, which reshaped how Americans engaged with the world. It draws parallels between the historical anxieties over newspapers diminishing intellect and contemporary concerns about modern technology like the internet and AI, questioning if we are reaching an endgame where deep thought becomes redundant.
Texas Democrats decamp to Illinois to deny Republicans a quorum on redistricting
Texas House Democrats fled to Illinois to prevent Republicans from achieving a quorum needed for a special session on redistricting. This action aims to block a new congressional map, supported by Donald Trump, which could significantly favor the Republican party. In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened the lawmakers with arrest and expulsion, while Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker offered them support.
Texas Democrats walked out to block the GOP. How well has the tactic worked before?
Dozens of Texas Democrats left the state to protest a redistricting map, facing potentially steep consequences. This article explores the history and effectiveness of lawmaker walkouts, or "breaking quorum," as a political tactic in Texas and other states, examining past instances and their outcomes.
Remarkable News in Potatoes: They Evolved From Tomatoes
A new study reveals a surprising evolutionary origin for potatoes: they evolved from a hybrid of an ancient tomato and another plant from the Etuberosum group around 8-9 million years ago. This chance hybridization allowed the proto-potato to develop tubers, an organ neither parent possessed, enabling it to thrive in new environments and diversify into over 100 species. This finding challenges the traditional view of hybridization as an evolutionary dead end, highlighting its potential to create novel traits and successful new species.
Photos: The Scale of China’s Solar-Power Projects
A photo essay showcasing the massive scale of China's investment and construction of solar power projects, including vast solar farms in deserts, on hillsides, floating on reservoirs, and integrated into agriculture and urban infrastructure.
Menlo Park Sister Cities: My Experience in Bizen, Japan
Jenna Lee, a student ambassador from Menlo Park, recounts her week-long trip to its sister city, Bizen, Japan. The article details the cultural immersion, including visiting historical landmarks, trying local cuisine, learning traditional pottery (Bizen ware), and staying with a host family. It reflects on the challenges and rewards of the experience, emphasizing the value of cultural exchange and the strong bond between the two cities.
Let Your Kid Climb That Tree
The article argues that parents should encourage unstructured, 'wild' play in children, such as climbing trees. This freedom helps develop robust motor skills, prevents future injuries, and supports cognitive and mental health, contrasting with the risks of an increasingly sedentary and overprotected childhood.
How to Keep on the Sunny Side of Life
This article by Arthur C. Brooks for The Atlantic examines the link between sunlight and happiness. Drawing on scientific studies, it explains how sun exposure can boost mood by affecting vitamin D production and circadian rhythms. The piece also discusses seasonal affective disorder (SAD), offers practical tips for getting a healthy dose of daily sun, and warns against the negative effects of artificial light at night. It concludes that while sunlight is beneficial for well-being, strong social relationships are a more critical factor for overall happiness.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting says it's shutting down
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides federal funding to public media like NPR and PBS, announced it is shutting down after President Trump signed a law rescinding its funding through 2027. This move has caused shock in the public media system, leading to layoffs at some stations, while others have seen a surge in donations. CPB plans to eliminate most staff positions by September 30, 2025.
AI Comes Up with Bizarre Physics Experiments. But They Work.
Physicists are using AI to design novel experiments, such as improving LIGO's sensitivity, and to discover new scientific concepts and patterns in data. While AI can create more effective experimental setups than humans and rediscover known physical laws like Lorentz symmetries from data, it still requires human interpretation and hypothesis generation. The article highlights how AI-driven tools are becoming powerful assistants in physics research, with potential for future discoveries.
What Georgia’s Medicaid Work Requirement Tells Us About the Costs of the “Big Beautiful Bill”
This article examines the potential consequences of a national Medicaid work requirement by analyzing Georgia's program, the only one of its kind. Implemented in July 2023, Georgia's experiment has resulted in extremely low enrollment due to bureaucratic hurdles, despite most eligible individuals already being employed. The piece argues that a similar federal mandate, proposed by Congressional Republicans to offset tax cuts, could jeopardize healthcare for nearly 16 million Americans and impose hundreds of millions of dollars in administrative costs on states, drawing parallels to a previously halted program in Arkansas.
Underwater turbine spinning for 6 years off Scotland's coast is a breakthrough for tidal energy
A tidal turbine submerged off Scotland's coast has operated continuously for over six years, a record that signals a significant breakthrough for the commercial viability of tidal energy. The MeyGen project's success in the harsh marine environment demonstrates the technology's durability, making it more attractive to investors and paving the way for the expansion of tidal energy farms.
The World’s Deadliest Addiction Is Popping Up on Brain Scans. And It’s Not Even a Drug.
The article posits that revenge is a powerful behavioral addiction, with neuroscientific evidence showing that the desire for vengeance activates the same pleasure and reward circuits in the brain as addictive drugs. This impulse is identified as the root cause of most human violence, from personal disputes to mass atrocities. The author suggests treating violence as a public health issue by understanding its addictive nature and promoting forgiveness as a neurological 'wonder drug' that can deactivate the brain's pain networks and restore rational thinking.
The tech that the US Post Office gave us
An exploration of the technological innovations driven by the US Postal Service over its 250-year history, from pioneering airmail and creating the ZIP code to adopting optical character recognition and machine learning for mail processing.
The Ah Ma Flippa Ball Team Is a Sign of Singapore’s Aging Population
This article details how Singapore is addressing its aging population by promoting active lifestyles for seniors. It focuses on the 'Ah Ma Flippa Ball' team, a group of women mostly in their 60s to 80s who play a modified version of water polo. This initiative, along with others like cheerleading and e-sports, is part of a government effort to help citizens age well, providing physical activity, social connection, and a sense of purpose.
Systems are crumbling – but daily life continues. The dissonance is real
The article explores the concept of 'hypernormalization,' a term from Soviet Russia describing the dissonance of living in a society where governing systems are visibly failing, yet daily life continues as if normal. Author Adrienne Matei applies this to the current US political and social climate, particularly under the Trump administration, citing widespread feelings of dread, denial, and dissociation. The piece discusses how recognizing this phenomenon can be psychologically relieving and is the first step toward meaningful action and resisting the normalization of dysfunction.
Spotted: Run Club Menlo Park receiving proclamation from City Council
Run Club Menlo Park received a proclamation from the City of Menlo Park, presented by Mayor Drew Combs. The proclamation recognizes the organization's contribution to the health and growth of local youth. Coach Scott Paterson and others were present to accept the honor.
Scientists identify culprit behind biggest-ever U.S. honey bee die-off
U.S. beekeepers experienced a record 62% die-off of commercial honey bee colonies between June 2024 and January 2025. A new USDA study identifies the culprit as bee viruses spread by parasitic mites that have become resistant to amitraz, the primary miticide. This resistance poses a significant threat to U.S. agriculture, which relies heavily on honey bee pollination.