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Why Engineers Build Growth and Lawyers Slow It Down
What makes one country’s economy thrive while others stalls? This question has puzzled economists for decades. Back in the 1980s, an economist named Andre Schlier decided to dig into it, and his findings were as fascinating as they were simple: the balance between engineers and lawyers plays a surprising role in economic growth.
Why the Internet Broke AI: The Problem with Google Search in 2024
Google has dominated the search engine game for decades, but 2024 brought a shift. ChatGPT and other AI tools emerged, offering quick, summarized answers to your queries. It sounded like a dream come true: an AI that could cut through the noise and deliver the information you need without endless scrolling. But what happens when the AI is trained on... well, the internet?
Why Costco Beats Amazon: The Secrets Behind Its Low Prices
Costco has built a reputation for incredible deals, often undercutting even Amazon. But how does it manage to stay so affordable while maintaining quality? The answer lies in its unique business model, creative problem-solving, and an alignment of incentives with its members.
Archive
Why Engineers Build Growth and Lawyers Slow It Down
What makes one country’s economy thrive while others stalls? This question has puzzled economists for decades. Back in the 1980s, an economist named Andre Schlier decided to dig into it, and his findings were as fascinating as they were simple: the balance between engineers and lawyers plays a surprising role in economic growth.
Why the Internet Broke AI: The Problem with Google Search in 2024
Google has dominated the search engine game for decades, but 2024 brought a shift. ChatGPT and other AI tools emerged, offering quick, summarized answers to your queries. It sounded like a dream come true: an AI that could cut through the noise and deliver the information you need without endless scrolling. But what happens when the AI is trained on... well, the internet?
Why Costco Beats Amazon: The Secrets Behind Its Low Prices
Costco has built a reputation for incredible deals, often undercutting even Amazon. But how does it manage to stay so affordable while maintaining quality? The answer lies in its unique business model, creative problem-solving, and an alignment of incentives with its members.
When DoorDash Went Rogue: The $668 Million Experiment
In 2019, DoorDash faced a problem: restaurants weren’t signing up. Their solution? Add them to the platform for free—without asking for permission. The goal was simple: once restaurants saw delivery sales, they’d be eager to sign up officially. But this risky move turned into a recipe for disaster.
The Truth About PINs: Protecting Banks, Not Just You!
PIN numbers have become a routine part of life—four digits standing between you and your money. But what are they really for? Spoiler: they might not be as much about protecting you as you think. Let’s break down why PINs exist and the strange quirks behind them.
The Crazy Complexity of Organizing Container Ships
Every day, the shipping industry moves millions of containers across the globe. But have you ever wondered how these massive floating puzzles manage to stay afloat, balanced, and on schedule? Let’s take a closer look at the MSC Arena, a container ship traveling from Singapore to Valencia, Spain, with 236,000 tons of cargo. Its journey is a testament to how modern logistics keep global trade flowing smoothly.
Sesame Seeds Everywhere: How an Allergy Solution Backfired
In 2022, sesame seeds officially joined the FDA’s list of major allergens, requiring food makers to disclose if their products contain or might have come in contact with sesame. It seemed like a straightforward fix for the million-plus Americans allergic to sesame—until things got complicated.
LA’s $192 Million Traffic Enforcement Loss: Could AI Cameras Be the Solution?
Los Angeles has a costly traffic enforcement issue—spent $192 million more than it collected in ticket revenue. Now, the city is betting on AI to turn things around. With a pilot program to install AI-powered cameras on city buses, LA hopes to reduce costs and boost efficiency by automating the ticketing process. Could this be the answer to LA’s traffic troubles?
Reaching New Heights: How Tall Could We Really Build?
For thousands of years, humans have been obsessed with reaching the skies, pushing the limits of architecture and engineering. From the Pyramids of Giza to today’s record-breaking skyscrapers, every era brings new heights. But how tall could we actually go? Could we one day build a structure taller than Mount Everest?
One Metric Unit Connects It All: Volume, Weight, Energy, and Chemistry
The metric system is more than just a way to measure—it’s an elegant design where everything connects seamlessly. Let’s dive into an amazing example of how one unit in this system connects volume, weight, energy, and chemistry, using something as simple as water and hydrogen.
Big Tech’s Nuclear Revival: Powering the AI Revolution
As artificial intelligence rapidly advances, its energy demands are outpacing the existing U.S. power grid. At the current rate, experts warn the U.S. could face a serious energy shortage by 2030. In response, tech giants like Google and Microsoft are taking unprecedented action: building small nuclear power plants to fuel their AI data centers, marking a remarkable shift in the industry’s approach to power.