Cool Stuff Daily

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 one-year package Links: The History of Predicting the Future (Wired) This Reddit Thread Predicting The Things People Are Sure Will Happen In 2022 Will Get You In The Right Headspace For The Rest Of The Year (Digg) New patent-free COVID vaccine developed as “gift to the world” (New Atlas) India's Corbevax vaccine was developed at Texas Children's Hospital. It expects nothing in return. (Washington Post) Editorial: Houston-made Corbevax vaccine welcome news in pandemic fight (Houston Chronicle) Two Time Capsules Found at Removed Confederate Statue Base (The Mary Sue) Experts find books, a coin and an envelope in Robert E. Lee statue's base (NPR) 2nd time capsule found at the Robert E. Lee statue site in Richmond (NPR) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-year package Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Pluto should be reclassified as a planet, scientists argue (NBC News) Scientists avenge Pluto, claim 150 planets in our solar system (A/V Club) Moons are planets: Scientific usefulness versus cultural teleology in the taxonomy of planetary science (ScienceDirect) Fish fell from the sky in East Texas (NBC News) It rained fish over a Texas town this week in a bizarre weather event (CNN) Strange Rains (National Geographic) Can it rain frogs, fish, and other objects? (Library of Congress) Still looking for that picture book you loved as a kid? Try asking Instagram (NPR) Pease Porridge Press (@myoldbooks) (Instagram) 52 Things I Learned in 2021 (Kottke.org) 52 things I learned in 2021 (Tom Whitwell, Fluxx) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? (JSTOR Daily) The History of the Doughnut (Smithsonian Mag, 1998) Everything You Need to Know About the Great American Doughnut (Eater, 2015) How doughnuts became Australia's symbol of Covid hope (The Guardian) New Year's Good Luck Traditions: 7 food rituals to ward off misfortune in 2017 (Mic, 2017) New Year's Traditions from Around the World (Old Farmer’s Almanac) 7 New Year's Eve traditions from around the world to try at home (Washington Post) Tracing the Origins of a Black American New Year's Ritual (NY Times) New Year's Eve In Spain Is All About The Grapes — Save The Cava For Later (NPR, 2016) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Emojis Are Folklore (Emojipedia) The Most Frequently Used Emoji of 2021 (Unicode) Emoji to Scale 7/17/20 episode about World Emoji Day (Kottke Ride Home) Gray Hair Can Return to Its Original Color--and Stress Is Involved, of Course (Scientific American) What Ever Happened To Waterbeds? (Mental Floss, 2016) Cows Deserve Waterbeds, Too (TIME, 2012) Yep, Dairy Cows Really Love Water Beds (Modern Farmer, 2019) Cow Waterbeds: How Advanced Comfort Technology Sold A Crazy Idea To Dairy Farmers (HuffPost, 2013) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Links: How Disgust Explains Everything (NY Times) Why Do We Count Down to the New Year? (Zócal) Would You? (Gizmodo) Tasty TV: Japanese professor creates flavourful screen (Reuters) Where Is Webb? (NASA) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Links: 11 of the Weirdest Christmas Traditions We Should Absolutely Bring Back (Lifehacker) 13 of the Weirdest Christmas Traditions From Around the World (Lifehacker) 12/22/20 episode about Tió de Nadal and El Caganer (Kottke Ride Home) 12/21/20 episode about the German flaming mulled wine, feuerzangenbowle (Kottke Ride Home) The Battle for Christmas: A Social and Cultural History of Our Most Cherished Holiday by Stephen Nissenbaum Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Marsha P. Johnson and Beyond by Leslie Feinberg Sweden's bizarre tradition of watching Donald Duck (Kalle Anka) cartoons on Christmas Eve. (Slate) From All Of Us To All Of You 1960 FANRES 2019 (Archive.Org) The Mummers Parade is returning to Broad Street on New Year's Day 2022 (Philadelphia Inquirer) US Army Creates Single Vaccine Against All COVID & SARS Variants, Researchers Say (Defense One) Army Testing a Universal Vaccine: Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle SpFN for All Variants (Business Insider) How the Cream Cheese Shortage Is Affecting NYC Bagel Shops (NY Times) Kraft will literally pay you not to make cheesecake this holiday season (NPR) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Webb Telescope Approaches Launch, With an Eye Toward Cosmic Origins (NY Times) James Webb Space Telescope: how our launch of world's most complex observatory will rest on a nail-biting knife edge (The Conversation) Watch this space: New telescope to unlock mysteries of the cosmos (NBC News) Astronomers are freaking out over the launch of the James Webb telescope. (Slate) NASA refuses to rename James Webb Space Telescope (NPR) NASA Sets Coverage, Invites Public to View Webb Telescope Launch (NASA) Witches of Scotland: Bill to be brought forward to pardon women and others convicted of witchcraft (The Scotsman) Women executed 300 years ago as witches in Scotland set to receive pardons (The Guardian) UN adopts landmark resolution condemning witchcraft accusations (Humanists International) March episode about witches & ale wives (Kottke Ride Home) To Beat Winter, Cities Fight Back, With Beets (Bloomberg) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Can an Athlete's Blood Enhance Brainpower? (NY Times) The 12 Days of Christmas, explained: The story behind the carol (Vox) William Studwell's 2008 Carol of the Year (Religious News Service, 2008) 12 Days of a POP PUNK Christmas (YouTube) FACT CHECK: The Twelve Days of Christmas (Snopes, 2000) When Santa Goes on Vacation (NY Times) Scenes From a Bearded Santa Pleasure Cruise (MEL) Scenes From a Mall (This American Life) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 tentree.com Links: Inside a hollow library book, a secret library (Capital Daily) @inusedbooks (Instagram) Decentralized Zine Library Project 'Punk' DC public library shirt raises $100K (Washington Post) How to Use Your Phone Less: 6 Tips for Going Device-Free on Vacation (Condé Nast Traveler) Bird songs bump stars off Australian music chart (BBC) Songs of Disappearance album featuring birdsongs of endangered species reaches the Top Five ARIA album charts (ABC Australia) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Links: When Life Gave Pennsylvania Spotted Lanternflies, Its Bees Made Spotted Lanternfly Honey (Atlas Obscura) 09/17 episode about spotted lanternflies (Kottke Ride Home) The FDA Just Approved Eye Drops to Correct Aging Vision (Gizmodo) New FDA-approved eye drops could replace reading glasses for millions: "It's definitely a life changer" (CBS News) New Eye Drops Offer an Alternative to Reading Glasses (NY Times) The First FDA-Approved Eye Drops to Treat Blurry Vision Are Now Available in The US (Science Alert) MGM Resorts Job Seekers Can Try Out Roles in VR Before Starting (Business Insider) Alexa's latest celebrity voice is Santa Claus himself (The Verge) Ted Lasso Loses His Mustache in New Animated Holiday Short (Consequence TV) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Links: NASA craft 'touches' sun for 1st time, dives into atmosphere (AP) NASA Enters the Solar Atmosphere for the First Time (NASA) Embracing a Wetter Future, the Dutch Turn to Floating Homes (Yale E360) How online reviews came to rule our lives — How Did We Get Here? (Mashable) Section 230: everything you need to know about the law protecting internet speech (The Verge) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Links: A Brief History of the Holiday Card (JSTOR Daily) Millennials are embracing the tradition of holiday cards (Washington Post) Christmas: A Candid History by Bruce David Forbes Halloween: The History of America's Darkest Holiday by David J. Skal NASA scientists consider the health risks of space travel (Space.com) NASA's new sleeping bags could prevent eyeball 'squashing' on the ISS (Engadget) Space sleeping bag to solve astronauts' squashed eyeball disorder (BBC) Study Investigates How Men and Women Adapt Differently to Spaceflight (NASA, 2011) Keanu Reeves finally explains "Sad Keanu" to Stephen Colbert (A/V Club) Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney talk about 'BRZRKR', the top selling debut comic in 30 years (Mashable) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Links: Sleep technique used by Salvador Dalí really works (Science Alert) Spark Creativity with Thomas Edison’s Napping Technique (Scientific American) Edison was right: Waking up right after drifting off to sleep can boost creativity (Science.Org) Just 10 Minutes of Moderate Running Can Boost Brain Activity, Study Shows (ScienceAlert) Salvador Dali (Hallmark Art Collection) From hairpin to house: woman who mastered ‘trading up’ realizes dream (The Guardian) 05/27/21 episode about the bobby pin project (Kottke Ride Home) Sweden reclaims place names from IKEA (CNN) Sweden wants to reclaim the names behind Ikea’s toilet brushes and trash cans (Fast Company) Discover the originals of Sweden (Visit Sweden) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 GiveWell.org Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Links: Meet the real NASA scientist behind Netflix’s Don’t Look Up (The Verge) Asteroid scientist Amy Mainzer talks space rock impacts and Netflix's new movie 'Don't Look Up' (Space.com) Netflix's Most Realistic Apocalypse Movie Reveals A Controversial Scientific Debate (Inverse) What a Times Journalist Learned From His 'Don't Look Up' Moment (NY Times) Why Are Reindeer Eyes Golden In Summer But Blue In Winter? (National Geographic) The Scientific Reason Why Reindeer Have Red Noses (Smithsonian Magazine) Christmas: A Candid History by Bruce David Forbes Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 check out at GiveWell.org Links: Birds Aren’t Real, or Are They? Inside a Gen Z Conspiracy Theory. (NY Times) Birds Aren't Real New Zealand to Ban Tobacco Permanently for Anyone Born After 2008 (Gizmodo) New Zealand to ban cigarettes for future generations (BBC) Novel New Plan in New Zealand To End Smoking (NPR) Instagram Is Bringing Back the Chronological Feed (Gizmodo) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cleaning advice from nineteenth century housekeepers. An upcoming feminist retelling of 1984. How to watch the Geminid meteor shower next week. And MST3K is officially coming back next year. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Links: Milk for Floors, Bread for Walls: 19th-Century Cleaning Tips for the Modern Era (NY Times) Spring Cleaning the Old-Fashioned Way (English Heritage) The Domestic Revolution by Ruth Goodman The Difference Between Disinfecting and Sanitizing, According to the CDC (LifeHacker) Feminist retelling of Nineteen Eighty-Four approved by Orwell’s estate (The Guardian) Sandra Newman is writing a feminist retelling of Nineteen Eighty-Four. (Literary Hub) A ‘feminist retelling’ of George Orwell’s 1984 is in the works (Polygon) Geminids: You need to watch the fiery fragments of an asteroid fall to Earth (Inverse) In Depth | Geminids – NASA Solar System Exploration (NASA) What's Up: Skywatching Tips from NASA (NASA) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket could herald a new generation of space exploration. Plus, all sound recordings from the mid-1800s to 1923 are going to be released to the US Public Domain on January 1st. And Heinz and Terry’s have partnered to create a chocolate orange mayonnaise. Yeah. Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Links: Planetary scientists are starting to get stirred up by Starship’s potential (Ars Technica) How SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket might unlock the solar system—and beyond (MIT Technology Review) NASA announces 10 new astronaut candidates who could fly to the Moon someday (The Verge) All Sound Recordings Prior to 1923 Will Enter the US Public Domain in 2022 (Public Domain Review) Public Domain Audio Release 2022 (Citizen DJ, Library of Congress) What Will Enter the Public Domain in 2022? (Public Domain Review) Chocolate Orange Mayonnaise exists, and you can win a jar right now (Boing Boing) How To Buy The Heinz Terry's Chocolate Orange Mayonnaise In The UK (Bustle) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel like the dialogue in movies has gotten harder to understand? It’s not just you. Sound professionals dish on all the reasons why it’s gotten worse in recent years. Plus, a giant steel structure coming soon to Tasmania has already started recording us to provide evidence of our shame to future civilizations. And honeybees that survived for weeks under volcanic ash after the eruption in the Canary Islands. Sponsors: GiveWell, Have your donation matched up to $250 by entering Kottke Ride Home at check out at GiveWell.org Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Links: The Real Reason You Use Closed Captions for Everything Now (Wired, 2018) Here's Why Movie Dialogue Has Gotten More Difficult To Understand (And Three Ways To Fix It) (Slash Film) October episode on open captions (Kottke Ride Home) This Mysterious, Indestructible 'Black Box' Will Tell The Future What Happened to Us (Science Alert) Earth is getting a black box to record our climate change actions, and it's already started listening (ABC Australia) Honeybees Survived for Weeks Under Volcano Ash After Canary Islands Eruption (NY Times) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why the FBI thought the inventor of Tickle Me Elmo might have been the Unabomber. A new potential method for freeze-drying vaccines. And it’s Krampusnacht this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the sinister anti-Santa. Sponsors: Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balance Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Links: Tickle Me Kaczynski: How the Inventor of the Ultimate Elmo Toy Became a Unabomber Suspect (MEL) Study: How to freeze-dry a potential COVID-19 vaccine (University at Buffalo) Christmas: A Candid History by Bruce David Forbes The Battle for Christmas: A Social and Cultural History of Our Most Cherished Holiday by Stephen Nissenbaum The Origin of Krampus, Europe's Evil Twist on Santa (Smithsonian Magazine) What is Krampus? How the Christmas 'Devil' Became Cool (National Geographic) Who is Krampus? Explaining Santa Claus's Scary Christmas Counterpart (National Geographic) Krampus: the demonic Santa Claus you haven't heard about (Vox) Weird Krampus drive-thru parade puts terrifying twist on Christmas and it's Saturday night (NOLA) Necromanor Haunted House hosting pictures with Krampus for Christmas (Shreveport Times) Krampusfest returns to Orlando's Milk District in December to give a little festive punishment to the naughty (Orlando Weekly) Krampusnacht Celebrates Milwaukee's German Roots (Shepherd Express) 3rd Annual San Francisco Krampus Pageant at El Rio in San Francisco (SF Station) A Houston Area Brewery Released a Krampus Themed 12-Days of Christmas Beer Box (Texas Is Life) The R-Rated "Naughty Cut" Of Krampus Will Bring The Christmas Horror Movie To 4K (Slash Film) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How a twenty-one-year-old student-teacher and his roommates created Oregon Trail fifty years ago, and never made a cent from their creation. Plus, a letter Catherine the Great wrote in favor of vaccinations just sold for $1.3 million. And, for one night only, you can stay in the original Home Alone house. Sponsors: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balance Links: ‘Oregon Trail’ at 50: How Three Teachers Created the Computer Game That Inspired — and Diverted — Generations of Students (The 74 Million) Oregon Trail game history: An interview with the inventor, Don Rawitsch. (Slate) Watch the creators of retro gaming classic Oregon Trail reminisce in a now-retro video (A/V Club) The Oregon Trail emulator (Archive.Org) Oregon Trail Gets A Makeover With More Accurate Native American Representation (NPR) Miracle Workers (TBS) George Washington and the First Mass Military Inoculation (Library of Congress) Catherine the Great Letter Supporting Inoculations Sells for $1.3 Million (NY Times) Catherine the Great's Letter Endorsing Vaccines Sold at Auction (Mental Floss) 'Home Alone' house will be on Airbnb for one night only this month (NBC News) The 'Home Alone' house is on Airbnb. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal. (Mashable) In Denmark, a snow storm means people overnight in an IKEA (AP) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does Duolingo use such weird and sometimes deeply relatable phrases to teach its users new languages? Plus, the real science behind the much-hyped “first living robots that can now reproduce.” And the origins of the twelve days of Christmas. Like, the actual days. Not the song about turtle doves. Sponsors: Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balance Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Links: Why are Duolingo sentences so weird? (Slate) ‘Amazing science’: researchers find xenobots can give rise to offspring (The Guardian) Interesting research, but no, we don’t have living, reproducing robots (Ars Technica) Bizarre Creatures Are World's First Self-Replicating 'Living Robots', Scientists Say (Science Alert) Christmas: A Candid History by Bruce David Forbes Jack's Countdown to Christmas (Instagram) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Mark Twain invented the bra clasp. Kinda. Plus, beavers doing the work of million dollar machines to restore land and prevent wildfires––in a fraction of the time and for a fraction of the cost. And a new twist has emerged in the McDonald’s milkshake machine lawsuit saga. Sponsors: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balance Links: Mark Twain disliked suspenders so much that he invented the bra clasp. (That’s right.) (Literary Hub) Mark Twain, Scrapbook Innovator (West Virginia University Libraries) Celebrity Invention: Mark Twain's Elastic-Clasp Brassiere Strap (The Atlantic) How Mark Twain’s Hatred of Suspenders Drove Him to Invent (Smithsonian Magazine) The Facts in the Case of Mark Twain's Vest Strap (Journal of the Patent Office Society, 1939) Curious Questions: Did Mark Twain really invent the bra strap? (Country Life) A dry California creek bed looked like a wildfire risk. Then the beavers went to work (Sacramento Bee) The McDonald’s Ice Cream Machine Hacking Saga Has a New Twist (Wired) New details in the McDonald's ice cream machine hacking lawsuit (The Takeout) McDonald's Ice Cream Machine Drama Gets Messier as Restraining Order Issued | Food & Wine (Food and Wine) Fri. 04/23 - A McShake Up: The Battle Over McDonald's Ice Cream Machines (Kottke Ride Home) Thu. 09/02 - What Is Grimace & Why Are Hyperlinks Blue? (Kottke Ride Home) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are influencers’ aesthetic choices for their kids threatening their brain development? Probably not, but the science behind it is kind of interesting. Plus, pub-goers in England got stranded for three days with an Oasis tribute band. And there’s a maple syrup shortage, but don’t worry, Canada was ready for it with their emergency maple syrup reserves. Sponsors: Lendtable, Use code KOTTKE at Lendtable.com to get an extra $50 added to your Lendtable balance Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Links: Are Instagram’s Aesthetic Moms Hindering Kids’ Development? (Wired UK) Snowstorm Leaves Dozens Stranded for Days in a Remote UK Pub (NY Times) "Snowasis": Blizzard Traps Dozens of People with Oasis Cover Band for Three Nights (Consequence of Sound) Storm Arwen: Repairs begin after worst storm damage in 20 years (BBC) Minus 10C Arctic blast predicted as Storm Arwen rages on (The Guardian) Facing shortages, Canada taps its strategic reserves of maple syrup (CNN) Amid massive shortage, Canada taps strategic reserves — of maple syrup (Washington Post) 'Vaccine' Is Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year (Gizmodo) Word of the Year 2021 (Merriam-Webster) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does the CIA go about recruiting young people who are increasingly skeptical of government institutions and also not exactly covert about their lives on social media? Plus, a dictionary of fake words for very real feelings. And are we cautiously eyeing an end in sight for the supply chain issues? Kind of. Links: The CIA Is Trying to Recruit Gen Z—and Doesn't Care If They're All Over Social Media (Washingtonian) The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows (Tumblr) The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows (Kottke) The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig Supply-Chain Problems Show Signs of Easing (Wall Street Journal) Beanie Babies airlifted from Chinese factories to O’Hare to circumvent shipping backlogs in time for the holidays (Chicago Tribune) Techmeme Ride Home Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why we rely on idioms for communication and how some of the more nonsensical ones entered our lexicon. Plus, a company working on a sort of 10,000 g slingshot to launch satellites into space with zero emissions just pulled off their first successful test launch. And some reflections on reconnecting with the Earth in this era of the climate emergency, without appropriating indigenous cultures. Links: The Linguistic Case for Sh*t Hitting the Fan (JSTOR Daily) History of Swear Words (Netflix) Thanksgiving offers a way forward (Indian Country Today) This Company Wants to Launch Satellites Into Orbit Using a Giant Spinning Centrifugal Slingshot (Gizmodo) SpinLaunch's rocket-free kinetic launch system conducts first test flight (New Atlas) First Native to head the National Park Service (Indian Country Today) Senate confirms first Native American to lead National Park Service (NBC News) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could lunar explorers of the future be sucking air out of moon rocks? Could all of us? Plus, a device made from household objects could expand the world’s access to vaccines. And the psychological case for decorating for the holidays as early as you want. Links: The Moon's top layer alone has enough oxygen to sustain 8 billion people for 100,000 years (The Conversation) This Cheap Device Could Expand the World’s Access to Vaccines (Scientific American) India's Limit on Syringe Exports Hobbles Global Covid Vaccinations (NY Times) What is syringe nationalism - and how is it slowing the global COVID-19 vaccine roll-out? (World Economic Forum) Why It's Actually Good to Decorate 'Early' for Christmas, According to Science (LifeHacker) POV: Does decorating for the holidays early improve mental health? (Vital Record, Texas A&M) Adele gets Spotify to take shuffle button off all album pages (BBC) Adele Asks Spotify to Remove ‘Shuffle’ Button From Her Albums, and It Does — Kind of (Variety) Justice At Spotify (Union of Musicians) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A brief history of takeout and delivery. Plus, a What We Do In The Shadows actor’s previous career as an award-winning yo-yo-er. And the abomination that is RanchNog. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Links: How Apps Commandeered the Age-Old Idea of Takeout (Wired) Hidden Valley Ranch Releases RanchNog Kit (Food and Wine) Mark Proksch of 'What We Do in the Shadows' Pranked Midwest TV Stations as Yo-Yo Expert in the Early 2000s (Laughing Squid) FRI Apr 22: Mark Proksch 1 (ADrinkWithDave, YouTube) Zim Zam Yo-Yo Corp! (Doctor Popular) Instant replay: Alleged yo-yo champ dupes TV shows (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) K-Strass on WGN Morning News 5/18/09 (Taobeth, YouTube) Biden to transfer power to Harris during colonoscopy on Friday -White House (Reuters) Biden will temporarily hand power to Harris during medical procedure (Politico) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will we soon have a new Planet Nine? The first human trial for an Alzheimer’s nasal vaccine is about to be under way. And Papa John’s has changed their name. Technically. And AMC Theaters has said, “movies, who? Never heard of her. We’re a popcorn company now.” Sponsors: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Planet 9: Old data could uncover the Solar System's newest world, 38 years late (Inverse) A 1980s Space Telescope May Have Seen Planet Nine (Gizmodo) Mysterious Object Glimpsed Decades Ago Might Have Actually Been Planet Nine (Science Alert) In Depth | Hypothetical Planet X (NASA) First human trial of Alzheimer's disease nasal vaccine to begin at Boston hospital (CBS News) Brigham and Women’s Hospital is testing a nasal vaccine for Alzheimer’s disease (Boston Globe) Business Insider catches up with disgraced Papa John Schnatter (A/V Club) Papa John's redesigns its logo and stores (CNN) Papa John's drops apostrophe, is now Papa Johns (The Takeout) AMC Theatres Will Start Selling Popcorn Outside of Movie Theaters (Variety) AMC to start delivering popcorn straight to your house (A/V Club) The end of “click to subscribe, call to cancel”? One of the news industry’s favorite retention tactics is illegal, FTC says (Nieman Lab) Cancelling Cable (Saturday Night Live, YouTube) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The progenitors to on-demand streaming music, including the multiphone in the 1950s American west and the Théâtrophone in 1880s Paris. Plus, new findings about Jupiter’s Great Red Spot from NASA’s Juno spacecraft. And the woman whose own immune system seems to have effectively cured her of HIV. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Links: Early On-Demand Music Streaming Required Lots of Nickels (Atlas Obscura) Le streaming du XIXe siècle (ARTE Découverte, YouTube) Seattle's original streaming music service was launched in 1939 (NBC King5) Stop Everything and Behold this Mini Art Deco Telephone Jukebox circa 1935 (Messy Nessy) Jupiter: mission unveils the depth and structure of planet's shrinking red spot and colourful bands (The Conversation) Jupiter's Great Red Spot is deeper than we thought, NASA Juno spacecraft finds (NPR) NASA’s Juno spacecraft finds just how deep Jupiter’s Great Red Spot goes (The Verge) Scientists report finding a second person 'naturally' cured of HIV (STAT) Woman's own immune system has possibly cured her of HIV (NBC News) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The US finally has a national recycling strategy as of yesterday. Plus, what is the ultimate song to listen to at any time of the day or night? Scientists figured it out. The gendered history of car and road design. And the giant Reese’s cup “pie” that sold out in mere minutes. Sponsors: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: The US finally adopts a national recycling strategy (The Verge) EPA finalizes first national recycling strategy (Washington Post) EPA unveils national recycling plan with goal of 50 percent rate (The Hill) This particular song is perfect any time day or night, scientists report (Boing Boing) 'Every Breath You Take' is the ultimate all-round song (according to science) (NPR) The Sorry History of Car Design for Women (JSTOR Daily) I Just Found Out About Reese’s Take On a Thanksgiving Pie and It’s Already Sold Out (The Mary Sue) Heinz Gravy 'Floa-lloonicle' Coming to Thanksgiving Day Parade (Nerdist) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zillow is out of the iBuying game. What does that mean for its competitors and for the future of real estate? Plus, a look into the Human Library. And astronauts aboard the International Space Station were forced to take shelter in their return ships this morning due to on-coming space junk. Sponsors: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Tentree, Use code KOTTKE to get 15% off at tentree.com Links: Why Zillow Couldn’t Make Algorithmic House Pricing Work (Wired) Is that viral TikTok about housing market manipulation true? (Input) Redfin CEO explains how its iBuyer home buying program avoided pitfalls that sunk Zillow Group (Geek Wire) Zillow (Saturday Night Live, YouTube) This library lets you borrow people instead of books. It just may help bridge our bitter divisions (CNN) Space debris forces astronauts on space station to take shelter in return ships (Space.com) NASA was forced to change the orbit of the ISS due to space junk (Slash Gear) Space Station Space Debris and Human Spacecraft (NASA) Russia blows up a satellite, creating a dangerous debris cloud in space (The Verge) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

White-tailed deer in America have been found to be transmitting SARS-CoV-2 among each other in higher than expected rates. Plus, next week will be the century’s longest partial lunar eclipse. A new, huge species of dinosaur was discovered on the Isle of Wight. And it’s not just shipping delays to be concerned with this holiday season, now we have a shortage of Santas. Sponsors: inkl, Get a 25% discount at inkl.com/ride Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Links: How SARS-CoV-2 in American deer could alter the course of the global pandemic (NPR) Maine experts respond to COVID-19 deer study out of Iowa (News Center Maine) White-tailed deer study hints at a frightening new era for Covid-19 (Inverse) Longest partial lunar eclipse this century: How to watch the moon darken Nov. 18-19 (CNET) Map of Partial Lunar Eclipse on November 19, 2021 (Time and Date) New species of big-nosed dinosaur discovered by retired doctor (The Guardian) New species of iguanodontian dinosaur discovered from Isle of Wight (Science Daily) Stuff your own stockings: There's a Santa Claus shortage (A/V Club) Is Santa Claus Coming to Town? Maybe Not. Blame the Labor Shortage. (Wall Street Journal) Last year's episode about virtual Santa visits (Kottke Ride Home) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The curious story of how sushi became popular in America. Plus, what would happen to dogs if all their humans disappeared? And in their latest stunt, Heinz says they’ve grown ketchup in Martian conditions. Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews inkl, Get a 25% discount at inkl.com/ride Links: The Untold Story of Sushi in America (NY Times) Who could dogs become without humans in their lives? (Aeon) Heinz grew “Martian” tomatoes that are good enough for ketchup (Quartz) Introducing the Heinz Marz Edition (Heinz, YouTube) Instead of Making the Orange Cream Shake a Permanent Menu Item, Arby’s Is Giving Us French Fry Vodka (The Mary Sue) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A deep dive down the drain pipe to discuss why America has so few public restrooms. Plus, how Pinterest ruined Google Search, and a few options for fixing it. Sponsors: inkl, Get a 25% discount at inkl.com/ride Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews Links: Why Public Bathrooms Disappeared From US Cities (Bloomberg) Which Cities Have The Most and Fewest Public Toilets? (QS Supplies) How Pinterest utterly ruined photo search on the internet (Input) Saturday Afternoon Ikea Trip Simulator Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another even more promising antiviral pill for COVID-19 has been announced, this time from Pfizer. Plus, why adults aren’t as good at learning new things as kids are, but is it such a bad thing? And the messy legacy of both Emily Dickinson and her favorite cake recipe. Sponsors: Indeed, Get a free $75 credit at Indeed.com/goodnews inkl, Get a 25% discount at inkl.com/ride Links: Pfizer says COVID-19 pill cut hospital, death risk by 90% (AP) Pfizer says its COVID-19 pill cuts disease's worst risks by 89% (NPR) Pfizer's Experimental Covid-19 Pill Found Highly Effective at Preventing Hospitalization and Death (Gizmodo) Why Children Learn Better Than Adults (Wall Street Journal) The Messy History of Emily Dickinson's Black Cake Recipe (Atlas Obscura) Dickinson (Apple TV+) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How would a universal coronavirus vaccine work and how close are we to having one? Plus, how cosplaying as a superhero can actually make you a better person, at least temporarily. And one of the most notorious serial killers in horror is getting his own killer breakfast cereal. Sponsor: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE for 15% off your first order at www.tentree.com Links: The Race Is On to Develop a Vaccine Against Every Coronavirus (Wired) Scientists in Africa are taking it upon themselves to create a COVID vaccine for the world's poor (Mother Jones) Superhero cosplay makes you a better person for one science-backed reason (Inverse) A photo of stoned Ghostface is all over TikTok (Daily Dot) Henry Winkler Auctioning Fonzie Jacket From 'Happy Days,' Ghostface Mask From 'Scream' (Collider) SCREAM Cereal Coming Next Year, Because There Are Rules to Having Breakfast (Collider) UK's biggest range of american cereal + poptarts (Cereal Killer) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New international space laws may soon be on the horizon. Plus, the brewing battles between artists using AI to reconstruct lost artworks and the estates of the original artists. And some steel igloos in Iceland that protect one of the most promising examples of carbon capture yet. Sponsor: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE for 15% off your first order at www.tentree.com Links: The United Nations Could Finally Create New Rules for Space (Wired) UK Wants UN To Create New Space Rules That Could Prevent Military Confrontations Outside Earth (Tech Times) From a hidden Picasso nude to an unfinished Beethoven, AI uncovers lost art — and new challenges (NBC News) A Neuroscientist and a Physicist Used AI to Recreate a Lost Painting Buried Under a Beloved Picasso Canvas (Artnet) Is Carbon Capture Here? (NY Times) Thu. 11/05 - Why Nebraska Splits Its Electoral Votes (Kottke Ride Home) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An abridged history of the McRib sandwich. Astronauts have leveled up their taco game by growing chile peppers in space. And Tropicana just introduced their own line of toothpaste. Sponsor: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE for 15% off your first order at www.tentree.com Links: What You Didn't Know About The McDonald's McRib (Mashed) History of McDonald's McRib: Military Experiments, the Flintstones & More (Thrillist) The Cult of the McRib (Maxim) The History of the McRib (Retroist) Was the McRib invented in Nebraska? (Nebraska.gov) The Invention of the McRib and Why It Disappears from McDonald’s (Chicago Magazine) If You Think a McRib-Inspired Cocktail Sounds Delicious Then You're in Luck (Ad Week) McRib Locator Thu. 09/02 - What Is Grimace & Why Are Hyperlinks Blue? (Kottke Ride Home) NASA Grew Chili Peppers in Space, Astronaut Used for Tacos (Business Insider) Astronauts grew green chile on the space station and made themselves space tacos (NPR) Plant Habitat-04 (NASA) Sick of Orange Juice That Tastes Like Dirty Pennies? Tropicana Toothpaste May Be the Solution (Ad Week) Tropicana Toothpaste Doesn't Make Your Orange Juice Taste Bad (Food and Wine) ​The Reason Orange Juice Tastes Bad After Brushing Your Teeth Is Surprisingly Complicated (Food and Wine) ‎Atlas Obscura Travel Guide (Apple App Store) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some tips for “rewilding your attention.” Plus, how to help NASA train future rovers to better navigate Mars. And what’s going on with those NFT billboards in Times Square… and also, the McRib is now an NFT? Sponsor: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE for 15% off your first order at www.tentree.com Links: 9 Ways to 'Rewild Your Attention' (Forge) Rewilding your attention. To find truly interesting ideas, step… (UX Collective) Rewild Your Attention (Tom Critchlow, Twitter) Rewilding Your Attention (CJ Eller) A Search Engine Designed To Surprise You (OneZero) The Inner Ring of The Internet by Ali Montag (Divinations) You Can Help Train NASA's Rovers to Better Explore Mars (NASA JPL) AI4Mars (Zooniverse) The McRib is back at McDonald's. It's also an NFT. (NBC News) The Sauciest Season of the Year is Here …the McRib is Back at McDonald's® USA This Fall (McDonald’s) McDonald's The Flintstones McRib Movie Tie-In Ad (1994) (YouTube) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A meditation on streaming entertainment, algorithms, and David Foster Wallace’s prescient writing on the illusion of choice. Plus, a possible functional cure for HIV has just been approved to enter human trials. And, the Wampanoag woman who grew heirloom corn on its original land for the first time in over three centuries. Sponsor: Tentree, Use code KOTTKE for 15% off your first order at www.tentree.com Links: How David Foster Wallace Anticipated Netflix’s Digital Gatekeeping (Literary Hub) Everything, All the Time, Everywhere: How We Became Postmodern by Stuart Jeffries One Complaint Per Table (Kottke.org) A Possible “Functional Cure” for HIV Will Soon Begin Human Trials (them.) Excision BioTherapeutics to Proceed with HIV Clinical Trial (Philadelphia Magazine) HIV/AIDS (WHO) Covid's global death toll now tops 5 million (NBC News) Covid death toll overtakes that of HIV/AIDS in the U.S. (Boing Boing) A Mashpee Wampanoag woman reconnects with a traditional corn (WCAI NPR) King Philip Corn (Truelove Seeds) King Phillip Corn - Arca del Gusto - Slow Food Foundation (Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity) Panic, lockdown and a rush to vaccinate in Tonga as first Covid case recorded (The Guardian) Covid Zero: China Locks Guests Inside Disneyland for Testing After Shanghai Case (Bloomberg) Vax declared Oxford English Dictionary's word of the year (BBC) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Digging up the origins of some of the most popular Halloween memes––from “Spooky Scary Skeletons” to the dancing pumpkin man, and also touching on the Disney Channel’s 1980s answer to MTV. Plus, how times of disease have historically led to an uptick in vampire fear and folklore. And, on a more optimistic note, hopefully meaning we’ll have one less thing to fear in the future, phase one vaccine trials for the most aggressive type of breast cancer have just begun. Sponsor: NetSuite, netsuite.com/kottke Links: Silly Symphonies - The Skeleton Dance (Walt Disney Animation Studios, YouTube) Spooky, Scary Skeletons (Undead Tombstone Remix) (Official Audio) (Andrew Gold, YouTube) Andrew Gold - Spooky Scary Skeletons (Official Audio) (Andrew Gold, YouTube) DTV Pop & Rock (ALurkingGrue, YouTube) Spooky Scary Skeletons (metal cover by Leo Moracchioli) (Frog Leap Studios) KXVO Pumpkin Dance (Original Taping, Unedited) (Dancing Pumpkin Man, YouTube) The Story Behind the Greatest Halloween Video Ever in the History of the Internet | Studio 360 (WNYC) More 'disease' than 'Dracula' – how the vampire myth was born (The Conversation) The Real Vampires of Europe (JSTOR Daily) A Vaccine Trial for the Most Aggressive Form of Breast Cancer Just Started (Gizmodo) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could we one day create sperm and egg cells from any human cell, even across the sexes? Plus, how BJ Novak from The Office’s face ended up on products all around the world without him knowing. And the latest drops from two of the internet’s leading mischief-making companies, including Andy Warhol forgeries and a vegan cannibal steakhouse. Sponsor: NetSuite, netsuite.com/kottke Links: How Silicon Valley hatched a plan to turn blood into human eggs (MIT Technology Review) B.J. Novak’s Face Is on Products Worldwide. He’s Not Sure Why. (NY Times) Why BJ Novak Is The Face Of Random Products Worldwide (BuzzFeed) Museum of Forgeries (MSCHF) The Vegan Cannibal Steakhouse by Liquid Death (Liquid Death) Photoshop will get a 'prepare as NFT' option soon (The Verge) 5 unbelievable tech sneaks from Adobe Max 2021 (Creative Bloq) Adobe brings new Creative Cloud apps to M1 Macs and the web (Ars Technica) Facebook just revealed its new name: Meta (The Verge) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It turns out that melting permafrost could unleash Cold War-era radioactive waste and millions of years old antibiotic resistant bacteria. Cool cool cool. Plus, a look back at when picnicking in cemeteries was a common past time––and not just for goths. And the annual drop of totally weird and probably disgusting candy cane flavors from Archie McPhee. Sponsor: NetSuite, netsuite.com/kottke Links: We're now at risk of radioactive waste exposure thanks to melting permafrost (Mic) Permafrost thaw could release bacteria and viruses (European Space Agency) Permafrost Thaw Could Unleash Pathogens and Radioactive Waste (Gizmodo) Finally: Hot dog flavored candy canes (Boing Boing) Candy canes episode from last year (Kottke Ride Home) Remembering When Americans Picnicked in Cemeteries (Atlas Obscura) The 10 Iconic Cemeteries That Made Death Beautiful (Atlas Obscura, 2016) Is This Timothée Chalamet’s Xbox Modding YouTube Channel? An Investigation (Vice) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could a new generation of AI simulations help solve the mounting supply chain disruptions? Plus, the history and future of haunted houses. And Jeff Bezos is basically trying to start a WeWork in space. Sponsor: NetSuite, netsuite.com/kottke Links: How AI could solve supply chain shortages and save Christmas (MIT Technology Review) Cardboard shortages deal another blow to strained supply chains (Ars Technica) A Brief History of the Haunted House (Smithsonian Mag) Blue Origin: Jeff Bezos unveils plans for 'space business park' (BBC) Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin plans to build a 'business park' in space (Mashable) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The countercultural witchcraft music of the 1960s, and a study exploring what it is about certain songs that give us a spine-tingling chill. Plus, elephants in Mozambique have evolved to be born without tusks. And the guy who discovered a budget hack for spending just $150 on meals all year: eat every meal at Six Flags. Sponsor: NetSuite, netsuite.com/kottke Links: 13 Vintage Halloween Songs from the 1910's, 20's, & 30's (History Tea Time with Lindsay Holiday, YouTube) A Look Back at America's Psychedelic Countercultural Witch Music (Atlas Obscura) The Munsters - At Home With The Munsters - Vinyl LP (Rough Trade) Researchers analyzed 700-plus songs known to give people chills. Here’s the playlist (Quartz) Songs To Give You Chills playlist (Quartz, Spotify) Tuskless Elephants Escape Poachers, but May Evolve New Problems (NY Times) Poaching drove the evolution of tusk-free elephants (Ars Technica) Meet the Guy Who Spends Just $150 a Year to Eat All His Meals at Six Flags (Mel Magazine) Iron-stomached man discovers savings benefits of eating meals at a Six Flags par (A/V Club) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to a collab between trees and the sun, we can now pinpoint an exact year that the Vikings were in North America. Plus, are sirens actually effective tools for emergency vehicles? And why are apples associated with Halloween? Like what is up with apple bobbing? Sponsor: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Vikings visited North America in 1021 AD, long before Columbus (Syfy) Vikings Were in the Americas Exactly 1,000 Years Ago (NY Times) Sirens: Loud, Ineffective and Risky, Experts Say (NY Times) The Secret, Steamy History Of Halloween Apples (NPR) Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night by Nicholas Rogers How to Tell If Your Onions Are Linked to a Salmonella Outbreak (LifeHacker) Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Onions (CDC) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Open captions are coming to the big screen as AMC Theaters takes a big step towards accessibility, and a look at captions’ growing popularity among the hearing. Plus, how some of the most popular memes are completely inaccessible. And the group of museums who have started an OnlyFans account. Sponsor: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: AMC Is Expanding Its Open Film Captioning Support Across the U.S. (Gizmodo) Do deaf people go to the movies? (Quora) Lauren Ridloff, MCU's First Deaf Hero in 'Eternals,' on Her Superpower (NY Times) AMC to Add Onscreen Captions at Some Locations (NY Times) How to Watch Netflix's Squid Game (or Any Translated Show) With the Right Subtitles (LifeHacker) The Real Reason You Use Closed Captions for Everything Now (Wired, 2018) The red flag meme is a red flag for accessibility (Tech Crunch) Vienna museums have started a fine arts OnlyFans account (A/V Club) Vienna museums open adult-only OnlyFans account to display nudes (The Guardian) Bone up on your math studies with calculus tutorials on Pornhub (A/V Club) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A brief history of one of the most famous pizzas on the internet. Surgeons have successfully transplanted a kidney from a genetically-altered pig to a human. And how to watch the Orionid Meteor Shower this week, if the big ol’ full moon doesn’t get in your way. Sponsor: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: "On this day in history: "None pizza with left beef" was first..." (Adam Quinn, Twitter) The Great Pizza Orientation Test (The Sneeze) None Pizza with Left Beef | Special Delivery Instructions (Know Your Meme) Reflections on the 10th Anniversary of None Pizza With Left Beef (Gizmodo) Sexy None Pizza With Left Beef Halloween Costume (Talia, Twitter) None Pizza With Left Beef's Creator Steve Molaro Interview (Intelligencer) The Truth about None Pizza with Left Beef (Vlogbrothers, YouTube) Pig-to-human transplants come a step closer with new test (AP) In a First, Surgeons Attached a Pig Kidney to a Human — and It Worked (NY Times) October's full Hunter's Moon of 2021 rises tonight! Here's what to expect. (Space.com) Full moon in October will obscure Orionid meteor shower (CNN) Orionid meteor shower 2021: When, where & how to see it (Space.com) Facebook plans to change company name to focus on the metaverse (The Verge) Facebook Plans to Change Its Name Because the Brand is Toxic (A/V Club) A Plague of Nosebleeds Hit Twitch Streamers, But It Was All an Apple TV+ Stunt (Ad Week) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A look at the micronation of Westarctica, whose Grand Duke Travis started a nonprofit arm of the micronation to raise awareness about the consequences of the climate emergency in Western Antarctica. Plus, AstroAccess successfully completed their first zero-g flight with their disability ambassadors, taking an important step towards space accessibility and inclusivity. And, in our latest shortage report: the 12 foot Home Depot Skeletons. Sponsor: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: Westarctica, Antarctica: A Micronation With a Mission (Afar) Micronations in the United States prepare for coronavirus, send messages of goodwill to the American people (Newsweek) Fake Countries Have a Hard Time Dealing with the Pandemic, Too (Wall Street Journal) Westarctica, Land of the Brave (Lyric Video) (Westarctica, YouTube) Disability ambassadors successfully complete Zero-G flight (Space.com) They ordered a 12-foot skeleton online. They got a 12-inch one instead. (Input) Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How the push to search for signs of life on exoplanets fueled the development of the technology we use in our latest generation of smartphones. Plus, what your punctuation habits can say about you as a writer––and a new website based on a 2016 art project that allows you to visually analyze those findings. And walruses from space! Sponsor: Shopify, Get a 14-day free trial at shopify.com/kottke Links: How the Search for Extraterrestrial Life Helped Make Your Smartphone’s Screen Possible (Wall Street Journal) NASA Spinoff (NASA) NASA Home & City (NASA) What I Learned About My Writing By Seeing Only The Punctuation (Creators Hub) Punctuation in novels. (Adam J. Calhoun) just the punctuation WWF'S Walrus From Space Project Seeks Volunteer 'Walrus Detectives' (NPR) Where’s walrus? Scientists seek public ‘detectives’ to spot giant animals from space. (Washington Post) Walrus From Space (WWF) Tech Meme Ride Home Kottke.Org Jackson Bird on Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices