Climbing RocksJanuary 13, 2016
A profile of a talented young climber and the intricacies of climbing routes.
Trolley DodgersJanuary 05, 2016
The origin of the name 'Trolley Dodgers' for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Is it or isn't it?December 23, 2014
Different perspectives on the impact of technology on society and the workforce.
Unanticipated EffectsDecember 22, 2014
The printing press had unanticipated effects, leading to a surge in demand for spectacles and contributing to the scientific revolution.
First MentionsDecember 19, 2014
Exploring the first mentions of marketing terms in the New York Times archives.
Building ProductsDecember 17, 2014
How to build great products by focusing on intuition and understanding users.
Building ProductsDecember 17, 2014
How to build great products by focusing on intuition and understanding users.
ProtopianDecember 12, 2014
Kevin Kelly's concept of 'protopian' and the realistic optimism it represents.
Planning For Your Next HireDecember 10, 2014
The challenges of maintaining employee engagement and education during rapid company growth.
Tech plus CultureDecember 09, 2014
A comparison of Google and Facebook's approach to addressing global internet access.
Virtual Luxury GoodsNovember 28, 2014
Luxury watchmakers dealing with digital piracy and the potential for a move into the software world.
Culture as AlgorithmNovember 27, 2014
Exploring culture as the internal manifestation of brands and its role in decision-making.
Strategy as AlgorithmNovember 25, 2014
Strategy is like building algorithms to drive optimal outcomes in decisions.
SecretsNovember 24, 2014
The concept of secrets in business and a connection to a McLuhan book.
On ProcessApril 29, 2014
The importance of avoiding a rigid process and remembering the ultimate goal.
First Principles ThinkingApril 27, 2014
The concept of first principles thinking and its application to working with designers.
Silver BulletsJanuary 30, 2014
Andy Grove's concept of strategic inflection points and competition as explained in a 1998 speech.
Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014January 13, 2014
Reflecting on the past and looking ahead at Percolate's journey from 2013 to 2014.
Paint on WallsJanuary 10, 2014
A discussion of the closing of graffiti mecca 5 Pointz and the difference between graffiti and street art.
APIs EverywhereJanuary 06, 2014
Bitcoin as an open API for money and the potential for brand APIs.
MisinterpretationJanuary 02, 2014
The importance of uncelebrated preventive measures and the uncertain interpretation of historical events.
Unexpected TransmissionOctober 31, 2013
The mind-boggling story of malware that can transmit itself without obvious transmission vehicles.
Engineering CultureAugust 27, 2013
A look at the engineering culture at Percolate, praised for its lack of constraints.
The Economics of DopingAugust 13, 2013
The economic rationale behind doping in sports, with A-Rod's situation as an example.
Curiosity KillsAugust 08, 2013
The debate on curiosity and its impact on society.
Tools over ProcessJuly 30, 2013
The importance of building tools over process in product development.
Borges and SharknadoJuly 30, 2013
Borges and the Sharknado Problem: questioning the need for a 2-hour movie when a short story or a two-minute trailer might suffice.
Feral CitiesJuly 27, 2013
The concept of feral cities and their impact.
Why Privacy MattersJuly 24, 2013
Glenn Greenwald explains the importance of privacy and how it enables freedom and individuality.
Seeing Through GamesJuly 23, 2013
The surreal experience of seeing real-life events as if they were from a video game.
Is Apple Maps Suceeding?July 20, 2013
Apple Maps is succeeding despite being a terrible product, meeting the needs of typical phone consumers and pushing Google to compete.
Shocked, but not ShockingJuly 20, 2013
An exploration of political and social issues, including protests, racial injustice, and government surveillance.
McLuhan in PrintJuly 15, 2013
Marshall McLuhan's complex ideas made more accessible through his book 'The Medium is the Massage.'
Constant PhotographyJuly 11, 2013
The era of after-the-fact photography and its impact on the nature of capturing experiences.
Why did you say that?June 04, 2013
The importance of managers having informed opinions and not just relaying information.
Selling Argyle UniformsMay 22, 2013
The story of how Michael Jordan helped choose the UNC Tarheels basketball uniform design.
Unique PerceptionMay 14, 2013
Jony Ive's perspective on the importance of non-measurable and emotive product attributes.
Building for StatesMay 09, 2013
The importance of designing and building for all possible outcomes when creating a new feature.
Testing Media LiteracyApril 28, 2013
The challenge of testing for media literacy and its growing impact on culture.
Selling CarsApril 22, 2013
Exploring the public relations campaign that led to the widespread acceptance of cars and the invention of jaywalking.
Public Safety and the LawApril 20, 2013
Exploring the public safety exception and the questioning of suspects without Miranda rights.
Hacking the New PopeFebruary 22, 2013
Bruce Schneier's thoughts on potential security measures for the papal election.
TypewritingFebruary 16, 2013
David McCullough's love for typewriting and his deliberate writing process.
Seeping MediaJanuary 30, 2013
A discussion of McLuhan's approach to media theorizing in the context of new media.
Long DataJanuary 29, 2013
The significance of big data and the concept of 'long data'.
Unintended ConsequencesJanuary 16, 2013
A man's house becomes a default GPS coordinate for lost Sprint phones, leading people to demand their phones back.
Nespresso vs. EspressoJanuary 13, 2013
A blind coffee taste test of hand-made espresso versus Nespresso machine raises questions about the future of artisan coffee.
The Science of TrollsJanuary 12, 2013
The impact of negative online comments on public perception of science.
Jacobs v. MosesJanuary 10, 2013
A review on the relationship between Jane Jacobs and Robert Moses as urban planners.
A Coffee Drought?January 09, 2013
A humorous take on the possibility of a future coffee drought.
NotesJanuary 09, 2013
Exploring the significance and evolution of note-taking systems.
Making ItJanuary 08, 2013
An anecdote from the co-founder of Flickr about knowing when they had 'made it'.
Idiots & Taking the Long ViewJanuary 07, 2013
Daniel Mendelsohn discusses the cultural critic's role in the age of technology and the enduring significance of Marshall McLuhan's individual-focused perspective.
A little extra contextJanuary 04, 2013
Insight into Tarantino's long-form writing and its impact on his filmmaking.
Limited WillpowerJanuary 03, 2013
Our ability to make decisions is a finite resource that affects self-control and decision-making.
DecisionlessJanuary 03, 2013
The story about Obama and Emanuel trying to make fewer decisions.
BleshJanuary 03, 2013
Exploring the concept of 'blesh' and its similarity to scenius.
It's All RobotsJanuary 01, 2013
Kevin Kelly's article explores the impact of robots on the job market and our ability to invent new roles as automation takes over old tasks.
Pirated ArchitectureDecember 28, 2012
Zaha Hadid has a building in China that's being pirated as she builds the original.
Cultural ArbitrageDecember 28, 2012
A discussion on the concept of 'cultural arbitrage' and its relevance in today's society.
Gun Owners versus the NRADecember 27, 2012
A surprising statistic about gun owners' support for gun laws in a New England Journal of Medicine editorial.
Diving ChessDecember 26, 2012
A strange chess variant played in a swimming pool with players submerging themselves underwater during their turns.
What's happening to malls?December 24, 2012
The impact of online retailing on malls and the potential for hundreds to be repurposed or demolished.
The Evolution of WordsDecember 23, 2012
The evolution of dictionaries and language mirrors the growth of scientific method and Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
The Sports Disaster PlanDecember 17, 2012
The NBA's contingency plan in case of a team losing all its players to a horrific accident.
Jumpstarting a MarketDecember 16, 2012
Google's attempt to jumpstart a stagnant market with its fiber internet in Kansas City.
The Humming TimestampDecember 12, 2012
The unique hum of electrical outlets can be used as a timestamp for recordings.
Blind SpotsDecember 10, 2012
Bill Simmons discusses how Bill Russell scouted his own teammates to make them better, raising the idea of identifying blind spots in management and leadership.
The Other 1%?December 09, 2012
An article exploring the origins and public perception of the Hells Angels.
14 Years of ColorDecember 08, 2012
A breakdown of 14 years of Pantone's color of the year, with a focus on Emerald Green for this year.
What Blog?December 06, 2012
The concept of 'weblogs' being erased from collective memory.
NYC Christmas TreesDecember 03, 2012
The unpermitted tradition of selling Christmas trees in NYC.
Stocks as a HobbyNovember 29, 2012
Considering stock-picking as an upper-middle-class hobby.
Why is Android different?November 28, 2012
Exploring the engagement paradox: Why is Android attracting late adopters despite market differences from iOS?
GenericideNovember 26, 2012
The word "genericide" and a trademark dispute over the Emeco Navy Chair.
Highway HouseNovember 23, 2012
A Chinese couple refused to allow the government to demolish their home, and the road was built around it.
How Lance HappenedOctober 22, 2012
The story of Lance Armstrong and the cycling industry's complicity in his doping scandal.
Helping People DiscoverOctober 19, 2012
The power of Facebook in creating awareness, as illustrated by Fab's digital ad strategy.
The Economics of GamesSeptember 30, 2012
Exploring the economic impact of video games, including the unconventional currency systems and potential effects on real-life economic activity.
Reviewing iPhone 5September 16, 2012
A humorous and no-nonsense review of the new iPhone 5.
Williams x 2September 13, 2012
Brian Phillips’ observation about the impact of the Williams sisters on tennis.
What's College Worth?September 11, 2012
A discussion on the value of a college education and the increasing importance of a degree in the digital economy.
Surface versus iPadSeptember 03, 2012
Different perspectives on the role of tablets by Apple and Microsoft.
Technology or Gesture?September 02, 2012
Douglas Rushkoff explores the implications of patenting human gestures in the Apple-Samsung battle.
New SurfaceJune 20, 2012
Microsoft's announcement of a new tablet sparks discussions about its potential impact and competition with Apple's products.
Clutch Free ThrowsJune 19, 2012
Debunking the myth of 'clutch' free throw shooting in the NBA finals.
Wither WidgetJune 13, 2012
Reflecting on the unfulfilled potential of widgets in the tech industry.
Muppet TypingJune 12, 2012
The theory of Muppet typing as a psychological advance.
Photos of ZuckJune 07, 2012
Gizmodo is offering $20 for new photos of Mark Zuckerberg while questioning his stance on privacy.
You Got NookdJune 06, 2012
A funny story of a Nook publisher's accidental text replacement in a version of War and Peace.
Subscribing to MusicJune 01, 2012
The emergence of a music subscription service for fans of particular labels.
Politically CorrectMay 29, 2012
A discussion on the use of language by liberals and conservatives, including an interesting anecdote about science fiction in the Soviet Union.
Baby PlatypusMay 16, 2012
NBA player JaVale McGee's prank involving a pet platypus and the media's response.
Super Bowl Ads WorkMay 14, 2012
Evidence that Super Bowl ads are effective, as demonstrated by GoDaddy's success.
What Ecosystem?May 03, 2012
The evolution of the Apple ecosystem under Scott Forstall.
Why We BuyApril 28, 2012
The importance of price, quality, and brand in consumer decision-making.
What to OutsourceApril 23, 2012
The debate on whether to outsource PR early in a company's life.
Winning without InnovatingApril 21, 2012
A matzo company that has stayed the same since 1916 and why it's a tough business for others to enter.
drip.fmApril 14, 2012
An outline of the cover design process for the latest Shigeto release on drip.fm.
Class TweetsApril 12, 2012
A kindergarten teacher uses Twitter to summarize her students' day in a tweet.
The Paths of PicleMarch 28, 2012
Exploring the future of the Picle app and the paths it can take.
UpgradingMarch 19, 2012
A different perspective on free agency in the NFL and its possible applications to business.
After the SlashMarch 14, 2012
The power of Facebook in advertising and its impact on Google.
New NewsMarch 05, 2012
Evan Williams discusses the lack of tools to surface old content in a News.me interview.
No ButsMarch 04, 2012
Bloomberg's styleguide bans the word 'but' from its stories.
Gendered TechMarch 01, 2012
The unequal distribution of technology across gender lines.
The Map BusinessMarch 01, 2012
The emergence of map API services and Foursquare's switch to OpenStreetMap and MapBox.
DistractedFebruary 26, 2012
Small doses of distraction can prompt the mind to work at a more creative level.
AbusiveFebruary 16, 2012
The complex legacy of Steve Jobs and his leadership style.
AffilliatesFebruary 12, 2012
The complicated relationship between Google and affiliates, and how Google sees most affiliates as bugs.
Makers versus ViewersFebruary 12, 2012
Mimi Chun's perspective on the value of creation for makers versus the outcome for viewers.
Utilities vs NetworksFebruary 12, 2012
Instagram's challenge to iPhone's built-in camera and the future of mobile apps.
Big DataFebruary 06, 2012
Facebook's massive study reveals the impact of weak ties on information consumption.
What Went WrongJanuary 28, 2012
Real stories from entrepreneurs about the failures of their startups.
InstagrammedJanuary 09, 2012
Clive Thompson's unexpected take on Instagram and its impact on photography and memory.
Offline IdentityJanuary 05, 2012
Facebook's move to own identities in the physical world with business cards.
UnflatteringJanuary 05, 2012
Facebook adds option for users to request photo takedowns due to unflattering images.
Nice MapJanuary 02, 2012
The complexities of mapmaking and the use of algorithms for label placement.
Big InnovationDecember 20, 2011
The advantages of big companies in innovation, according to The Economist.
Understanding the InternetDecember 19, 2011
The importance of educating Congress about the internet and not just criticizing their lack of understanding.
Volcano 2011December 16, 2011
A collection of stunning photos capturing volcano eruptions in 2011.
Where Chefs EatDecember 16, 2011
A roundup of favorite meals from chefs and foodwriters.
Thinking About New TwitterDecember 09, 2011
Dan Frommer's insightful thoughts on the Twitter redesign and the emphasis on public content over private messaging.
StitchtagramDecember 01, 2011
Stitchtagram: Throw pillows with your Instagram pictures on them.
TwineNovember 27, 2011
Excitement over the potential of Twine, a simple physical computing device with a web interface.
Pepper Spray from Every AngleNovember 21, 2011
A look at the UC Davis pepper spraying incident from multiple angles and the role of social media and cameras in protests.
Brands without BrandingNovember 21, 2011
Australia is banning all branding on cigarette packaging, replacing it with graphic imagery.
Eating at AirportsNovember 21, 2011
A list of popular airport eateries and the author's personal favorites.
Congress vs. Fidel CastroNovember 17, 2011
Congress is more popular than Fidel Castro in 2008, but less popular than Paris Hilton and the IRS.
No More Healthy Lunches!November 17, 2011
Congress pushes back on school lunch nutrition guidelines, proposing to count tomato paste on pizzas as a vegetable.
Serendipity: Business Model EditionNovember 15, 2011
Exploring Twitter's potential as a business model and advertising platform based on exposing users to new and unexpected content.
Extending the GridNovember 15, 2011
Extending the NYC street grid to the rest of the planet.
24 Hours of Flickr PhotosNovember 13, 2011
A gallery exhibition of 24 hours worth of Flickr photos that visualizes the overload of images in today's digital age.
What is Google+?November 11, 2011
Google+ is more than just a standalone product, but rather a central focus for Google as a company.
A Floating FutureNovember 09, 2011
Questioning the lack of big imaginative visions in the present day.
The Mystery of McRibNovember 09, 2011
The curious case of the McRib and its mysterious market appearance.
The King of Human ErrorNovember 08, 2011
Michael Lewis profiles Daniel Kahneman, one of the fathers of behavioral economics, and his new book.
Apple OperationsNovember 05, 2011
Insight into Apple's operational prowess and attention to detail.
GeofencingNovember 03, 2011
Square's Card Case uses geofencing technology to allow for easy payments at stores.
Strategy over ProductNovember 03, 2011
Twitter Lists are valuable to power users, while Google+ strategy clashes with user behavior.
On Lytro's DesignNovember 02, 2011
Rethinking camera design with the Lytro's long tube shape.
PlugBug ChargerNovember 02, 2011
The PlugBug Charger: A hardware addition to Apple's design.
Designers versus UsersOctober 31, 2011
Designers work on large screens while users view the web on smaller displays.
Conductive GlovesOctober 31, 2011
Muji gloves with a conductive finger for touchscreen technology and a reflection on the smartphone market's evolution.
TiltOctober 31, 2011
Tilt is a Firefox plugin that visualizes websites in 3D and allows for inline editing.
OllyOctober 30, 2011
The concept of a device that converts web data into smells.
likemindSeptember 16, 2011
A reminder to join likemind in NYC for coffee.