Reading List
The most recent articles from a list of feeds I subscribe to.
How Georgia manufactured the Peach State myth
Peaches are one of America’s most recognizable fruits. In the US, hundreds of thousands of tons are produced each year, and the fruit is closely tied to one place in particular: Georgia. The Georgia peach is on license plates, road signs, and even county names. But today, the state doesn’t grow the most peaches. Not […]
The rage-bait candidate who wants to govern Florida
It can be hard to make sense of James Fishback. The longshot Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate is the son of an immigrant and fiercely nativist, a self-proclaimed finance success story turned economic populist, and both pro-Trump and running against President Donald Trump’s chosen candidate. He’s also openly racist and antisemitic. But one thing is for […]
I got hit with a surprise tariff. Now that they’re illegal, do I get a refund?
I accepted the risk when I ordered a penguin from Argentina: Uncle Sam might tax it. It wasn’t one of the actual flightless birds; it was a green ceramic pitcher resembling a penguin with a curved handle and beak serving as a spout, often used to pour house wines at cheap bars in Buenos Aires. […]
How people are making millions on the Iran war
Bettors on prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi have wagered hundreds of millions of dollars on the current conflict in Iran. Which means lots and lots of folks are trying to get rich betting on wars. In the lead-up to the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran, prediction markets saw a frenzy of activity […]
What a massive blind taste test of vegan milk, cheese, and ice cream found — explained in one chart
Over the last two decades, the availability of plant-based foods has exploded. You can get a meat-free patty in your Burger King Whopper if that’s your thing, buy realistic “chicken” nuggets at your local grocery store, or order marbled plant-based steak from food startups. But one animal-free food category has truly escaped containment from the vegan […]