On a hot summer evening, Miles Villalon lined up outside the New Beverly Cinema, hours before showtime. The 36-year-old already had tickets to the Watergate-themed double feature of 1976’s “All the President’s Men” and 1999’s “Dick.” But Villalon braved Los Angeles’ infamous rush-hour traffic to snag front-row seats at Quentin Tarantino‘s historic theater. This level […]
When Hurricane Helene hit, this disaster-proof Florida neighborhood kept the lights on
Last Thursday, when Hurricane Helene hit the small town of Cortez, Florida—about four hours south of the eye of the storm—a storm surge filled the streets with waist-deep water near a new development. The grid lost power. But the new homes stayed dry and kept the lights on. The development, called Hunters Point, was designed […]
Developing the fine art of saying what you mean
“Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly . . .” “Please, go ahead; I don’t mind waiting.” “Thanks, but no thanks.” How would you describe these statements? As sincere expressions of modesty, humility, or stoicism? Possibly so. Experience proves that we often lose more than we gain by pursuing the gifts, pleasures, and indulgences that come our way. A gracious […]
The metaverse never happened, but Mark Zuckerberg’s got some funky glasses
This story originally appeared in The Technology Letter and is republished here with permission. Oh, the Metaverse! Remember that bit of nonsense, from three years ago? Deep in the pandemic lockdowns, it seemed we all would be living in a digital cave for the rest of eternity. The Metaverse was the signature of Facebook’s transformation into Meta Platforms. What […]
These tiny satellites are changing space exploration
Most CubeSats weigh less than a bowling ball, and some are small enough to hold in your hand. But the impact these instruments are having on space exploration is gigantic. CubeSats—miniature, agile and cheap satellites—are revolutionizing how scientists study the cosmos. A standard-size CubeSat is tiny, about 4 pounds. Some are larger, maybe four times […]
Assuming financial responsibility for your aging parents: A 3-step guide
As your parents age, it can often feel like you have swapped roles. Now you’re the one taking care of everything, from scheduling Mom and Dad’s doctor’s appointments to driving them where they need to go. But even if your aging parents welcome some aspects of this role reversal—you did give them anxiety-induced heartburn all […]
An advertising watchdog explains what’s at stake with Google’s latest DOJ case
As Google’s high-profile antitrust trial reaches the end of week three, the future of its gargantuan ad business is in flux. The director of intelligence at digital advertising watchdog Check My Ads, Arielle Garcia has been in every court session to cover the DOJ’s arguments and Google’s defense. As a veteran of the ad industry, […]
After Skelly, Halloween decorations continue to arrive early
Home Depot was about to launch something big — really big — when the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020: a 12-foot skeleton. “There were a lot of internal discussions. It was like, is there going to be Halloween this year?” said Lance Allen, senior merchant of decorative holiday at Home Depot. “Are customers […]
How Stephen Miller and the anti-DEI movement are going after small businesses
On July 3, 2023, the Supreme Court overturned affirmative action, prohibiting U.S. colleges and universities from considering an applicant’s race during the admissions process. Stephen Miller, former Trump White House adviser and president of America First Legal, wasted no time threatening to sue colleges and universities if they did not comply. At the time of […]
Here’s how Trump and Harris’s economic policies compare on key issues
With just 40 days remaining before the presidential election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both working to woo voters with their economic plans. Trump’s “America First” agenda aims to increase tariffs on goods made in China, Mexico, and other countries and promises lower taxes. Harris’s “Opportunity Economy” proposal targets price gouging and offers subsidies […]