QQ Roundup: Oct 17
In an effort to push myself to do more regular posts and writing exercises, I’m introducing a new bimonthly “roundup” series. I’ll use this space to tell you about the latest things that have caught my attention and seem worthy of sharing, recommending, or otherwise discussing.
Articles
We Emit a Visible Light That Vanishes When We Die, Says Surprising Study
Woo-woo meets science in this study, possibly lending some credence to our invisible intuition of having a “sixth sense.” It feels like the seed to a good sci-fi plot.
Biodegradable Plastic Made From Bamboo
Chinese scientists have developed a renewable ecofriendly source of plastic from bamboo cellulose. The plastic’s toughness is comparable to those used in vehicles, appliances and construction. It is biodegradable within 50 days and can be completely recycled while retaining 90% of its original strength.
Zohran Mamdani’s Touchingly Detailed Message To Transgender New Yorkers
Mamdani continues to show why he’s the people’s candidate with a thoughtful message. Read the article and watch the ad spot to witness the care and thought that has gone into each and every message from his campaign. Great reporting by Erin Reed.
The continuing erosion of the US democracy. “Experts in authoritarianism advise to keep a list of things subtly changing around you, so you’ll remember.”Amy Siskind keeps the list updated for all of us week by week and I encourage you to read it regularly.
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Note that I am slowly migrating the Quantum Quimby blog to Substack. If you subscribe to my Patreon I’ll gift you a free subscription so you aren’t double paying for my work.
Books
I finished reading Who Is Government? and The Compound. The former feels more urgent with each passing day as Trump fires more and more of our tireless bureaucrats, the unsung heroes that keep America running. I recommend it for a quick nonfiction character-driven read. Find out what a handful of government employees actually do for the greater good and virtually no praise, until now.
The latter I enjoyed to a point - a vaguely dystopian reality show thriller. Though it may follow a trend of books I’ve read this year, fun right up until the ending where the author seems to struggle to land the plane satisfactorily. You might find the conclusion acceptable, though hollow as I did. I’m not not recommending it, in fact I’d be curious to hear what other’s make of it.
Currently reading: The Intruder by Freida McFadden and Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future by Reid Hoffman & Greg Beato
Music
I’m not a Swifty and I haven’t heard the new Tay Tay album, sue me. Instead, a trio of fascinating albums have entered my current rotation.
Amen by Igorrr is a serious album of the year front-runner for me. Give it a spin if you’re interested in some deeply talented French craftsmanship that blends several genres - avant-garde, black metal, and opera. If you’re curious about the lyrical content, it’s mainly in a made-up language constructed of phonemes that sound pleasing together.
Author & Punisher’s Nocturnal Birding is in close contention for the 2025 album crown as well. Tristan Shone is a one (now two) man drone machine, mechanical engineer, wrecking ball. Nocturnal Birding uses actual birdsong and is inspired by the immigrant’s difficult journey to find a safe haven. “Up and up beyond the cloud lines, none of this is yours and none of it is mine.”
The biggest surprise to hit my rotation is Camgirl by Crippling Alcoholism. This came at the recommendation of a friend and it strums a very specific, albeit depressing, downbeat gothic rock chord. Prepare yourself for some cheery lyrics like “I fucking hate the way I look. Yeah I look like a fat fucking scumbag.”
Looking ahead to what’s left on the release schedule for 2025: Covers, Collaborations & Collages by Serj Tankian out 10/24, Sonic Trash by Romes out 11/14, and Conflict DLC by Health out 12/11
Podcasts
Science Vs recently released a great episode “Sugar: How Bad Is It Really?” Tune in to find out if high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, table sugar, agave syrup, maple syrup, and honey have different biological effects. TLDR: consume less added sugar no matter the source.
Cautionary Tales interviewed author Arvind Ethan David about revisiting one of my favorite authors of all time, Douglas Adams. Don’t Panic! Douglas Adams’ Guide to Tomorrow
