In the annals of American history, few figures have wielded power with as much deftness and intricacy as Robert Moses. His name may not resonate in the pantheon of political icons like Roosevelt or Kennedy, yet his influence is indelibly etched into the very fabric of New York City. To understand this man and the vast, often unseen currents of power that shaped the 20th century metropolis, there is no better guide than “The Power Broker.“
Poll of the Day

Art of the Day

‘The Return of the Prodigal Son’ by Rembrandt
In the final years of his life, Rembrandt van Rijn created a masterpiece that would come to encapsulate the central themes of his art: “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” Painted around 1669, just months before the artist’s death, this monumental work is a testament to Rembrandt’s unparalleled ability to convey the depths of human emotion through light, shadow, and gesture.
The painting depicts the moment from the Biblical parable when the wayward son returns home after squandering his inheritance, expecting scorn but instead finding forgiveness in his father’s embrace. In Rembrandt’s interpretation, the father is an aged, nearly blind man, his face lined with wrinkles that speak of a life filled with both joy and sorrow. As he cradles his son, his expression is one of pure compassion and unconditional love.
Why Good People Don’t Need to Tell You They’re Good

Picture this: You’re looking for a contractor, and suddenly, one rolls up with a vehicle plastered in religious symbols, waxing poetic about their unparalleled honesty and how they’re practically giving away their services. Or maybe you’ve just met someone who can’t stop talking about how they’re allergic to drama and only surround themselves with positive vibes.
Here’s a life pro tip: When someone feels the need to loudly proclaim their virtues, it’s often a sign to proceed with caution.
[Read more…] about Why Good People Don’t Need to Tell You They’re Good
Linkage
16 Photos That Show You The Way Things Used To Be – Ned Hardy
Politeness vs. Protection: Master the Art of Saying ‘No’ to Stay Safe – Shield and Fortify
I highly recommend door reinforcement lock; it’s incredibly sturdy, withstanding up to 800 lbs. of force, ensuring your home is secure and your family safe from break-ins – Amazon
US arrests Mexican drug lord ‘El Mayo’ and son of ‘El Chapo’ in Texas – Reuters
OpenAI announces SearchGPT, its AI-powered search engine – The Verge
5 Surefire Ways to Make Friends While Traveling – Outside
The AI boyfriend business is booming – Axios
US prosecutors charge famed short seller Andrew Left with fraud – Fox Business
The Lazarus Heist: How North Korea Almost Pulled off a Billion-Dollar Hack – BBC
The Mysterious Case Of The F-117 Nighthawk’s Flip-Down Radar Locators – The War Zone
Box Office: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Makes Record-Breaking $38.5 Million in Previews – Variety
Pictures and Videos of the Day – Ned Hardy
Pretty much the industry standard in the horticultural world. Design is nice, they re-sharpen well, and replacement parts are plentiful. Probably the most impressive thing about Felco is that over many decades of growth worldwide they have never given in to cutting corners. The quality is just the same today as in the past seven decades – Amazon
At the Olympics, AI is watching you – ARS Technica
Fed’s key inflation gauge rose 2.5% in June from a year ago, easing path to rate cut – CNBC
Steve Jobs Knew the Moment the Future Had Arrived. It’s Calling Again – Wired
How to Avoid Food Poisoning When Traveling Abroad – Thrillist
The Disturbing Truth About Hitler’s Inner Circle – Grunge
Ranked: Every David Lynch Movie We Would Rather Live In Than Deal with This Election – The Hard Times
14 People Reveal How They Found Out Their Partners Were Cheating

1. My wife tried calling and didn’t hang up once it went to voicemail. She accidentally left a 2:45 VM. The VM consisted of her and her BF talking shit about me and how much happier she was with him.
At the time I was home with our kids and I thought she was 1,800 miles away to be with her dying father. Two years later we are divorced and her father is still alive.
[Read more…] about 14 People Reveal How They Found Out Their Partners Were Cheating
Art of the Day

Hylas and the Nymphs, 1896, John William Waterhouse
John William Waterhouse, a master of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, breathes life into the myth of Hylas, the handsome youth of Greek mythology. The painting depicts the precise moment when Hylas, a companion of Heracles, meets his tragic fate. The young man is lured by water nymphs, their ethereal beauty and seductive gaze offering a perilous invitation into their watery domain.
Poll of the Day

Linkage
AI Imagines 80s Stars in DC Movies – Ned Hardy
Don’t Fall for the Process Server Scam – Shield and Fortify
If you have long hair, frequently lose items down the drain, or dread unclogging your sink or tub, this inexpensive and effective tool will save you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with gross buildup – Amazon
Newsom Orders California Officials to Remove Homeless Encampments – NY Times
U.S. Economy Grew at Brisk 2.8% Rate in Second Quarter – WSJ
I’m 52. My wife is 73. I want to spend our retirement together, but I only have $210,000 in my 401(k). What can I do? – Market Watch
The 20 Most Beautiful Cities in the World – AD
Elon Musk claims he is training “the world’s most powerful AI by every metric” – ARS Technica
Why more U.S. adults are choosing not to have kids – Axios
9 ordinary things you (probably) didn’t know had fascinating names – Big Think
How to Save Your Home From a Wildfire – Wired
Pictures and Videos of the Day – Ned Hardy
If you want a hands-free, comfortable movie-watching experience on flights, this compact and flexible phone holder with multi-directional rotation and a strong clamp is the ultimate travel must-have – Amazon
Ranking the top 25 NBA players of the 21st century – ESPN
iPhones will soon be able to stream live video on 911 calls – The Verge
Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp Guards: The Banality of Evil in Portraits – Rare Historical Photos
Leaving a Legacy Bigger Than Material Possessions – Becoming Minimalist
Everything You’re Entitled to When Your Flight Gets Delayed or Canceled – Life Hacker
Google DeepMind’s AI systems can now solve complex math problems – Technology Review
The Top 12 Tacos of Mexico City—And Where to Try Them – Sauver
What is a Psychedelic Experience Like?

“Euphoria and insight,” as Roger Sterling said in Mad Men, but while the ‘visuals’ are what’s publicized, they really only make up a very small portion of the experience.
The #1 thing psychedelics do is make you unable to rationalize how important events and emotions are supposed to be, similar to the way a child thinks. In other words, it makes EVERYTHING seem incredibly significant, in a way it’s almost impossible to experience otherwise. You are INCREDIBLY attuned to small emotional / mood / vibe changes, and are in a heightened, much more “raw” state of being. This can be incredibly enlightening (or terrifying, depending on how your trip goes).



