Why it matters: With the HQ2 decision barely in the rearview mirror, it's really odd that Bezos would, practically out of nowhere, declare that the company's days are limited, even if he was using his trillion-dollar company to reference the life span of many businesses. Then again, Bezos is the richest person in modern history and I am decidedly not, so perhaps I'll reserve judgment.
Why it matters: More and more people are starting to understand some of the negative effects of cryptocurrency mining. Environmentalists hate how much energy the mines use, while businesses and residents located near mines are seeing the surge in demand drive their own energy costs higher.
Trust me when I tell you that the smartest crypto miners already understand the risks associated with a potential backlash from policymakers. Lowering the heating bills for nearby businesses and residents seems like a smart way to prevent a policy nightmare that is very much front-of-mind for crypto miners.
Why it matters: After over 130 years of being tied to the measurement of a specific metal cylinder's mass, the kilogram has been redefined in terms of the Planck constant, an invariable number central to quantum physics. This is a big deal in the science world, as it could usher in a new era of scientific precision and measurement.
*Quickly Googles how much I weigh in Planck constant kilograms*
Why it matters: Today might be National Fast Food Day, but the customers aren't the only ones who need to be careful about binging. Securitization remains tainted after the financial crisis, so for the likes of Taco Bell and Domino's Pizza to go dipping their toes in that pool sounds a little ominous. But hey ... at least fast-food companies aren't the only ones super-sizing their debt.
Why it matters: The financial turmoils of David's Bridal, a go-to brand name for many would-be brides in America, could represent a shift in the interests of the wedding industry's consumers. Brides-to-be who patronized the company can all take a deep breath, though: David's has promised that everyone will get their dresses as planned.
If your gardening skills are, uh, lacking, the idea that anyone is able to grow produce may seem out of this world. NASA has been thinking about that too, trying to come up with ways to grow food on other planets. In pursuit of that, it's developed some techniques that could be useful for Earth-bound agriculture.
An effort in the UK to digitize the delivery of benefits like health care has drawn a rebuke from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. And when you think about the demographics associated with those who often utilize health care the most, linking health care to technological proficiency seems like a pretty obvious tactical error.
Arizona State University professor and anthropologist Daniel Hruschka raises an interesting point about the study of psychology and human behavior. Most of what we know only reflects a small sample of humanity made mostly up of wealthy, highly educated Westerners. Considering human behavior is rife with bias, perhaps it shouldn't come as a huge surprise that the people who study it could also be biased.
This sounds like something out of a "Mission Impossible" movie, and it is downright frightening. Artificial intelligence can now be used to outsmart biometric scanners that protect people and data. I guess it is time to go back to using Post-it notes.
The devastating fires in California are causing short- and long-term damage to the state's energy mix. Pacific Gas & Electric is facing some serious financial repercussions now that it's concluded that its insurance might not cover all of the damage from one of the wildfires. That might make California's renewable goals more difficult to achieve.
The president of California's Public Utilities Commission gave PG&E some breathing room by saying he can't envision the company being allowed to go bankrupt. But not being allowed to go bankrupt is one thing; enjoying low borrowing costs to finance future renewable energy projects is something else.
On a related, positive note: Some groups are already taking steps to prevent future fires.
As you sit down after work today, potentially with a nice bottle of Chardonnay, ponder the plight of David Dunkenberger, a Virginia vineyard owner whose grapes were stolen straight from the vine -- all 2.5 tons of them.
(Also, I bet you can't say "the great grape caper" 10 times fast!)
Since I joined SmartBrief in 2003, I have produced content on a variety of topics including finance, energy, infrastructure, politics, telecommunications and international development. I like Coronas on the beach, Bojangles' Famous Chicken and Biscuits and the feeling of finally being home - safe and sound.
Therefore, today's edition of WYWW was edited whilst listening to "Safe and Sound" by Capitol Cities.
If you like WYWW, hate WYWW or want to submit a story, shoot me an email. Yes, I actually read them.
Bridget Reed Morawski
A recent addition to the SmartBrief editorial team, I edit and produce content on energy and chemicals, but have chipped in on travel, finance and business-related topics. When I'm not knee-deep in earnings report updates and joint venture announcements, I travel, tend to my garden and argue in vain that Philadelphia is superior to other East Coast cities.
Send any and all thoughts, opinions, speculation and adoration our way. We love to read it -- you might even get a shout out in a future brief.
Self-knowledge is no guarantee of happiness, but it is on the side of happiness and can supply the courage to fight for it.
