1/22/21 Recommended Issues: Filler Words, Canadian Tech Scene, Washington's Inauguration

Good day!

Each week we handpick newsletter issues by independent writers you may have missed that provide new or unique perspectives. 

If you read last week's and would like to subscribe or leave a review of any of the highlighted newsletters, you can do that here: Tomasz Tunguz, Understandably and No Grass in the Clouds. The narrowSCALE community really appreciates it!

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Here's what's worth reading this week...enjoy!

LESS IS MORE

Little Words That Ruin Sentences in Daily Writing Habits by Nicolas Cole on 1/19

In this issue, Nicolas reminds us that removing unnecessary words leads to clearer, more impactful writing. While hearing this may give you nightmares of junior high English classes, he presents it in a short, refreshing, digestible way, with a few simple examples and target words to eject from your typing lexicon. It’s worth a read because it will make you, even if only subconsciously, think more about how and what you’re writing-- for the better. (337 words; 1.25 minutes) Read it...

AMERICA’S FIRST INAUGURAL SPEECH

A Leader’s Call for Civility and Decency in Timeless and Timely by Scott Monty on Jan 20

It seemed tone deaf to not call out an issue related to the American presidential inauguration this week; there are certainly plenty of newsletters discussing it. This Timeless & Timely issue is unique because it actually describes George Washington's first inauguration and speech in 1789...from the rationale for his clothing choice, to his decision to even make a speech (there was no previous tradition to follow -- he started it!), to his emphasis on unity (sound familiar?), and more. It’s worth a read to be plunked back into the start of the nation and to feel its foundation being laid.  Also thought-provoking are the written rules Washington chose to live by, of which Scott Monty highlights a few for us to read and ponder. They are wise and (amazingly) as applicable as ever. (2113 words; 7.5 minutes) Read it…

CAN CANADA’S TECH SCENE SUCCEED?

Why the Canadian Tech Scene Doesn't Work, in Alex Danco’s Newsletter on Jan 17

If you are at all into “tech”, start-ups, or the “tech/start-up scene”, you will find this issue intriguing-- and polarizing. Alex takes a hard stance that Canada is NOT currently set up to have a successful start-up ecosystem and walks you through why. Using his framework you could analyze other cities/countries, which is the logical place your mind will go if you live/work in any locations he’s not discussing. The issue has definitely caused a lot of chatter in the Toronto and greater Canadian tech/start-up world and offers a LOT for you to consider... and then decide if you agree. (5109 words; 18.5minutes ) Read it…


Some interesting facts for the week:

• Some companies, like Instacart, Dollar General, and Trader Joe's, are paying employees to get vaccinated.  Wonder if we'll see a growing trend in that direction...(The Diff 1/15)

• There is a word for people who believe that the prophetic predictions of the New Testament (like the Second Coming) all happened in the years leading up to 70 AD: Preterist. (Tipping Point Prophecy 1/19)

• Another new word (although this one appears to be both new to linguistic usage AND new to me): Phygital... it's a word used to describe the convergence of the physical and digital worlds.  And it's apparently circulating through in the consulting and marketing worlds, often alongside buzz words like omnichannel. (The margins 1/10)

• BlackRock (the world’s biggest asset manager w/ ~ $7.81 trillion in managed assets) is the latest financial player to hop on the Bitcoin bandwagon; they just filed with the SEC to be able to buy! (Blockfolio 1/20)

• Electrifying... Lightning rates increase 12 percent per every degree Celsius (about 2°F) rise in global temperatures, adding up to a 50 percent increase by the end of the century. WOW! (Why is this Interesting 1/20)

• UK TikTok users doubled the amount of time they spent on the app last year-- and now UK users spend more time on TikTok than Facebook. Curious if advertising spend has gone up equivalently? (Exponential View 1/16)

• Ugh: Pre-pandemic, 10.5% of US households saw some form of food insecurity, jumping to 23% during the pandemic (potentially closer to 30% for households with children). (Out Of Pocket 1/18)

• Dodge the junk: There are 6,000 satellites orbiting Earth – 60% of them no longer operational and classified as space junk. By 2030 the total number of space objects is expected to more than double to 15,000. (Design Lobster 1/17)

I hope you discovered something eye-opening!

And if you're on the hunt for any specific newsletters to read, feel free to email me or explore narrowSCALE.
 

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Best,
~Jessica