I often share examples of functional data science – using data to give insight into our economy, into our impact on the planet, and more.
Sometimes, it's nice to appreciate a beautifully made infographic purely for its creation and function.
This won't change your life (or help you make investment decisions) … nevertheless, hopefully, you will appreciate it.
Pablo Picasso was a prolific and vastly misunderstood artist during his time. He created tens of thousands of works that span countless topics.
National Geographic published a painting/infographic depicting the different phases and influences in Picasso's career. It leverages the techniques, colors, and shapes Picasso predominantly used to help immerse you in his art. The size of each category reflects the number of artworks in the category.
Click the image to see it in full size, with descriptions of each section.
"Really the ad to go to Mars would be like Shackleton's ad to go to the Antarctic. It's going to be hard. There's a good chance of death … going in a little can through deep space."
Elon is a controversial character; he may be the closest we have to a real life Bruce Wayne, but he's also been forced to stepdown as Chairman of Tesla, has many controversial tweets, and is widely considered an eccentric.
That being said … I have to respect what he's accomplished, and his approach to his businesses.
Elon comes from the mindset of "what's possible?" not "how can I make the most money consistently over time?"
When asked why you climb the mountain, the answer doesn't have to be profound … because it's there, or to see if I can are valid answers.
If you need rationale, Dr. Zubrin, President of the Mars Society puts it eloquently.
Human expansion has been furthered greatly by selfish endeavors – and that's okay.
What's your metaphorical flight to Mars? What's the idea that you want to make a reality? You can accomplish a lot when you're aligned with your goals.
While little is known about how the visual and locomotor systems work together to support movement, it's cool to watch (and appreciate) what happens and what we can do.
It's almost mind-boggling how quickly our brain can process complex geometric decisions to ensure we don't slip off the terrain. The speed and precision of the eye movements performed in a task like this are absurd.
What's even crazier is that, despite performing "calculations" that computers struggle with, these calculations happen far below our conscious awareness.
For all that complexity – in gaze and gait, in copying humans and innovating past them – robotics has advanced very far.
We now have robots that walk with relatively human gaits, and we have Boston Dynamics creating humanoid and quadrupedal robots that challenge what we thought was possible.
I spent this weekend at Genius Network's Annual Event … it's a great event with industry leaders, specialists, and apparently, the Grandfather of Shock Rock (basically heavy metal with highly theatrical live shows), Alice Cooper.
He is famous for the extravagant staging of his shows. He is a showman … with dramatic outfits, makeup, and attention getters like guillotines, snakes, and live sword combat.
This week, he talked about his history, his success, and what made him different than those around him. The answer may surprise you. Check it out.
"If you don't bake the cake, you can't puticing on it … you have to have the music before you can put on the theatrics"
A lot of today's common marketing/business wisdom is focused on creating your own space, and how to position yourself differently than your competitors. That's something Alice Cooper did very well.
That wisdom skips over the most important step … you have to have a kick-ass product. Music, sports, business, it's all the same game; can you outwork, outperform, outgive your competitors?
If you want to be a leader in your space or even just a lasting name, it comes from honing your craft and having a better offer.
It seems like common sense, but as we all know, common sense isn't always common.
It was the same when I helped coach my youngest son in Football. When he started, I only let him focus on his footwork. Once he had his footwork down we could focus on his hand position. Once his hand position was habitual, he could focus on his playbook. Once he knew the plays and how they changed his role, we finally focused on how to do extra, and differentiate himself from his teammates and his rivals.
It's the same in your business or your marriage. It's great when you can focus on the embellishments and displays. First, however, you need to master the basics.
But what about expert-level meditators? The ones that have put more than 10,000 hours in. The ones that don't just use it as a tool, but as a necessary part of their day.
Turns out, they literally think differently – their brainwaves show gamma waves all the time as a lasting trait just no matter what they’re doing. It’s not a state effect, it’s not during their meditation alone, but their everyday state of mind.
Brain.FM (AI created music to enhance focus, relaxation, meditation, naps & sleep)
Meditation Music (5-minute songs, inhale at the bell, exhale at the next bell … repeat)
Zen Wellness (courses about meditation, Qi Gong, etc.)
Muse (brain sensing headband and app to help you know whether you are relaxing)
I also recommend 40 Years of Zen. This is a 5-day program that leverages neurofeedback technology and guidance to help you unlock and expand your potential.
