Reviews: How The Best Of Technology Works (WSJ)

The Wall Street Journal (December 16, 2023) – How does Google Maps use satellites, GPS and more to get you from point A to point B? What is the tech that powers Spotify’s recommendation algorithm?

Video timeline: 0:00 Google Maps 9:07 LED wristbands 14:30 Spotify’s algorithm 21:30 Tap-to-Pay 28:18 Noise-canceling headphones 34:33 MSG Sphere 41:30 Shazam

From the unique tech that works in seconds to power tap-to-pay to how Shazam identifies 23,000 songs each minute, WSJ explores the engineering and science of technology that catches our eye. Chapters:

Views: The Zen Beauty Of Japanese Gardens In Kyoto

Yurara Sarara Films (December 15, 2023) – Collections of the beauty of Japanese gardens in Kyoto. There are many types of Japanese gardens, from the karesansui dry rock gardens that replicate the flow of water with rocks, to the strolling gardens that are built around a pond. Because of the relation these gardens have with Zen and the Japanese concept of wabi and sabi, they are most often found at temples, so this, of course, means there are many Japanese gardens in Kyoto.

Saturday Morning: News And Stories From London

Monocle on Saturday, December 18, 2023: Terry Stiastny joins Georgina Godwin for a look through the week’s news and culture. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, fails to secure long-term financial aid from the US and the EU, Rishi Sunak attends a hard-right-wing political festival in Italy and we learn about Finland’s festive TV genre – reindeer noir. Plus: Grace Charlton discusses Monocle’s Christmas gift-giving guide.

The New York Times — Saturday, Dec 16, 2023

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Zelensky Returns to Ukraine With Little Aid and a Raft of Needs

Residents removing their belongings on Wednesday after a Russian missile fell near an apartment building in Kyiv.

The European Union’s willingness to open accession talks will lift morale, but the more immediate prospects for financial support from allies is sobering.

Women at Fast-Growing Realty Firm Say They Were Drugged and Assaulted

In lawsuits, five women say eXp Realty long ignored complaints that two male agents were preying on their female peers at alcohol-fueled work events.

Private Gun Ownership in Israel Spikes After Hamas Attacks

In a country already bristling with armed soldiers and reservists, a new sense of insecurity is pushing civilians to seek more personal weapons.

Jury Orders Giuliani to Pay $148 Million to Election Workers He Defamed

Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, wrongfully accused by Rudolph W. Giuliani of having tried to steal votes from Donald J. Trump in Georgia, were awarded the damages by a federal court in Washington.

Finance Preview: Barron’s Magazine – Dec 18, 2023

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BARRON’S MAGAZINE – DECEMBER 18, 2023 ISSUE:

Stocks Beat the Odds This Year. They Can Do It Again in 2024.

Stocks Beat the Odds This Year. They Can Do It Again in 2024.

They might have a bumpy start to the new year, but stocks should finish stronger as interest rates fall. Stay invested.

20% of Retirees Haven’t Taken Their RMD. What Happens if You Miss the Deadline.

20% of Retirees Haven’t Taken Their RMD. What Happens if You Miss the Deadline.

About 20% of retirees haven’t taken their required minimum distribution for this year, says Fidelity. The clock is ticking

Barron’s 10 Favorite Stocks for 2024

Barron’s 10 Favorite Stocks for 2024

Barron’s annual list of unloved stocks ranges from tech giant Alibaba to miner Barrick to auto rental stalwart Hertz Global.Long read

The EV Stock Bubble Popped. Now What?

The EV Stock Bubble Popped. Now What?

The key is to focus on companies with affordable cars and profitable operations.Long read