Culture & Religion — September 19, 2009

Gary Vaynerchuk Crushes It

Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV may be overtaking Robert Parker as the country’s most recognizable – and polarizing – wine expert. This weekend, watch him on BigThink.com giving a seven minute wine course, talking about overrated winemakers, and declaring that online social media is the next generation of business. After the jump, catch a sneak preview of Gary’s interview: he shares his foolproof techniques for impressing a dinner date while talking to a sommelier.

UPDATE: Gary is now live on the site. Aside from the above, Gary talks about his heroes, his career (including the moment he fell in love with wine), and more.

Starts With A Bang

The better way to measure cosmic time

For some reason, when we talk about the age of stars, galaxies, and the Universe, we use "years" to measure time. Can we do better?

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Hard Science

Why a James Webb Space Telescope mystery doesn’t (necessarily) break cosmology

The JWST's observations of well-developed galaxies early in universal history may coincide with accepted astronomical theory after all.

A book titled "Cultures of Growth" by Mary C. Murphy lying on a dark blue fabric surface.

Business

“Cultures of growth”: How small changes can build stronger, more successful teams

Psychologist Mary C. Murphy explains why growth-mindset teams outperform those centered around a lone genius.

Starts With A Bang

The Universe might never run out of hydrogen

The most common element in the Universe, vital for forming new stars, is hydrogen. But there's a finite amount of it; what if we run out?

Abstract monochrome sketch of two figures, one with head bowed and the other looking downward, conveying a contemplative or somber mood, suggestive of the Chiron effect.

Neuropsych

The Chiron effect: Are “wounded healers” better healers?

Sometimes you just want to hear, "I know what it's like."

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