Personal Growth — February 9, 2009

Yen Rises While We Don’t Pass Stimulus

Bloomberg today reports that the yen rose against the dollar after “the U.S. government delayed the announcement of a financial- recovery plan.” Traders took refuge.

“Japan’s currency gained as U.S. stock-index futures dropped, spurring investors to trim holdings of higher-yielding assets funded in the yen. The Norwegian krone climbed against most of the 16 most-active currencies after Norway said it would inject $14.8 billion in capital to revive bank lending,” according to Bloomberg.

Strange Maps

America’s news deserts are growing

Most counties in the U.S. have only one local newspaper, often one that publishes weekly instead of daily.

Two people walking past a dark brick wall with numerous security cameras pointing in various directions.

The Present

Are smart cities a wise idea?

When Google runs a smart city, who owns the data?

Illustration of a young woman with closed eyes, smiling, next to a large, detailed eye and surrounded by vibrant, abstract elements and smiley faces.

Neuropsych

Eyes wide shut: Why closing your eyes intensifies psychedelic trips

A recent study suggests that exposure to visual stimuli can diminish the effects of psychedelic drugs.

Starts With A Bang

The big idea of Grand Unified Theories of physics

If the electromagnetic and weak forces unify to make the electroweak force, maybe, at higher energies, something even grander happens?

Microscopic image of a small electronic component with clear details of its structure and connections against a gray background.

The Future

Making microbots smart

What would it take to create a truly intelligent microbot, one that can operate independently?

Up Next

Culture & Religion

Is Europe Responsible for Taming the Russian Bear?

Speaking today at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Vice President Joe Biden told the world that the U.S. would no longer be a swaggering soloist throwing its muscle around […]