Weekend Briefing No. 549
Living to 150 -- The Downside of Efficiency -- Breakthrough Battery
Welcome to the weekend.
Prime Numbers
430,000 — Last year 430,000 cassettes were sold in the United States, five times the level of a decade ago.
13.56 — Zimbabwe has introduced the ZiG, its sixth currency since 2008, which is backed by 2,522 kilograms of gold and $100 million in foreign currency reserves. The ZiG began trading on April 8 at an exchange rate of 13.56 ZiG to $1, showing early signs of success in reducing the country's reliance on foreign currencies.
2 — The good people at GE Appliances found that the average American load of laundry sits wet, unattended in the washing machine for two hours, based on an analysis of 13 million wash cycles across 90,000 homes from 2020 to 2022.
Living to 150
Is it truly possible for humans to extend their lifespan to 150 years and beyond? According to longevity researchers, achieving this ambitious goal requires developing "hardcore longevity" technologies that can significantly slow or reverse the aging process. These technologies fall into three main categories: replacement (creating new young tissues and organs), bioengineering (repairing and maintaining our bodies at the cellular level), and cryogenics (preserving bodies for future revival). While these approaches may seem like science fiction, they represent the cutting edge of longevity research and offer the potential to dramatically extend human lifespans in the coming decades. NFX (11 minutes)
The Downside of Efficiency
In his final article as The New York Times' restaurant critic, Pete Wells reflects on the dramatic changes in dining over his 12-year tenure. Wells argues that while technological advancements like reservation apps, touch-screen ordering and contactless payments have made dining more convenient, they have also stripped away much of the human interaction that once defined the restaurant experience. He laments the loss of personal connections with staff and the increasing sense of alienation between diners and those who prepare and serve their food. Ultimately, Wells questions whether these technological "improvements" have truly enhanced the dining experience, suggesting that in our pursuit of efficiency and convenience, we may have sacrificed the warmth and personality that made restaurants special. New York Times (8 minutes)
Can one factory in Kenya save families $55 million?
The Adventure Project, a nonprofit creating jobs in Africa to outwork extreme poverty, thinks so. And they aren’t alone. Backed by the EarthShot Prize, Echoing Green, the Cartier Foundation, and other philanthropic giants, Kenya’s Mukuru Clean Stoves has just completed a state-of-the-art clean cookstove production facility. Led by social entrepreneur and mother Charlot Magayi, this project addresses a critical issue: the health and economic challenges of cooking over open fires. This factory is set to boost the local economy, reduce health risks, and save families living in extreme poverty approximately $55M annually in fuel. I’m a former Board President of The Adventure Project. Two years ago, Weekend Briefing readers helped raise funds to build this factory. Way to go! It’s now complete, you can read more and subscribe to their email list for more innovative solutions to ending poverty. The Adventure Project
Breakthrough Battery
Samsung has unveiled innovative solid-state batteries at SNE Battery Day 2024, boasting a 20-year lifespan, nine-minute charging time, and 600-mile range per charge. These batteries, already being tested by electric vehicle makers, are safer and more compact than traditional lithium-ion batteries, with mass production targeted for 2027. While promising, high costs will initially limit their use to premium EVs, and Samsung faces strong competition in the advanced battery market. Nevertheless, this development marks a significant advancement in EV technology, potentially transforming the industry's future. Tech Report (5 minutes)
Building Trust
In today's digital landscape, the allure of instant gratification — exemplified by social media likes and viral content — often overshadows the patient work of building lasting value. While a cleverly crafted post can garner thousands of likes in minutes, true trust and credibility take years to cultivate through consistent, reliable actions. This contrast highlights a fundamental tension in our society: the quick dopamine hit of online approval versus the slow, steady accumulation of genuine respect and influence. Ultimately, those who resist the siren call of instant fame and instead focus on gradual, meaningful growth are more likely to create enduring impact and success in both personal and professional spheres. Collab Fund (7 minutes)
Time Management in Three Steps
In a world drowning in information and tasks, mastering three simple principles — collect, organize, do — can be your lifeline to productivity and peace of mind. 1. Collect everything that demands your attention into a trusted system, ensuring no important detail slips through the cracks. 2. Organize what you've collected so that you can easily access and act on it when needed, creating a clear path through the chaos. 3. Do the work that matters most, turning your organized plans into tangible results and moving steadily toward your goals. Carl Pullien (7 minutes)
9 Things In Your Control
So much of life is out of our control. In a world of uncertainty, there are still aspects of life that individuals can control to foster hope and reduce anxiety. By focusing on these nine elements, you can create more certainty and empowerment in their lives, cultivating a sense of purpose, growth and connection. 1) Rest. 2) Kindness. 3) Meditation. 4) Vulnerability. 5) Healing yourself. 6) Being honest with others. 7) Embracing lifelong growth. 8) Fostering deep connections. 9) Giving without wanting in return. Timeless & Timely (6 minutes)
Should We Work Together?
Hi! I’m Kyle. This newsletter is my passion project. When I’m not writing, I run a law firm that helps startups move fast without breaking things. Most founders want a trusted legal partner, but they hate surprise legal bills. At Westaway, we take care of your startup’s legal needs for a flat, monthly fee so you can control your costs and focus on scaling your business. If you’re interested, let’s jump on a call to see if you’re a good fit for the firm. Click here to schedule a one-on-one call with me.
Founder Fridays
Check out my other email Founder Fridays — a Friday morning briefing helping startup founders and operators scale smarter.
Weekend Wisdom
The toughest thing about the power of trust is that it's very difficult to build and very easy to destroy. - Thomas J. Watson