Links from the past weeks

  • An economic history of restaurants
    “Nor were they destinations predominantly for the well-heeled. Before the use of coal became widespread in England in the 17th century, preparing food at home involved spending a lot on wood or peat. Professional kitchens, by contrast, benefited from economies of scale in energy consumption and so could provide meals at a lower cost than people could themselves. Today dining out is seen as an indulgence, but it was the cheapest way to eat for most of human history.”

    An interesting titbit (no, I don’t spell it as tidbit) and a reminder that things change and change.


  • Singapore and its history of adjusting its clock is captured in this piece titled “Why is Singapore in the “Wrong” Time Zone?”

    I wondered about whether it would be better or worse if 7 pm were 7.30 pm instead. Does it matter to me/ my brain/ my body if I see more light than I see now when the clock says 7 pm? Don’t we just adapt?


  • In the works for years, a suicide machine will soon be tested in Switzerland
    If you had asked me, when I was a young(er), more idealistic 20-year-old, whether assisted suicide will be legalised in 20 years, I may not have been able to imagine that this is still something to fight for.


  • I’ve Accidentally Become A Strava Stalker
    Strava stalking is a thing.


  • The Beatles: Get Back and the Arrogant, Tragic Genius of Paul McCartney’s Leadership
    Who knows what really went on, but I imagine that fame and fortune is a great distorter of reality. Is Paul the only one who comes out looking good? We sang along, and made playlists on Spotify.


  • Because of Loh Kean Yew, Singapore is very interested in badminton these days. I have not been keeping track and so had to go find out more about the ranking system and the World Tour concept. I loved looking at the BWF statutes.