Get smarter, according to Andrea Kuszewski, by focusing on activities that promote real learning instead of relying on brain training games for short-lived cognitive boosts.

In 2013, Taco Bell utilized Snapchat Stories to engage in a new form of brand storytelling. The New Orleans Saints also embraced this new feature, aiming to provide fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

via Mashable.

Amazon has launched a Luxury Beauty Store featuring products from 24 prestige brands, including Nars and Burberry. via Mashable.

A new study from the OECD finds a significant skills gap between adults in the US and their international peers in areas like literacy and math. via Marginal Revolution

This "Brand Intimacy Study" requires a subscription for full access, but you can find subscription information and other recent stories on this page. via Brand New

Mysterious billboards in New York and San Francisco with the message "Your data should belong to the NSA" are reportedly teaser ads for a soon-to-be-revealed company. via Adweek

BitTorrent is taking responsibility for those controversial statements about the internet seen on billboards in NYC, LA, and SF. via Mashable

Aquarium Drunkard features an embedded audio file of Johnny Hallyday's 1967 French version of "Hey Joe." via The source of this content is Aquarium Drunkard.

Aquarium Drunkard mentions a "super-deluxe" edition of White Light/White Heat with unreleased performances from The Velvet Underground. via @aquariumdrunkard

Aaron Paul, aka Jesse Pinkman, teamed up with DJs Tom Neville and Zen Freeman to release “Dance Bitch”.

Arcade Fire debuted songs from their upcoming album, "Reflektor," on Saturday Night Live this week, with a 30-minute concert special following the show.

Aquarium Drunkard reviews Analog Africa's "Return Flight to Ghana" album, a compilation of afro-funk, beat, heavy groove, highlife and soul music from Ghanaian artists between 1974-1983.