Reading

Defining syllables is surprisingly difficult, even though most people can recognize them easily enough. via kottke.org

Longreads shares its weekly #5 story picks from 2023. Readers can expect essays on topics ranging from tofu and pandas to sumo wrestling and Florida Man. via Longreads

Tyler Cowen explores two hypotheses for the rising quality of recorded classical music: technology raising global standards and the increasing sophistication of music pedagogy. via marginalrevolution.

Tyler Cowen responds to a reader wondering if a long-lived restaurant is a mark of quality, suggesting it points more toward consistency than excellence.

via Marginal REVOLUTION.

Saveur Magazine shared their 10 most popular recipes from 2023, featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. Readers can find recipes ranging from Icelandic Rhubarb Bars to Jamaican Sweet Potato Pone.

MetaFilter user 'taz' highlights a post with the latest developments in space exploration, including asteroid bits, fast spaceships, and even a space cat video. via MetaFilter

Bon Appétit chronicles 2023's viral food moments, from all-female M&M packages and carnivore bread to Lana Del Rey's Waffle House shift and the rise of "girl dinner." via Bon Appétit.

James Pethokoukis explores in this article if AI's recent problem-solving breakthroughs, such as one by Google's DeepMind, could lead to a productivity boom. via Faster, Please!

Tyler Cowen's latest podcast episode is a 42-minute discussion with Henry Oliver on the philosopher John Stuart Mill.