Reading

Activity trackers are discussed in this article from the New York Times. via PSFK.

A journalist chronicles his quest to understand Puddles, a mysterious 7-foot-tall singing clown who gained internet fame for his melancholic covers of pop songs. via Grantland

Christopher Durham's book, Fifty2: The My Private Brand Project, showcases private brands that became successful national brands, challenging the idea that private brands in the US are low-quality. The book features over 200 photos and expanded brand strategy insights from 52 brands. via The Dieline

A Johns Hopkins University study found that Budweiser's Super Bowl commercial effectively utilized Shakespearean storytelling techniques. via Harvard Business Review.

Jason Kottke recommends a recent interview with Bill Murray by Charlie Rose, which is available to watch in full on Hulu.

via kottke.org

This video ad for Save the Children UK follows a young girl's life as it's tragically impacted by the Syrian Civil War. via Mashable

David Lebovitz shares his culinary adventures at the Salon de l'Agriculture in Paris, indulging in regional specialties and exotic treats. via David Lebovitz's website.

A collection of 17 recipes designed to showcase the versatility of cast iron skillets, featuring dishes like skillet-roasted chicken, crispy potatoes, and olive oil cake. via Food52

Digiday's article discusses the challenges faced by legitimate online publishers due to the rise of sites that exploit online ad systems with low-quality content. via The source of this content is Digiday.

FlowingData examines whether a larger pizza offers better value, arguing that bigger pizzas are generally more cost-effective. via @flowingdata

Cameron Crowe's 1973 Rolling Stone article follows the Allman Brothers Band at the height of their fame. via Rolling Stone

Spike Lee discusses gentrification in Brooklyn, specifically calling out its impact on Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, the Lower East Side, Williamsburg, and Bushwick. via BrooklynVegan