Reading

This article from Jill Lepore traces the origins of political consulting back to the 1930s and the firm Campaigns, Inc. via The New Yorker

An xkcd comic presents two potential futures that appear identical, referencing the grammar debate of "if it was" versus "if it were."

This article from Grantland explores the history of chess-playing computers and how their increasing sophistication has led to recent cheating scandals. via kottke.org

"The Knockoff Economy: How Imitation Sparks Innovation" explores how imitation, while potentially harmful, can actually drive innovation in fields like fashion and food. via Freakonomics.

FlowingData reviews "The Functional Art" by Alberto Cairo, a book about creating effective information graphics. via FlowingData

A 2012 preprint investigates cooperation in prisoner's dilemma games, analyzing factors like gains from cooperation and risk aversion to understand why people cooperate even when defection seems advantageous.

via Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods.

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This paper revisits neoclassical consumer choice theory, arguing that focusing on the marginal utility of money provides a more realistic lens for understanding consumer choices. via The source of the content is the Scottish Institute for Research in Economics (SIRE).

WIRED rounds up articles on topics ranging from AI and Hurricane Helene to the best streaming devices and Amazon Prime Day deals.

via @WIRED

WIRED explores AI, the metaverse, Amazon Prime Day deals, and features an interview with podcast host Bobbi Althoff. via The source of this content is WIRED.

Christian Marclay's 24-hour film, "The Clock," will be screened at MoMA from December 21st to January 21st - the screening will run continuously on weekends and New Year's Eve.

Liam Goslett's New York Fashion Week street style photography is featured in this Complex article, and you can view more of his work on his Four Pins portfolio (link provided).