As a reminder, I'm Frank Xu, a curious person. This is my newsletter called Lord of Light (LoL). I've started this newsletter this year, offering what I describe as "Bespoke observations on news story, random thoughts and a sip of happy hour". It is 70% fat-free, though the perceived fat ratio may vary depending on your taste in the topics I write about. Enjoy your reading.
Welcome to the 107th issue of free Lord of Light newsletter. You can also join the membership to enjoy weekly exclusive long-form content. Recent articles include:
News Stories
1. Olympic Medals with Eiffel Tower Steel:
Many people may have forgotten that the Olympics are happening this year in Paris. The organizers recently announced that the medals for this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games will contain steel from the Eiffel Tower. Was this steel leftover from the construction or was it taken down from the tower?
2. NBA All-Star Game: Less Exciting, More Three-Pointers:
The NBA All-Star Game just ended, and many people found it less exciting than in previous years. On the one hand, the players seem to be more focused on resting and not exerting much effort. On the other hand, the increasing skill level of players has led to a surge in three-pointers, especially in the first half. The emphasis on shooting is undoubtedly a trend in the development of basketball worldwide. Today's big men need to be able to pass, shoot, and still possess traditional post skills such as rebounding, blocking shots, and low-post scoring. All of these changes can be traced back to the story of one fat man: Nikola Jokić.
NBA News Update:
Many NBA players are now taking up chess, with some even forming their own clubs and holding small tournaments.
3. Lil Jon's New Meditation Album:
While I'm not a big fan of hip-hop, I recently listened to Lil Jon's new album, which focuses on meditation. I listened to it with an open mind, and it was clear that he took the project seriously. There were no gimmicks or weirdness, just a sincere effort to create something meaningful. (It's actually quite cool, but I don't know why I found myself laughing at times while listening to it.)
4. Walking Meditation:
My friends know that I have to walk over a bridge to get to the train station from my house. I try to walk whenever possible, and I see it as a form of "walking meditation." Recently, I read an article that some therapists and counselors are now taking their clients outdoors for walking sessions. (I really recommend that everyone try walking meditation. It's a completely different experience from static meditation, and people who exercise tend to have different thoughts.)
5. Global Climate Change Solutions:
In response to global climate change, astronomers and physicists are proposing a very sci-fi solution: building a sunshade for the Earth. This idea is gaining support from an increasing number of scientists and is no longer considered a pipe dream.
6. Can an Uncontrolled Billionaire Build an Atomic Bomb?
This is a thought-provoking question that raises concerns about the potential dangers of unchecked wealth and power.
7. New Regulations for Climbing Mount Everest:
Starting now, climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest will be required to carry their own feces down the mountain. This is a necessary step to reduce the environmental impact of mountaineering on the world's highest peak.
8. Disillusionment with Science Fiction Awards:
As a science fiction fan, I used to make a point of reading the winners of the Nebula and Hugo Awards. However, I've stopped doing so in recent years due to the controversies surrounding these awards, including allegations of ballot stuffing and censorship. This year, there have been more issues, which you can read about for yourself.
9. China's Surging Electric Vehicle Exports:
In the automotive market, China's vehicle exports have now surpassed those of Japan. This is largely due to the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. (When I went back to China recently, I noticed that most of the taxis were electric vehicles.)
10. Hotel Reviews by a Famous Food Media Outlet:
A well-known food media outlet has recently expanded its business to include hotel reviews. This is an interesting move that could potentially shake up the hospitality industry.
Random Thoughts
1.By noticing your thinking you have the capacity to change your thinking.
2.Naming is the most powerful spell; the power of seeing can unravel problems that have plagued people for years.
3.Increasing agency is about finding real edges: things you are willing to do that others aren’t, often because they’re annoying or unpleasant.
4.Breaking through fear is the only path to growth.
5.It's not about being fast or slow, but rather about being clear or blurry.
Happy Hours
How people around the world celebrate the Spring Festival, see the picture.
Check out the top 20 beaches in the world before the tail end of summer (in the southern hemisphere).
A few interesting things: Brian Eno, not only a musician but also a multimedia artist, recently released a record player. Who wouldn't want one?
MAD Architects recently designed a train station, rumored to be the first transportation-related project by Ma Yansong.
Why does stool become strange the day after consuming a lot of alcohol?
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