Politics
“Larry David Played Bernie Sanders on SNL and It Was Fantastic” via TIME
What you need to know: Larry David (Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm) is a comic genius. He’s so skilled that he singlehandedly helped SNL, a show that’s basically running on fumes at this point, seem both clever and relevant again. Larry David is comedy’s version of Bernie Sanders (or is the the other way around?) so the choice of role couldn’t have been more perfect. Sanders / David 2016!
Hawaii Declares State of Emergency over Homelessness Crisis via NBC News
What you need to know: “Hawaii saw a 23 percent increase in its unsheltered homeless population between 2014 and 2015, and a 46 percent increase in the number of unsheltered families, said Scott Morishige, state homelessness coordinator.”
Why this is important: The sharp increase in homelessness is pretty startling, and it’s symbolic of a larger problem plaguing America. Without integrated social services, mental health facilities, and free retraining opportunities, it’s extremely difficult for displaced families to get back on their feet.
That being said, I’d be interested in learning how many of the affected population are voluntarily homeless, since the Hawaiian climate and vibe definitely invite surf bums and long-term backpackers. Living in Berkeley has made me cynical about the motives of certain demographics (i.e. street punk / trust fund kids from Marin or Maine).
Health
How Doctors Take Women’s Pain Less Seriously via The Atlantic
What you need to know: “Nationwide, men wait an average of 49 minutes before receiving an analgesic for acute abdominal pain. Women wait an average of 65 minutes for the same thing. Rachel waited somewhere between 90 minutes and two hours.”
The article centers around the author’s wife’s visit to the ER, where the couple had rushed after the onset of ovarian torsion, a debilitatingly painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Despite the existence of a real emergency, she was dismissed by ER doctors and nurses and unable to get the immediate care she required, until her insistent husband corralled a doctor and forced her to take a second look.
Why this is important: I’ve written about how health care coverage negatively impacts women, but this emergency example strikes a much deeper nerve. Women, despite being portrayed as weak and dainty, have tremendous pain thresholds as a result of the constant hormonal stresses put on our bodies. When a woman complains about acute pain (particularly abdominal), it’s a strong signal that doctors should take note, as it’s likely an exception and not the rule.
What to do next: Rather than attacking Planned Parenthood, Congress needs to pass a budget that supports expanded research for gynecology and birth control alternatives. For example, male birth control would reduce the physical burden on women and allows men to finally take some real responsibility for their part in reproduction, but clinical trials have lagged due to the lack of funding. The solution would be easy to implement, extremely effective, and with limited side effects, but both Big Pharma and social convention have lobbied against it.
It’s unethical, irresponsible, and in direct violation of the Hippocratic Oath for physicians to minimize internal pain, which constitutes the majority of female-specific problems. Without comprehensive reform, however, women risk losing key organs and maybe even their life because the medical community has agreed to look the other way.
“California school becomes first to lose chairs for standing desks” via CBS News
What you need to know: A San Rafael, CA elementary school has now almost completely converted to standing desks, as a way to promote good health, active lifestyles, and an acceptance that children are fidgety.
Why this is important: Obesity is spreading across America like a fast food plague. Actions taken today can help safeguard children against future health issues associated with a lack of activity or exercise.
Business
How to Ask for Introductions (to Investors, Potential Employers, Etc.) via Dave Schappell
What you need to know: The people who you want endorsing you or your product / company / idea / etc. are likely to be pretty busy – after all, if they’re good enough for you, they’re probably good enough for a lot of others as well. How do you avoid wasting their time? Schappell points out two easy rules to follow:
1) “Make sure that I know you and/or your product well enough to make the intro.”
2) “Make it very easy for me to make the introduction. In fact, make it idiot-proof.”
Why this is important: Referrals are critical in business, but developing those referrals is an art in and of itself. Be sure to ask only people who will lend legitimacy to you or your brand, and then honor those who agree by making the process extremely simple and quick. You want them essentially to be giving their stamp of approval, not writing your marketing material themselves.
17 Thoughts Literally Everyone Has While Networking via Levo League
What you need to know: Though this is a light fluff piece, it’s pretty spot on and particularly pertinent for introverts and young professionals. Networking is a learned skill, but it becomes easier when you have 1) an objective for talking to someone and 2) something to share in return.
My advice: Identify what you’re trying to get out of a networking event before you go. If it’s a job opportunity or career advice, find out who you need to talk to and try to approach them early on. If it’s a way to learn more about a specific community, then give yourself a time limit and chat with as many people as possible. Pro-tip: networking beers are almost always your best friends, but keep it to one or two.
Design
Meadow – Medical Marijuana Delivery Service
What you need to know: I’m a big fan of clean lines, bold colors, and simple interfaces. So of course, I’m a fan of Meadow’s UI. Regardless of whether you approve of marijuana or not, you can’t deny that good design can make anything look legit and desirable. Though the actual check-out experience and delivery time could be improved, those are relatively easy problems to fix. Give them a few months, and I’m sure that Meadow will blossom. (Note: I am not a Meadow user, just an admirer.)
Living Room via Dribble
“There are so many things that I have yet to learn,” I thought, staring in awe at this incredibly detailed illustration. I’ve been learning how to design graphics by copying my favorite work on Dribbble, so I can certainly appreciate the attention that went into this – the shadow through the window, the gradient on the lights, even the shading on the lampshades. This is an excellent example of how talented graphic designers can have a significant impact on their product’s success, and in my opinion, this caliber of work would justify the big bucks.
Nature
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, CA via Flickr: Jennifer Frederick
On our recent trip to Bishop, my boyfriend introduced the group to Wild Willy’s (or Crowley’s) hot springs. Accessible only to those in the know by way of a rough rocky road and a long wooden path, the springs remain pleasantly private despite their public nature. We visited twice: once during the day to the pool pictured above, and another time at night to the larger pool downstream. Both times were incredible, which is unsurprising considering its picturesque setting in the Sierra Nevada. For climbers, adventurers, and hot springs enthusiasts, Wild Willy’s is not to be missed.
Temple Crag, CA via Instagram: Rafaela Rodriguez
Taken by Rafaela Rodriguez
Based on my assessment of “tourist v. traveler,” my friend Rafaela is a real traveler. She’s visited and lived all over the world, from the bustling metropolises of Mexico City, Tel Aviv, and Los Angeles to sleepy towns in rural Uganda, Kenya, and Nicaragua. She’s committed herself to the ups and downs of the human condition, and yet? She’s driven by the outdoors, and has seized every opportunity – both domestic and abroad – to expand her love and awe of the Earth. As a climber and hiker, she is always seeking a new adventure, and it’s that spirit that brings us this beautiful image of Temple Crag. This site is actually not too far from Wild Willy’s (relatively speaking), but there are so many things to see in that area that two separate trips might be necessary. Thanks for the inspiration, Rafaela!
Vidya Kaipa 