Welcome to the weekend. Enjoy my August playlist!

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Prime Numbers

56 — Public opinion in the United States is shifting toward greater support for nuclear energy, with 56% of Americans now in favor, marking a significant increase from 43% in 2020. Notably, this surge in support spans both political parties, with Democratic approval rising by 12 points and Republican support increasing by 14 points since 2020.

44 — As Americans increasingly favor fresh produce over packaged foods, 44% of grocers plan to expand their produce sections while 19% reduce center aisle space, prompting even iconic brands like Lunchables to adapt with fresher offerings despite significant logistical challenges.

46 — Despite retailers installing extensive anti-theft measures in stores, the real threat comes from the 46% increase in tractor trailer and warehouse thefts in early 2024, as criminals find it more lucrative to target large shipments rather than orchestrate complex shoplifting operations.

The Allure of AI Companions

The seductive power of artificial intelligence (AI) companions is emerging as a new frontier of digital addiction, with profound implications for human relationships. An analysis of a million ChatGPT interaction logs reveals that sexual role-playing is already the second most popular use of AI, highlighting the technology's growing role in intimate interactions. As these systems become increasingly adept at mirroring human behavior, they offer an alluring alternative to real-world relationships, potentially eroding our capacity for genuine human connection. Without careful consideration of these trends, society may unwittingly slip into a reality where AI-generated comfort supplants the complex but vital connections that define our humanity. MIT Technology Review (7 minutes)

We’re Doing OK

Despite widespread perceptions of global doom and gloom, the 2024 Gallup Global Emotions Report reveals a surprisingly positive emotional status worldwide, with the Positive Experience Index reaching a score of 71 out of 100, the highest since the pandemic began. Young people aged 15-30 consistently report the most positive emotions and fewer negative ones across all age groups, a trend that has held since measurements began in 2006. Interestingly, the countries topping the list for positive experiences are not the world's economic powerhouses, but rather nations in Latin America and Southeast Asia, with Paraguay, Indonesia, and Thailand leading the charge. This contrast between emotional well-being and traditional economic indicators challenges our understanding of societal progress and happiness, suggesting that we may need to rethink how we measure and prioritize well-being on a global scale. Vox (11 minutes)

What Would You Put On a Billboard?

If you’ve crossed the Bay Bridge into San Francisco lately, the billboards have surely convinced you that AI is revolutionizing Software as a Service (SaaS). Here’s what they don’t tell you: 1) Scientists are decoding animal language to unlock secrets of our planet’s species. 2) Large Language Models (LLMs) are delivering personalized health care to reduce maternal deaths in Kenya. 3) Teachers are building dream AI tools to help their students thrive. 4) Rural Indians are creating training data to increase livelihood by 20x. Go beyond the billboards. Subscribe to Fast Forward’s AI for Humanity newsletter for delightfully forwardable stories of builders leveraging AI for humanity. Fast Forward (Sponsored)

Air Conditioners Can Save the Planet

In an ironic twist, your air conditioner might soon become an unlikely ally in the fight against climate change, rather than a contributor to the problem. Innovative companies like Nostromo Energy and Blue Frontier are developing cooling systems that double as energy storage devices, charging up when renewable electricity is abundant and providing cooling when grid demand peaks. These technologies aim to reduce stress on electrical grids during hot days while increasing overall energy efficiency. By transforming air conditioners into flexible, grid-friendly appliances, these advancements could help meet the world's growing cooling demands without exacerbating the very climate crisis that necessitates their use. MIT Technology Review (7 minutes)

We Are the World

The global sensation We Are The World almost didn't happen. In a single night of high-stakes creativity, 46 of the biggest names in music came together to craft a charity single that would change the world. The documentary The Greatest Night in Pop features firsthand accounts from the stars involved. The film exposes the behind-the-scenes drama, creative clashes and unexpected hurdles that threatened to derail the project before it began. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the remarkable transformation of chaos into harmony as these music legends produced a global phenomenon that raised millions for African famine relief and left an indelible mark on pop culture history. Netflix (90 minutes)

Language, Tribalism and Politics

How does language shape our politics? Journalist Isaac Saul explores how subtle word choices can inhibit productive dialogue about significant issues — and shows how small (but important) changes can help us all have better conversations with people who think differently than us. TED (12 minutes)

Second-Level Thinking

In a world of snap decisions, second-level thinking emerges as a powerful tool for making choices that ripple positively through our lives. This approach, coined by investor Howard Marks, encourages us to look beyond immediate outcomes and consider how our decisions will impact various aspects of our lives and the world around us. While first-level thinking often leads to choices that feel good in the moment but have unintended consequences, second-level thinking involves asking probing questions about future scenarios, probabilities and the cascading effects on our initial decisions. By cultivating this habit of deeper, more interconnected analysis, we can navigate life's complexities more effectively, anticipating how one decision might influence seemingly unrelated areas of our lives. Ness Lab (5 minutes)

Should We Work Together?

Hi! I’m Kyle. This newsletter is my passion project. When I’m not writing, I run a law firm that helps startups move fast without breaking things. Most founders want a trusted legal partner, but they hate surprise legal bills. At Westaway, we take care of your startup’s legal needs for a flat, monthly fee so you can control your costs and focus on scaling your business. If you’re interested, let’s jump on a call to see if you’re a good fit for the firm. Click here to schedule a one-on-one call with me.

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Weekend Wisdom

I don't like that man. I must get to know him better. -Abraham Lincoln