The most recyclable and recycled packaging product. The past two years saw a jump in demand for cardboard boxes (due to COVID). The video below is an interesting history of the development of this product (16 minutes and a bit technical, but very interesting).
Conversation with a Treasure of Delphi, Dan McCain. I had the chance to catch up with him, recently, and we discussed Delphi history and the Wabash & Erie Canal history, which has been a life-long passion for him. He is only two generations removed from the Wabash & Erie Canal heyday, and was born and currently lives in his family home very near the restored section of the Canal. The importance of the Canal to the economic development of Delphi and Carroll County cannot be over-emphasized.
Please enjoy this 16-minute video about this important era in Carroll County and Delphi History.
I have always thought of myself as easily distracted – so much so, that I actually have implemented procedures into my life (particularly my work life) to help maintain (or, at least resume) focus. I am very aware of how technology (particularly portable devices) can pull my attention down a rabbit hole of lost time and productivity.
Check out the article by Johann Hari: Your Attention Didn’t Collapse – It was Stolen
This article from the Guardian dives into our society and increasing lack of focus. I certainly agree with his observations – everywhere I look, I see people immersed in their phones and disengaged from their environment. That’s not the sole problem, but it is certainly a compelling symptom.
On the flip side, I’m currently reading Extreme Productivity, by Robert C. Pozen. Perhaps I can find some more clues about focus to help me recapture and control my own attention span.
This is one of the best examples I’ve seen of a truly self-sufficient and sustainable living environment. Located in Belgium.
The Simple Genious of the Interstate Highway System (Video). Started by Dwight D. Eisenhower after WWII, it was an economic necessity and is considered to be one of the most influential infrastructures in the country (in US history). The project was achieved at a cost of $8.5M/mile (2016 dollars) to construct, which increased to $34M/mile in the 1980s (2016 dollars). Starting in 1956, it took nearly 40 years to complete the entire system. This reduced the 62-day journey from coast to coast to 42 hours.
The logistics of a nationwide transportation system is an engineering and economic marvel. On the other hand, there were some significant non-monetary and hidden costs. Check out this video for more details. (20-minute video, but worth the time – grab a coffee and enjoy).
I usually take The Guardian with a grain of salt – some of the articles can be alarmist and dramatic – but this article is interesting and worth the look.
Farmers know that a few food conglomerates control the grocery supply; this article goes into detail about which companies own how much of each segment of the food industry in the United States.
Check out the full article for a deep dive into who controls the food you eat.
Our Unequal Earth: Revealed: the true extent of America’s food monopolies, and who pays the price
[I did not know that Keurig/Dr. Pepper was on the list – check out the Beverages Section of the report]