Suing Spammers, Ponzi Schemes, Living past 100, & More
Issue #47
Today at a Glance:
Quote: Intelligence is about adapting
Reading: Apparently, Google loves Blue
Learning: How to live to over 100 years old
Podcast: History of Amazon.com
Tweet: You can sue call/text spammers
Watching: Silicon Valley Ponzi Scheme
Idea: The Elder Chair
#QUOTE
"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change" -Albert Einstein.
If you're not changing, you're not growing. They say you should completely reinvent yourself every 3 years. We thrive in change and being able to adapt.
What's something you've learned that has made you change? (Reply to this email with your thoughts!)
#READING
Gmail Redesign uses 3 different shades of blue
//betterdesigned
I'm surprised Google released this. A/B testing is about incremental optimization, not product transformation and I bet that each of these colors was tested independently when evaluating metrics. Then again, what are they optimizing for?
Blue is a calming color, so perhaps people spend more time in email. By the way, have you ever wondered why airline seats are always blue? Hint: it is because blue is a calming color and it instills confidence, calmness, and connection.
#LEARNING
//nationallibraryofmedicine
It looks like I'm going for a blue theme this month. There are 5 blue zones in the people where people consistently live over 100 years old (10x greater rate than the US). 80% of longevity is dictated by lifestyle.
There are 9 themes that slow down your aging process. Some of my favorites are:
Stop eating when your stomach is 80% full
Move naturally as part of your lifestyle
Have purpose
And of course, drink 1-2 glasses of wine a day
#PODCASTS
The Complete History & Strategy of Amazon.com
//acquiredfm
So, this is a REALLY long podcast (4.5 hours), but it is well worth it. This focuses on the Amazon.com retail business, its history, and its strategy.
My favorite part of the podcast is that Jeff Bezos made his first billion, not from Amazon, but from a $250k seed investment in Google!
If you prefer reading, Working Backwards is an amazing read.
#TWEET
From basic ad banners —> to sponsored posts; how Facebook reinvented the advertising industry
As an Amazon Seller myself, I knew it was bad, but I didn't know that it was this bad.
brb, going to sue ALL of these freaking calls and texts I get. I get at least 5 unsolicited calls and texts a day.
#WATCHING
The Silicon Valley Ponzi Scheme
//youtube
This video is ~3 years old, but it is so relevant today on how we got into this macroeconomic climate.
Bottom line up front: 40% of the money you raise goes into the hands of tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Amazon.
Here's the breakdown:
You create a startup and start growing
You raise money from a VC
VC loves your numbers, but tells you to grow faster
You spend 40% of your money on advertising (Facebook, Google, Amazon) to grow faster
You raise more money from another VC
VC2 tells you to grow faster
You spend more money on advertising
VC1 has a super high IRR (internal rate of return) and raises another fund
#IDEA
The Elder Chair
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With The Elder Chair, you'll never want to leave—it’s like an extension to your bed that you can fall asleep in.
The Elder Chair is equipped with built-in remote controls, a back massager, a recliner, a power lift, and so much storage! Each chair is customizable in every way!
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