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Patrick Collison on Stripe’s Early Choices, Smalltalk, and What Comes After Coding
Business
Feb 21, 2026

Patrick Collison on Stripe’s Early Choices, Smalltalk, and What Comes After Coding

Here's something that caught my attention — Patrick Collison, CEO of Stripe, reflects on how early tech choices still shape big companies today. He talks about his love for Smalltalk and Lisp, which influenced his thinking from way back. According to Collison, Stripe's decisions around MongoDB and Ruby are still core after 15 years — pretty wild, right? Now, here’s where it gets fascinating — he says if he could, he’d spend even more time perfecting API design, because that’s become the backbone of modern software. And get this — he questions whether AI is really boosting productivity, pointing out that the economic data doesn’t show clear signs yet. Content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com highlights that these lessons aren’t just about code — they’re about how we build systems that last. So what does this mean for you? It’s a reminder that thoughtful, sometimes old-school choices can have ripple effects for decades. Collison’s insights aren’t just about tech — they’re about building the future, one decision at a time.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #181
Business
Feb 21, 2026

Weekly Dose of Optimism #181

Here's something that caught my attention — big shifts in science and energy are happening faster than we think. Packy McCormick highlights how Heron Power is raising $140 million to revolutionize transformers, making our grid smarter, cheaper, and less dependent on scarce materials. That’s huge, especially since traditional transformers are outdated and in short supply, causing delays and soaring prices. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is seriously moving toward nuclear energy, with Valar Atomics transporting a reactor to Utah — pushing us closer to a clean, reliable power future. And get this — researchers are close to developing a universal vaccine that could protect against all coughs, colds, and flus. According to Packy, these breakthroughs aren’t just tech wins — they could reshape how we generate, store, and defend our energy on a national scale. It’s exciting to see science accelerating, and the implications for our future are nothing short of fascinating.

Tweaking the Software Engineer Labor Market
Business
Feb 21, 2026

Tweaking the Software Engineer Labor Market

Here's something that caught my attention — the labor market for software engineers isn't just about supply and demand anymore. Byrne Hobart points out that big tech companies are subtly tweaking the rules, making hiring and firing a lot more flexible. This isn’t just about wages — it’s about shifting power dynamics and what it means for the industry long-term. Hobart highlights how large firms are now playing a strategic game, using new hiring practices to stay ahead, while smaller players struggle to keep up. And get this — these changes could reshape how tech talent flows and how innovation happens, with big implications for anyone working in or with the industry. So what does this actually mean for you? Well, it’s a sign that the labor market’s future might look very different, with more fluidity but also new risks. As Byrne Hobart writes in Business, understanding these tweaks can help you stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Rocket Report: Chinese launch firm raises big money; Falcon 9 back to the Bahamas
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Rocket Report: Chinese launch firm raises big money; Falcon 9 back to the Bahamas

So, here’s something that caught my attention — NASA’s Artemis II rocket is in a tense countdown rehearsal, and the outcome could delay its lunar launch. Stephen Clark from Ars reports that a hydrogen leak earlier this month has put the test on hold, and the next few days will tell if they’re ready or if they’ll push it back to April. Meanwhile, the global space race isn’t just about the big players anymore. According to Clark, several countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and Spain are investing heavily in building their own launch capabilities, driven by security concerns. They’re funding startups to get their own rockets off the ground, even if they currently lack independent launch ability. But here’s where it gets interesting — many nations talk a big game but don’t follow through with cash. So, what does this all mean? Well, the space economy is shifting from just the U.S. and China to a broader set of players, making space more competitive than ever.

Microsoft deletes blog telling users to train AI on pirated Harry Potter books
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Microsoft deletes blog telling users to train AI on pirated Harry Potter books

So, here’s a wild one — Microsoft recently pulled a blog post after it sparked a ton of backlash. The post, written by senior product manager Pooja Kamath and shared on her LinkedIn, suggested that developers could train AI models using pirated Harry Potter books. Yeah, you heard that right. The idea was to show how easy it is to add generative AI features using Microsoft tools like Azure SQL DB and LangChain. But here’s where it gets messy — critics called out that promoting piracy isn’t just unethical, it’s a legal minefield. According to Ashley Belanger from Ars Technica, the company quickly deleted the post after the controversy blew up on Hacker News. Now, Microsoft’s trying to clean up the mess, but it’s a reminder that even well-meaning attempts to showcase tech can backfire if they cross the line. And honestly, this raises questions about how big companies handle sensitive topics in their AI development.

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Technology
Feb 21, 2026

From selling ACs to becoming the tourism king of Jamaica

Ever wonder how someone goes from selling air conditioners to running Jamaica’s top tourism empire? Well, here’s the story. It’s a classic case of seizing opportunity and thinking big. According to My First Million, this guy started in a pretty ordinary spot — selling AC units — but he saw something more. Instead of sticking to appliances, he shifted gears, focusing on Jamaica’s booming tourism scene. What’s fascinating, as My First Million points out, is how he leveraged local connections and a knack for spotting trends. He transformed his business by tapping into the island’s natural allure — beaches, culture, and adventure — building a whole new empire. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — this isn’t just about luck. It’s about smart pivots and recognizing what people want, even when it’s outside your original expertise. And get this — according to the same source, his story shows that with the right mindset, you can turn even a humble start into a major success. So, keep an eye on where you can pivot — that’s the real lesson.

Tesla slashes Cybertruck prices as it tries to move (unpainted) metal
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Tesla slashes Cybertruck prices as it tries to move (unpainted) metal

Here's something that caught my attention — Tesla just slashed the prices of its Cybertruck, trying to clear out unpainted metal. Last night, they dropped the big bombshell: the tri-motor 'Cyberbeast' is now $15,000 cheaper at $99,990, but they cut some features like free supercharging and FSD. Plus, they introduced a new $59,990 entry-level model, a dual-motor setup that still hits 0–60 in 4.1 seconds and offers a solid 325 miles of range. According to Jonathan M. Gitlin from Ars Technica, that makes this new model a pretty good deal — especially since last year's single-motor version flopped at $69,990. But here's where it gets interesting — Tesla’s making some trade-offs. Towing capacity drops from 11,000 to 7,000 pounds, and cargo capacity shrinks, too. So, what does this mean? Tesla’s clearly aiming to move more units quickly, even if it means some compromises. Keep an eye on how the market responds — this could shake up the EV landscape.

Supreme Court blocks Trump's emergency tariffs, billions in refunds may be owed
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Supreme Court blocks Trump's emergency tariffs, billions in refunds may be owed

Here's something that caught my attention — the Supreme Court just slapped down Trump's attempt to use emergency tariffs, saying he didn't have the legal authority. ((slower)) This ruling, a 6-3 split, means those tariffs — and the billions paid by businesses — might have to be refunded. Now, here's where it gets interesting: Ashley Belanger reports that the court found the International Emergency Economic Powers Act just doesn’t give the president that kind of tariff power. So, what does this mean for companies caught in the middle? Will they get their money back? It’s still unclear, but this decision could shake up how future trade disputes are handled. The bigger picture? It’s a reminder that even the biggest executive powers have limits, especially when it comes to economic emergencies. And watch for more legal battles ahead, as lower courts figure out how to apply this ruling. Honestly, it’s a win for legal checks and balances — at least for now.

Pokémon Red and Green’s GBA remakes are getting re-released on Switch for $20 a pop
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Pokémon Red and Green’s GBA remakes are getting re-released on Switch for $20 a pop

Here's something that caught my attention — Nintendo’s re-releasing Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for the Switch at $20 each. And get this — these aren’t remastered versions, just straightforward ports, which is pretty surprising. According to Andrew Cunningham at Ars Technica, these GBA classics are still considered the best way to experience the original Pokémon gameplay, fixing bugs and keeping things authentic. Nintendo announced that after their Pokémon Presents stream on February 27, you can buy these games separately, even if you're not a Switch Online subscriber. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — subscribers won’t get them as part of the usual GBA collection, which feels like a missed opportunity, especially since there aren’t many GBA titles on the service. As Cunningham points out, it’s a bit frustrating to see these ports sold individually at full price, bypassing the online subscription model. So, what does this mean for you? If you’re a Pokémon fan or just love classic games, it’s a chance to grab these titles directly — no subscription needed — but at a premium.

It's outright war for the Iron Throne in House of the Dragon S3 teaser
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

It's outright war for the Iron Throne in House of the Dragon S3 teaser

So, here’s something that caught my attention — HBO’s 'House of the Dragon' isn’t holding back this season. The new teaser teases all-out war for the Iron Throne, and honestly, it looks intense. Jennifer Ouellette from TechCrunch points out that this series, set nearly 200 years before 'Game of Thrones,' dives deep into the chaos that led to the Targaryen civil war. Back then, dragons still soared, but trouble was brewing — families fighting, alliances breaking, and the realm on the brink of collapse. What Ouellette highlights is that this isn’t just about power — it’s about survival, with the Targaryen legacy hanging by a thread. And get this — fans are in for a rollercoaster, with new betrayals and battles coming. So, what does this actually mean for you? It’s a reminder that even the mightiest can fall, and that history’s darkest moments are often just ahead. Keep an eye on this season — it’s shaping up to be a wild ride.

"Million-year-old" fossil skulls from China are far older—and not Denisovans
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

"Million-year-old" fossil skulls from China are far older—and not Denisovans

Here's something that might change everything you thought about human migration — those ancient skulls from China aren’t Denisovans after all. Instead, they’re the oldest known Homo erectus fossils in eastern Asia, dating back about 1.77 million years, according to Kiona N. Smith writing in TechCrunch. That’s just 130,000 years after Homo erectus first showed up in Africa. And get this — this suggests that our ancient relatives spread across Asia way faster and earlier than we used to think. Researchers from Shantou University used isotope analysis on quartz grains from the site along the Han River, revealing the fossils’ true age. So what does this mean? Homo erectus wasn’t just a fleeting visitor; they were on the move, establishing themselves across the continent much sooner. This discovery reshapes our story of how and when humans left Africa — and hints that multiple waves of migration might have happened. Kiona N. Smith highlights that these findings open up new questions about who was making stone tools at even older sites in China, and how quickly our ancestors spread out.

2026.08: Losing in the Attention Economy
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

2026.08: Losing in the Attention Economy

Here's something that might surprise you — our attention economy is shifting in ways that threaten the very platforms we rely on. Ben Thompson points out that in 2026, the fight for attention is fiercer than ever, especially for tech giants and content creators. According to Thompson, the era of thick, feature-heavy apps is giving way to simpler, 'thin' clients because AI makes basic access more efficient. So what does this mean for your business? Well, Thompson suggests that companies like Shopify are actually poised to thrive in this new landscape — despite the doom-mongers in SaaSpocalypse. The key? Embracing these shifts rather than fighting them. As Ben Thompson explains, understanding the evolving dynamics of attention and technology will be crucial for staying ahead. Expect more focus on streamlined experiences and smarter engagement strategies — because in this economy, grabbing attention is the new currency.

Why Final Fantasy is now targeting PC as its "lead platform"
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Why Final Fantasy is now targeting PC as its "lead platform"

Here's something that caught my attention — Final Fantasy is shifting gears, and PC is now its main platform. Usually, these games launch first on consoles, but now, producer Naoki Hamaguchi has confirmed that PC takes the lead for the <em>Final Fantasy VII Remake</em> trilogy. According to Kyle Orland writing in Technology, the team starts by designing their visuals for high-end PCs first, then scales down for other platforms. So, the PC version of <em>Final Fantasy VII Rebirth</em> already shows off some serious graphical prowess, and Hamaguchi promises that won’t change. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: even though PC gaming is still growing slowly in Japan, the explosion of international players is making Square Enix focus more on PC assets. This isn’t just a minor shift — it’s a strategic move to prioritize the platform that’s giving them the biggest global audience. And honestly, it signals a bigger trend — PC might soon be the main stage for big Japanese games, not just an afterthought.

Wikipedia blacklists Archive.today, starts removing 695,000 archive links
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Wikipedia blacklists Archive.today, starts removing 695,000 archive links

So, here’s something that caught my attention — Wikipedia’s pulling the plug on Archive.today, and it’s pretty serious. According to Jon Brodkin at Ars Technica, the English Wikipedia community has decided to blacklist the site after it was used to launch a DDoS attack against a blog. Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting — editors found that Archive.today was actually altering its snapshots, inserting the name of a blogger targeted by the attack. As Brodkin reports, this wasn’t just about security; it was personal. The site’s operators seemed to have a grudge, especially after a post exposed how they hide their identity with aliases. So what does this mean for you? Well, Wikipedia’s making it clear — reliable links matter. They’re removing 695,000 archive links and banning a site that’s shown it can’t be trusted. It’s a reminder that even archival tools aren’t immune to controversy or manipulation. Keep an eye on who you trust online — things are shifting quickly.

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Technology
Feb 21, 2026

With NIH in chaos, its controversial director is taking over CDC, too

Here's something that caught my attention — Jay Bhattacharya, the controversial NIH boss, is now also running the CDC. Yep, he's acting director there too, and honestly, it’s raising eyebrows everywhere. Beth Mole from Technology reports that this bizarre move comes during a leadership mess at HHS, under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who's not exactly popular among scientists. The CDC has already seen three different leaders in just a short time, and Bhattacharya stepping in adds fuel to the fire. Former acting director Susan Monarez was ousted after refusing to push vaccine policies she didn't agree with — she apparently clashed with Kennedy’s anti-vaccine circle. Now, critics worry that this dual role might muddle public health priorities at a critical time. So what does this actually mean? It’s a clear sign that the whole system’s in flux, and with so much controversy swirling, only time will tell how this will impact the future of public health in America.

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Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Meta's flagship metaverse service leaves VR behind

Here's something that caught my attention — Meta is pivoting away from VR for its flagship metaverse service, Horizon Worlds. Instead of being tied to the Quest headset, it’s now almost entirely mobile-focused. And honestly, that’s a big shift. According to Samuel Axon writing in TechCrunch, Meta’s doubling down on the mobile side, even as they claim they’re still committed to the VR developer ecosystem. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — Meta has lost around $80 billion in its Reality Labs division, which focuses on mixed reality, and over 1,000 employees were laid off in January. But that doesn’t mean they’re abandoning the space entirely; they still have more than 15,000 staff working on it. So what does this actually mean for Meta’s future? It seems like they’re recalibrating, shifting focus, and maybe trying to keep their options open. As Axon points out, the company’s strategy is anything but simple — there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes.

FCC asks stations for &quot;pro-America&quot; programming, like daily Pledge of Allegiance
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

FCC asks stations for &quot;pro-America&quot; programming, like daily Pledge of Allegiance

Here's something that caught my attention — the FCC is urging local TV stations to boost patriotic programming, especially around America’s 250th birthday. ((slower)) According to Jon Brodkin in TechCrunch, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launched a 'Pledge America Campaign,' asking broadcasters to feature more pro-America content. Now, here's where it gets interesting — Carr suggests simple ways to do this: start each day with the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem, run segments about American history or local landmarks, and even feature music by classic American composers like Sousa or Gershwin. The idea is to inspire pride and civic awareness, all while celebrating America’s history. So, what does this actually mean for you? It’s a move to make patriotism more front and center in everyday media — kind of a modern civic booster shot. As Brodkin notes, this isn’t about politics; it’s about fostering a shared sense of national pride during a milestone year. And get this — it's happening at a time when many are craving unity, don’t you think?

Fury over Discord’s age checks explodes after shady Persona test in UK
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Fury over Discord’s age checks explodes after shady Persona test in UK

Here's something that caught my attention — Discord's new plan to verify user ages has sparked a huge backlash. Imagine this: after announcing all users will soon be defaulted to teen modes until they verify their age, many were stunned to learn they might need to upload government IDs. But here's the thing — just last year, a third-party partner’s breach exposed 70,000 Discord users’ IDs, and now Discord wants more? According to Ashley Belanger at Ars Technica, Discord says most won't need to show ID, instead relying on AI-powered video selfies to estimate age. Still, that raises serious privacy concerns, especially when you consider how sensitive that data could be. They also mentioned that behavioral signals might replace the need for ID checks someday, but that’s a risky gamble, especially with trust already shaken. So what does this actually mean? For users, it’s a reminder — be cautious about what data you're handing over, especially when a company's past breaches loom large.

MAHA moms threaten to turn this car around as RFK Jr. flips on pesticide
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

MAHA moms threaten to turn this car around as RFK Jr. flips on pesticide

Here's something that caught my attention — Kennedy Jr., who’s usually against pesticides like glyphosate, just backed a Trump-era order to ramp up its production. Now, that’s causing a huge stir among the Make America Health Again movement. According to Beth Mole writing in Technology, moms and activists who’ve fought hard against glyphosate are pretty furious. Vani Hari, aka Food Babe, told the Washington Post she was left 'speechless' because she expected Kennedy to stand with their efforts to protect health, not support more pesticides. And here’s where it gets wild — Kennedy’s flip complicates his image as an environmental champion. Beth Mole points out that this shift feels like a betrayal to many of his supporters who see pesticides as a real health threat. So what does this actually mean? It’s a reminder that even the most passionate advocates can be pulled in unexpected directions — especially when politics and corporate interests collide. Keep an eye on this one; the fallout’s just beginning.

Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer steps down after 38 years with company
Technology
Feb 21, 2026

Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer steps down after 38 years with company

Here's something that caught my attention — after 38 years at Microsoft, Phil Spencer, the guy behind Xbox’s rise, is stepping down. Kyle Orland from Ars Technica reports that Spencer told Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella last fall he was ready for a new chapter. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: Asha Sharma, who’s been leading Microsoft's CoreAI division, will take over as the new head of gaming. And get this — Sarah Bond, who many thought was being groomed as Spencer’s successor, is also resigning. Meanwhile, Matt Booty, the head of Xbox Studios, is getting a big promotion to EVP and Chief Content Officer, working closely with Sharma. According to Spencer, he’ll stay on in an advisory role through the summer to help with the transition. So, what does this mean for Xbox? Big leadership changes are afoot, and it could shape the future of gaming at Microsoft in ways we’ll want to watch closely. Kyle Orland highlights that this marks a major shift in the company’s gaming strategy.