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How Magic Johnson Built a Billion-Dollar Portfolio in 30 Years
Business
Feb 12, 2026

How Magic Johnson Built a Billion-Dollar Portfolio in 30 Years

Here’s something that might surprise you — Magic Johnson turned from a basketball star into a billionaire in just 30 years. According to Chris Lyons from a16z, Magic’s secret isn’t flashy deals or high-risk bets, but often boring, steady businesses that grow over time. ((slower)) What’s fascinating is how mentorship shaped his approach — he credits icons like Michael Ovitz and Dr. Jerry Buss for teaching him the art of deal-making and patience. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: Magic’s sports ownership — owning teams like the Dodgers, the Commanders, and even the Sparks — shows how diversifying into different assets can build long-term wealth. ((upbeat)) As content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com explains, for the next generation of athletes and entertainers, understanding equity, building strong teams, and taking smart risks are game-changers. So what does this mean for you? It’s about playing the long game — staying steady, learning from mentors, and knowing when to take calculated risks, just like Magic did.

Context Engineering: 5 Familiar Strategies from Real Product Teams
Business
Feb 12, 2026

Context Engineering: 5 Familiar Strategies from Real Product Teams

Here's something that might surprise you — managing AI context windows isn't just tech jargon; it’s actually about how product teams handle everyday tasks. So, Teresa Torres from Business shares that, as she built her first AI product, she realized the key to smarter AI is mastering context management. She points out that many strategies we use in real life — like breaking big tasks into smaller parts or keeping track of important info — are exactly what developers do with AI. For example, Teresa highlights how external memory and curating what information goes into each interaction help prevent 'context rot,' which is when AI starts losing track. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: these same skills can be applied outside of coding, like managing your project notes or conversation summaries. The idea is, by practicing these strategies daily, product teams — and you — can get better at building reliable, high-performing AI products. So what does this actually mean? It’s about turning everyday habits into powerful tools for AI innovation, as Teresa emphasizes in her work on context engineering.

America, it's time to think beyond leather for luxury car seats
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

America, it's time to think beyond leather for luxury car seats

Here’s something that caught my attention — luxury car seats might soon be ditching leather altogether. You see, back in the mid-90s, designer Gordon Murray, best known for Formula 1, suggested that high-end sedans could use textiles like wool instead of leather to cut weight and boost performance. According to Jonathan M. Gitlin in Tech, that idea’s been lingering, especially as electric vehicles push the envelope on sustainability and innovation. Recently, BMW’s i7 debuted with a plush cashmere wool interior, and EV makers like Audi are exploring textile options that aren’t available in the U.S. yet. What’s fascinating is how automakers are now rethinking luxury — moving beyond tradition and embracing eco-friendly, high-quality fabrics. It’s not just about saving weight; it’s about redefining what luxury means in a sustainable future. So, get ready — next time you pick a premium ride, it might come with a fabric that’s as luxurious as leather, but way better for the planet.

The Feds closed air space around El Paso on Wednesday to address "cartel" drones
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

The Feds closed air space around El Paso on Wednesday to address "cartel" drones

Here's something that caught my attention — out of nowhere, the FAA shut down all flights at El Paso International Airport, citing a mysterious threat. According to Eric Berger at TechCrunch, the agency restricted airspace within a 10-nautical-mile radius, warning that violators could be shot down. But then — less than ten hours later — everything was back to normal, with no explanation given. This sudden silence leaves a lot of questions, especially about what exactly prompted such a drastic move. Now, here's where it gets interesting — the FAA’s quick reversal suggests they either found no real threat or didn’t want to spill the beans. And get this — Eric Berger points out that this kind of abrupt airspace closure is highly unusual. So, what does this mean for the future? Are we looking at a new way for authorities to handle drone threats, or was this just a temporary scare? Either way, it’s a reminder that sometimes, in national security, the story isn’t what they tell us — it's what they don’t.

What's next after the Trump administration revokes key finding on climate change?
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

What's next after the Trump administration revokes key finding on climate change?

Here's something that might send a chill down your spine — the Trump administration is about to wipe out the legal basis for the U.S. to fight climate change. Marianne Lavelle from Inside Climate News reports that after three of the warmest years on record, the EPA is revoking its 17-year-old finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health. This move essentially removes the government’s authority to regulate emissions under the Clean Air Act. Now, here’s where it gets tricky — EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is expected to finalize this repeal, aligning with the president’s push to boost coal use. So what does this mean for us? It could slow down or even halt federal climate action just when scientists are warning about tipping points. As Lavelle highlights, this decision isn't just political — it’s a direct challenge to efforts aimed at limiting global warming. And get this — it's happening right when wildfires, extreme weather, and rising seas are already hitting communities hard. The big question: what’s next for climate policy in the U.S.?

My mother-in-law's side hustle made $1M selling pillows?!?
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

My mother-in-law's side hustle made $1M selling pillows?!?

Here's a story that’ll make you do a double-take — Smithe, in her 50s, built a $1M pillow empire. And no, she wasn’t a startup guru; she just started with a simple idea and a lot of hustle, as My First Million highlights. What’s wild is how she got her first 100 customers — by tapping into her network and sharing her passion, proving momentum really is your first dollar. According to My First Million, she had nothing to lose, so she went all-in, learning as she went. And the secret? Consistency and genuine connections can kickstart big success, even later in life. Now, get this — her story shows that you don’t need a fancy MBA or tons of funding. You just need a clear vision, some grit, and a willingness to start small. So what does this actually mean for you? Maybe it’s time to revisit that side hustle idea, no matter your age. Because sometimes, the simplest products — like pillows — can turn into real gold, as My First Million points out.

Exclusive: OpenAI disbanded its mission alignment team
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Exclusive: OpenAI disbanded its mission alignment team

Here's something that caught my attention — OpenAI recently disbanded its mission alignment team, a move that’s raising eyebrows. This team was created in 2024 to make sure AI benefits everyone, according to Casey Newton's reporting. Now, instead of focusing on that mission, the seven employees have been reassigned, and Joshua Achiam, who led the team, is now titled 'chief futurist.' ((slower)) It's a significant shift, especially since OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman announced Achiam’s new role on the same day Mira Murati and other key researchers suddenly left the company. As Newton points out, this comes amid a lot of upheaval — researchers leaving, returning, and new titles. So what does this actually mean? Well, it might suggest a strategic pivot away from mission-focused work, or maybe just internal restructuring. Either way, it’s a clear sign that even the most prominent AI labs are navigating some uncertain waters. And get this — what’s next for OpenAI’s goals remains pretty unclear.

Why Jeff Bezos Banned Him From Amazon
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Why Jeff Bezos Banned Him From Amazon

Ever wonder why Jeff Bezos personally banned a certain individual from Amazon? Well, here’s the scoop — according to My First Million, it’s all about maintaining Amazon’s core culture and standards. The person in question was reportedly challenging Amazon’s way of doing things, pushing boundaries that Bezos didn’t like. ((slower)) Bezos is famously protective of his company's identity, and when someone threatens that, he doesn’t hesitate to step in. What’s fascinating, as My First Million points out, is that it’s not just about one person — it's about keeping Amazon’s vision intact. Bezos’s move was a clear signal: the company values loyalty, alignment, and a shared mission. But here’s the thing — this kind of decisive action isn’t just about one individual; it’s a lesson in leadership. It shows that even the biggest players guard their culture fiercely. So, next time you’re building your own team, remember: sometimes, setting clear boundaries is what keeps your vision alive.

Smart home PSA: Apple's "new architecture" for Home app becomes mandatory today
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Smart home PSA: Apple's "new architecture" for Home app becomes mandatory today

Here's something that caught my attention — Apple's new Home architecture is now mandatory, and if you haven't upgraded, you're out of luck. Andrew Cunningham from Technology explains that back in 2022, Apple announced this overhaul to boost smart home performance and support more accessories. But the rollout wasn’t smooth; early adopters faced sluggish devices and glitches, prompting Apple to hold off. Now, here's the kicker — starting today, if you want to keep controlling your smart gadgets with the Home app, you *must* switch to this new architecture. The old system is no longer supported, and older iOS or macOS versions won't work anymore. So, what does this mean for you? If you open your Home app and see no prompts to update, you're already good. But if you do see that update message, it’s time to make the switch. As Cunningham points out, this move ensures your smart home stays reliable and future-proof — so don’t delay, or you’ll lose control altogether.

China showcases new Moon ship and reusable rocket in one extraordinary test
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

China showcases new Moon ship and reusable rocket in one extraordinary test

So, here’s something that caught my attention — China just pulled off a jaw-dropping space test. They launched a new reusable booster and a crew capsule in one go, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. According to Stephen Clark writing in Technology, this test marks a major leap forward for China’s lunar ambitions, aiming to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The demonstration involved a scaled-down version of their Long March 10 rocket, which is still in development, but it gave engineers a crucial peek at how the new Mengzhou capsule’s safety system performs. The launch from Wenchang Space Launch Site went smoothly, signaling that China’s pushing ahead in the lunar race — especially now that the US and China are racing for the next big Moon landing. And get this — this isn’t just about landing; it’s about building a lunar architecture that’s reusable and reliable. As Stephen Clark points out, China’s really making a statement with this test. So, what’s next? Watch for China to keep refining these technologies — big things are coming.

Apple releases iOS 26.3 with updates that mainly benefit non-Apple devices
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Apple releases iOS 26.3 with updates that mainly benefit non-Apple devices

Here's something that caught my attention — Apple just dropped iOS 26.3, and it’s surprisingly focused on making life easier for people switching to Android. According to Andrew Cunningham at Tech, the big highlight is a new 'transfer to Android' feature. It’ll help you move photos, messages, notes, apps, and even your phone number — pretty seamless. But here's the thing — Apple isn’t transferring everything, like Bluetooth pairings or Health app data. Now, Cunningham points out that this is linked to Apple’s new AppMigrationKit framework, which lets apps share data during these transfers. It’s mainly about easing the switch, not a complete data overhaul. So, what does this mean for you? If you’re thinking about jumping ship from iPhone, Apple’s making it a little less painful. And as Andrew Cunningham notes, this isn’t just a one-off — it's part of Apple’s broader push to support third-party devices inside its ecosystem. Keep an eye; this could shake things up.

Victory for Elon Musk: US labor board abandons authority over SpaceX
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Victory for Elon Musk: US labor board abandons authority over SpaceX

Here's something that might surprise you — Elon Musk just scored a big win. The US labor board, the NLRB, decided it doesn't have jurisdiction over SpaceX anymore. According to Jon Brodkin writing in Technology, the agency ruled that SpaceX should be regulated under the Railway Labor Act, which covers railroads and airlines. Now, that’s a big deal because the Railway Labor Act has a much tougher dispute process, making strikes pretty hard for workers. What’s more, the NLRB had previously accused SpaceX of firing employees for criticizing Musk — an open letter called him a ‘source of embarrassment.’ But here’s where it gets interesting — by shifting oversight to the Railway Labor Act, SpaceX now falls under a different set of rules, and the NLRB’s influence is essentially out of the picture. So, this could mean less protection for SpaceX workers moving forward. As Brodkin points out, it’s a win for Musk, but the ripple effects could change how labor disputes unfold in aerospace and tech.

Google recovers "deleted" Nest video in high-profile abduction case
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Google recovers "deleted" Nest video in high-profile abduction case

Here's something that might blow your mind — Google managed to recover a 'deleted' Nest video in a high-profile abduction case. You see, most cloud security cameras, like Nest, only save footage if you’re paying for the subscription. According to Ryan Whitwam at Ars Technica, Guthrie’s camera was supposedly destroyed, and initially, investigators thought there was no footage because she wasn’t paying for long-term storage. But here’s the twist — despite the videos being marked as expired and unaccessible to Guthrie, Google actually managed to recover the footage that showed a masked suspect fiddling with the doorbell. This suggests that even 'deleted' videos aren’t entirely gone. As Ryan points out, Google’s cloud storage isn’t foolproof — files can still be recovered behind the scenes, especially in high-profile cases. So what does this actually mean for you? If data can be recovered in a criminal investigation, it’s worth asking — what else is still lurking in the digital shadows? That’s a game-changer for privacy and security.

"Windows 11 26H1" is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

"Windows 11 26H1" is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs

So, here’s the thing — Microsoft just dropped a surprise with Windows 11 26H1. It’s not your usual update; it’s a completely new version of Windows, but only for a select group of new PCs. According to Andrew Cunningham writing for Technology, this version is tailored specifically for upcoming devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite chips. Now, here's where it gets interesting — Microsoft isn’t rolling this out to existing Windows 11 users who are on 24H2 or 25H2. Those folks won’t get an upgrade, either. Instead, 26H1 is a ‘scoped’ release, meaning it’s exclusive to brand-new hardware, at least for now. But if you’re a tester in the Windows Insider Program, you can try it out on other devices. This move hints at Microsoft’s push toward optimizing Windows for ARM-powered machines, especially in the new device market. And honestly, it’s a pretty clever way to start shaping the future of Windows — focused, targeted, and exclusive.

Did seabird poop fuel rise of Chincha in Peru?
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Did seabird poop fuel rise of Chincha in Peru?

Here's something that might surprise you — seabird poop, or guano, could have played a huge role in making the Chincha Kingdom wealthy and powerful. Jennifer Ouellette reports that scientists now believe guano was a key fertilizer, boosting maize production and fueling the economy of this pre-Inca society along Peru's coast. According to Jacob Bongers from the University of Sydney, this potent resource helped increase food surpluses, which in turn drove trade, population growth, and regional influence. But here's where it gets even more fascinating — Bongers and colleagues recently looked into mysterious holes on Mount Sierpe, once thought to be defense or water collection sites. Instead, they’re proposing these might’ve been part of an ancient marketplace, possibly connected to the same guano economy. So what does this all mean? Well, it shows that even something as simple as bird poop could have shaped entire societies — reminding us that sometimes, the small details are the big game-changers in history.

Yes, Rocket Lab is blowing up engines. No, it's not a big deal, CEO says.
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Yes, Rocket Lab is blowing up engines. No, it's not a big deal, CEO says.

Here's something that caught my attention — Rocket Lab recently had a pretty dramatic engine test at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. But don’t worry, their CEO says it’s no big deal. According to Eric Berger from TechCrunch, a Rocket Lab employee called the fire department after a test caused a fire and what looked like a catastrophic engine explosion. Satellite images show the roof ripped off one of the test cells — definitely not just an electrical fire. But here’s where it gets interesting — Rocket Lab’s CEO insists this was an isolated incident, and the company’s testing program continues as planned. As Berger reports, even with this infrastructure damage, the company sees it as part of the process — like a necessary step to improve and innovate. So what does this actually mean for Rocket Lab? Well, it’s a reminder that in space tech, setbacks happen, but they’re often just a sign you’re pushing the boundaries. Keep an eye on this one — there’s more to come.

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Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Byte magazine artist Robert Tinney, who illustrated the birth of PCs, dies at 78

Here’s something that might surprise you — Robert Tinney, the artist behind those iconic Byte magazine covers, just passed away at 78. And honestly, his work shaped how we saw personal computers long before the tech was mainstream. According to Benj Edwards writing in Technology, Tinney’s surrealist-inspired airbrushed paintings brought clarity to the abstract world of AI, networking, and programming. He didn’t just illustrate; he created a visual language that a whole generation of enthusiasts grew up with. What’s fascinating is that Tinney spent about a week on each cover, blending intense colors with influences from Magritte and Escher, as he told Vintage Computing. His work made the future seem almost surreal — fitting for a time when personal computing was just starting to take off. So, what does this mean? Tinney’s art wasn’t just pretty pictures; it helped define the look and feel of an emerging digital world. And get this — his influence lives on, inspiring how we visualize tech today.

Once-hobbled Lumma Stealer is back with lures that are hard to resist
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Once-hobbled Lumma Stealer is back with lures that are hard to resist

Here’s something that might surprise you — Lumma Stealer, the notorious infostealer, is back in full force after being knocked down last year. You see, last May, law enforcement around the world scored a big win by taking out much of Lumma’s infrastructure, which had infected nearly 400,000 Windows machines in just two months. Researchers say, though, that Lumma is now once again operating at scale, with sophisticated lures that are really hard to resist. According to Dan Goodin from Ars Technica, Lumma first appeared in Russian-speaking forums in 2022 as a malware-as-a-service platform, selling access to stolen credentials, files, and even offering cracked software and pirated movies. Despite a major takedown involving seizing hundreds of domains and command servers last year, the malware has rebounded, proving just how tricky it is to fully shut down these cybercriminal networks. So what does this actually mean for your security? It’s a reminder that these threats are constantly evolving — and you need to stay vigilant.

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Technology
Feb 12, 2026

El Paso airport closed after military used new anti-drone laser to zap party balloon

Here's something that caught my attention — El Paso airport was suddenly shut down for nearly 10 hours, then reopened, all because of a mysterious drone incident. But here’s where it gets interesting: the FAA initially said the closure was to deal with a cartel drone incursion, as explained by Secretary Duffy. Yet, Eric Berger from Ars Technica reports that the real reason might be something quite different — actually, a new anti-drone laser technology that the military used to zap a party balloon. Now, this laser is pretty advanced, capable of disabling objects mid-air. What’s wild is that the military might have tested it right near a busy airport, causing chaos, without anyone really knowing what was going on. So, what does this mean for you? As drone tech and anti-drone defenses evolve, expect more surprises — and maybe more airport shutdowns — if authorities are testing new gear in real-world situations. Keep your eyes peeled; the drone wars are heating up faster than ever, according to Berger.

Trump orders the military to make agreements with coal power plants
Technology
Feb 12, 2026

Trump orders the military to make agreements with coal power plants

Here's something that caught my attention — President Trump just ordered the military to buy more coal power. Yep, despite coal being the most polluting and expensive option, he's pushing hard to revive it. According to John Timmer at Ars Technica, this move is part of a broader effort to keep coal afloat through government intervention, even as the energy industry shifts toward cleaner sources. The thing is, coal not only damages the environment — emitting tons of carbon dioxide and toxic metals — but it's also losing ground because renewables cost less and are cleaner. Trump’s previous attempts involved declaring an energy emergency and forcing coal plants to stay open — actions challenged in court. Now, he’s directing the military to buy coal power directly. So what does this mean for us? It’s a gamble — favoring an outdated, destructive fuel source over proven, sustainable options. And get this — according to Timmer, it’s a clear sign that, for now, politics still outweighs science when it comes to America’s energy future.