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Rick Rubin on AI, Creativity, and The Way of Code

Rick Rubin on AI, Creativity, and The Way of Code

Ever wonder if AI is a threat to creativity or its biggest ally? Rick Rubin, joining a16z's podcast, pushes back — he sees AI not as a replacement but as a new brush in the artist’s toolkit. Rubin, along with Marc Andreessen and others, dives into how AI amplifies individual taste, curiosity, and the core of true artistry. He argues that, just like remix culture and vibe coding, AI can expand what’s possible — if you stay true to yourself. Rubin’s philosophy, detailed in his book 'The Way of Code,' echoes a timeless truth: enduring creativity starts with authenticity, not pandering to audiences. According to Rubin, the real value lies in your unique perspective — AI simply helps you express it more freely. So what does this mean for entrepreneurs and creators? It’s all about embracing AI as a partner, not a threat, and focusing on what only you can bring to the table. The big question: are you ready to rethink what creativity really means in the age of code?

50 Articles That Shaped My Thinking

50 Articles That Shaped My Thinking

Ever wonder which ideas truly shape how you lead and make decisions? Well, Mike Fisher’s collection of 50 articles offers a treasure trove of insights. He started writing Fish Food for Thought to clarify his thinking, and now, after 200 posts, he’s distilled what really resonates. From understanding how birds teach us adaptive leadership to the importance of self-awareness and genuine care in management, Fisher highlights lessons that cut through the noise. For example, he points out that leadership isn’t just about taking charge — sometimes it’s about knowing when to follow, much like murmuration birds. And here’s where it gets interesting — Fisher emphasizes that culture isn’t static; it’s a living system that needs ongoing attention, not shortcuts. So what does this actually mean for you? Keep questioning, stay adaptable, and focus on how your words and actions ripple through your team. Because in the end, the biggest impact often comes from the ideas you choose to live by.

Fish food for thought

Scientists find no link between Tylenol and autism, again, after Trump warning

Scientists find no link between Tylenol and autism, again, after Trump warning

Here's something that might surprise you — another big study just found no link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. After President Trump and RFK Jr. claimed there was a connection, many people stopped taking acetaminophen, fearing it might cause autism. But Beth Mole, writing in Technology, reports that this new research puts that myth to rest. According to scientists, the evidence simply doesn’t support the idea that Tylenol causes autism. In fact, Beth highlights that untreated fever during pregnancy can be more dangerous, increasing risks like miscarriage or birth defects. Trump's warning led to a noticeable drop in Tylenol use, which some experts say could actually put moms and babies at greater risk. And get this — Texas even sued the Tylenol manufacturer over the false claims. So what does this mean? It’s a reminder that misinformation can influence behavior in ways that might harm more than help — especially when it involves health. If this pattern holds, future advice should focus on facts, not fears fueled by unproven claims.

UK likely to intervene in Paramount takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery

UK likely to intervene in Paramount takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery

Here's something that might surprise you — Britain’s government is seriously considering stepping into a $111 billion deal between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. This isn’t just about business; it’s about making sure the UK keeps a diverse range of voices in its media landscape, according to Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary. Now, what’s at stake? If this merger goes through, giants like CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros. movies could end up under one roof with Paramount’s assets like CBS and Channel 5. Daniel Thomas of the Financial Times reports that the UK’s concerns center on media pluralism and the need for balanced news sources. So, it’s not just a corporate play — it's about national influence, control, and the kind of stories Britain will see in the future. And here’s where it gets interesting — if the UK’s intervention stands, it could set a precedent, reshaping how big media deals are handled worldwide, maybe even slowing down the pace of mega-mergers for good.

A space history mystery: What happened to the Viking arm used 50 years ago?

A space history mystery: What happened to the Viking arm used 50 years ago?

Here's something that might surprise you — 50 years ago, the Viking Mars lander’s robotic arm vanished without a trace. According to Robert Pearlman, writing in Technology, after Viking’s mission, the arm was supposed to be a key part of ongoing exploration, but it simply disappeared. No one knows exactly when or how it was lost, and it’s become one of space’s biggest mysteries. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — researchers have revisited old photos and logs, trying to piece together what really happened. Some speculate it might’ve broken off during lander maneuvers, others think it was simply misplaced or discarded. But what’s clear is that, decades later, the missing arm still captures imaginations and highlights how much we still don’t know about those early missions. As Pearlman notes, uncovering this mystery isn’t just about history — it’s about understanding the tiny details that shape our space exploration future. And if this pattern holds, next time we launch something new, we’ll want to keep a closer eye on everything, big or small.

NASA inspector general suggests Boeing's Starliner will now be a decade late

NASA inspector general suggests Boeing's Starliner will now be a decade late

Here's the thing — NASA's inspector general just threw some cold water on Boeing’s Starliner plans. According to Stephen Clark writing in Ars Technica, it now looks like Starliner won't be certified for crew flights until next year, nearly a decade past its original goal of 2017. And with the ISS set to retire around 2030 — possibly extended to 2032 — this delay could seriously impact NASA’s plans. The inspector general’s report outlines six key recommendations, including updating schedules to ensure all issues from the 2024 test flight are fully resolved and documented. NASA officials have agreed to all of them, but the clock is ticking. So what does this mean? Well, it’s not just about missed deadlines; it’s about the broader challenge of reliable commercial crew development in a time crunch. As Stephen Clark points out, delays like this aren’t just inconvenient — they could reshape how the US plans its space station missions in the coming years. The real question is — how will NASA and Boeing adapt before the window closes?

After spooking Trump into safety testing, Anthropic AI models get global release

After spooking Trump into safety testing, Anthropic AI models get global release

Imagine this: just weeks ago, the Trump administration flagged Anthropic’s newest AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, as potential national security risks. Now, those same models are suddenly cleared for global release. According to Ashley Belanger in TechCrunch, the US has lifted export restrictions on these AIs, and Anthropic confirms Fable 5 is available worldwide, with Mythos 5 access restored for US organizations since June 26. This swift change came after Anthropic worked closely with the government to address concerns, leading to a letter from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stating they no longer need export licenses. But here’s where it gets interesting — Anthropic is now collaborating on the Glasswing program, giving trusted cybersecurity researchers broader access for defensive testing. So what does this actually mean? It signals a shift in how the US balances national security fears with the global deployment of cutting-edge AI. That shift might be subtle now, but it’s shaping the next wave of tech diplomacy.

Ithaca's king defies the gods in final The Odyssey trailer

Ithaca's king defies the gods in final The Odyssey trailer

Here's something that might surprise you — Christopher Nolan’s upcoming 'The Odyssey' trailer shows Odysseus literally defying the gods. You know the story: after ten years at war, Odysseus faces monsters, sirens, and divine wrath on his way home to Ithaca. Now, writer Jennifer Ouellette notes that Nolan’s take hints at a hero who challenges even the divine order, not just battling monsters but pushing back against fate itself. It’s a fresh twist, emphasizing Odysseus’ cunning and defiance, rather than just his endurance. Nolan’s casting choices — Matt Damon as Odysseus, Zendaya as Athena, Charlize Theron as Circe — further suggest a story that’s as much about human agency as mythic destiny. As Ouellette points out, this version might turn the classic hero’s journey into a battle of wills against the gods. So, what does this mean? Next, we might see modern stories where heroes don’t just accept their fate — they challenge it, rewriting what it means to be a legend.

A good little EV you won't be able to buy soon: The Volvo EX30 Cross Country

A good little EV you won't be able to buy soon: The Volvo EX30 Cross Country

Imagine finding the perfect city-sized EV — compact, safe, eco-friendly — and then realizing it’s about to disappear from the US market. That’s the story of Volvo’s EX30 Cross Country, a small crossover with a tiny carbon footprint, designed for efficiency and safety. According to Jonathan M. Gitlin at Ars Technica, it’s a rare gem in today’s oversized SUV world, offering a sensible alternative that doesn’t sacrifice sustainability. But here’s where it gets frustrating — Volvo recently decided to stop importing the EX30 to the US, citing geopolitical issues, and now the few remaining units are basically up for grabs. Gitlin points out that the price was already attractive — around $35,000 before incentives — making it a smart choice for city dwellers wanting an affordable, safe EV. So what does this actually mean? It’s a case of geopolitics dictating what’s available — and for busy professionals, it’s a reminder that even good things can be fleeting. That shift is subtle now, but it’s exactly the kind of signal you want to keep an eye on.

Sony will stop making physical copies of PlayStation games in 2028

Sony will stop making physical copies of PlayStation games in 2028

Here's something that might surprise you — by 2028, Sony plans to stop producing physical copies of PlayStation games altogether. Scharon Harding from Ars Technica reports that this shift isn’t just a trend but a strategic move, as digital sales now make up around 78% of full-game purchases. Sony’s reasoning is straightforward: consumer preferences are shifting rapidly toward downloads, and sticking with discs is becoming less practical. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — this change could redefine how gamers own and access their titles, making physical copies almost a thing of the past. But here's the thing — what happens to collectors or those who prefer physical media? That’s a question Sony hasn't fully answered. As Harding points out, this move signals the industry’s bigger push toward digital-only ecosystems, with implications that could ripple across gaming, retail, and even how we think about ownership. If this trend continues, the winners will be the companies that adapt fastest to a world where physical media is no longer king.

Superworms could replace beetles for cleaning skeletal remains

Here's something that might change the way museums clean bones — superworms, those voracious larvae from pet food, could replace beetles for skeleton cleaning. Jennifer Ouellette reports that traditionally, museums use dermestid beetles because they can strip flesh without harming bones, but they come with risks — like escaping and breeding infestations. Now, researchers from Iran, as Jennifer highlights, are exploring superworms as a safer, easier option. These larvae only need about five to seven weeks to do their job, don’t pupate in colonies, and are easier to contain — reducing the risk of accidental escape. The big question was whether they could match the beetles' cleaning power. And what scientists found is promising: superworms can indeed efficiently remove soft tissue without damaging bones, all while being simpler to manage. So, in the end, it's not just about swapping beetles for worms, but about rethinking how we do delicate, time-consuming work — making museum preservation safer and more sustainable.

US home battery installations hit record high on rising electricity costs

US home battery installations hit record high on rising electricity costs

Imagine walking into a home where the battery is quietly humming, storing energy from the sun — something that's now happening across the US at a record pace. Jeremy Hsu reports that in early 2026, new home battery installations hit a staggering 673 megawatts, driven by rising energy costs and state incentives. Places like California and Hawaii are leading the charge, leveraging policies to make batteries more affordable after they've already embraced rooftop solar. But here's the interesting part — this isn’t just about saving money. Jeremy explains that these batteries could give the grid more flexibility, especially as more homes store solar power to use at night. And get this — power grid operators and even AI data centers might soon tap into this home-grown energy. So what does this actually mean? Well, as Jeremy notes, this trend is shaping a future where our homes become mini energy hubs, helping to stabilize the entire system while cutting costs for consumers. That shift is subtle now, but it’s exactly the kind of signal that hints at bigger changes ahead.