Dovi’s Digest Volume 91
A weekly newsletter for all your intellectual, spiritual, and physical needs
Nǐ hǎo friends, welcome to Volume 91 of Dovi’s Digest.
In July last year, I went a little Olympics mad. It was expected (see DD V62), and frankly I lived up to all my own expectations. I was up early(ish), parked myself on the couch, and by the end of the two weeks, was enough of a fan to be able to differentiate between a piaffe and a half pass in dressage, know the rule differences in between sabre and epee in fencing, and be able to talk about the relative strengths of holds in Greco-Roman wrestling. In fact, I surpassed all my expectations. I bring this up because that was, in a way, a qualifying event.
That’s because last week the 24th winter Olympics in Beijing kicked off.
Sure, it’s easy to watch every event in the Summer Olympics. Most of them aren’t that complicated. Run the fastest, jump the highest, or throw the furthest. The winter events take style. It's not enough that someone can ski fast. Can they do it on different types of skis? In a particular style? Runners just need to run. Do you know the difference between big air and aerial skiing? Both of them you ski down a big ass mountain and do flips and stuff. But in one you cross your skis, and the other your legs need to be together (don’t ask me which is which. Not because I don’t know, but because I’m a little sheepish that I do).
The other difference is more personal in nature. For Tokyo 2020, I wasn’t working, so I had all the time in the world to watch any event I wanted to. Now, I actually have a real job. So, I need to be more discerning in my watching habits (the fact that fewer events are televised does not factor into it at all). And by more discerning I mean more subtle. I have to carefully sneak snippets of events between meetings. I also organise meetings around events I want to watch. And when I’m watching, I’m sneaky about it. I’ve found the technique of propping up my phone on my laptop and keeping one eye on that and one eye on work to be particularly fruitful. I get some work done, and I don’t miss any big moments. The optics of it are good too. No matter what, I seem to be staring intently at my screen.
I will be giving an update next week on how the games are progressing, and more importantly, if I’ve been caught at work.
In the same vein, this week’s headline article is about Nathan Chen, a superstar figure skater who won the gold in the men’s individual yesterday with a world record score. At the 2018 games in PyeongChang he was the overwhelming favourite to win and bombed out spectacularly. The article is about how he uses chess to overcome those demons and be a better athlete.
Do you enjoy the Digest? Would you like it to get better? Then please consider sharing it, as the more articles I’m sent, the better it is. It only takes a few seconds, and all you need to do is click here 👇. Thank you!
There were NINE correct answers to last week’s brainteaser. Well done to Rachel Goldstuck, Josh Hazan, Rabbi Sam Thurgood, Bianca Shulman, Ivor Berger, Ashira Hill, Ariel Subotzky, Ilan Buchbinder, and Hazel Levin. The answer and this week’s riddle are below.
Don’t love the Olympics? That’s cool. There’s sure to be something else here to tickle your fancy. Maybe you’ve heard about the Japanese soldier who was found still guarding his base 28 years after WWII? Or if you enjoy Wordle, have a crack at Charles Dickens’ own code. Otherwise, you can learn about all the data we generate, and what we do with it, read about the world’s first underwater museum, why a U2 song is still a banger, or why running on the road is different to running on a treadmill, both physiologically and psychologically. Enjoy!
Keep those articles (and everything else) coming,
Have a great week,
Dovi
And now, the articles:
The Brainy Figure Skater on a Remarkable Hot Streak
With the ability to land more quads than anyone else, Nathan Chen has his eye on gold in Beijing. The Olympian's secret weapon? Chess.
How a Long-Lost Soldier’s Survival Story Riveted—and Confounded—’70s Japan
Twenty-eight years after his army surrendered, Shoichi Yokoi was back.
Forget Wordle! Can You Crack the Dickens Code? An IT Worker from California Just Did
(Courtesy of Dr Stanley Wolberg)
The writer’s archaic shorthand has baffled experts for over a century. So they launched a deciphering competition for fans – with stunning results that cast new light on his love life and financial peril.
How to Understand the Data Explosion
The world is set to generate an astronomical amount of digital information. To get a handle on it, start with a grain of rice.
Aqaba Launches the First Underwater Military Museum
If you’re a history buff and diver, then this new dive site in Jordan might just be the place for you.
Why U2's One Is the Ultimate Anthem
U2's album Achtung Baby was released 30 years ago. Why does its single One continue to have such power?
How Treadmill Running Differs from Running Outside
Yes, the physiology and biomechanics of treadmill running are a little different. But how you feel about it is probably more important.
Quote of the Week:
“Always remember that to argue, and win, is to break down the reality of the person you are arguing against. It is painful to lose your reality, so be kind, even if you are right.” — Haruki Murakami
Facts of the Week:
One of the moons of Uranus is called Margaret.
Uranus is the coldest planet in the Solar system, even though it's nearer to the sun than Neptune.
99% of the time, the temperature on Mars is below zero.
Mars has distanced himself from the deep-fried Mars bars because it goes against the company's “commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles”.
There is a pig farm in Japan where the pigs only drink green tea.
Over half the farm workers in the US work in Texas.
The most common job in America today is shop assistant.
Shops in Romania may offer chewing gum instead of small change.
Kraft Foods in China tried replacing the filling in Oreo biscuits with chewing gum, but it didn't catch on.
Cartoon of the Week:
Tweet of the Week:
Headline of the Week:
Brainteaser of the Week:
Alex has three times as many items in her shopping basket as Brenda has.
Dean has nine more than Brenda and Charlie has five less than Dean.
Charlie has 10 items.
How many does Alex have?
Last Week’s Brainteaser and Answer:
Find the animal concealed in each sentence.
Example: What shall I do, Gertrude? = dog
1. A gold key is not a common key.
2. Horace tries in school to be a very good boy.
3. People who drive too fast are likely to be arrested.
4. Did I ever tell you, Bill, I once found a dollar?
5. John came late to his arithmetic class.
6. I enjoy listening to music at night.
Answer:
1. Monkey
2. Beaver
3. Bear
4. Lion
5. Camel
6. Cat