Welcome to the second edition of 'Monthly Musings: A Curated Reading List'. I'm thrilled to share my love of reading with you. As an avid reader, I save articles that I find interesting and share them with family and friends. I have been looking for a more concise way to share a summary of my most recent reads. Hence, this newsletter. This newsletter will give you curated content under different categories to check out monthly. I will publish this on the first of the month and it will have the links to my readings from the previous month. I will include a very short description, so you know what you are about to read (or not).
Please feel free to add your own favorite readings of the month in the comments so others can benefit as well. Take a look below and let me know your thoughts including what was interesting/useful for you.
“Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” - Abraham Lincoln
World / Humanity
The biggest news story in February was the Earthquake in Turkey & Syria. More than fifty thousand lives were lost and millions more were adversely affected. After reading/watching, I could not help my tears. I did my small part financially by donating to Zakat Foundation and Syrian American Medical Society Foundation. I hope you not only pray for the victims but also help financially in the relief efforts if you’re able.
This is a firsthand account, brief but powerful with a couple of heart-wrenching links to rescue videos. It shows incredible faith under the most harrowing of circumstances.
“I Owe Turkey, Because I Was a Refugee”: A Young Syrian on the Earthquake’s Devastation - The New Yorker
Technology
Are you pondering about the broader implications of ChatGPT on the human race? I find myself thinking about this new AI tool a lot. My daughter and I have argued over it. Like many other writers and artists, she is vehemently against it, along with AI-image generation tech, though she knows its use and rise is inevitable.
I am not a big fan of the authors of this article, but they have asked some serious questions, hence my recommendation:
“ChatGPT Heralds an Intellectual Revolution” (pdf version) - The Wall Street Journal
I have watched numerous videos on ChatGPT, particularly in regard to its practical use in my life. This video is worth 5 minutes of your time.
Master ChatGPT in 5 Minutes, Seriously - YouTube
If you have time to read how crazy things are going to get with the new Bing chat feature (powered by AI), go no further. Ben Thompson who writes a well-known Stratechery newsletter says: “I feel like I had the most surprising and mind-blowing computer experience of my life today.”
“From Bing to Sydney” - Stratchery
If you are like me and spend a lot of time emailing, you will appreciate some of the tips. I have not tried CleanEmail service but I plan to.
“Your Inbox Runneth Over? How to Reduce Email Mess and Stress” (pdf version) - The Wall Street Journal
Culture, History & Politics
February 21st is the anniversary of Malcolm X’s assassination. I have been fascinated by Malcolm X and consider him to be one of the most consequential American leaders of the 21st century. I have read his autobiography, have seen the Malcolm X movie starring Denzel Washington at least three times, and have watched countless other video series and read articles about his life and death. I can’t resist sharing this article which I read a few days back:
Malcolm X is still misunderstood - and misused - Al Jazeera
Former president Jimmy Carter decided to receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. I am no presidential historian, but I consider Jimmy Carter to be one of the greatest US Presidents of the 21st century. He struck me as a humble, soft-spoken, fair man and way ahead of his time in terms of policies be it foreign, domestic, climate change, etc. Unfortunately, too many of us only realized this far too late.
I came across these two articles on Jimmy Carter that I really enjoyed. There are also links in these articles that are worthwhile to read.
“It took Jimmy Carter going into hospice care for America to fully appreciate him” - The Sacramento Bee
“Jimmy Carter is Our Greatest Former President” - The Nation
Health
Remember those days when we would avoid getting close to anybody, even on the sidewalk?
Well, I got used to walking during that time. We walked quite a bit as a family while the world was in lockdown. We’d walk in our neighborhood and occasionally drive to different parks nearby to walk. We walked in cold weather, in the snow, in rain. It was our family’s way of staying sane.
Here is an article that reminds us of the benefits and the power of walking:
“Don’t Underestimate The Power of a Walk” (pdf version) - The Harvard Business Review
Life
In this section, I plan to include articles that don’t fit neatly into any other category.
There is always an argument in our household on what food items need to be thrown out and what don’t. This article proves me right 😊
“The Food Expiration Dates You Should Actually Follow” (pdf version) - The New York Times
Since I watched the documentary Food, Inc., I stopped eating mass-produced chicken. I happened to run into this very interesting and long read on the Industrialization of chicken.
“How a shopping error 100 years ago launched the $30 billion chicken industry” - Vox
Entertainment
If you have not watched it yet, it is about time, you do. Spike Lee directed and Denzel Washington Starred Malcolm X Movie, beautifully portrays the life of Malcolm X.
Thought provoking as usual. Not sure if I want to destroy all of my electronic devices after seeing AI getting upset. Thanks for doing the homework so that I can decide which platforms I will use in the future as your input is invaluable and trusted.
Regarding Martin and Malcom, few have ever taken the time to delve into the complex nature of Malcom X as they just view has as they have been misled by the media. Malcom was a needed presence as a corrected history will show and I don't think many would believe that Malcom and Martin were not adversaries as the media would have you to believe.
The story on chickens was a reminder for me as chicken is a staple for me, however I try to purchase what I consider "healthy" chickens if there is such a thing. Can't wait for you to write about fish and how they are being not only killed off but poisoned by the plastics that are being dumped into the water.
I cannot believe that there is a story floating around just today from some individual that was on the Secret Service detail for former President Carter, who stated that the President was rude and short with the detail. I am sure that there will be many stories floating around soon.