looking forward
the check in #4
I have a handful of traditions on the Fourth of July.
I re-read the Declaration of Independence. I make tacos. I watch Independence Day (one of my favorite movies of all time).
Over the weekend, I couldn’t help but think about what the sesquicentennial celebrations would’ve been like under a President Harris or President Biden…or anyone else, really.
Harris’ would’ve been epic, and the energy of celebrating such a milestone under a president that the founders couldn’t fathom would’ve been something (complimentary).
This year’s celebrations certainly were something the founders wouldn’t have expected. My multi-hyphenated favorite Benjamin Franklin would’ve HATED it.
It’s hard to imagine what next year will look like, let alone the next 250 years. But in an effort to retain hope and practice citizenship, I’m choosing to look forward and be a part of the change I wish to see.
I also am thanking my lucky stars for this game system, which kept my kids fully occupied and burning out their endless energy when we were cooped up inside all weekend.
start your week smarter
America 500? 3 futurists predict what the U.S. will be like in the centuries ahead (CBS News) - I agree with virtually all of these predictions, with a caveat - how government intervention (in regulation/restriction) will direct how these advancements will go, or lag.
Renewable energy just broke a 100-year-old streak (Vox) - It couldn’t come at a better time, as the war with Iran has shown. Solar and wind together can now meet nearly all of the NEW global electricity demand, and improvements in battery technology will help it take on the current electricity demands. A renewable energy-first future is not just possible, but increasingly probable.
BioNTech founders quit CEO roles to build AI-powered mRNA therapies (Euractiv) - There’s been a lot of talk about the promise of AI in medicine. Very few folks are, in my opinion, capable of executing on such a vision. Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci, the founders of BioNTech and mRNA pioneers, are two that I believe can do it - and will do it. I’m keeping an eye on them (as well as advancements in cancer vaccine development).
Why More Women Are Choosing Business Ownership Over Employment (Forbes) - I firmly believe that the future economy is a multi-hyphenate one where we can live all our roles in harmony, versus compartmentalization and shrinking ourselves to fit in boxes. The data supports this as well, with women-owned businesses outpacing men-owned in terms of growth over the past 4 years. I agree with everything Bethany Cantor shared in this article, and I’m bullish on this future (and helping build the infrastructure for it).
Author Kennedy Ryan Won’t Mince Words About Her Ambitions (Elle) - truly original films and television are becoming more rare, and that’s what makes Kennedy Ryan’s development deal with Universal so special. Her books are so special (she will emotionally destroy and heal you in the same book), and to see her in the driver’s seat as she brings books—hers and others—on-screen is necessary.
what I’m enjoying this week
Ignore the misogynistic reviews and go see Supergirl. It’s a fun superhero movie and carries a depth and humanity that I really needed. The soundtrack is also excellent (I’ve been listening to it all weekend).
I have to give the Nex Playground some more love, because this video game system single-handedly saved us this weekend. Your body is the controller, and all of the games are played by moving your body. I’m annoyed that it requires a subscription to their platform, and all of the games are perfectly appropriate for both of my sons and tires them out completely.
Some new summer essentials I’m loving: these energy/focus gummies for an afternoon boost (code HITHA gets you 15% off), this lightweight face moisturizer, the lightest bras (I also love this new style), and opting for a Ghia or sparkling water in a pretty goblet.
Nisha Sharma gave me some excellent book recommendations that I’m now obligated to share with you: Please Don’t Go (content warning - suicidal attempt), Pot Shot (listen to this one, the narrators are fantastic), and Games: A Love Story (this has a 20-year age gap).
I think we all could use these tips on how to make life feel a little nicer.