Why did it take so long to invent a longer-lasting bulb? Zachary Crockett finds the answer illuminating.

• SOURCES:
  • Heather Dillon, mechanical engineering professor at the University of Washington in Tacoma.
  • Jane Brox, author of the 2010 book Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light.
  • Markus Krajewski, philosopher and historian of technology at the University of Basel in Switzerland.

• RESOURCES:
  • "Thomas Edison, tinkerer," by Eric Gilliam (Works in Progress, 2023).
  • "It's Official: Stores Can No Longer Sell Most Incandescent Lights," by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times, 2023).
  • "The Mystery of the Centennial Bulb: an Incandescent Light Bulb," by Martin Kykta (MAK Electro-Optics, 2021).
  • "The Great Lightbulb Conspiracy," by Markus Krajewski (IEEE Spectrum, 2014).
  • "Compact Fluorescent Lighting in America: Lessons Learned on the Way to Market," by L.J. Sandahl, T.L. Gilbride, M.R. Ledbetter, H.E. Steward, and C. Calwell (U.S. Department of Energy, 2006).

• EXTRAS:
  • "Why Do Candles Still Exist?" by Freakonomics Radio (2025).
  • "The Story of Byron the Bulb," by Thomas Pynchon (Gravity's Rainbow, 1973).

How do courts interpret those little icons on your phone? Zachary Crockett brings down the hammer.

• SOURCES:
  • Eric Goldman, professor of law, associate dean for research, co-director at the High Tech Law Institute at the Santa Clara University School of Law.

• RESOURCES:
  • "Canadian Court Rules 👍 Emoji Counts as a Contract Agreement," by Michael Levenson (New York Times, 2023).
  • "Former Bed Bath & Beyond investor Ryan Cohen must face emoji-inspired shareholder suit," by Rob Wile (NBC News, 2023).
  • "My Declaration Identifying Emoji Co. GmbH as a Possible Trademark Troll," by Eric Goldman (Technology & Marketing Blog, 2021).
  • "Bardales v. Lamothe," by Middle District of Tennessee (2019).
  • "Emojis and the Law," by Eric Goldman (Washington Law Review, 2018).

• EXTRAS:
  • OpenMoji FAQ.

How do you turn an empty house into a buyer’s dream home? Zachary Crockett pulls back the curtain.

• SOURCES:
  • Meredith Baer, founder of Meridith Baer Home.
  • Cindy Lin, founder and lead instructor at Staged4more School of Home Staging.
  • Karen Prince, author and home staging consultant.

• RESOURCES:
  • "How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Real Estate Game," by Kate Dubinski (C.B.C. News, 2023).
  • "Will Virtual Staging Replace Traditionally Staged Rooms?" by Barbara Ballinger (Realtor Magazine, 2022).
  • "Open Houses and Sticky Fingers," by Alix Strauss (The New York Times, 2022).
  • "Profile of Home Staging," by the National Association of Realtors Research Group (2021).
  • Secrets of Home Staging: The Essential Guide to Getting Higher Offers Faster, by Karen Prince (2021).
  • "How Meridith Baer Runs Her $100 Million Home Staging Business," by Jenna Wang (Forbes, 2019).
  • "Designer Meridith Baer’s Home-Staging Empire Began With a Plant Storage Dilemma," by Arielle Paul (Los Angeles Times, 2019).
  • "The Twilight Zone of Home Staging," by Peter Haldeman (The New York Times, 2016).
  • "The Story Seller," by Mark Oppenheimer (The New York Times Magazine, 2009).
  • Home Staging: The Winning Way to Sell Your House for More Money, by Barb Schwarz (2006).