All advanced technology looks like a “wall of no” until someone finds a path through. Or doesn’t. The only way to know is by throwing money and smart people at it until one’s appetite for risk is spent, or one hits it big.

I say “hits it big” and not “has a breakthrough“ because infrastructure ramps up on striking oil, not having epiphanies.

Fines imposed by the Financial Conduct Authority on banks in 2020 include:

• £26m – Barclays
• £38m – Commerzbank
• £48m – Goldman Sachs
• £64m – Lloyds

The fines were related to inappropriate conduct or the unfair treatment of customers.

Here are some fines imposed on banks in 2019:

• £28m – UBS
• £34m – Goldman Sachs
• £46m – Bank of Scotland
• £102m – Standard Chartered

The fines were imposed for lack of transparency as well as breaching money laundering regulations. The notes show Bank of Scotland receiving a 30% discount on the fine.

Nascent fintech gets a bad rap (or a cease and desist) before it can demonstrate its promise, meanwhile the incumbents quietly pay their fines year after year. Sometimes at a discount.

Humans have been around for many thousands of years…why are most of us right-handed?

Note: it seems careless to share a thought like this when Covid has taken millions of lives. It was a thought nonetheless.

When lockdown hit and travel was restricted, I felt okay having explored a dozen countries preceding the closures.

The first few months were tough in lockdown. I usually move to think, and I was stuck indoors, but I knew containing the virus was critical. Fortunately any travel urges were suppressed by Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown on Netflix.

Anyone who ventures off the beaten path would love the series. He’s a chef but it’s not only about food. He visits various countries but it’s not only about attractions. I’ve been educated by it. For example, I learnt that Laos had more bombs dropped on it than all bombs dropped in World War II (there are ~80m unexplored ones remaining). I learnt that the Quebecois tow tiny homes onto frozen lakes to fish and feast. I learnt what Basque Country is. It wasn’t only that I saw new places, he helped sharpen my critical thinking skills, he made me constantly reevaluate what I want to give to the world.

Here was a man with past demons uncovering much of the planet. The production value and his sincerity brought forth a visceral experience. After reaching the final season, I learned that he took his own life. It took me a few days to process that. I rewatched the series, but a new intensity stemmed from the warnings signs that were suddenly so clear.

Nonetheless, I’d call Anthony Bourdain a role model. The legacy he left behind is invaluable and will educate folk well into the future.

Use this site to visualise the real size of a country, rather than the impression 2d maps give.

Russia is not as big as it seems. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is nearly 40% of the size of USA.

I downloaded Subnautica because it was free. I didn’t expect it to be one of the most enthralling games I’d ever play.

Why is it so difficult to leave a shop empty-handed? And why am I compelled to theatrically portray my innocence?

Does that make it more challenging for store-owners to spot real thieves?

Today I learned about the petrodollar and how it’s usage is declining.

In short, an agreement dating back to the 70s means oil-producing countries sell oil in dollars, driving up demand for the currency. The dollars are then recycled by purchasing weapons or treasury bills from the US. It provides the US with a carefully crafted strength.

The network effects kick in because the cost of a country doing business differently is a deterrent. Essentially, you want to be part of the club and while the upside may be average, the downside can be limitless due to the powerful adversaries one would make.

The PetroYuan is increasing it’s dominance. It’s frightening to think about the conspicuous forms of the inevitable clash