What I am reading today

I have been remiss in sharing my recommendation for a couple of weeks, mostly because I have been preoccupied with work and other personal matters. I have been reading less on the screen and more on paper, hence the delays. Regardless, I believe these are some of the better stories out there and if you have time, please check them out.

• Democracy in the digital era: Irish politician and activist has some good rumination about how connectivity is redefining the concept of democracy. Birgitta Jónsdóttir just went on my bucket list of people to meet in 2015.
• Deer are invading New York City: What that has to do with tech and why it is on The Verge is besides the point. This is a great feature story, the first one which i read start to finish. More people should be looking at our immediate world differently. Well done Brendan O’Connor.
• What does living in San Francisco mean in 2015: Broke Ass Stuart, who made waves back in 2011 with his first essay, is back. The new essay is an eye-opener. I am not going to lie — the idea of moving back to New York again is looking increasingly attractive.
• Has technology killed the jewelry business? Interesting question. I think if it has not, then Apple Watch is going to put a serious dent in the business, for sure.
• In praise of snow geese: One man’s affection for snow geese is another’s great read.
• Gay Talese explains how he wrote the story about Frank Sinatra, when Sinatra gave him no access. And what a great story that was. It should be a must read for all journalists, especially those who mistake access for a great story telling opportunity.
• Tragedies in France and Nigeria: Differences in media attention tabulated by MIT Media Lab’s Ethan Zuckerman whose also directs the Center for Civic Media at MIT.
• Of bugs and men: cricket ranching in America: Great story about the future of animal protein and how crickets will play a roll in it.
• A timeline of ramen development! Proof that good journalism isn’t dead. Thanks Lucky Peach!
• Last, but not the least! There is a distinct possibility that by end of 2016, Spotify could easily be getting a whopping $4.25 billion a year, just from company’s paying subscribers. Here is how!