The Saturday Selection, Vol. 20

Every day, WITI’s group chats buzz with fresh links. As part of our new Saturday send for paid readers, we’re rounding up 11 of the best.

It’s WITI, on the weekend.

Why are these interesting?

Demographer’s work debunking ‘Blue Zone’ regions wins Ig Nobel prize (UCL)

Turns out the “Blue Zone” phenomenon—places where people have exceptionally long lifespans—is probably not real… and might have a lot more to do with pension fraud.

Different Kinds of Human Operating Systems (Kottke)

A more empathetic—and crucially, more productive way to talk about neurodivergence.

23 Great Quotes (IYKYK)

Some good ones for your Saturday morning here. Including: “If you ran into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole.” And of course: “If you want to make the wrong decision, ask everyone.”

The Customized Drink Is Out Of Control (New York Times)

At Starbucks, one-quarter of all custom drinks sold in the United States have more than three modifications.