Children's Hospital

Maybe I'm going soft or something, but this facet of a new children's hospital made me go "Aaawww...".

It's part of a much larger piece, made up of famous or smart people answering the question, "What are you optimistic about in 2007?" On the same page, Brian Eno has a very funny entry; unfortunately, the humor is unintentional.

GDP Density Map

OK, it's a little nerdy, but I think this GDP density map is pretty cool. Even just eyeballing the US part led to surprises (and don't forget to check out Canada).

The following text talks about a somewhat-related natural experiment to see how much social institutions have to do with economic development.

Gift Suggestions

The folks at Radar magazine have compiled a list of the most dangerous playthings of all time (though it really only covers 1950 or so onward; I'm guessing paleolithic toys would have bumped some current entries off the list).

As a parent, I'd ask all three of our readers to review the list to make sure they don't inadvertantly purchase any.

New New York Architecture

Got two million for a studio apartment? A. A. Gill tells you all about the unique, one-of-a-kind imported style you'll get for your money in New New York.

Yeah, the closing moral is lame, but the digs throughout rock. (If you're like me, you'll have to think about the Amish one for a moment.)

Unstoppable Filing System

So I spend a fair amount of time over at 43 Folders, and can tell you what the Noguchi filing system is, and Molly makes fun of me listening to the podcasts — but it's interesting, and may even get me more organized.

Still, I'll never be as organized as this woman. (There are 189 more episodes, if you liked that one.)