Extraterrestrial contact, a new Alzheimer's treatment and where the Google CMO gets her inspiration
For today's Weekend Edit blog, we thought you might like a little preview into each of the tracks. And don't forget, you can sign up to receive our Weekend Edit newsletter when you join Curio here
We could be closer than ever to finding out whether aliens exist, with a soon-to-be-released report from the US Department of Defense. But, it's not here yet, so we thought we'd curb your curiosity with this week's top story.
Astronomer Matthew Bothwell tackles one of the great unknowns of the universe that is the existence of extraterrestrial life in this week's top story from Aeon. The University of Cambridge-based scientist peels back the hood on how science does its job of tackling the big questions when there is little to no data to go on. And maybe, it tells us more about how humans think than what's really out in the universe
I get strong 'Sherlock's mind palace' vibes from this one. Anyone else?
In the rest of this weekend’s edit, Google's CMO Lorraine Twohill is sharing her prized confidants and cross-industry inspiration. On the opposite end of the marketing scale, we're uncovering how Airbnb tackles PR disasters and the personal tragedies behind those stories. Up next, medical marvels will never cease to amaze... or take advantage in the recently FDA-approved Alzheimer's treatment that's causing some controversy.
And last, but definitely not least is the most prolific painter possibly to have ever lived: Bob Ross. But, you wouldn't know he painted almost 3x as many paintings as Picasso in his lifetime, would you? Why, you ask? Well... there's nowhere to buy them!
Wishing you a safe and restful weekend.
Happy listening.
P.S. June is Pride Month and Curio is celebrating! We've been hard at work curating some powerful and thought-provoking pieces for you to enjoy all throughout the month, but since June is nearing a close, we thought you might like a roundup. Check your emails on Monday for the inside scoop on our favourite stories.
Our Top Story
Contact
The recently discovered 'Omuamua could just be space junk, but it could also be an extra-terrestrial tool or life-form. Matthew Bothwell explores how science ponders the big questions like the rest of us, and how the method in its madness might say more about humans than aliens.
3 stories to spark your curiosity
Towards a Unified Theory of Peloton
What's so interesting about a stationary bike? We want to know as much as you do, and according to Anne Helen Petersen, "it's much more than a bike". The first instalment of many to come from her newsletter Culture Study on the matter, we think this tidbit will give you all the motivation you need to get moving this weekend.
Airbnb is spending millions of dollars to make nightmares go away
In recent weeks, Curio has covered how Airbnb have mysteriously been making negative reviews of its 'hosts' disappear. This week, the plot thickens.
The house-exchanging platform is yet another way for strangers to connect online, exchange money and meet in real life — which has resulted in hundreds of tragedies. So why aren’t we all warier of it? In this week’s longlisten from Bloomberg Businessweek, we hear about the company’s secretive safety team who jump in to soothe guests and hosts, help families—and prevent PR disasters.
Where Google’s advertising chief searches for insight
Despite being an Executive for one of the biggest tech companies in the world, Lorraine Twohill needs help sometimes too. In this fascinating insight into how she likes to work, she shares the importance of getting inspiration from industries other than your own and how having the right people around you can make all the difference.
The ones to share with friends
Why it’s nearly impossible to buy an original Bob Ross painting
Even the most dedicated collectors will find it difficult to get their hands on a genuine work by Bob Ross, and this story tells us why.
The Alzheimer’s economy: is the new $56,000-a-year drug worth it?
Biogen have finally got their controversial drug over the line with the FDA, and it's making some big promises. Will it be able to deliver?