Publishers should think artistically when packaging novels

I am a book snob. Not your standard, “I won’t read trashy chick lit” snob—I weep over a forgettable title on the occasional Sunday night–but rather I am an “I want only a nice edition,” snob. (Think “The Princess and the Pea,” with books in lieu of bedding.)

I admit there are classics I have not yet read—and my snobbishness is part of the reason. When I decide to finally…

Michelin, the French company famous for innovations in tire technology and epicurean discrimination, has just put out a press release claiming they’ve “reinvented the wheel.” The negative connotations of that particular phrase aside, their new Active Wheel System does seem potentially revolutionary. Basically, these wheels can power a vehicle themselves. The traditional engine becomes unnecessary and the car becomes just a shell with a stereo.

From their press release:

“…no more engine under the front or rear bonnet,…

Quantum physics can be tough to comprehend. But this video very cogently (and playfully) illustrates the differences between the ten dimensions.

Thanks, Zach (and Buzzfeed).

Fast Company names its 10 “social enterprises of the year” in its new issue. Among the honorees are Choose GOOD partner The Acumen Fund and non-profit pharma company OneWorldHealth, which we profiled in issue 013.

The big winner: Enterprise Community Partners, a “for-profit/non-profit hybrid” founded by actor Edward Norton’s grandparents. Enterprise designs solutions that enable cities and not-for-profit developers to provide housing for lower income people in their communities. The company is adjusting to the post-housing bubble economy by…

Political circles chattered all weekend about the possibility of Chris Matthews, the verbose host of MSNBC’s Hardball, challenging for a a seat in the U.S. Senate, representing his home state of Pennsylvania. Matthews has not declared his intention to run; he has, however, been in contact with top Democratic officials in the state. FiveThirtyEight.com, known more for its poll analysis than its punditry, said Friday that the cable news talking head was already “hiring staff,” based…

President Bush “ignored remarkably prescient warnings that foretold the financial meltdown.”

Arcade Fire, Spoon, My Morning Jacket, the Decemberists, and other acts are contributing tracks to a compilation that will benefit the HIV/AIDS charity Red Hot Organization.

Change.gov is now under a Creative Commons license. Creative Commons is happy about this (and so are we).

Jeff Koons interviewed by David Byrne in 1975 in this YouTube gem.

Actress Illeana Douglas carries a sign with her to remind the paparazzi they should…