Tech, Trivia, and History Insights

Welcome to the first edition of the "Tech, Trivia, and History Insights," newsletter, your monthly dose of knowledge and discovery. In this issue, we'll embark on a journey to the depths of our oceans, unravel the captivating history of an iconic tire company's mascot, and unveil a trending technology insight that's making waves around the globe!

So - let us dive right in!

Water World: The Ocean's Hidden Secrets

Did you know that nearly 70% of our planet is covered by water? Yet, only a tiny fraction of it — just 2.5% — is fresh and suitable for drinking. However, technology is constantly evolving to tackle this global challenge. Some innovative minds have developed a groundbreaking solution: eco-friendly nanomembranes that require no power supply. These nanomembranes can turn saltwater into drinking water in less than 2 minutes! It's a game-changer for regions struggling with water scarcity.

Watch the full video of the company behind this innovation: Nanoseen

The Michelin Man's True Colors

Ever wondered why the Michelin Man is white? It turns out that in 1894, when the iconic mascot first appeared, rubber tires were naturally white. It wasn't until 1912 that a structural change occurred. Carbon chemicals were mixed into the tires, turning them black and making them more durable. But why did Michelin make this change? It was all part of their strategy to encourage people to travel longer distances in their cars. By reviewing and awarding stars to restaurants, Michelin aimed to entice travelers to visit these establishments, which in turn would wear down their tires faster and lead to more tire sales.

Michelin's Star System for Restaurants:

• One star: "A very good restaurant in its category" (Une très bonne table dans sa catégorie)
• Two stars: "Excellent cooking, worth a detour" (Table excellente, mérite un détour)
• Three stars: "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey" (Une des meilleures tables, vaut le voyage)

Technology Tip: Embrace the Public Domain Day

On January 1st each year, we celebrate "Public Domain Day." This is when thousands of creative works automatically enter the public domain for the first time, making them free for use by all. It applies to movies, music, artworks, books, and even some source code. This year, around 400,000 sound recordings from before 1923 and the classic Winnie-the-Pooh series joined the public domain. Embracing open source and creative commons licensing, like "CC0," can unlock new possibilities and "seize the memes of production" in the digital world.

Building a World of Creativity with CC0 NFTs ("A CC0 NFT, or Creative Commons Zero NFT, is a digital work where intellectual property rights have been waived, allowing unrestricted use without legal consequences. The CC0 NFT concept is derived from the 'Creative Commons Zero' licensing model for digital assets.")

CC0 NFT projects, such as Nouns, Blitmap, and Loot, are embracing a "no rights reserved" approach, allowing anyone to create and profit from derivative works without legal consequences. This shift fosters collaboration, innovation, and the creation of extensive ecosystems around NFTs. Much like the open-source movement, CC0 NFTs empower creators and enthusiasts to "seize the memes of production." This cooperative approach is a game-changer in the world of digital assets, promoting trust, coordination, and the growth of a vibrant NFT community.

The Road Ahead: Unleashing Creativity with CC0

As CC0 projects continue to flourish, they offer unique opportunities for builders to add value both vertically and horizontally, expanding ecosystems and brand recognition. In addition, these projects also generate ongoing royalties from secondary sales, creating new revenue streams. Furthermore, CC0 licensing reduces friction and fosters cooperation, transforming competition into collaboration. As we move forward, keep an eye on the world of CC0 NFTs; it's a space brimming with potential and endless creativity.

That's it for this month's edition of "Tech, Trivia, and History Insights."

We hope you enjoyed this mix of facts and stories from around the world.

Stay curious, keep exploring, and we'll be back next month with more captivating discoveries.