The Flyby #3
Tariffs, Online Sweaty Friends, and the Speed of Sound
1. Money and Business
On Saturday, Trump announced tariffs are back on the menu against Canada, Mexico, and China. I don’t pretend to know anything about economics, but based on the markets dropping almost 2% Monday morning I’d say this is not good for anyone—including my chances of now affording whatever new latest purchase I definitely don’t need. Erases all browser history from Burton, Duotone, and Omega.
2. Health and Fitness
Zwift, an online cycling community and workout app, has recently come across my desk as something addictive and motivating for staying in shape. After a couple of workouts of pedaling my virtual Will up a fantastical volcano, I have to say it’s more fun than I expected and certainly way harder.
However, I need to tread carefully here as cycling is renowned to be an expensive hobby, and well… see 1. above.
3. Science and Technology
Speaking of expensive dive watches, apparently those are a thing of the past. Completely random, but I saw this earlier this week and it seems there’s a hack to modify the Casio F91, one of the most iconic budget watches under $20, to be able to go 200m deep. For comparison, a Rolex Submariner is rated for 300m.
4. Military and Aviation
In awful and heartbreaking news that I’m sure you’re all aware of: a US Army Blackhawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines airliner landing at DCA. Obviously, the investigation is still ongoing and we don’t know all the details but I’ll just throw my two cents in that nobody asked for: it’s not related to some insider conspiracy theory.
A tragic accident that ended in great loss of life, I’m hoping at the very least what comes from this is valuable lessons learned and safer flying.
5. Just Awesome
Boom Technology’s XB-1 went supersonic for the first time last week. As someone who has also gone supersonic (not to brag), I just want to say welcome to the club. I hate myself so much for saying that.
Boom is pursuing supersonic commercial air travel and is the first American non-military jet to achieve this feat.
Fun fact: Chief Test Pilot, Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, is a former Navy F/A-18 guy with an insane resume.