Make Me Smart

Today, we’re talking earthquakes! First, our East Coast-based hosts react to the shaking on their side of the country. Then, we’ll examine how earthquake preparedness in Taiwan saved lives and prevented a big problem for the global tech economy. Later, we’ll weigh in on restoring blue check marks on X, New York earthquake memes and solar eclipse tourism in a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• • “Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness saved a lot of lives — and prevented a catastrophe for the global tech economy” from Vox

• • “It’s not just you. Here’s why pollen allergies are worse than ever” from CNN

• • “FDA to Drop Ban on Sperm Donations From Gay and Bisexual Men” from The Wall Street Journal

• • “America has a Black sperm donor shortage. Black women are paying the price.” from The Washington Post

• • “Elon Musk’s X restores free blue check marks. Here’s what it means.” from The Washington Post

• • “Why demand for jeans persists across the decades” from Marketplace

• • “Why multigenerational households are making a comeback in a big way” from Marketplace

• • “X becomes ‘earthquake Twitter’ as users flood site with memes and jokes” from NBC News

• • “How much are you spending for the eclipse? Here’s what Americans are saying” from Fox 10 Phoenix

• • “Countdown to the total solar eclipse: How it will unfold, play by play” from The Washington Post

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