Coffee With Tanya - Vol. 17

Talking about: AI tool perplexity.ai, Japan tech paradox, Olympics rings, yellow tennis ball, asking questions in conversation.

Here is what's on the menu for today:

1. Tech - Japan's paradox 💾
2. AI - Meet Perplexity search engine 🔍
3. Olympics - Where did the five rings come from? 🏟️
4. Entertainment - Why tennis balls are yellow? 🎾
5. Personal Growth - The power of asking questions ❓
6. Word bites - Balter 🔡

I don't run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet // Nadia Comăneci (1976)

Japan's Tech Paradox: Cutting-Edge and Outdated

Japan 🇯🇵 a country known for its love of high-tech gadgets and futuristic innovations, has a surprising secret: it still held onto the old-fashioned floppy disk. Even though the government recently declared victory in its "war on floppy disks," this move highlights a bigger issue.

Japan seems to be stuck between the old and the new. While it's a leader in technology (those who visited Japan raise their hands - I don't yet), it also holds onto outdated tools like fax machines and old-fashioned stamps. This strange mix of old and new ways of doing things shows how tradition and practicality are important in Japan. It also raises questions about how the country will fully embrace the digital age.

Here is the complete opposite with some futuristic finds: Japan's coolest gadgets you didn't know existed from smart mirrors (personal stylist?) to cooking appliances (professional chef?) 🤯

AI: Explore the Future of Search with Perplexity

A new kid on the block - Perplexity AI 🔍

Ever wish you had an AI tool that could not only answer your questions but also provide detailed insights and information from reliable sources? Stop looking, because Perplexity is here to make your life easier and more informed. It not only presents you with comprehensive resources but also recommends follow-up questions to help you delve deeper.

Here are a few ways you can use Perplexity:

• At work: As a product manager, you need to stay on top of market trends. Perplexity can quickly create detailed reports and show you exactly where the information comes from. Think of how much time you could save and how much smarter your decisions could be.
• For your personal life: Planning a vacation? You can design a personalized travel itinerary just for you. Plus, it suggests questions to help you refine your plans. Imagine discovering amazing places you never knew existed.
• For everyday use: Stuck on a tough topic in your studies? Use Perplexity to explain complex concepts simply and show you all the sources it used. Learning just got a whole lot easier.

I've been using this tool for the past two months for pretty much everything that comes to mind, from finding business plans and pricing methods to checking out Safari and seeing what's up with the weather and its history ☀️

Which AI tools are you using? Feel free to share, and I'll explore it further.

Olympic Games: Symbolizing Universality and Inclusivity

Did you know that the Olympic rings, one of the world's most recognizable symbols, have a hidden meaning that goes beyond just representing the five continents?

Here's a quick look at some intriguing facts about this iconic symbol:

• Birth: The rings were designed by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, in 1913, but didn't make their Olympic debut until 1920 in Antwerp.
• Shape: Five rings of equal dimensions representing the inhabited continents of the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas).
  • Fact: Contrary to popular belief, the colors of the rings don't correspond to specific continents.
• Colors: The chosen colors (blue, yellow, black, green, and red) appeared on every national flag in the world at the time of the symbol's creation.
• Symbolism: The rings' interlocking nature signifies the interconnectedness and equality of the continents, embodying the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
• Meaning: This simple yet powerful design has remained largely unchanged for over a century, proving its timeless appeal and significance.

Want to dive deeper? Check out this page.

David Attenborough: The Man Who Changed Tennis Forever

Renowned broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough's recent visit to Wimbledon highlighted his surprising impact on the sport: the iconic yellow tennis ball.

During his time at the BBC in the 1960s, Attenborough was instrumental in the decision to switch from white tennis balls to yellow for better visibility on color television. This change, initially met with resistance at Wimbledon, eventually became the standard in professional tennis, revolutionizing the viewing experience for fans worldwide. Read more here and if you have some free time, watch these outstanding moments in life!

Questions: Your Conversation Superpower

Do you ever feel tongue-tied in a conversation, wishing you could connect more deeply and be truly present to hear the other person? You're not alone. Mastering the art of meaningful dialogue is a skill that can transform your social interactions.

Let's explore some insights into the science of great conversations:

• Ask more questions: A study on speed dating found that people who asked more questions were more likely to get a second date. The best ones are follow-up questions – they show you're really listening and interested in what the other person is saying. It's an easy way to keep the conversation flowing and make a great impression.
• Listen actively: Nodding and smiling are nice, but there's a better way to show you're listening. Try repeating back what the person said in your own words, or ask a question about it. This shows you're really paying attention and helps build a stronger connection.
• Go beyond small talk: Believe it or not, talking about deeper topics (I'm sure you have some under your sleeve) can help you make friends faster. Researchers found that when people discussed more personal questions (like "What's your idea of a perfect day?"), they felt closer than those who just made small talk. This trick called the "fast friends procedure," can help you feel close to someone even if you've just met.

If you're ready to elevate your conversational skills and create more meaningful connections, just dive into this article to uncover more practical strategies. If not, just watch one of the best conversations on Television 🤓

Word Bites! 📚🌟

Today we have a fascinating new word... Balter 💃

The ultimate definition of "dance like nobody's watching", is without any particular skill or grace, but often with enjoyment. It captures the essence of moving joyfully and freely, even if not gracefully.

The word "balter" originates from Middle English balteren, which is related to the Danish words baltre and boltre, meaning to roll, tumble, gambol, or romp.

July in History

• July 4, 1776 - American Independence Day 🇺🇸 The US declared its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, marking a pivotal moment in history. The Declaration of Independence, authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, proclaimed the thirteen colonies as independent states and laid the foundation for the United States of America.
• July 7 - World Chocolate Day 🍫 Celebrated globally, World Chocolate Day on July 7 recognizes the delicious treat that has delighted people for centuries. Chocolate lovers have to indulge in their favorite chocolate products, whether it be bars, cakes, or drinks, and to celebrate the cultural significance of chocolate around the world.
• July 8, 1997 - The launch of the first Harry Potter book 📚 "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (titled "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the U.S.) marked the beginning of J.K. Rowling's beloved series, which captivated millions of readers around the world and transformed children's literature.
• July 20, 1969 - The First Moon Landing 🌔 On July 20, 1969, NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon. Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the lunar surface, famously stating, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind." This event marked a significant achievement in space exploration.
  • Also my birthday! :)) Just a few years later on... 😆
• July 25, 1978 - The birth of the first test-tube baby 👶 Louise Joy Brown, the world's first test-tube baby, was born on July 25, 1978, in Oldham, England. This groundbreaking event in reproductive technology was the result of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and represented a significant advancement in medical science, offering hope to couples facing infertility.

That's all for today... Stay tuned for the next coffee with me (coming soon!)

You're part of a curious crew of 90 who, like you, enjoy diving into interesting discoveries from the web.

If you have any topics you want me to explore further, please send them to me.

Feel free to reply with your thoughts and insights! Ciao!