Weekend Reads 1/20/18

Mexico: 500 years later, scientists discover what killed the Aztecs

The outbreak is considered one of the deadliest epidemics in human history, approaching the Black Death bubonic plague that killed 25 million people in western Europe in the 14th century – about half the regional population.

How Warren Buffett’s billionaire deputy became an “expert-generalist”

While the 10,000 hour rule works well in areas with defined rules that don’t change such as sports, music, and games, the rules of business constantly and fundamentally change. A 2014 review of 88 previous studies found that “deliberate practice explained 26% of the variance in performance for games, 21% for music, 18% for sports, 4% for education, and less than 1% for professions.

Here’s why you can’t buy a high-end graphics card at Best Buy

The rise of cryptocurrency mining has created an unprecedented global shortage of graphics cards. If you go to your local retailer, you're likely to find bare shelves where the beefier cards used to be. Instead of trading at a discount, used cards routinely sell for well above MSRP on sites like eBay and Craigslist.

As Immigrants Claim Sanctuary Around North Carolina, One Church Steps Up, Again

“This is a loving, strong, and brave family determined to stay together,” said Rev. Julie Peeples, senior pastor at Congregational United Chuch of Christ. “… When I consider the biblical imperatives to love our neighbor and welcome the sojourners, along with the pledge of allegiance, which speaks of ‘liberty and justice for all,’ I don't know how anyone can be in favor of splitting up this wonderful family. They must be allowed to stay here in their own home, together.”