trees as artists, supplement stacks, and the psychology of costco

Tim Knowles’ Tree Drawings

I think about this, I kid you not, every day of my life.

Knowles, a British artist, is known for his experimental and process-oriented artworks. In his "Tree Drawings" series, he attaches pens or drawing implements to the branches of trees. The movement of the tree, influenced by the wind, creates the drawing as the branches sway and the pens mark paper placed underneath.

Obviously, each piece is inherently unique, as it captures a specific moment in time, reflecting the conditions and behavior of the natural environment at that particular instance. The results are often beautifully abstract and fluid, resembling calligraphy or gestural drawing. Let me know if you know of similar artists who create systems or setups that yield unpredictable results, driven by natural or environmental factors… I think it’s so fun and fascinating.

The random movements of tree branches, influenced by variables like wind speed and direction, embody the principles of stochastic processes — a fundamental concept in probability theory I remember learning about. These processes are characterized by randomness and are used to model seemingly haphazard systems in nature, much like the unpredictable sways of a tree branch.

Of course, the drawings also resonate with the concept of fractals, geometric shapes that can be split into parts, each of which is a reduced-scale copy of the whole. This is reminiscent of the branching patterns of trees, where each limb, bough, and twig can be viewed as a smaller version of the entire structure. The intricate, often repeating patterns in the tree drawings mirror fractal geometry, which describes various complex structures in nature, from coastlines (have you heard of the Coastline Paradox?) to snowflakes. Thus, Knowles’ art not only captures the whimsy and unpredictability of nature but also subtly echoes these profound mathematical principles… I love him. :,)

Now, a question for you!

Do you think Knowles is producing the art, the tree is producing the art, or the wind?

Everybody Has a “Stack” Now

These days, it feels like I can’t open up Tiktok without someone promoting some supplement that will change my life. Rodrigues delves into this phenomenon, highlighting how supplements, or "stacks," have become a buzzword in various circles, from Silicon Valley executives to fitness enthusiasts.

• A "stack" refers to a combination of supplements, which can range from common vitamins to more exotic compounds like tianeptine, humorously referred to as “gas station heroin.”

• The concept of stacking is not new, dating back to bodybuilders in the 1990s, but it has recently gained mainstream traction. Tech newsletters and subreddits like r/StackAdvice showcase how people now use stacks for various purposes, such as boosting productivity, enhancing gaming performance, or even attempting to modify personality traits like extroversion.

• Brady Holmer from Examine.com explains that while these supplements may individually have some benefits, there's limited research on their combined effects. This lack of evidence doesn't deter the popularity of stacks, as the appeal lies in the belief that a combination of supplements could synergize for greater effect.

• Colleen Derkatch, a professor and author, notes that the term "stack" reframes ordinary aspects of living as a system, tapping into the existing societal belief that health is an individual responsibility and consumer choice.

• This trend reflects a broader culture of optimization, where people are constantly seeking ways to enhance their performance, health, and overall well-being, often driven by the ideals of capitalism and technological advancement. This is evident in the popularity of wearable tech that tracks everything from steps to sleep patterns, further fueling the desire for personal optimization.

• Personally, I don’t feel the need for any wearable tech or a stack. And no, it’s not just because I hate taking pills. Sometimes, before bed, I add Magnesi-Om to a glass of water and I’m convinced I sleep better and my hair grows faster because of it.

Do you think we are overlooking the value of fundamental health practices in favor of quick fixes?

Behind Costco's Treasure-Hunt Shopping Strategy

Growing up, a trip to Costco was always an adventure. The massive warehouse, with its towering shelves and seemingly endless aisles, felt like a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The highlight of each visit was undoubtedly the samples (I recently tried Goodles and loved it… wish we had it during my freshman year when my friend group made mac-n-cheese twice a week).

• Costco's design isn't crafted for quick shopping; it's quite the opposite. The store's cavernous space, high ceilings, and goods stacked up to the ceilings are all intentional, creating an environment that encourages exploration and discovery.

• There are no aisle signs or in-store maps; instead, aisles are simply numbered, and products are frequently moved. This approach, known as the "treasure hunt" strategy, is central to Costco’s success. It entices customers to shop longer and buy more, capitalizing on the human love for discovery and deals.

• Costco thrives on a membership model, with most of its profits coming from membership dues rather than product sales. This model allows them to sell items at significantly lower markups compared to traditional retail, fostering a loyal customer base.

• Costco's commitment to limited product selection, focusing on fewer but higher-turnover items, ensures that only the most successful products stay on the shelves. This cutthroat approach to inventory management contributes to Costco's reputation for quality at lower prices.

• What's particularly interesting is how Costco has navigated the rise of online shopping. While many retailers have moved towards digital platforms, Costco continues to focus on in-store experiences, encouraging impulse buys and physical shopping. This strategy has proven successful, even during the pandemic, underscoring the unique appeal of the Costco shopping experience.

In a world where instant gratification is becoming the norm, what lessons can other retailers learn from Costco's success with a model that encourages exploration and longer shopping trips?

On the flip, as other retailers increasingly leverage data analytics and personalized marketing, how might Costco's relatively straightforward and less tech-driven approach fare in the competition?