Retirement Goals: Becoming an Umarell in Italy

Morning dudes! This week, we’ve got something for everyone—whether you’re into quirky traditions, space dilemmas, or just need some weekend inspo. Dive in and enjoy!

🚧 Umarell: Italy’s Favorite Pastime?

We all fantasize about those golden days of retirement—the days when we can stand quietly, hands clasped behind our backs, and silently critique the world around us. Well, Italians have a word for that: Umarell. This charming term from Bologna perfectly captures the essence of a retired man who spends his days overseeing construction sites—not in any official capacity, of course, but with the kind of commitment that only comes with ample free time.

With his hands neatly folded behind him, the Umarell is the unofficial foreman, scrutinizing every brick, every mix of concrete, and every scoop of dirt. He’s not just passing through; he’s there for the duration, offering advice no one asked for and fondly recalling how things were done “better in his day.”

So, here’s to the Umarells—the silent guardians of construction, the overseers of progress, and the champions of a well-earned retirement.

You can get a miniature 3D-printed Umarell to boost your productivity at work

🎨 The Atomic Bomb Effect

Ever wondered how scientists can tell a real piece of art from a phony one? One of the coolest tricks they have up their sleeves is radiocarbon dating, and believe it or not, it has a surprising connection to a major historical event: the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings spiked carbon-14 levels in the atmosphere, giving experts a handy tool to date and authenticate artworks and artifacts.

So, what’s radiocarbon dating anyway?

Radiocarbon dating is like a time machine for organic materials. It measures the amount of carbon-14 in them. Since carbon-14 decays at a predictable rate, scientists can figure out how old something is by checking out the remaining carbon-14.

How does this help catch fake art?

Simple! Scientists measure the age of the material and match it against the claimed age of the artwork. If the dates are off, bingo – it’s a fake. For example, if you have a painting that's supposed to be from the Renaissance but the canvas screams 20th century, you’ve got yourself a forgery.

The Atomic Bomb's Unexpected Art Connection

Back before the 1940s, carbon-14 levels in the atmosphere were cruising along at a pretty steady pace. Then came World War II, and nuclear tests and bombings sent those levels skyrocketing. This spike, famously dubbed the "bomb effect," gave scientists a clear timestamp in history, making it way easier to date objects from the last century.

See how a nuclear blast would affect your city 👉 NukeMap

🚀 Big Trouble in Little (Neverending) Space

NASA is in a bind as it decides how to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back from the ISS. Initially, their mission was supposed to last just eight days, but now, two months later, they’re still up there due to ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. With problems like thruster malfunctions and leaks, NASA is debating whether to risk using the Starliner or wait until next year for a SpaceX ride. A decision is expected soon, but the uncertainty continues.

Read more here.

🫡 Dude of The Week

This week, we're flipping the script and asking you to shine the spotlight on someone you know. It could be the friend who’s always got your back, the neighbor who lends you tools (and doesn’t ask for them back immediately), or the co-worker who makes the office bearable. And yes, a “Dude” can absolutely be a girl!

We want to hear your stories about the everyday heroes in your life—those unsung dudes who deserve some recognition. Hit reply and tell us about someone who’s made a difference in your world. Your dude could be our next Dude of the Week!

🥣 Stuff to Do This Weekend

🎥 Movie to Watch: In Bruges

📻 Podcast to Listen To: How The Eiffel Tower Works

🧑‍🎨 Art to Check Out: Against the Gods

🤝 Try Something New: Bake Some Bread