Eight intriguing articles from July.

Welcome to our latest round-up of intriguing reads, each offering a unique perspective on topics that shape the digital and intellectual landscapes.

From leveraging ADHD as a coding superpower to the transformative power of Markdown, these articles, curated by Kurt Smith, promise to enrich your understanding and spark new ideas. Discover how to revitalise outdated content, dive into the secrets behind genius teams, and explore groundbreaking approaches to brain health. Whether you're a developer seeking better coding practices or someone eager to foster an innovative mindset, there's something here to inspire and inform. Let's dive in and explore what these thought-provoking pieces have to offer.

1. Thriving as a developer with ADHD.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Equalize Digital.
• Contributed by: Timocles Copland.

Ever wondered how ADHD can boost your web development game? ADHD can be a superpower in programming if you play to your strengths and shape your work environment wisely. ADHD's idiosyncrasies—like hyperfocus and time blindness—can be harnessed for success in coding. This episode of the Accessibility Craft podcast explores navigating web development with ADHD.

2. The eternal truth of markdown.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Scott Gilbertson.
• Contributed by: Stefan Imbesi.

Markdown is the unsung hero of the internet. Born out of the chaos of HTML, Markdown transformed web writing by keeping things simple and readable. From blog posts to PDFs, it formats your text just right without the HTML headache. Programmers may grumble about its quirks, but Markdown’s charm lies in its flexibility and human touch. Dive into this playful journey of Markdown’s rise to ubiquity and see why it’s still the go-to tool for text on the web!

3. The story of why.

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• Created by: Nick Asbury.
• Contributed by: Andrew OKeeffe.

In this excerpt from The Road to Hell, Simon Sinek's 'Golden Circle' theory gets dissected, revealing less neuroscience and more savvy marketing. The article reveals Sinek's playbook: the artful repetition of 'Start With Why,' the strategic use of 'discovery' over 'theory,' and sprinkles of pseudo-science to charm CEOs seeking purpose. Sinek's knack is less about brain science and more about branding finess, making CEOs feel like ethical crusaders while boosting their bottom lines. This expose gives you a peek behind the curtain of corporate rhetoric and why Sinek's words command influence in the boardroom.

4. Can we change how our brains age? These scientists think it’s possible.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Lara Lewington.
• Contributed by: Jon Trumbull.

Curious how to keep your brain young and lively? Scientists are diving into how technology and lifestyle tweaks can slow brain aging. In sunny Loma Linda, a Blue Zone famous for its health-conscious Seventh-Day Adventists, people live longer by sticking to a plant-based diet and staying active. Meanwhile, high-tech tools like AI and MRI scans are becoming superstars in tracking brain health. From sleep’s magical rejuvenation powers to experimental squirrel science, the quest to decode and extend brain health is on.

5. Cleaner code, better tests: Leveraging humble objects for better architecture.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Maxim Gorin.
• Contributed by: Kurt Smith.

Testing code can be like herding cats, but the Humble Object pattern might just be the shepherd you need. This pattern splits complex, hard-to-test code from simpler, test-friendly logic, making your software more modular and maintainable. In mobile development, this approach is a game-changer, ensuring that UI components stay sleek and business logic runs smoothly. By using presenters and views, developers can achieve a cleaner architecture, where each part has a clear role, leading to robust, testable, and easy-to-manage code.

6. What sets genius teams apart.

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• Created by: Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg.
• Contributed by: Mike McCusker.

Ever wondered what makes a team truly genius? It's not just about smarts; it's about embracing the chaos. Genius teams don't just tackle big challenges; they thrive on them like kids in a candy store, mixing intense debates with emotional rollercoasters. But it's not all chaos; there's a method to their madness. They manage this tension to push boundaries and achieve ambitious goals. Want to dive deeper into their secrets? Check out the full article for all the details!

7. 3 steps to cultivate an innovator's mindset.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Soren Kaplan.
• Contributed by: Sarah El-Atm.

In the corporate game of climbing the ladder, it’s not just about meeting deadlines and hitting targets. To truly stand out, you need an innovator’s mindset—think of it like leveling up in a video game where creativity and fresh ideas are your power-ups. According to Soren Kaplan's insights, innovators like Paula Barg don’t settle for the status quo. They question norms, propose solutions, and champion change, earning rapid promotions by reshaping their organisations. Take a few minutes to collect some tips on cultivating your innovator's mindset.

8. Here’s how I update content to revive dead blogs.

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• Created by: Shubham Davey.
• Contributed by: Sebastian Griffiths.

Shubham Davey, writing for The Startup, unveils a clever strategy to breathe new life into aging blog content. Remember the skyscraper technique from a few years back? It's back with a vengeance, emphasising unique content over mere length. Davey's advice? Update your stats with fresh data, add in expert quotes for credibility, craft eye-catching visuals, weave in real-world examples, and always end with actionable steps. As algorithms evolve, so must your content—keeping it fresh ensures your place atop the SEO mountain. Ready to give your old blogs a second chance?