Good Morning. Half an inch of ice can snap power lines and collapse trees. This weekend's storm could dump twice that across the South.
We share simple flu prevention, why we twitch in our sleep, and the simplest path to wealth (forwarded this email? Join 523k readers).
But first…
OUR UPCOMING CHALLENGE
Which challenge should we do together as a community?
TOP STORY TODAY
Catastrophic Ice Storm
Forecasters warn a major winter storm could bring devastating ice accumulations from Texas to the Carolinas starting Friday through Sunday. The National Weather Service predicts "great swaths of heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous freezing rain" across the southern U.S., with potential half-inch to one-inch ice accumulations threatening widespread power outages.
Arctic air from Canada will clash with Gulf moisture, creating an atmospheric river across southern states. Temperatures will drop into the teens and twenties, with ice potentially persisting for days. Metro Atlanta could see particularly severe impacts, with lows around 22 degrees Monday preventing melting.
Southern states possess limited snow removal equipment compared to northern regions. Major hub airports in Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte expect significant disruptions (180 million people in path). Over 100 vehicles crashed Monday on Michigan interstate during similar conditions, illustrating travel dangers ahead.
Vitamin D Fights Flu
Oxford scientists confirmed vitamin D protects against flu and respiratory infections. Analysis of 36,000 British adults revealed severe vitamin D deficiency increases hospitalization risk by 33 percent. Each 10 nmol/L vitamin D increase reduced hospital admissions by 4 percent for respiratory infections.
Researchers from Oxford, Surrey, and Reading universities examined hospital admission rates for flu (record year), pneumonia, and bronchitis based on vitamin D blood levels. Severe deficiency (below 15 nmol/L) showed significantly higher hospitalization rates compared to optimal levels (above 75 nmol/L). The study represents the largest analysis to date.
NHS recommends daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplements during autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is limited. Older adults and ethnic minorities face higher deficiency risk. Vitamin D occurs naturally in oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, and fortified cereals. Additional benefits.
Best Business States
WalletHub ranked all 50 states on startup friendliness in 2026, analyzing labor costs, corporate taxes, small-business growth, industry diversity, and funding access. Florida topped the rankings, followed by Utah and Texas. The data reveals significant geographic disparities in entrepreneurial conditions.
Florida (first) offers low corporate taxes and steady business growth. Utah provides strong investor access and workforce growth. Texas delivers substantial talent pools despite higher rent costs. Oklahoma, Idaho, Mississippi, and Georgia also ranked favorably with reasonable costs and accessible resources for new ventures.
Rhode Island (last) ranked 50th, with Maryland, Connecticut, and Hawaii close behind due to high startup costs. New York placed 41st despite its large market, facing expensive operating conditions. The rankings suggest location significantly impacts startup success, with southern and western states generally offering more favorable entrepreneurial environments.
TOGETHER WITH FORKFUL
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TODAY’S LIFE ADVICE
2026 Predictions (and Warnings)
The All-In Podcast features four tech investors (Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg) discussing business, politics, and technology trends. These are their 2026 predictions:
Predictions of 5-6% GDP growth driven by potential rate cuts and tax policy changes
Historic California exodus: $500B in wealth already departed; proposed wealth tax could accelerate migration
Democratic Socialists (DSA) predicted to gain influence within Democratic Party
Tech industry faces criticism from both political sides over various issues
Ongoing tensions between tech companies and parts of conservative movement
Calls for dialogue between tech leaders and critics across political spectrum
Discussion of shift in hemispheric policy approach toward Latin America
Venezuela operation highlighted: brief duration, minimal casualties, limited scope
The Simple Path to Wealth
J.L. Collins, author of 'The Simple Path to Wealth,' shares his philosophy on achieving financial independence through simple, proven strategies. Collins emphasizes that financial independence is achievable regardless of income level, and that the key is developing the right relationship with money and understanding opportunity costs.This conversation covers why buying a house may not be the best financial decision for young people seeking wealth, the importance of avoiding debt, and how to think about money as a tool for buying freedom rather than just purchasing things.
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Fun Links
How Disney recycles animation [Video]
Why we twitch in our sleep [Blog]
14 red flags for a bad recipe [Blog]
How dogs choose a favorite person [Blog]
The next big supplement trend [Video]