Buffalo’s Lakeward Spirits Craft Distillery

Repurposing the 115-year-old Barrel Factory for a spirituous operation

Buffalo continues to reclaim the grandeur of its past in ways both accessible and exciting—a benefit to its residents and an invitation to those drawn to the western New York city and its surrounding region. No example carries quite as many moving parts as The Barrel Factory, a 115-year-old factory of brick and wood in the historic Old First Ward neighborhood. Much can be said …

New Mind-Uploading Start-Up Can Only Preserve “Fresh” Brains

Y Combinator start-up Nectome believes they’re capable of backing up the mind for future digitization. Their process involves preserving every microscopic detail of the brain with a new, advanced embalming process paired with cryonics. It’s the ability to keep the connectome intact, or the web of synapses that connect neurons, that sets them apart from others pursuing similar preservation. As Technology Review points out though, …

The Decemberists: Once In My Life

With “Once In My Life,” The Decemberists tap into their ability to soar gently, sailing along elegant waves of wonder and whimsy. It’s a beautiful track, drawn from their forthcoming album I’ll Be Your Girl, and makes clear the power of frontman Colin Meloy’s vocals and songwriting.