April 23, 2026 — Today is National Talk Like Shakespeare Day, which feels like a good excuse to say things a little differently than usual.

Today we’re looking at a few moments where systems, expectations, and definitions didn’t quite line up the way people thought they would.

First, the founding of the first public school in 1635, a system that would grow into something widely expected.

Then, the introduction of New Coke in 1985, a change that made sense on paper—but didn’t land with people.

And finally, a strange moment where a fax machine technically outperformed physical competitors, depending on how you defined the rules.

Plus, a quick look at William Shakespeare, whose way of writing has lasted for centuries.

It raises a question about how often expectations shape what we accept as success.

Anyway… that’s what I ended up finding while working through April 23.