Pieces
Gender and language
This interactive website by Reuters explores language and gender identity, specifically focusing on the experiences of the LGBT community. It presents data and statistics related to the use of gendered language in various contexts, such as legislation, media, and social media. The website incorporates engaging visuals, charts, and infographics to highlight the challenges faced by the LGBT community in terms of representation and inclusion. Through interactive features, users can explore different regions and languages to understand how gendered language impacts individuals' experiences and perceptions. Overall, the website aims to increase awareness and promote dialogue regarding the role of language in LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
New reads on blurring K12 and college, 'HyFlex' and more
This webpage discusses the concept of "HyFlex" education, which blurs the lines between K-12 and college-level education. The article explains how HyFlex (hybrid-flexible) learning models allow students to have more flexibility in how they engage with their coursework, including options for in-person, online, or a combination of both learning environments. It highlights the potential benefits of HyFlex, such as enabling personalized learning experiences and expanding access to education. The article also discusses some challenges and considerations for implementing HyFlex models, including the need for effective technology resources and support. Overall, it presents HyFlex as an innovative approach that has the potential to revolutionize education by allowing for greater customization and adaptability.
How to use analogies for good not evil
This website showcases a collection of analogies that are designed to provoke creative thinking and inspire new ideas. The analogies presented on the website cover a wide range of topics, from science and technology to nature and everyday life. Each analogy is presented in a concise and thought-provoking manner, encouraging visitors to think critically and make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Whether you are looking for a new perspective or simply enjoy exploring the power of analogical thinking, this website offers a diverse array of analogies to stimulate your imagination.
The U.S. is now energy independent
This article discusses the significant milestone achieved by the United States in terms of energy independence, particularly in the petroleum sector. It highlights how the US has become a net petroleum exporter for the first time in 70 years, signaling a major shift in the global energy landscape. The article explores the factors that have contributed to this achievement, including advancements in drilling technology, increased domestic oil production, and a decrease in petroleum consumption. It also examines the potential geopolitical and economic implications of the US becoming a net exporter in the petroleum market. Overall, the article provides an overview of the US energy sector's transformation and its impact on the country's position within the global energy market.
Stop brainstorming
In this thought-provoking essay, the author challenges the traditional approach of brainstorming and argues that it is not an effective method for generating creative ideas. The author highlights the flaws of brainstorming, such as the tendency for groupthink and the pressure to conform to popular ideas. Instead, the author suggests a more individualistic approach called "brainwriting" which involves silently generating ideas and exchanging them with others. This allows for a more diverse range of ideas to emerge and encourages a deeper level of thinking. The essay challenges the widely accepted notion of brainstorming and offers an alternative method that may be more effective in fostering creativity.
Searching for
'Searching for Susy Thunder' is an article that follows a photographer's journey to capture the essence of a mysterious storm known as Susy Thunder. The author shares their experiences traveling to different locations and encountering various weather conditions in an attempt to photograph this unique phenomenon. The article not only focuses on the technical aspects of photography but also delves into the personal motivations and emotions behind the photographer's quest. It explores themes of curiosity, perseverance, and the inherent beauty of nature. Through vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling, the article paints a fascinating picture of the pursuit of capturing a fleeting moment in time.
How the Soviets Put a Lander on Venus
This blog post delves into the Soviet Union's successful mission of landing a spacecraft on Venus. It provides a detailed account of the various challenges and engineering feats involved in this pioneering venture. The article discusses the Venera program, which was launched in the 1960s and aimed to explore Venus. It highlights the technological advancements made by the Soviet Union, such as developing spacecraft capable of withstanding the extreme conditions on Venus, including high temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The author describes the strategies and instruments used in the Venera missions, shedding light on the remarkable achievements of the Soviet space program in studying our neighboring planet.
David Graeber’s Possible Worlds
This article discusses the book "The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity" by David Graeber and David Wengrow. The book challenges traditional narratives of human history and civilization, arguing for a more egalitarian and cooperative view of early societies. The authors explore the concept of "the social imaginary" and demonstrate how human societies have always been shaped by ideas, beliefs, and imaginations rather than simple material needs. The article highlights the key arguments and theories presented in the book, including the importance of collaboration and mutual aid in human evolution. It also examines the criticisms and debates surrounding the book's ideas, noting its potential impact on our understanding of the past and future of humanity.
“It’s a bloodbath”
This article discusses the scarcity of skilled software developers in Latin America and its impact on the startup ecosystem in the region. It highlights how the demand for software developers has been growing rapidly, driven by the expansion of tech startups, but the supply of skilled developers has not kept up. The article explores various reasons for this scarcity, such as a lack of quality education, brain drain, and competition from large tech companies. It also examines the consequences of this scarcity, including higher wages, increased competition for talent, and challenges in scaling businesses. The article concludes by discussing potential solutions and initiatives aimed at addressing the developer shortage in Latin America.
What fast fashion costs the world
This article discusses the environmental and social costs associated with fast fashion. It highlights the negative impacts of the rapid production and consumption of low-cost clothing, including pollution, waste, and worker exploitation. The article explores how fast fashion contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water contamination, and the depletion of natural resources. It also delves into the poor working conditions and low wages endured by garment workers in fast fashion supply chains. The author argues that the current fast fashion industry is unsustainable and proposes alternative approaches such as slow fashion and circular fashion that prioritize ethical and sustainable production practices.
In a sea of skeptics, this physician was one of fibromyalgia patients’ few true allies. Or was he?
This article tells the story of a physician who became one of the few true allies for fibromyalgia patients. It focuses on EpicGenetics, a laboratory company that developed a blood test claiming to diagnose fibromyalgia. The article explores the controversy surrounding the test and the involvement of the physician. It discusses the criticisms raised by other medical professionals about the legitimacy and accuracy of the test, as well as the conflicts of interest associated with its promotion. The article also delves into the experiences of fibromyalgia patients and their search for validation and effective treatments. It raises questions about the role of marketing and selling certainty in the medical field and the complexities of diagnosing and treating conditions like fibromyalgia.
This Is No Way to Be Human
This article discusses the concept of a 'machine garden' and the idea of creating nature in a technological world. It explores the role and influence of technology in shaping our relationship with nature and how the increasing artificiality of our environment impacts our well-being. The article highlights various examples of urban spaces and buildings that incorporate technology to mimic or simulate natural elements, such as artificial trees or virtual reality nature experiences. It also raises questions about the potential benefits and drawbacks of relying on technology to provide us with nature-like experiences. Ultimately, the article prompts readers to contemplate the future of nature in an increasingly technological society.
The Deep and Twisted Roots of the American Yam
This article delves into the history and confusion surrounding yams and sweet potatoes in American cuisine. It explains that what many Americans refer to as yams are actually sweet potatoes, and examines how this misclassification came about. The article traces the origins of both yams and sweet potatoes, highlighting their different characteristics and genetic backgrounds. It also explores the historical context of how these terms were misused in the United States, particularly during the era of slavery. The author addresses the cultural and culinary significance of sweet potatoes in various regions of the country, and concludes by discussing efforts to accurately label and differentiate between yams and sweet potatoes in modern times.
Ten Million a Year
In this essay, David Wallace-Wells addresses the urgency and severity of the climate crisis we are facing. He discusses the staggering statistic that, according to recent studies, air pollution caused by fossil fuel emissions is responsible for ten million premature deaths every year. Wallace-Wells argues that this death toll is not only a result of climate change but also the immediate health impacts of pollution. The essay emphasizes the need for immediate action to address the climate crisis and transition to cleaner energy sources to protect human lives and the planet.
Shrooms
This webpage provides essential information about the psychedelic substance psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms. It offers a comprehensive guide on the effects, risks, dosage, and potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin mushrooms. The article discusses the subjective experiences and potential benefits of consuming psilocybin, including enhanced creativity, spiritual insights, and mood improvement. It also highlights potential risks and precautions associated with using magic mushrooms, such as the importance of a safe and controlled environment, proper dosage, and potential psychological impacts. The webpage serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking objective and reliable information about psilocybin mushrooms to make informed decisions.
Matrix Multiplication Inches Closer to Mythic Goal
This article discusses recent advancements in the field of matrix multiplication, a fundamental operation in mathematics and computer science. Matrix multiplication is essential for various applications, including machine learning and cryptography. The article highlights a breakthrough by mathematicians who made progress in finding a way to multiply matrices more efficiently, specifically aiming to achieve the "exponent 2.376" goal. It explains the significance of this goal and the potential implications for computational efficiency. The article also delves into the history of the problem and the various techniques and ideas used by researchers to approach it. Overall, it provides insight into the ongoing efforts to improve matrix multiplication algorithms and the potential impact on computational capabilities.
Kidnapping, assassination and a London shoot-out
This article delves into the covert operations the CIA considered against WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange. It discusses three main plans: kidnapping, assassination, and a shoot-out in London. The article reveals how the agency explored various options to neutralize Assange and prevent further leaks of classified information. It highlights the internal debates within the CIA and the legal and operational challenges associated with each plan. Ultimately, it emphasizes the depth of the agency's efforts to counter WikiLeaks and the controversies surrounding such clandestine operations.
The Internet Has a Rat Poison Problem
This article discusses the problem of rat poison being used as a popular method of pest control and the negative impact it has on wildlife, particularly birds of prey. It highlights how rodenticides can enter the food chain and accumulate in the bodies of predators, causing significant harm and even death. The article emphasizes the importance of finding alternative, more eco-friendly methods of rodent control to protect both wildlife and human health. It also raises awareness about the role individuals can play in advocating for stricter regulations on these toxic substances and promoting safer practices.
The Great Organic-Food Fraud
In this New Yorker article, the author investigates the organic food industry and highlights the rampant fraud that exists within it. The article explores how the exponential growth in demand for organic products has created opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to profit by misrepresenting the true nature of their products. The author delves into various cases of fraud, such as conventional products labeled as organic and imported organic goods that fail to meet the required standards. Additionally, the article discusses the challenges faced by regulators in effectively policing the industry and suggests improvements that could be made to ensure the integrity of organic labeling. Overall, the article sheds light on the complexities and pitfalls of the organic food market, urging consumers to be more discerning and knowledgeable about the products they purchase.
Why Americans are rethinking where they want to live
This article from The Economist examines the trend of Americans reevaluating their preferred places to live. It discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to reconsider the desirability of densely populated cities, with factors such as high living costs, urban unrest, and limited access to outdoor spaces playing a role. The article also highlights the growing appeal of smaller cities and suburban areas, which offer lower costs of living, more space, and a sense of community. Remote work trends and changing priorities are cited as contributing factors to this shift in preferences. The article concludes by noting that while the pandemic has sparked this reevaluation, its long-term impact on urbanization patterns remains uncertain.
This Keyboard Lets People Type So Fast It’s Banned From Typing Competitions
This article discusses an innovative keyboard called the "Optimus Maximus," known for its ability to greatly improve typing speed. The keyboard is equipped with customizable OLED displays for each key, allowing users to assign different characters or functions to each one. With this setup, users can type rapidly without needing to move their hands across the keyboard, resulting in significantly increased typing speeds. The article mentions how the keyboard has been banned from typing competitions due to the unfair advantage it provides. It also highlights the potential impact of such technology on productivity and efficiency in various professional fields.
Beware Prophecies of Civil War
In this thought-provoking article, the author examines the historical parallels and prophecies related to the possibility of a second Civil War in America. Drawing on various sources, the article highlights the political polarization and divisiveness in the country, exploring the deep-rooted ideological divides and controversial events that have fueled these tensions. It delves into the predictions made by historians, scholars, and political commentators regarding the potential future outcomes and consequences of such a conflict. While acknowledging the uncertainties and complexities surrounding this topic, the author presents a nuanced analysis of the factors contributing to the nation's current state and the potential ramifications for its future stability.
We Live By a Unit of Time That Doesn’t Make Sense
In this essay, David Henkin, the author of the book "The Week: Seven Days and the Creation of the World," explores the history and cultural significance of the seven-day week. Henkin delves into the origins of the seven-day week, tracing its roots back to the ancient Near East and its eventual adoption by different civilizations throughout history. He discusses how religious beliefs and astronomical observations played a role in shaping the seven-day week as we know it today. Henkin also reflects on the societal impact of the seven-day week, highlighting its influence on work-life balance and the rhythm of our daily lives. Overall, the essay provides a fascinating exploration of the history and meaning behind the seven-day week.
Time Travel
This review examines the book 'Time Travel: Probability and Impossibility' by Alastair Wilson. The book explores the concept of time travel from a philosophical perspective, discussing various theories and paradoxes related to time travel. The reviewer highlights how Wilson delves into the nature of time and causality, addressing questions about the possibility and plausibility of time travel. Wilson's arguments are dissected, including his exploration of the Grandfather Paradox and the Novikov Self-Consistency Principle. The reviewer concludes that the book provides a comprehensive analysis of time travel and its philosophical implications, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the subject.
This house in San Francisco's Mission District has millions of tabs of LSD on the walls
This article explores the Institute of Illegal Images, a collection of LSD-inspired artwork created by artist Mark McCloud. The institute houses one of the largest collections of blotter art, which are decorative sheets of paper infused with LSD. The article delves into the history of blotter art, its connection to the psychedelic culture of the 1960s, and its evolution as a form of underground art. It discusses McCloud's motivations behind collecting and preserving these pieces and the legal challenges he has faced due to the illicit nature of the substances depicted. The article highlights the cultural significance of the Institute of Illegal Images and its role in preserving an era of counterculture and psychedelic art.
Bros., Lecce
In this blog post, the author recounts their experience dining at Bros restaurant in Lecce, Italy, which had been awarded a Michelin star. The author describes their disappointment with both the food and service, highlighting various flaws in their dining experience. They discuss the overcomplicated dishes that lacked flavor and coherence, as well as the unimpressive presentation. The author also shares their interactions with the restaurant staff, noting their lack of warmth and attentiveness. Overall, this blog post offers a candid and critical review of Bros restaurant and provides insights into the author's underwhelming experience at a Michelin-starred establishment.
With God as My Witness I Will Not Pick the Restaurant
In this humorous article, the author expresses the difficulty of picking a restaurant when going out with friends. The author comically highlights the various challenges and pitfalls, such as catering to everyone's dietary restrictions, accommodating different tastes, and avoiding any responsibility or blame for a bad dining experience. The piece is written in a light-hearted tone and captures the relatable struggle of making a decision that appeases everyone in a group outing.
The Dune movie flushed away a chance to talk about wastewater
This article discusses the iconic 'stillsuits' from the science fiction novel "Dune" and their adaptation for the upcoming movie adaptation. Stillsuits are wearable devices that recycle the wearer's moisture, making them crucial in the desert world of the story. The article explores how the filmmakers addressed the practicalities of creating functional and visually striking stillsuits for the movie. It delves into the design process, highlighting the use of recycled and upcycled materials to create an authentic and environmentally-conscious look. The article also includes images showcasing the intricate details of the stillsuits. Overall, the article offers insight into the creative and sustainable approach taken by the filmmakers in bringing the world of "Dune" to life.
Opioids Feel Like Love. That’s Why They’re Deadly in Tough Times.
This opinion piece from The New York Times discusses the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. The author highlights the alarming statistics related to opioid overdoses and deaths, attributing much of the crisis to the aggressive marketing and overprescription of opioids by pharmaceutical companies. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response, including measures such as increasing access to addiction treatment, holding pharmaceutical executives accountable, and implementing harm reduction strategies. It also argues for a shift in focus from punitive measures to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to addiction, such as poverty, trauma, and lack of access to healthcare. Overall, the article calls for urgent action to address this devastating crisis.