Click thru for photos: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/11/science/wingspan-board-game-elizabeth-hargrave.html? She Invented a Board Game With Scientific Integrity. It’s Taking Off. How Elizabeth Hargrave turned a passion for ornithology and spreadsheets into a popular game about birds. After playing too many games that didn't match her interests, Elizabeth Hargrave, the creator of Wingspan, decided to make one: “Wouldn’t it … Continue reading Neat new scientifically based board game about birds
Month: March 2019
Why plastic doesn’t dry in the dishwasher and how to keep it clean
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/why-plastic-doesnt-dry-in-the-dishwasher-and-other-information-about-cleaning-it/2019/03/04/68eb096e-3ab9-11e9-a2cd-307b06d0257b_story.html?utm_term=.15cf7e1b6051 Why plastic doesn’t dry in the dishwasher, and other information about cleaning it (iStock) By Laura Daily March 5 “Just one word: plastics.” While Dustin Hoffman’s character in “The Graduate” may have inwardly cringed at the thought, plastic indeed was the future. Love it or hate it, you can’t escape the ubiquitous product. Nor can … Continue reading Why plastic doesn’t dry in the dishwasher and how to keep it clean
Coal ash always contaminates local water supplies — PERIOD
Yet another reason why coal-fired plants are dangerous. Fresh water is the most essential product on the planet short of air. To allow the contamination of groundwater is, in my view, criminal. https://www.ecowatch.com/groundwater-contamination-coal-ash-2630617715.html?share_id=4438366 Top 10 Most Contaminated Groundwater Sites Revealed in First Major Coal Ash Pollution Study Earthjustice Mar. 04, 2019 09:31AM EST The San … Continue reading Coal ash always contaminates local water supplies — PERIOD
Not that the anti-vaxxers are going to pay attention, but another large scale study says hogwash
Please destroy and dispose of balloons once you’ve celebrated — please
https://e360.yale.edu/digest/balloons-more-deadly-for-seabirds-than-any-other-kind-of-plastic? E360 DIGEST MARCH 8, 2019 Balloons More Deadly For Seabirds Than Any Other Kind of Plastic Autopsy of a white headed petrel, with balloon debris. LAUREN ROMAN Balloons and balloon fragments are the deadliest kinds of marine pollution for seabirds, killing almost one in five birds that ingest the soft plastic, according to a new study published … Continue reading Please destroy and dispose of balloons once you’ve celebrated — please
Rabbit genes might help plants clean air inside buildings
https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/how-rabbit-genes-could-turn-ordinary-houseplants-pollution-eating-machines-ncna979486 ENVIRONMENT How rabbit genes could turn ordinary houseplants into pollution-eating machines Tests show that genetically modified ivy can help eliminate toxins that build up in indoor air. The team behind the modified houseplants: Ryan Routsong, Long Zhang and Stuart Strand.Mark Stone/University of Washington March 5, 2019, 1:17 PM EST By Lynne Peeples By sucking carbon dioxide … Continue reading Rabbit genes might help plants clean air inside buildings
One person’s action can be lifesaving around the world
This is one of those "of course" stories. One anesthetist in Australia put his name and position on the cap worn in the surgical room: It became a viral approach around the world that has saved lives, promoted interaction among medical professionals, and been fun to boot. If you're trying to signal someone with your … Continue reading One person’s action can be lifesaving around the world
Fast food is a huge contributor to obesity — larger, saltier, unhealthier than ever before
Bigger, Saltier, Heavier: Fast Food Since 1986 in 3 Simple Charts Adding lighter fare like salads to the usual burgers and fries has meant more options for time-pressed diners. But the meals are largely less healthy now, a new study finds. “The big picture is that there have been some positive changes,” one researcher said … Continue reading Fast food is a huge contributor to obesity — larger, saltier, unhealthier than ever before
Depressing article that explains much of inability to move up in economic class in the US
https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/02/class-ceiling-laurison-friedman-elite-jobs/582175/? The ‘Hidden Mechanisms’ That Help Those Born Rich to Excel in Elite Jobs When two sociologists interviewed highly paid architects, TV producers, actors, and accountants, they encountered work cultures that favor the already affluent. JOE PINSKERFEB 26, 2019 KEVIN COOMBS / REUTERSOver the past five years, the sociologists Daniel Laurison and Sam Friedman have … Continue reading Depressing article that explains much of inability to move up in economic class in the US
8 Easy ways to live a greener life
This NY Times article is a remarkably simple and doable list of things you can change that will help you care for this wonderful planet. https://tpc.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-32/html/container.html 8 Things You Can Do to Care for the Planet It’s simpler than you think. CreditCreditPeter Gamlen By James K. Williamson Feb. 24, 2019 Welcome to the Smarter Living newsletter! … Continue reading 8 Easy ways to live a greener life
Stop recycling bottles without their caps and don’t bother recycling black plastic food containers
The mechanics of separation of recyclable materials can become endlessly complex. When I see something like this, I try to incorporate into my habits so I no longer need to think about it. Although the headline above tells you what you need to know, these articles explain why you need to make the change. https://lifehacker.com/stop-recycling-plastic-bottles-without-caps-on-1832992981 … Continue reading Stop recycling bottles without their caps and don’t bother recycling black plastic food containers
Why not keep an eye out for award-worthy movies year-round?
It's somewhat absurd to read articles that predict now which movies may receive awards a year from now. So why do it? Because you'll be alert to theatre movies show up in your local theatre (but only in NYC and LA) for the bare week that makes them eligible for award condition. Or, if they're … Continue reading Why not keep an eye out for award-worthy movies year-round?
Abycats' Thoughts 