Language, and how we understand it, always intrigues me. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/11/20/780988618/the-loudness-of-vowels-helps-the-brain-break-down-speech-into-syl-la-bles -- video and audio omitted The Loudness Of Vowels Helps The Brain Break Down Speech Into Syl-La-Bles November 20, 20194:09 PM ET Heard on All Things Considered The brain analyzes changes in sound volume to detect syllables and make sense of speech. filo/Getty Images When … Continue reading Humans use vowels to break language down into syllables
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Reading and listening to books may produce the same input into the brain
Altho the sample from which the conclusions are drawn is laughably small, I won't be at all surprised if the eventual conclusion is consistent with this article. Some people learn best from auditory input, others from visual. Why should it be different with books? https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2019/08/19/end-audiobook-snobbery-scientists-find-hearing-listening-activates/ End of audiobook snobbery as scientists find reading and listening … Continue reading Reading and listening to books may produce the same input into the brain
Microsoft allowing the import of multiple Google products into Outlook
The Verge is a trusted source, at least for me, so I have to believe that Microsoft is essentially turning many of its functions over to Google products. But I am definitely surprised. (Happily,) I haven't used Outlook in many years, but this has to be good news to Microsoft users. https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/20/20973889/microsoft-outlook-web-gmail-google-drive-calendar-integration-support-features Microsoft is bringing … Continue reading Microsoft allowing the import of multiple Google products into Outlook
Solar breakthough could make solar energy effective for far more tasks
This is a true breakthrough that makes solar energy able to do heavy lifting of the sort achieved only by major fossil fuel operations. This is big. Secretive energy startup backed by Bill Gates achieves solar breakthrough By Matt Egan, CNN Business Updated 11:04 AM ET, Tue November 19, 2019 New York (CNN Business)A secretive … Continue reading Solar breakthough could make solar energy effective for far more tasks
Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees for 2020 Announced
2020 Independent Spirit Awards Nominees: ‘Marriage Story,’ ‘Uncut Gems,’ and More "Moonlight," "Spotlight," "Birdman," and more all won the Spirit Award for Best Feature the day before taking Best Picture at the Oscars. Zack Sharf Nov 21, 2019 12:49 pm @zsharf The nominations for the 35th Independent Spirit Awards have been announced, and it was … Continue reading Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees for 2020 Announced
Trees could solve the climate crisis if only we would act in concert
These two articles approach trees from totally different directions -- one about carbon sequestration, the other about how trees relate to each other. They're both quite useful in different ways. I also recommend reading "The Overstory" by Richard Powers. Trees could literally save the planet. https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change-planting-trees-2639092782.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1 https://mysticalraven.com/news/2934/study-finds-trees-have-feelings-make-friends-and-look-after-each-other-like-an-old-couple
Books to help you sound smart at Thanksgiving
Anyone who believes that having read a book will actually help you win an argument with family is simply dreaming but this is definitely a list of recent nonfiction that will leave you with plenty of trivia, at the very least. https://www.bookbub.com/blog/books-that-make-you-smarter-thanksgiving?position=6&source=multicontent&target=title These Books Will Make You the Smartest Person at Thanksgiving By Kristina Wright•November 21, … Continue reading Books to help you sound smart at Thanksgiving
Can this country survive the demographic changes ahead?
I'm among the many people concerned about the survival of democracy and the Constitutional model for the future of government in the United States. The implicit assumption is that it should be possible to keep things as they've been. In a way, that way of thinking tho is nothing more than a mirror image of … Continue reading Can this country survive the demographic changes ahead?
Last minute Thanksgiving food ideas from Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe's always makes me feel claustrophobic but I have the great joy of having a guest for the December holidays who absolutely Loves to do errands. Several of these sound worth having. https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/trader-joes-thanksgiving-food-sides-store-bought Trader Joe's Best Thanksgiving Foods for Lazy People By Lee Breslouer Updated On 11/07/2019 at 12:58PM EST @LeeBreslouer Danna Windsor | … Continue reading Last minute Thanksgiving food ideas from Trader Joe’s
Farmers just beginning to get the attention they deserve as they wrestle with the climate crisis
Farmers are the nation's frontline of dealing with the climate crisis. Of course the storms that displace people and destroy structures, flora, and fauna are disastrous but having enough food and water are more immediate. Some attention is being paid to ensuring a fresh water supply (not enough) but the problems of farmers are not … Continue reading Farmers just beginning to get the attention they deserve as they wrestle with the climate crisis
Testing the President’s cognitive decline
Altho this article is obviously written in the context of all of our older politicians, it's also highly relevant for anyone who's getting older. Some are more paranoid than others about their minds turning to mush, depending on family history and observable symptoms. But anyone with even a touch of introspection is well aware that … Continue reading Testing the President’s cognitive decline
Environmental protection laws make a huge difference
I've posted regularly about the wholesale destruction of decades of environmental protection legislation by this administration. I'm pleased to be able to post an article about a law that worked to make a big difference when disaster threatened. https://www.ecowatch.com/oil-leak-shell-puget-sound-2641378550.html? Oil Spill Prevention Law Helps Contain Leak at Shell Puget Sound Refinery Olivia Rosane Nov. 18, … Continue reading Environmental protection laws make a huge difference
Abycats' Thoughts 