The Steep Cost of Bio-Based Plastics
undark.org · 6 minGrowing crops to make plastic may theoretically reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but at an enormous environmental cost.
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Today’s essential reads
How to Shovel Snow Without Hurting Your Back
Lifehacker · 4 minShovel early and often, push instead of lift, and more ways to survive the next big snowstorm.
Notes From the Inner Lives of Con Artists
PocketVenture inside the mind of some of the greatest scammers.
The five-minute fix: how to improve your fitness, strength and posture at super-quick speed
The Guardian · 8 minIn the time it takes to make a cup of tea, you can build your core muscles, increase hip flexibility and stave off the effects of sitting at your desk all day.
The “zombie” fungus in The Last of Us, explained by a biologist
Vox · 8 minThe good news: You’re safe if you’re not an ant.
Fascinating stories
How to Start Running: A Beginner’s Guide
PocketHere's everything you need to know to start running and actually enjoy it, including simple training programs for absolute beginners, what to eat, how to stretch, and inspiration to keep you going.
How to tell your friends you’re not OK when they ask how you are
stylist.co.uk · 5 minOpening up can feel scary, but it’s also incredibly important. Here’s how to be honest when your friends ask, “How are you?”.
There’s Snow on Mars
The Atlantic · 5 minAnd it would be strangely beautiful to behold.
7 Brutal Truths About Leadership Not Too Many People Want to Hear
Inc. · 3 minWhat defines true leadership success.
How These NYC Public Housing Residents Became Models for Tenant Rights Activism
capitalbnews.org · 10 minOver generations, residents of the Cooper Park Houses in Brooklyn have created a blueprint for successful housing organizing.
16 ways to talk to people who are grieving: ‘You will get it wrong … but you can’t make it worse’
The Guardian · 14 minComedian Cariad Lloyd has spoken to hundreds of bereaved people for her award-winning series Griefcast and a new book on dealing with loss. She shares the lessons she has learned.
Trouble at Sea
biographic.com · 3 minFor salmon in the North Pacific, has the ocean reached its limit?
Here’s What Being Filthy Rich in Europe Looked Like in 1000 BC, 1 AD, and 1000 AD
Big Think · 6 minStudying the display of personal wealth across time can help us better understand the history of socioeconomic inequality.
Navigating the ethics of ancient human DNA research
knowablemagazine.orgPaleogenomic research has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, igniting heated debate about handling remains. Who gives consent for study participants long gone — and who should speak for them today?
What Personality Are You? How the Myers-Briggs Test Took over the World
The Guardian · 14 minDeemed ‘astrology for businessmen’ for some, lauded as life-saving by others, the personality tests are a ‘springboard’ for people to think about who they are.
10 Of The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails In The World As Of 2023
thetravel.com · 5 minHiking these beautiful trails can turn out to be one of the most exciting moments a person will ever have.
How to Spot AI-Generated Art, According to Artists
WIRED · 4 minCreatives disagree about the ethical uses of these tools, but one thing is clear: AI art identification is about to become a whole lot harder.
6 U.S. Islands Where You Can’t Help but Slow Down
Afar · 3 minWhether you’re strolling the coast of an Atlantic island or savoring the sunset on Hawaii’s low-key paradise, you’ll be surprised at how quickly time becomes irrelevant.
Here’s How To Make A Tuna Melt Even Better Than Your Local Diner
Delish · 1 minThe best thing you could possibly do with a can of tuna.
How Mental Health and Prayer Apps Fail Spectacularly at Privacy
PocketYour smartphone can instantly connect you to safe spaces via therapists, guided meditation, or scripture. But how safe—and how private—is the data that comes from these interactions?