Weekend Reads v. 11.10.2024
It's Fall, Y'all!
Did you see the northern lights last night? Somehow, even though I missed this spectacular event, it still felt sort of magical to know the sky was showing off for so many people. And seeing “NOAA issues severe geomagnetic storm watch” as a news item feels super dramatic but in a good way…especially after the devastation from Helene and Milton. So, here’s to hoping for more instances of the kind of drama that excites and extending lots of love and grace to those enduring the kind of drama that devastates.
The Outsiders was a beloved book when I was in middle school. The movie…well, it’s still one of my absolute favorites and not because of the aaaahh-mazing cast. Apparently, we have a librarian and 110 students from Lone Star School in Fresno, CA to thank for the movie.
What makes a person wise?
31 Halloween movies in case you’re looking for something to watch this month.
Earth will have a mini moon for two months.
Generation Alpha has an “IT” water bottle. (of course they do)
Self-awareness is a prized state of being, so how does one become self-aware? This study found that while most people identify themselves as self-aware, an estimated 10-15% of people actually fit the criteria.
This report about microplastics is a bit alarming.
“Microplastic describes the tiny bits of plastic particles (typically 5mm or smaller) that persist in the natural environment from sources such as tires, textiles, plastic-coated fertilizers, and paint. It’s found in food and drink and everywhere from deep sea sediments, reef-building corals, and the summit of Mount Everest to human breast milk, placental tissue, and blood.
Most recently, scientists found microplastic in the part of the human brain involved in the sense of smell (olfactory bulb), which suggests a potential route for plastic to enter the brain.
“Leave-on” cosmetics and personal care products include items like sunscreens, moisturizers, and deodorants. They contain microplastic that can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Packaging may also shed secondary microplastic debris into products, say University of Birmingham researchers in a study published last month [September 2024] in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.” Source
Adobe challenged U.K. artists to remake iconic paintings using photography. Some of the entries are quite clever!
Speaking of photographs, these finalists from the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are a nice break from all the doom and gloom in the news.