Hello and welcome to the first issue of the decade! I've been sitting on publishing this one because of a lack of Internet out in Chiba Prefecture, my first time in Japan at the start of a trip back to SE Asia. But it's done, and full of goodness starting with a TV show I'm really enjoying, actionable advice on climate change, negativity as a relationship killer, the changing use of public spaces, and a personal revelation as the year begins.<\/p>\n\n
Here's what perked my ears from the past month:<\/p>\n\n
This may not be a Japanese invention, but I'm impressed by the windows in this new Nippon Boeing 787 I took to cross the Atlantic. Two buttons adjust the tint that somehow, through the magic of technology (or some gas), the window changes shade slowly. Taking cues from UK's famed "nudge" behavioral economists, Japan's labyrinth metro network is a test bed for influencing crowd behavior with unique solutions. If you haven't been completely overwhelmed by climate anxiety after the recent fires in Australia and haven't yet figured out how to save the world, this piece is an excellent starting point to shake your paralysis. You don't have to a politician, full-time activist, or have a degree in environmental science to make change. Five steps to join the cause, because there is no greater issue in our times. Why are long-term relationships so difficult? Authors of The Power of Bad: How the Negativity Effect Rules Us and How We Can Rule It<\/em> made this the focus of their research, finding that how one responds to a partner's negativity is a leading factor in disconnection. Falling into the demand – withdraw pattern? Your well-meaning actions may actually be destructive, bringing you closer to a breaking point. An organizational psychologist's research found three main reasons why we follow the inept and provides solutions on how we can move forward to elect leaders who exemplify empathy, humility and competence. It's all about that bias, about that bias, no treble… Recently I was in a room of friends spanning from the teenage years to the sixties sharing podcast recommendations. Not only did it show how mainstream podcasts have become, but it also made me acutely aware of my consumption bubbles. Especially in my circles of mostly middle-class men, Joe Rogan's podcast is one of the most listened to, if not the most listened in the world. So when recommending a specific episode, the best I could recall that wasn't about bio-hacking, hunting, or MMA was with Harvard philosopher and activist Cornel West is thought-provoking and reassuring, as they cover image, status, comedy and socialism in an engaging way. After experimenting with switching from nut milks to home-made oat milk, I've now stopped buying alt-milks altogether. The main change driver was the amount of not-so-recyclable Tetra-Paks piling up in the "recycle" bin. It's main use was for smoothies, but it turns out you don't need milk! Here's what I've been doing in the mornings instead: I make a large pot of tea – preferably rooibos, any herbal or even green tea – then enjoy a hot cup, pouring the rest into a mason jar and sticking it in the fridge. The next day I use the cold tea as the base. You don't get the simple milky smoothies like almond peanut butter banana, but with frozen bananas and fruit, I don't miss it. A company now even started a business on Rooibos smoothies. My second house I grew up in had four bedrooms and five televisions. Look around today and instead of being glued to the tube, everyone is on their personal devices. But do we even know what is on the screen? Instagram? Sports? Porn? On generational differences and the importance of public spaces vs "non-places" to amplify or negate one's sense of self. This light-hearted graphic novel is about Death, who has never missed a day of work. That's until HR forces him to take a year's sabbatical. How does Death spend his time? A hilarious ode to leisure and life by illustrator Brian Rea. I found this gem at The Museum of Contemporary Art in LA and I couldn't wait until my turn came up for it at the local library.
\nCityLab (8min read)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\nHow to Stop Freaking Out and Tackle Climate Change<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
\nThe New York Times (6min read)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\nHow Negativity Can Kill A Relationship<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
\nThe Atlantic (10min read)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\nWhy Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
\nTED Ideas (5min read)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\u25e6 listen in<\/h1>\n\n
Dr. Cornel West on the Joe Rogan Experience<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
\nJRE #1325 20190724 (1hr58min podcast)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\u25e6 eat well<\/h1>\n\n
No More Almond Milk, Oat Milk, or Any Milk<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
\nRooibos Smoothies by RedEspresso<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\u25e6 read slow<\/h1>\n\n
Every Place Is the Same Now<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
\nThe Atlantic (11min read)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\u25e6 current read<\/h1>\n\n
Death Wins a Goldfish<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
\nDeath Wins a Goldfish Brian Rea (168p book)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\u25e6 humble thought<\/h1>\n\n
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