Curio Cabinet
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March 21, 2023
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FREEWriting Music Song CurioFree2 CQ
They were a dynamic, music-making duo…until they weren’t. In 1967’s The Two of Us, British composers and songwriters Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, the latter of whom passed away on this day in 2015, seem like the perfect couple. Indeed, the husband-and-wife team not only wrote, sang, and composed music together, they also wrote hits for the likes of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Their joint career was so successful that they came to be known as “Mr. and Mrs. Music.” The Two of Us has the feel of a sitcom theme song with its bouncy, repeating refrain and lyrics about a couple enjoying the simple things in life. Yet, after a massively successful musical partnership and a 35-year marriage, Trent and Hatch had a famously messy divorce. It included legal disputes over which spouse wrote which of their most recent songs, with Trent fighting to be recognized as songwriter on several tracks that Hatch took full credit for. Sometimes, as Sinatra would say, That’s Life!
[Image description: A digital illustration depicting a woman singing in front of a piano and two horn players.] Credit & copyright: Mollyroselee, Pixabay
They were a dynamic, music-making duo…until they weren’t. In 1967’s The Two of Us, British composers and songwriters Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, the latter of whom passed away on this day in 2015, seem like the perfect couple. Indeed, the husband-and-wife team not only wrote, sang, and composed music together, they also wrote hits for the likes of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Their joint career was so successful that they came to be known as “Mr. and Mrs. Music.” The Two of Us has the feel of a sitcom theme song with its bouncy, repeating refrain and lyrics about a couple enjoying the simple things in life. Yet, after a massively successful musical partnership and a 35-year marriage, Trent and Hatch had a famously messy divorce. It included legal disputes over which spouse wrote which of their most recent songs, with Trent fighting to be recognized as songwriter on several tracks that Hatch took full credit for. Sometimes, as Sinatra would say, That’s Life!
[Image description: A digital illustration depicting a woman singing in front of a piano and two horn players.] Credit & copyright: Mollyroselee, Pixabay
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FREEUS History Daily Curio #2622Free1 CQ
Not everything you see on TV is real, but this man was. Fans of the show Yellowstone might have heard that there will be a new spin-off featuring Bass Reeves, a historical figure who helped shape the American West. Born into slavery in 1838, Reeves grew up in Texas before escaping north to the Indian Territories. There, he became acquainted with various tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole. During the Civil War, his knowledge of the region made him a valuable asset as a soldier to the Union Indian Home Guard Regiments, and after the war, he assisted peace officers searching for outlaws. Indeed, many outlaws were known to flee into the Indian Territories to evade officers of the law, few of whom knew how to navigate the area effectively. While Reeves had settled down as a farmer in Arkansas, he used his experience to serve as a scout and tracker for U.S. Marshals before being sworn in as a deputy himself in 1875.
Reeves became one of the first Black deputy Marshals in the West, and he soon gained a reputation as a capable lawman. During his 32 years with the U.S. Marshals, he was the most feared lawman in the Indian Territories, which was known for being dangerous. Reeves survived several attempts on his life by disgruntled outlaws, and was known to have killed at least 14 in the line of duty, though some sources claim that number is even higher.
Being a peace officer in the Wild West took more than just guts and guns. Despite being illiterate, Reeves had a sharp mind that allowed him to memorize writs and warrants. He often wore disguises to get information from criminals, allowing him to capture those who had evaded other lawmen. Some, like the notorious Belle Starr, turned themselves in willingly when they learned that their warrant had been assigned to Reeves. The lawman was known for his integrity. When his own son committed murder, Reeves brought him in to be tried and convicted for the crime. The legend of Bass Reeves fell into obscurity for a time, but has seen a resurgence in interest in recent years. Hopefully, the new show will do him justice.
[Image description: A black and white photo of Bass Reeves.] Credit & copyright: NPS, Wikimedia Commons, Work of the U.S. federal government, Public DomainNot everything you see on TV is real, but this man was. Fans of the show Yellowstone might have heard that there will be a new spin-off featuring Bass Reeves, a historical figure who helped shape the American West. Born into slavery in 1838, Reeves grew up in Texas before escaping north to the Indian Territories. There, he became acquainted with various tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole. During the Civil War, his knowledge of the region made him a valuable asset as a soldier to the Union Indian Home Guard Regiments, and after the war, he assisted peace officers searching for outlaws. Indeed, many outlaws were known to flee into the Indian Territories to evade officers of the law, few of whom knew how to navigate the area effectively. While Reeves had settled down as a farmer in Arkansas, he used his experience to serve as a scout and tracker for U.S. Marshals before being sworn in as a deputy himself in 1875.
Reeves became one of the first Black deputy Marshals in the West, and he soon gained a reputation as a capable lawman. During his 32 years with the U.S. Marshals, he was the most feared lawman in the Indian Territories, which was known for being dangerous. Reeves survived several attempts on his life by disgruntled outlaws, and was known to have killed at least 14 in the line of duty, though some sources claim that number is even higher.
Being a peace officer in the Wild West took more than just guts and guns. Despite being illiterate, Reeves had a sharp mind that allowed him to memorize writs and warrants. He often wore disguises to get information from criminals, allowing him to capture those who had evaded other lawmen. Some, like the notorious Belle Starr, turned themselves in willingly when they learned that their warrant had been assigned to Reeves. The lawman was known for his integrity. When his own son committed murder, Reeves brought him in to be tried and convicted for the crime. The legend of Bass Reeves fell into obscurity for a time, but has seen a resurgence in interest in recent years. Hopefully, the new show will do him justice.
[Image description: A black and white photo of Bass Reeves.] Credit & copyright: NPS, Wikimedia Commons, Work of the U.S. federal government, Public Domain
March 20, 2023
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FREEArt CurioFree1 CQ
It’s a place that still exists…but not really. American artist Allan Rohan Crite was born on this day in 1910. His piece above, Corner of Washington & Northampton Sts., depicts the eponymous intersection on a crowded day in black and white. In the foreground, people are passing without interacting with one another, and in the background, there is an elevated train track with stairs leading up to it. A small child stands out at the center of the crowd as he walks with a large parcel. Crite spent most of his life and career in Boston, Massachusetts, and his art often reflects daily life in the city. His paintings, many of which rely on his keen observations of people and scenery, provide unique glimpses into a city that has changed rapidly in the last century. Much of his work depicts Black residents of the city engaged in everyday activities. Since Black Americans weren’t often portrayed in the art world during Crite’s early life, he stated that his goal was to “paint people of color as normal human beings.” It wasn’t every day that you could see something so everyday.
Corner of Washington & Northampton Sts., Allan Rohan Crite (1910-2007), 1935-1943, 7 x 5.25 in. (17.7 x 13.3 cm.), Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts
[Image credit & copyright: Allan Rohan Crite, Boston Public Library, Wikimedia Commons, Public DomainIt’s a place that still exists…but not really. American artist Allan Rohan Crite was born on this day in 1910. His piece above, Corner of Washington & Northampton Sts., depicts the eponymous intersection on a crowded day in black and white. In the foreground, people are passing without interacting with one another, and in the background, there is an elevated train track with stairs leading up to it. A small child stands out at the center of the crowd as he walks with a large parcel. Crite spent most of his life and career in Boston, Massachusetts, and his art often reflects daily life in the city. His paintings, many of which rely on his keen observations of people and scenery, provide unique glimpses into a city that has changed rapidly in the last century. Much of his work depicts Black residents of the city engaged in everyday activities. Since Black Americans weren’t often portrayed in the art world during Crite’s early life, he stated that his goal was to “paint people of color as normal human beings.” It wasn’t every day that you could see something so everyday.
Corner of Washington & Northampton Sts., Allan Rohan Crite (1910-2007), 1935-1943, 7 x 5.25 in. (17.7 x 13.3 cm.), Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts
[Image credit & copyright: Allan Rohan Crite, Boston Public Library, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain -
8 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
The Biden administration has called for a boost in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency in the wake of the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train ...
The Biden administration has called for a boost in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency in the wake of the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train ...
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FREEActing Daily Curio #2621Free1 CQ
Lights, camera...but not too much action. The 2023 Academy Awards saw some changes that set it apart from years past, though it’s uncertain whether all of the modifications will be permanent. The first, most obvious change was the color of the carpet that welcomed the star-studded crowd. While the term “red carpet” has become synonymous with exclusive, ostentatious event, organizers decided to go with a “champagne” carpet this year. Supposedly, the color was meant to better fit this year’s design elements, which included a lot of vintage fashion. The light color did cause some problems, though, when foot traffic made it visibly dirty early in the night.
Speaking of fashion, the Academy set forth dress guidelines this year with the aim of being more sustainable. Attendees were encouraged to rent existing outfits from fashion houses or wear something that had already been worn to another event. Otherwise, they were encouraged to wear clothing made of natural, more sustainable fabrics like linen or wool. To guide them in their wardrobe choices, the Academy partnered with Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD), who sent out a Sustainable Style Guide, so that attendees could make informed but fashionable decisions.
Lastly, following the incident from last year’s ceremony in which a certain actor slapped a presenter on stage, the Academy had a newly-formed crisis team ready to handle any similar outbursts. Academy CEO Bill Kramer told Time, “Because of last year, we’ve opened our minds to the many things that can happen at the Oscars. We have a whole crisis team, something we’ve never had before, and many plans in place.” According to Kramer, the team was meant to deal with unscripted mishaps during the live broadcast, as well as handling public relations after the fact. No more off-script shenanigans for this awards show.
[Image description: A digital illustration showing an Oscar trophy being handed from one person to another. The background is split between red and pink.] Credit & copyright: mohamed_hassan, PixabayLights, camera...but not too much action. The 2023 Academy Awards saw some changes that set it apart from years past, though it’s uncertain whether all of the modifications will be permanent. The first, most obvious change was the color of the carpet that welcomed the star-studded crowd. While the term “red carpet” has become synonymous with exclusive, ostentatious event, organizers decided to go with a “champagne” carpet this year. Supposedly, the color was meant to better fit this year’s design elements, which included a lot of vintage fashion. The light color did cause some problems, though, when foot traffic made it visibly dirty early in the night.
Speaking of fashion, the Academy set forth dress guidelines this year with the aim of being more sustainable. Attendees were encouraged to rent existing outfits from fashion houses or wear something that had already been worn to another event. Otherwise, they were encouraged to wear clothing made of natural, more sustainable fabrics like linen or wool. To guide them in their wardrobe choices, the Academy partnered with Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD), who sent out a Sustainable Style Guide, so that attendees could make informed but fashionable decisions.
Lastly, following the incident from last year’s ceremony in which a certain actor slapped a presenter on stage, the Academy had a newly-formed crisis team ready to handle any similar outbursts. Academy CEO Bill Kramer told Time, “Because of last year, we’ve opened our minds to the many things that can happen at the Oscars. We have a whole crisis team, something we’ve never had before, and many plans in place.” According to Kramer, the team was meant to deal with unscripted mishaps during the live broadcast, as well as handling public relations after the fact. No more off-script shenanigans for this awards show.
[Image description: A digital illustration showing an Oscar trophy being handed from one person to another. The background is split between red and pink.] Credit & copyright: mohamed_hassan, Pixabay
March 19, 2023
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8 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
This past week, banks have been ramping up their cash borrowing at record rates to shore up reserves in the wake of recent bank failures. We look at who’s be...
This past week, banks have been ramping up their cash borrowing at record rates to shore up reserves in the wake of recent bank failures. We look at who’s be...
March 18, 2023
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8 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, meaning people around the world will be wearing green and celebrating Irish culture — even those who don’t have roots there. But acco...
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, meaning people around the world will be wearing green and celebrating Irish culture — even those who don’t have roots there. But acco...
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FREESports Daily CurioFree1 CQ
It’s not always a bad thing to be remembered for a flop. High jump pioneer Dick Fosbury passed away on Monday at the age of 76, but his legacy remains in the groundbreaking technique named after him, the “Fosbury flop.” Before Fosbury won the gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, athletes competing in the high jump primarily used the Western roll or the straddle technique. Both of these methods were straight jumps forward that turned the athlete to their side in midair, with them ending up face down and parallel to the crossbar. The Fosbury flop, on the other hand, has the athlete turning backward as they jump, leaping over the bar facing upward with the bar passing under their arched back. Fosbury came up with the technique while competing in high school and honed his skills in college before qualifying for the Olympics. Although the technique had its skeptics early on, Fosbury’s gold-winning jump in Mexico City made the flop the standard. There were some holdouts, however. At the next Summer Olympics in Munich in 1972, most competitors used the flop, but the gold went to the Soviet Union’s Jüri Tarmak, who used the straddle technique. Still, the newer method caught on, and since 1976, every world record holder and Olympic medalist has used the flop. You could say that the sport changed by leaps and bounds.
[Image description: An athlete performing the Fosbury flop during a high jump.] Credit & copyright: domeckopol, Pixabay
It’s not always a bad thing to be remembered for a flop. High jump pioneer Dick Fosbury passed away on Monday at the age of 76, but his legacy remains in the groundbreaking technique named after him, the “Fosbury flop.” Before Fosbury won the gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, athletes competing in the high jump primarily used the Western roll or the straddle technique. Both of these methods were straight jumps forward that turned the athlete to their side in midair, with them ending up face down and parallel to the crossbar. The Fosbury flop, on the other hand, has the athlete turning backward as they jump, leaping over the bar facing upward with the bar passing under their arched back. Fosbury came up with the technique while competing in high school and honed his skills in college before qualifying for the Olympics. Although the technique had its skeptics early on, Fosbury’s gold-winning jump in Mexico City made the flop the standard. There were some holdouts, however. At the next Summer Olympics in Munich in 1972, most competitors used the flop, but the gold went to the Soviet Union’s Jüri Tarmak, who used the straddle technique. Still, the newer method caught on, and since 1976, every world record holder and Olympic medalist has used the flop. You could say that the sport changed by leaps and bounds.
[Image description: An athlete performing the Fosbury flop during a high jump.] Credit & copyright: domeckopol, Pixabay
March 17, 2023
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7 minFREEWork Business CurioFree4 CQ
From the BBC World Service: There have been protests inside and outside the French parliament as President Emmanuel Macron invoked special constitutional pow...
From the BBC World Service: There have been protests inside and outside the French parliament as President Emmanuel Macron invoked special constitutional pow...
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2 minFREEHumanities Word CurioFree2 CQ
Word of the Day
: March 17, 2023\air-un-guh-BRAW\ phrase
What It Means
Erin go bragh is an Irish phrase that means “Ireland forever.”
// The...
with Merriam-WebsterWord of the Day
: March 17, 2023\air-un-guh-BRAW\ phrase
What It Means
Erin go bragh is an Irish phrase that means “Ireland forever.”
// The...
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FREEMind + Body Daily CurioFree1 CQ
Welcome to Foodie Friday, a new weekly tradition in which we’ll explore the histories of foods from all over the world. Don’t let it make you too hungry!
Imagine you’ve sat down for dinner in 1860s England. Your host places an elaborate, porcelain pie mold on the table and lifts the lid to reveal a raised, golden-brown crust. You’re then told that the pie is filled with a mix of pigeon and hare—as well as fruits and spices, of course. Believe it or not, you'd probably be very pleased. After all, this dish, known as game pie, is at the height of its popularity.
Game is a term for meat from non-domesticated animals. Game meat was acquired by hunting, which in Victorian England was a means of survival for the poor and a popular hobby for the rich. Game pies, consisting of hotwater crust (a savory crust made from flour, salt, fat, and water) have been around since the days of ancient Rome, when they were only eaten by the very wealthy. In medieval Europe, game pies were consumed by rich and poor alike, though peasants had to work with inferior cuts of meat and smaller portions. Since pie tins and baking molds were difficult to produce in medieval times, the pastry of the pie itself functioned as the “tin” and was constructed to have high sides and even a thick “lid”. This raised pastry, sometimes called a “coffin”, was often so thick that it couldn’t even be eaten. It wasn’t until the Victorian Era (from 1837 to 1901) that game pies became elaborate works of culinary art.
By the Victorian Era, the industrial revolution had changed the lives of many British people. New types of jobs gave workers the opportunity to improve their economic class. At the same time, mass production of things like pots, pans, and baking molds began in earnest. Suddenly, everyday people could create elaborate meals that had previously been reserved for the rich. Thus, game pies became centerpieces at many an English table. Victorian game pies were often made using mass produced, high-sided molds. These molds were often elaborate, imprinting pie crusts with all sorts of hunting-themed designs. Along with the meats, dried fruits and spices like nutmeg, coriander, and cloves were often found inside, as mixing fruits and meat was common practice in England at the time. Victorian dinner hosts would sometimes even place taxidermied birds atop their pie tins as decoration, and to show off what type of meat was featured in the pie. You can’t get much more Victorian than that.
[Image description: Description ] Credit & copyright: Minton Pottery and Porcelain Factory, Bequest of Dr. Paul J. Vignos, Jr., Cleveland Museum of Art, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain DedicationWelcome to Foodie Friday, a new weekly tradition in which we’ll explore the histories of foods from all over the world. Don’t let it make you too hungry!
Imagine you’ve sat down for dinner in 1860s England. Your host places an elaborate, porcelain pie mold on the table and lifts the lid to reveal a raised, golden-brown crust. You’re then told that the pie is filled with a mix of pigeon and hare—as well as fruits and spices, of course. Believe it or not, you'd probably be very pleased. After all, this dish, known as game pie, is at the height of its popularity.
Game is a term for meat from non-domesticated animals. Game meat was acquired by hunting, which in Victorian England was a means of survival for the poor and a popular hobby for the rich. Game pies, consisting of hotwater crust (a savory crust made from flour, salt, fat, and water) have been around since the days of ancient Rome, when they were only eaten by the very wealthy. In medieval Europe, game pies were consumed by rich and poor alike, though peasants had to work with inferior cuts of meat and smaller portions. Since pie tins and baking molds were difficult to produce in medieval times, the pastry of the pie itself functioned as the “tin” and was constructed to have high sides and even a thick “lid”. This raised pastry, sometimes called a “coffin”, was often so thick that it couldn’t even be eaten. It wasn’t until the Victorian Era (from 1837 to 1901) that game pies became elaborate works of culinary art.
By the Victorian Era, the industrial revolution had changed the lives of many British people. New types of jobs gave workers the opportunity to improve their economic class. At the same time, mass production of things like pots, pans, and baking molds began in earnest. Suddenly, everyday people could create elaborate meals that had previously been reserved for the rich. Thus, game pies became centerpieces at many an English table. Victorian game pies were often made using mass produced, high-sided molds. These molds were often elaborate, imprinting pie crusts with all sorts of hunting-themed designs. Along with the meats, dried fruits and spices like nutmeg, coriander, and cloves were often found inside, as mixing fruits and meat was common practice in England at the time. Victorian dinner hosts would sometimes even place taxidermied birds atop their pie tins as decoration, and to show off what type of meat was featured in the pie. You can’t get much more Victorian than that.
[Image description: Description ] Credit & copyright: Minton Pottery and Porcelain Factory, Bequest of Dr. Paul J. Vignos, Jr., Cleveland Museum of Art, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
March 16, 2023
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8 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
From the BBC World Service: Credit Suisse shares have bounced back after a $54bn vote of confidence from Switzerland’s central bank. But how will volatility ...
From the BBC World Service: Credit Suisse shares have bounced back after a $54bn vote of confidence from Switzerland’s central bank. But how will volatility ...
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2 minFREEHumanities Word CurioFree2 CQ
Word of the Day
: March 16, 2023\HET-uh-ruh-dahks\ adjective
What It Means
A synonym of both unorthodox and unconventional, heterodox describ...
with Merriam-WebsterWord of the Day
: March 16, 2023\HET-uh-ruh-dahks\ adjective
What It Means
A synonym of both unorthodox and unconventional, heterodox describ...
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FREEBiology Nerdy CurioFree1 CQ
What secrets might lie in the mind of a fly? According to a paper published in the journal Science Advances, scientists at the University of Cambridge have managed to completely map out the connections in the brain of a fruit fly larva (Drosophila melanogaster). Before this study, scientists had mapped out the brains of a sea squirt and two species of worms. While A fruit fly might not seem more sophisticated than these organisms, they’re actually leagues apart. In contrast to just a few hundred neurons in the brains of the three previous specimens, fruit flies have around 3,000 neurons, 500,000 synapses (the connections between the neurons), and 93 different types of neurons. Fruit flies also display much more complex behavior, even demonstrating the ability to learn, a trait they share with humans to a limited degree. In fact, learning seems to be the predominant function of the brain even in the tiny fruit fly larva. After mapping out the connections between the neurons, researchers found that around 75 percent of them were linked to the learning center of the brain. There are also regions in the brain that are responsible for decision making and navigation, revealing that the humble fruit fly may have a more complicated inner life than previously assumed. While researchers are still a long way from mapping out more complex organisms, they stated that this could be a reference map. Of course, they’ll have a whole lot more to explain if they ever decide to map out a human brain!
[Image description: A fruit fly larva on a gray surface.] Credit & copyright: AndreasGoellner, Pixabay
What secrets might lie in the mind of a fly? According to a paper published in the journal Science Advances, scientists at the University of Cambridge have managed to completely map out the connections in the brain of a fruit fly larva (Drosophila melanogaster). Before this study, scientists had mapped out the brains of a sea squirt and two species of worms. While A fruit fly might not seem more sophisticated than these organisms, they’re actually leagues apart. In contrast to just a few hundred neurons in the brains of the three previous specimens, fruit flies have around 3,000 neurons, 500,000 synapses (the connections between the neurons), and 93 different types of neurons. Fruit flies also display much more complex behavior, even demonstrating the ability to learn, a trait they share with humans to a limited degree. In fact, learning seems to be the predominant function of the brain even in the tiny fruit fly larva. After mapping out the connections between the neurons, researchers found that around 75 percent of them were linked to the learning center of the brain. There are also regions in the brain that are responsible for decision making and navigation, revealing that the humble fruit fly may have a more complicated inner life than previously assumed. While researchers are still a long way from mapping out more complex organisms, they stated that this could be a reference map. Of course, they’ll have a whole lot more to explain if they ever decide to map out a human brain!
[Image description: A fruit fly larva on a gray surface.] Credit & copyright: AndreasGoellner, Pixabay
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FREEPolitical Science Daily Curio #2620Free1 CQ
The tides are turning in favor of conservation. After 17 years of negotiations, UN members have finally agreed on a treaty that will allow them to protect around 30 percent of the world’s seas. Although the treaty has been in the works for nearly two decades with little to show for it, negotiations picked up after the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) last year in Montreal, Canada. During the summit, the UK, the US, China, the EU and others set a goal to protect a third of the world’s waters and land by 2030 in what is called the 30x30 pledge. Once the treaty is ratified by at least 60 members of the UN, it will become international law, and will provide a legal framework for participating parties to create marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas.
Before, nations could only enforce law in their own territorial waters. This treaty will allow them to legally enforce conservation measures even in international waters. It’s a victory for conservationists who have been campaigning for the treaty, like Veronica Frank, a political adviser for Greenpeace. Frank said in a statement, “We are really happy. The world is so divided and to see multilateralism supported is so important. What’s really important is now to use this tool to develop this 30x30 target into force really quickly.”
Getting the various parties to agree to the treaty was no easy task. In the weeks preceding the agreement, delegates worked without rest, and in the last two days, some even stayed overnight in the conference room to complete the deal. Despite differing interests, all parties involved were likely motivated by the looming challenges presented by climate change. The oceans produce over half of all oxygen, but they also act as the world’s largest carbon sink. Disruptions to the world’s oceans and its ecosystems therefore have the potential to affect everyone on the planet, which means that everyone has a vested interest in protecting them. It’s about time we all sea eye to eye!
[Image description: A shipping vessel sails into a sunset on the ocean.] Credit & copyright: vschoenpos, PixabayThe tides are turning in favor of conservation. After 17 years of negotiations, UN members have finally agreed on a treaty that will allow them to protect around 30 percent of the world’s seas. Although the treaty has been in the works for nearly two decades with little to show for it, negotiations picked up after the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) last year in Montreal, Canada. During the summit, the UK, the US, China, the EU and others set a goal to protect a third of the world’s waters and land by 2030 in what is called the 30x30 pledge. Once the treaty is ratified by at least 60 members of the UN, it will become international law, and will provide a legal framework for participating parties to create marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas.
Before, nations could only enforce law in their own territorial waters. This treaty will allow them to legally enforce conservation measures even in international waters. It’s a victory for conservationists who have been campaigning for the treaty, like Veronica Frank, a political adviser for Greenpeace. Frank said in a statement, “We are really happy. The world is so divided and to see multilateralism supported is so important. What’s really important is now to use this tool to develop this 30x30 target into force really quickly.”
Getting the various parties to agree to the treaty was no easy task. In the weeks preceding the agreement, delegates worked without rest, and in the last two days, some even stayed overnight in the conference room to complete the deal. Despite differing interests, all parties involved were likely motivated by the looming challenges presented by climate change. The oceans produce over half of all oxygen, but they also act as the world’s largest carbon sink. Disruptions to the world’s oceans and its ecosystems therefore have the potential to affect everyone on the planet, which means that everyone has a vested interest in protecting them. It’s about time we all sea eye to eye!
[Image description: A shipping vessel sails into a sunset on the ocean.] Credit & copyright: vschoenpos, Pixabay
March 15, 2023
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8 minFREEWork Business CurioFree5 CQ
Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard and U.S. nominee for the World Bank presidency, is on a global “listening tour” to garner support for his bid. While...
Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard and U.S. nominee for the World Bank presidency, is on a global “listening tour” to garner support for his bid. While...
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2 minFREEHumanities Word CurioFree2 CQ
Word of the Day
: March 15, 2023\NAY-deer\ noun
What It Means
Nadir refers to the lowest or worst point of something. When used in astronomy,...
with Merriam-WebsterWord of the Day
: March 15, 2023\NAY-deer\ noun
What It Means
Nadir refers to the lowest or worst point of something. When used in astronomy,...
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FREEEntrepreneurship Nerdy CurioFree1 CQ
Gone are the days of low-tech fish-raising. At least, that’s the case for fish farmers. These days, it can be hard to produce enough fish to make ends meet, but one unusual business is working to change that for cash-strapped fish farmers in Indonesia. Indonesian entrepreneur Gibran Huzaifah Amsi El Farizy is the founder of eFishery, a startup that began as a way for Farizy to make a bigger profit from his own rented fish ponds. eFishery creates automatic feeders that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, as well as fish food and an app that helps farmers locate places to sell their catch directly, rather than relying on expensive middleman sellers. Automatic feeders can greatly reduce costs for fish farmers, since traditional hand-feeding can result in overfeeding, which leads to dirty water, or under-feeding, which leads fish to reproduce less. Automatic feeders can track fishes’ movements to determine how hungry they are (sluggish fish are hungry fish) and dispense just the right amount of food.
Although Indonesian fish farmers tend to be traditional, Farizy was able to convince one farmer, who owned around 1,000 ponds, to install some of his feeders for free. The results were so good that when the trial period was over, the farmer agreed to pay for the feeders, and word spread through the agricultural community. Today, eFishery is one of the biggest startups in the fish-farming industry, with around 60,000 customers. They’re certainly not small fry.
[Image description: A group of farmed tilapia swim in shallow water.] Credit & copyright: 1CzPhoto, PixabayGone are the days of low-tech fish-raising. At least, that’s the case for fish farmers. These days, it can be hard to produce enough fish to make ends meet, but one unusual business is working to change that for cash-strapped fish farmers in Indonesia. Indonesian entrepreneur Gibran Huzaifah Amsi El Farizy is the founder of eFishery, a startup that began as a way for Farizy to make a bigger profit from his own rented fish ponds. eFishery creates automatic feeders that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, as well as fish food and an app that helps farmers locate places to sell their catch directly, rather than relying on expensive middleman sellers. Automatic feeders can greatly reduce costs for fish farmers, since traditional hand-feeding can result in overfeeding, which leads to dirty water, or under-feeding, which leads fish to reproduce less. Automatic feeders can track fishes’ movements to determine how hungry they are (sluggish fish are hungry fish) and dispense just the right amount of food.
Although Indonesian fish farmers tend to be traditional, Farizy was able to convince one farmer, who owned around 1,000 ponds, to install some of his feeders for free. The results were so good that when the trial period was over, the farmer agreed to pay for the feeders, and word spread through the agricultural community. Today, eFishery is one of the biggest startups in the fish-farming industry, with around 60,000 customers. They’re certainly not small fry.
[Image description: A group of farmed tilapia swim in shallow water.] Credit & copyright: 1CzPhoto, Pixabay -
FREEActing Daily Curio #2619Free1 CQ
It was an offer that they almost had to refuse. The Godfather, the ultimate gangster movie and cinematic masterpiece, was released this day in 1972. Based on the 1969 novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, The Godfather was directed by Francis Ford Coppola with a screenplay written by Coppola and Puzo himself. Since the book had already been a best-seller, making a film adaptation was a no-brainer, but Puzo’s novel attracted some unexpected controversy. Puzo himself was allegedly accosted by Frank Sinatra because of the character Johnny Fontane, which Sinatra considered an unflattering parody of himself. However, when the time came to cast the movie, Marlon Brando is said to have agreed to work for scale specifically because it would upset the crooner. Apparently, the two had hated each other after working on a movie together, and without this existing enmity between the two (and pettiness on Brando’s part), the movie’s modest budget of $6 million wouldn’t have allowed for Brando’s hiring.
Even before Brando had been cast for the role of Vito Corleone, the movie was almost abandoned due to protests by Italian-American groups. Notably, mob boss and founder of the Italian-American Civil Rights League, Joe Colombo, spearheaded a campaign to cancel the project. However, he was won over by the movie’s producer Al Ruddy, who allowed Colombo to read a draft of the script and make any changes to it that he saw fit. Colombo’s concerns about potentially damaging portrayals of Italian-Americans were assuaged after editing the script, and he even allowed members of his mob to act as extras in the production. Both a commercial and critical success upon release, the film garnered three Academy Awards in 1973 for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, shared between Coppola and Puzo. After winning an Oscar for his very first screenplay (and another for The Godfather II in 1975), Puzo decided to read up on the craft and bought himself a book on screenwriting. Imagine his disappointment when he opened the book, and the first chapter instructed its readers to study the script for The Godfather!
[Image description: A black-and-white photo of Francis Ford Coppola on the set of TV program "Tomorrow" on NBC.] Credit & copyright: RMY Auctions, NBC, Wikimedia Commons, Public DomainIt was an offer that they almost had to refuse. The Godfather, the ultimate gangster movie and cinematic masterpiece, was released this day in 1972. Based on the 1969 novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, The Godfather was directed by Francis Ford Coppola with a screenplay written by Coppola and Puzo himself. Since the book had already been a best-seller, making a film adaptation was a no-brainer, but Puzo’s novel attracted some unexpected controversy. Puzo himself was allegedly accosted by Frank Sinatra because of the character Johnny Fontane, which Sinatra considered an unflattering parody of himself. However, when the time came to cast the movie, Marlon Brando is said to have agreed to work for scale specifically because it would upset the crooner. Apparently, the two had hated each other after working on a movie together, and without this existing enmity between the two (and pettiness on Brando’s part), the movie’s modest budget of $6 million wouldn’t have allowed for Brando’s hiring.
Even before Brando had been cast for the role of Vito Corleone, the movie was almost abandoned due to protests by Italian-American groups. Notably, mob boss and founder of the Italian-American Civil Rights League, Joe Colombo, spearheaded a campaign to cancel the project. However, he was won over by the movie’s producer Al Ruddy, who allowed Colombo to read a draft of the script and make any changes to it that he saw fit. Colombo’s concerns about potentially damaging portrayals of Italian-Americans were assuaged after editing the script, and he even allowed members of his mob to act as extras in the production. Both a commercial and critical success upon release, the film garnered three Academy Awards in 1973 for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay, shared between Coppola and Puzo. After winning an Oscar for his very first screenplay (and another for The Godfather II in 1975), Puzo decided to read up on the craft and bought himself a book on screenwriting. Imagine his disappointment when he opened the book, and the first chapter instructed its readers to study the script for The Godfather!
[Image description: A black-and-white photo of Francis Ford Coppola on the set of TV program "Tomorrow" on NBC.] Credit & copyright: RMY Auctions, NBC, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain