Vendor: CREATIVITY FOR KIDS
Type: Arts & Crafts
Price:
27.99
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1 • Never underestimate the power of packing cubes! Since Ali-Shaun brought them to our first annual Favorite Things Party, I don’t travel without them. They keep your things compact so they fit better in your suitcase and better organized. I take an extra for dirties so I can easily throw that bag into the laundry room when I return home. I also buy different colors for each member of the family so we can easily identify whose is whose.
2 • Y’all saw in my 4-Minute Skincare Routine that I use Colleen Rothschild SPF 4o and really like how it’s protecting my skin. I took it to Mexico last year and although I was in the sun almost all day, my face never got sunburned. The Triple Defense Sunscreen is a broad spectrum SPF 40 that protects against UVA/UVB rays, pollution and blue light. It also has antioxidants to help fight future signs of aging and skin damage. It’s 100% Mineral Sunscreen (reef safe), Non-Comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and also controls oil. I like the little pump that’s easy to use and the formula doesn’t break out my skin like some sunscreens do.
3 • This toiletry storage bag has several clear zipper compartments for holding ALL your travel essentials. It folds up compact with a carrying handle, but the best part it has a hook to hang on a door for easy access.
4 • Don’t forget your vitamins and supplements. This pill organizer holds all your medications and separates them by day, with a large easy-to-read font on the outside.
5 • These are my current favorite workout shoes and they’re also perfect for lots of walking. I wore them in Miami on my trip with James and my feet never bothered me a bit! They’re lightweight with the perfect amount of cushion, plus they look cool
6 & 7 • These clear bags with sturdy zippers and carrying handles keep things organized and easy to see. I use them for everything from TSA travel-size toiletries, makeup, sunscreen, jewelry, snacks, toys- you name it! They’re also TSA approved.
8 • I never travel without my flip flops. Sometimes I prefer to wear them in the airport because my feet tend to swell in the air. And sometimes you just want to throw on your flip flops for a quick trip to the coffee station, etc. They’re also great for the pool, weekends, and trips to the salon for a pedicure.
9 • Airpods are awesome for listening to music, a podcast or movie while traveling or before bed, even at the pool. I don’t leave home without mine.
10 • I’ve been so happy with these 3 oz. carryon size containers for all my liquids. I put shampoo, conditioner, lotion and sunscreen inside. The wide opening makes them easy to fill and they’re also drip proof. I ended up labeling mine with my label maker.
11 & 12 • DELSEY is top notch quality and will be your favorite luggage for sure! It’s functional and so stylish! You’ll be amazed how lightweight and durable it is and the three dial combination lock is TSA approved. They roll like a dream making it super easy to glide with you as you walk. Inside are two lined compartments and straps to keep your items secure.
This luggage is so high-tech that it even comes with a built-in tracking device in case your luggage gets lost. And it comes with a 10 year limited warranty.
I have both the big size for larger trips when a carryon just won’t do and also a carry on that fits in the overhead compartment on the plane.
13 • No one would know that these Jackie O inspired sunnies are from Amazon and super inexpensive. They fit comfortably too.
14 • Gotta help keep the sun off your face when traveling and also save time from having to style your hair. I have this UPF 50+ hat it in two colors. I love the design and it looks great on everyone. It’s also lightweight, adjustable and packable.
15 • This may be one of the MOST handy things to have when out and about. It’s a thin charging block with the ability to charge three different devices at once. It also charges itself via a regular outlet, so no extra cord to deal with. Mine has saved me on more than one occasion!
16 • This little passport book has been so handy throughout my trip and definitely while we were in the airport. It holds your ID as well, with additional card and cash slots, plus a pen loop and place for sim cards. The flap is magnetic and stays closed. Even Elliott was envious and wanted one of his own.
17 • I got this carryon to take to Miami with me and it was amazing! Honestly, it’s one of those things I can’t believe I haven’t traveled with in the past. First of all, it’s so roomy inside and holds a ton! The storage is super functional with the rectangle shape, large inner compartment, outside zip pocket and a side zip and slip pocket. The back sits perfectly on top of your luggage and the shoulder straps and nice and comfy.
I love the nylon material and the zippers, stitching and construction all all top notch. It also comes with a detachable shoulder/crossbody adjustable strap. There’s so many colors to choose from, I’m not sure I made the best choice with black, but I figured you can’t go wrong with classic black.
Then, after having and using it, I decided to gift my black one to Elliott and I bought myself the gorgeous ‘rose quartz’ – a warm tan color.
18 • If you suffer from car sickness when you travel like I do, try this trick that my friend Ashley taught me. Sniff peppermint essential oil to keep the motion sickness at bay. I swear it works and I make sure I have it easily accessible in my purse if I ever have to get in an uber or taxi. I’m not a good backseat passenger!
I hope these Travel Must Haves help make your next vacation better than ever! Tell me in the comments where you’re going next!
Have a fantastic day friend!
The post Travel Must Haves appeared first on Honey We're Home.
]]>If you’re after a cost-effective tent you can pitch in seconds, a pop-up design could be the right choice. They spring into shape straight out of the bag – in most cases, all you need to do is fix the pegs and guy ropes.
Of course, pop-up tents may lack some of the features you’d get in a traditional model. Most come without an inner tent or any porch space, so if you don’t have a car, any wet boots and backpacks have to come in to the sleeping compartment with you. They also tend to fold down into a large circular storage bag, usually around 80cm across, so they’re too bulky to carry long distances. Often, pop-up tents compromise on durability and waterproofing too, which means you’ll need to camp somewhere sheltered, or be prepared to risk it.
So while pop-up tent camping is risky in bad weather, pop-up tents can be ideal for certain scenarios; at festivals, on beach days with young kids, or short summer camping trips when driving to your destination. They can also be great for sleepovers in the garden.
They’re are often lightweight, and tend to be relatively cheap, priced between £40 and £120. Plus, you can expect useful storage compartments like in-built pockets and lantern hanging hooks.
The best pop-up tents also offer great breathability, with mesh panels, doors and windows. Poorly ventilated tents can feel hot and stuffy, leading to condensation running down to the groundsheet and soaking your camping gear, so good air flow is vital.
In terms of size, pop-up tents come in a variety of small to medium sized designs, and you can usually find options for groups of up to five or six people. We’ve tested ones for 2-4 sleepers from retailers such as Trespass, Regatta and Mountain Warehouse.
When comparing the best pop-up tents, consider their weight and size when they’re both pitched and packed away. Read the tech specs to see how wind- and rain-resistant they’re designed to be, and try to find the hydrostatic head (HH) rating for waterproofing. Tents with a 2,000HH should cope with a few hours of rain, while 3,000HH and above is fairly standard and will keep you dry in more prolonged rainy weather. For heavy storms, you’ll need a rating around 4,000mm.
You might also want to look at the tent’s ventilation panels, light-blocking capability and any storage features like pockets, hooks and exterior awnings. Finally, think about price to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your money.
Find your ideal tent – jump to:
How we tested
We tested these pop-up tents for their effectiveness in several performance categories, including ventilation, light-blocking qualities and likely durability. We evaluated how easy they were to put up and pack away, and how bulky and heavy they felt to carry. We also noted any other features, like storage pockets, lantern hooks and guy ropes, and rated the tents on their look and style.
Out of the bag, Coleman’s Galiano tent gives a good first impression. With a smart, shell-like design, two-tone colouring and an entire removable upper section, it’s immediately impressive.
The upper cover, here shown in light grey, rolls back completely to reveal large mesh panels across the central three sections – ideal for getting extra light, a bit of ventilation or the chance to sleep under the stars. The only slight design flaw is that you can’t remove the upper cover while the guy ropes are pegged down.
There’s also a separate mesh door for more airflow, while the fibreglass poles and eight pegs should help secure the tent in heavy winds.
As for durability, the overall construction looks smart and robust; we noted the sewn-in groundsheet and carefully taped seams, which should help with waterproofing. The tent also comes with two blue and two grey rip patches for quick repairs.
Like with most pop-up tents, there’s no covered porch for shoes and bags. We also found this model quite fiddly to pack away using the instructional images. Once it was in the carry bag, the short straps make it tricky to put over your arm or shoulder.
Pros: stylish, great ventilation, durable
Cons: no storage space, tricky to pack and carry
Available at around the £40 mark, Trespass’s Swift 2 is one of the best pop-up tents for anyone on a budget. It’s also the lightest design we tested, at 1.9kg, so it’s a breeze to carry but does lack some of the smart looks and handy features found in other tents.
The design is fairly basic and although the tent pops up easily you’ll need to attach the guy ropes yourself. The door doubles as a ventilation panel, and there are two more small mesh windows with prop-up arms to allow for airflow underneath the outer layer of fabric.
Inside, you’ll find one storage pocket but no hanging hook.
Overall, this probably won’t beat more expensive tents for feel and durability, but it is lightweight, budget-friendly and easy to pack away following the instructions.
Pros: lightweight, inexpensive, easy to pack away
Cons: basic design, doesn’t feel as durable as others
With two entrances and covered storage areas, a dual-skin design and extra fibreglass poles, Eurohike’s 400 DS takes the average pop-up tent a step further – possibly because it’s designed to sleep four people.
While the basic structure does indeed ‘pop up’ in seconds, you’ll need to thread the two poles through it and attach the upper sheet. The extra pole support gives the 400 DS a highly durable feel, although the extra design elements do make this tent fairly heavy and bulky at 5.2kg. The large tent size also caused problems when packing up, and could be an issue for inexperienced campers. Our two testers struggled to fit the bulky tent and all its accessories back into the small bag.
On the plus side, this is a smart tent with plenty of great features. We liked the spacious interior with lots of headroom, the two large storage pouches and hanging hook, and the pre-attached neon guy ropes.
For a four-person tent, ventilation is fairly limited, but you do get a mesh door panel, which attaches to the main door so you zip up both at the same time.
Pros: spacious, two doors, storage pockets, neon guy ropes, durable feel, smart look
Cons: heavy, separate poles and upper sheet, limited ventilation
Thanks to its instantly recognisable opaque silver fabric, this pop-up tent from Mountain Warehouse offers impressive light-blocking even on bright, sunny days. Ideal for times when you might want a nap or a lie-in, it’s one of the best pop-up tents you can buy for festivals and relaxed getaways – just be sure to bring a torch or lantern to read, socialise or find belongings inside.
Some clever ventilation features set this tent apart from others we tested. Not only is there a three-panel door (one mesh, one inner and one outer), but there are also mesh strips around the base of the tent to allow for airflow underneath the outer shell. You’ll also find a couple of small window panels, which let air under a flap of loose fabric, but there’s no hook-and-loop fastener attachment so they’re open all the time and could leave you exposed to chilly gusts in bad weather.
The two-layer construction and sewn-in groundsheet should help keep condensation and bugs out of the inner chamber. Overall, they give the tent a durable feel.
You’ll need to attach the guy ropes yourself; a simple, one-time job. As for packing away, the tent comes with slightly confusing written instructions without supporting images, but our testers managed to pack everything down. The handy carry bag gets a big tick from us, thanks to its long straps, which make it easy to sling over your shoulder.
Pros: great light-blocking, stylish look, two-layer design, good ventilation, convenient carry bag
Cons: slightly confusing instructions
While Regatta’s Malawi tent doesn’t have the smart aesthetics of some other pop-up tents we’ve tested, its makes claim a hydrostatic head waterproof rating of 3,000mm – the best on test – and it comes with some handy extra features. We appreciated the two inner storage pockets for keeping small belongings safe, and the central hanging hook for your torch or lantern.
There was enough headroom for our testers to sit up comfortably inside, although the tent doesn’t block much sunlight for lie-ins – despite the dark-coloured fabric. The guy ropes, on the other hand, are neon yellow to avoid trips and falls after dark.
As for ventilation, there’s a separate mesh door, with toggles to roll away the opaque outer section. You also get three small mesh windows with a hook-and-loop fastener.
When packing up, we were relieved to find the instructions clearer than those given by other tents, and the process was relatively straightforward.
When carrying the storage pouch, the short straps make it difficult to sling the bag over your arm, but it’s nice and lightweight. Unlike many other tents we tested, this pack also came with repair patches, although they weren’t adhesive.
Pros: pockets and torch hook, great waterproof rating, neon guy ropes
Cons: less stylish than others
While your first instinct might be to choose your tent according to the number of people in your group, remember to consider your bags. If you and a friend are walking to your destination and choose a tent without a covered storage area, you might need a three-person design to accommodate your belongings.
As tents vary in shape and often have extra storage areas, it’s hard to list standard tent dimensions. But as a rough guide, you should expect to have 50-80cm across per person; 60-70cm is fairly standard.
As for headroom, look for tents over 100cm tall to be able to sit up comfortably inside.
While standard tents can be on the pricier end of the spectrum, the good news is that pop-up tents are usually more affordable. Many come in under £100, saving you money to spend on the rest of your camping gear.
While lightweight tents are convenient, heavier models usually have better durability or extra features like storage areas, so it’s worth thinking about how much weight you can afford to take.
Ideally, you don’t want to carry a tent weighing over 3kg more than a mile or so. But as most pop-up tents aren’t designed to be packed in a rucksack, you might decide you’re happy to carry a bulkier tent from your car to the campsite.
In general, expect to carry 2-3kg for a two-person tent, 2.5-5.5kg for a three-person tent and 2.5-7kg for a four-person design.
It’s impossible to know how a tent will perform in bad weather until you buy it, but you can get an idea of its durability by looking at the tech specs. Does the tent come with a strong internal pole structure? Does it have a two-skin design with a sewn-in groundsheet? How many guy ropes are included? What is its hydrostatic head (HH) rating?
Take a look at the reviews to see how previous customers rate it.
Read more tent reviews
We’ve reviewed lots of other models, from compact two-person designs to big family tents. If you’re looking for lightweight options, see our favourite ultralight tents for backpackers. Or splash out with one of these luxurious glamping accessories.
Nicholas Eternal
Kim Conrey
(The Wayward Saviors, #1)
Publication date: June 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy
“The diverse cast of characters…will impress fans of paranormal fantasy sagas, such as Kim Harrison’s Hollows series, as the potential for future storylines seems virtually limitless.” —Kirkus Reviews
Nicholas Theodoulos is an immortal savior in desperate need of saving. All the power, wisdom, and even the favor of the gods is not enough when 1,700 years of heartache have left marks on his soul. But Noory Abramson, a streetwise woman with a sacred tattoo and a touch of grace, steps from the shadows, not knowing if she’s arrived in time to save him or end him for good. With a heart grown as heavy as his, either fate might do.
When Noory observes Nick grieving over the body of a young girl in a deserted Atlanta alley, she isn’t sure whether he is friend or foe. However, she quickly realizes his special powers to rescue children and rain down vengeance on those that harm them may be the only thing that can help her when one of her charges, sixteen-year-old Grace, goes missing from the local homeless shelter. Soon, Nick discovers Noory has secrets of her own: one that might lead him to redemption, and possibly love, for the first time in his painful existence.
In their world, a gift looks a lot like a curse, and Noory must reach Nick before his gift consumes him.
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EXCERPT:
Nick leaned on Noory as alcohol emanated from every pore. “It’s gone on forever, you know.”
“What has?” Noory asked.
“Me, saving them. Sometimes not. I’m exhausted, Light.” He looked at her with a sad smile.
“Light? You know my name means light.”
“I do. I can see it, too. It’s like a soft glow,” Nick said, passing a hand over her head to indicate an aura around her. Noory wondered if he could see anything else about her but didn’t dare ask. She was suddenly afraid to know.
“Now,” she said, “how could it have gone on forever? You don’t look like you’re much older than me. You’re what? Thirty?”
Nick laughed as he failed typing the pass code to get into his penthouse. “Third time’s a charm,” he said. The door gave a soft click, and Noory helped him inside.
She looked around at the open space and large windows framing the Atlanta skyline as the city lights twinkled in the night. The place was all polished dark wood floors and leather furniture, but she didn’t see any pictures of family or friends. She led Nick to the couch, and he fell onto it as she sat down beside him. He looked at her.
“Do you hear them, too?” he asked.
“Who?” Noory thought she saw a glimmer of hope in his whiskey-brown eyes.
He placed his hand on the top of her head, warm and strong, if a little clumsy. He ran his fingers down the length of her hair, past her cheek, her neck, and dangerously close to her breast. The look of hope was replaced by desire for the briefest of moments before she marked the instant he withdrew back into himself. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Nick exhaled and sank deeper into the couch. She watched as his eyelids grew heavier.
“You’d be surprised what I’d believe, Nick.” She leaned over and gently brushed the thick brown hair from his forehead. As she did, her sleeve fell back from her wrist, revealing a small tattoo of an “X” with a tiny hook on the top right corner. Nick’s eyes opened wider in recognition before they rolled back into his head, and he began to softly snore.
Noory passed her fingers across the tiny hooked “X” and wondered if he had really known what it meant but doubted he would remember seeing it in the morning.
Author Bio:
Kim Conrey is the author of the sci-fi romance series Ares Ascending and the urban fantasy series The Wayward Saviors. She's also the recipient of the Georgia Author of the Year Award for Romance. When she's not working on her next book, you can find her trail running or cosplaying as a Box Hero Wonder Woman in Atlanta's Dragon Con Parade. She also writes about living with the misunderstood condition of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her stories and essays have been published in regional and local press as well. In addition, she serves as VP of Operations for the Atlanta Writers Club and collaborates on the Wild Women Who Write Take Flight podcast. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
To learn more about my books (including trigger warnings under "Kim's Books") signup for my newsletter, and more, visit: Kimconrey.com
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Motherhood is exhausting, and if you’re doing a running jump onto your couch at the end of the day to cuddle up under a blanket and binge watch some good TV—you’re not alone. But there’s nothing worse than being ready for some sweet, sweet distraction, and instead falling into a rabbit hole of never ending decisions. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, and/or judge other peoples’ life choices with abandon (it comes so naturally!), there’s a TV series on this list with your name on it. And you won’t even need to search!
From Virgin River‘s dreamy setting and soapy characters to Dead to Me‘s dark and twisted tale of friendship, consider your nights and weekends officially booked. (And for those up for date night flicks or scary movies, we’ve got a few picks for you, too.)
Sam (Bridget Everett) and Joel (Jeff Hiller) have the most perfect friendship in this show; it makes it really hard not to dream of joining their two-person BFF squad. They meet at work while Sam is dealing with the loss of her sister, and an unlikely connection forms. Joel becomes Sam's respite while she deals with a high-strung, perfectionist sister, an alcoholic mother, and a father who has been dealing with family drama for so long that he totally (albeit, lovingly) disconnects. The series follows the friends as they navigate all the imperfections life offers and will remind you how a few, integral people make life a whole lot worth living.
Bad Sisters starts at the funeral of the show's antagonist, JP. He's the loathed brother-in-law three sisters have longed to murder, to save their fourth sister—the one he married and has slowly sucked the life out of. So while we know he's dead off the bat, episode after episode we're left to figure out exactly how it happened. Sharon Horgan is the genius behind yet another incredible show, and stars as the sister who inherits the role of matriarch after the death of their parents. This hilariously dark show will hook you from the get-go. You'll be rooting for JP's death and loving every moment of the sisters' twisted plans.
Charlie (Natasha Lyonne) has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. It’s an ability that’s gotten her into some trouble in the past and when trouble finds her again she hits the road in her Plymouth Barracuda and vows to keep moving so the evil men on her case won’t be able to track her down. Every town brings her a new opportunity to sniff out a lie and solve a crime. Natasha Lyonne is utter perfection as 2023’s version of Columbo, and you’ll totally be along for the ride.
Ava (Kaley Cuoco) is a flailing realtor obsessed with true crime podcasts. Her husband Nathan (Chris Messina) is a one-time tennis great, who is now aging out of his tennis pro status at the local country club. They both need a big, financial break—when they realize they've unwittingly stumbled upon an actual, real-life serial killer, posing as a harmless plumber named Tom. Ava becomes determined to cash in—in the podcast space. This requires the couple to join forces with an unlikely third, sending their lives into total, comedic disarray.
Who among us hasn’t occasionally wanted to pack their things and run out the door? You don’t have to answer that. HBO’s Run is about a mom and wife who fulfills a pact she made 17 years earlier with her college sweetheart—that if either of them texted each other the word “run,” they’d drop everything and meet in New York. This one only lasted for a season, but it’s a season worth watching.
Louise Barnsley is a single mom looking for love, and when she meets psychiatrist David Ferguson at a bar, you'll immediately sense the chemistry and be rooting for some steamy love in her future. But alas, she learns the next day that Dr. Ferguson is both her new boss and married. So she befriends his wife (as one does), and the weird love triangle that ensues is just too good.
If Sharon Horgan’s name is attached—I’m watching it. If you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying her work (she’s a producer, director, and actor), Catastrophe is a good place to start. When a one-night stand turns into an unplanned pregnancy, Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney decide to give a real relationship a go. Their intense chemistry combined with the real-life crap we all go through in relationships is the recipe for the perfect watch if you’re ready to fall in love with two characters and root for them both. The 24 episodes spent with this couple before its run on Amazon Prime ended in 2019 were not nearly enough.
Related: TV Shows Every Mom and Daughter Should Watch Together
Middle age can suck sometimes, and it’s fine to admit it. This Netflix series takes a look at the lives of four friends who are in varying stages of midlife crises; one has a narcissistic husband who doesn’t recognize her talent, one is bored and struggling with anxiety, one’s younger husband just left her, and one is flailing about trying to find steady income. Created by and starring Julia Delpy, this one is at times awkward but also overwhelmingly funny.
Are you looking for a show with a light, tug-at-the-heart-strings, Hallmark kind of vibe? No? Well, great. Because this series is absolutely not that. Instead, this black comedy follows the unlikeliest of friendships between a widow with major anger management issues and a free-spirited empath as they set out to find the former’s husband’s killer. Just when you think there can’t possibly be another plot twist, your jaw will fall right back on the floor. The chemistry between Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini is out of this world and what makes this show a must-watch season after season.
Beautiful families living in breathtaking mansions in Monterey, CA? You'll want to hate-watch it but become immediately so invested in every, single one of these characters. Reese Witherspoon is a perfect mom and imperfect wife, Laura Dern is perfection as a money-loving, hard-working, ruthless professional, and sprinkle in Nicole Kidman, Zoe Kravitz, and more star power than you've seen in one cast in probably, ever—and you have the perfect, dark, binge watch. Starting as one thing and quickly evolving into something quite different, the show is an insightful take on a real truth—that despite outward appearances, no family, no matter what they have or appear to be, is perfect. And sometimes, trying to maintain that perfection can be deadly.
I never imagined I was someone who was into sweep, sappy, southern romance—but here we are. Netflix’s runaway success is a success for a reason; it focuses on good friendships, loyal communities, and hot men. You’ll want Brooke Elliott to be your best friend (and cook you a meal), you’ll be cheering for JoAnn Garcia to get away from her cheating sack of an ex-husband (played by Chris Klein), and you’ll want to wrap your arms around Heather Headly and tell her to stop being so strong for everyone. Also—there are margaritas.
Not only does this show have a perfectly honest take on all things that suck the life out of you in motherhood, but the emphasis on female friendships over romantic relationships is also so damn refreshing. Catherine Reitman is the creator and star of this seven-season Canadian show that thankfully made its way to Netflix. What starts as women meeting each other and bonding over their struggles in a new-mom group evolves into a storyline that goes from infidelity to step-parenting struggles to all things that adult female friends endure. This is not to miss—and if you haven't seen it yet, I'm jealous of the sheer amount of episodes you get to enjoy for the first time.
This show by Mark and Jay Duplass was canceled after two seasons. I hate to lead with that, but I’m still bitter about it. Starring Melanie Lynskey, Amanda Peet, and Mark Duplass, Togetherness views the rough spots of marriage through a refreshingly honest lens. They live, laugh, make mistakes, and you’ll fall in love with them. Speaking of mistakes… HBO, why did you cancel this show on a cliffhanger?
If the trope of the big city girl who has to escape her life by moving to a small town is your thing, you’re going to love Virgin River. Mel is a nurse practitioner who leaves a troubling past behind in LA to answer the call to help a small town doctor on a year contract. The doctor is grumpy and hard to crack—and so is the local bartender, Jack. But Jack is also hot, and he and Mel have an instant connection. Jack’s just emotionally unavailable enough to capture Mel’s attention (yes, another trope!) but you’ll be rooting for this pair immediately, anyway. Escape in the incredible scenery and a cast of small town characters who all have enough drama surrounding them to keep you coming back for more. There’s a reason this one is a viewer favorite.
Another show that was canceled before its time! Sorry to make you fall in love with these shows that will leave you early, but two glorious seasons are all you’ll get from this cast, including Keegan Michael Key, Fred Savage, and Billy Eichner. Twenty years after graduation, a tight-knit group of college friends reconnects. They’re dysfunctionally dependent on one another, and their relationships are at times totally inappropriate, but this group is so damn real and funny that you’ll fall in love with every single imperfect character.
Honestly, I’ll watch Jennifer Coolidge in anything so I probably would’ve finished these two seasons even if they weren’t the most oddly hilarious thing I watched in years. In season one, Murray Bartlett nailed it as the perfectionist manager of a high-end resort simultaneously grappling with his sobriety and the most high-maintenance guests you’ve ever seen. Season two brought even more drama and laughs, and if you have managed to exist this long without knowing what happens in this show, I’m not going to spoil it for you now. Just know that these two totally different seasons with two totally different casts (save for Coolidge) were both utter perfection. Maybe you don’t think you want to know what happens when wealthy guests ascend upon an all-inclusive resort in first Hawaii then Italy, but I promise—you do.
This show will make you want to gather your BFFs and start a badass girl gang, complete with money laundering, accidental murder, and hot affairs with drug lords. Okay, maybe this sounds over-the-top, but that’s what binge-worthy TV should be. When you’re finished watching this, you’ll want Christina Hendricks, Ruby Hill, and Annie Marks on speed dial. There are five incredible seasons to binge, and you’ll love every, single one.
]]>This online community is home to 2.3 million members who are always ready to help people identify the mysterious objects they found.
The gig is simple: someone uploads a photo of whatever it is they want the name of, and the gang starts commenting under it, offering their input until, inevitably, a person shows up who knows exactly what it is.
However, even if you're not posting anything, scrolling through their solved cases feels like an interesting challenge, where you can test (and expand) your own knowledge. So we invite you to do just that!
Answer: It's a magazine rack installed upside down because people decorating Airbnb's don't know what they're doing.
Image credits: mmay_a
Answer: This setup prevents Muslims from having to lift our legs up dangerously high while trying to stick our feet in the sink one at a time. The alternative to that is we have to take a handful of water and pour it onto our feet below the sink causing the floor to get wet. Muslims also have to keep their feet clean before praying, which is obviously problematic in a bathroom where everyone pisses on the floor and walks with their shoes between the stalls and the sink, so you might see them trying to keep one shoe on while washing the other foot and then switching. It’s also why we take our shoes off before praying and use prayer rugs to avoid touching unclean things while praying.
Image credits: atomicdragon136
Answer: They look like silkworm cocoons.
Image credits: loveofGod12345
Answer: Steel "soap" bar. Removes odors like onion from ur hands when u wash with it by just adding a strong steel odor on top.
Image credits: inzombiac
Answer: It's a place to rest your beer while you play cards.
Image credits: One_Has_Lepers
Answer: A Himalayan Calendar. The outer ring as 12 balls, each corresponding to a month. The next two rings have a tens and ones digit. The tens has three balls for up to the 31st, and the next has nine balls, for 0 to 9. And then four rings for the year, up to 9999.
Image credits: Oxfordcommapreacher
Answer: Micro plastic particles. Probably to show how Nike helps to clean up our planet. Greenwashing at best.
Image credits: tsirs
Answer: Looks like a page spreader for reading. Point end goes into the spine and thumb in hole so you can one hand books easy.
Image credits: Karljoneill
Answer: Cabbage sliced for making sauerkraut.
Image credits: Interesting_Usual882
Answer: It's whale sick get it checked it could be worth thousands a kg. It's an ingredient used in high end perfumes.
Image credits: Swimming_Sea964
Answer: My wife says horse hoof cleaning tool, and she's a major horse gal. Also, burying an iron object within the foundation of a home was once considered good luck.
Image credits: StarsSuck
Answer: They can be used to avoid chairs scratching your floors. So they are socks, but for chairs rather than humans.
Image credits: InevitableDevice2182
Answer: You hang weights on chains to power mechanical cuckoo clocks. One powers the clock mechanism, and the other powers the cuckoo. The weight turns gears in the mechanism as the chain drops. To wind the clock, you pull on the other end of the chain and bring the weight back up, and the same for the chain that powers the cuckoo.
Image credits: reddit.com
Answer: Probably a horse. The bottom is the sire and dam.
Image credits: Wequiwa
Answer: It's a butter curler, for making fancy bits of butter.
Image credits: Curious-Creation
Answer: Terra cotta sugar saver. You put it in with your brown sugar to keep it from clumping or drying out in storage.
Image credits: potatochild001
Answer: It's actually a purse. There's space in there for some coins for bus/cab fare, some powder makeup (behind the little door), and calling cards.
Image credits: didilamour
Answer: It's an early 19th C Gaslamp. The gas is piped up the pole, and a copper pipe would have extended into the glass lamp house, which fitted into the hoop.
Image credits: scientificdramatist
Answer: HPDFCU Ultrasonic Animal Deterrent.
Image credits: BloodyBender
Answer: It’s a lamp. It’s literally an oil lamp, to be used to create light. The wick goes in the spout. The oil goes in the belly. You light the wick and a flame will burn on the end of the spout like a little candle, and you can carry your lantern around with you.
Image credits: FlaxxtotheMaxx
Answer: Telephone dialer. You put the ball end in the desired number of the phone dial instead of your finger tip and used it to turn the dial.
Image credits: boneyheimer
Answer: Anti-wolf collar for sheepdogs.
Image credits: delilahgabj
Answer: These are pretty much radiators that were filled with embers and/or hot stones when needed.
Image credits: Shadow_F3r4L
Answer: This is a mushroom growing in the ceiling and is likely the result of water damage from the floor above.
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Answer: A cigarette lighter.
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Answer: A vintage spoon pendant used for illegal substances.
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Answer: It is a cold box.
Image credits: reddit.com
Answer: It is a spoon designed to separate the fat from the sauce, called "cuillère dégraisseuse".
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Answer: Boards that keep stray dogs from peeing on the door.
Image credits: GOBLINH8ER
Answer: It’s for the manufacturing of the product so that it can be turned while standing up.
Image credits: Eastern-East1476
Answer: Your mechanic is gonna want that back. It’s part of a lift.
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Answer: "Black Money Scam". It's construction paper or similar, he was scammed to believe it was currency dyed to be smuggled and could be restored.
Image credits: sbs_str_9091
Answer: Linen press.
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Answer: It's a container for keeping herbs fresh in your refrigerator.
Image credits: Jahstar7
Answer: It is a Vasculum, a sturdy collection container used by botanists on field excursions in which plant specimens can be collected without damaging them.
Image credits: Valuable-Camera-7107
Answer: It’s a diver rescue marker, for ocean rescue. You release it to dye the water around you and even at night a blacklight can light it up.
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Answer: Part of an old telephone. The bell is for incoming calls. The crank is to buzz the operator to connect you to the other party.
Image credits: Radio-Groundbreaking
Answer: It's a chair, howdah style.
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Answer: Immersion heater. The metal piece goes into a cup of water and heats it.
Image credits: Commercial_Wasabi_86
Answer: YVW Water Watchers! Initiative to remind children to conserve water when possible. This is insanely clever. The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently when they know or feel like they’re being watched—choosing a healthier meal at lunch with your fit friends, or being more productive at work when you sit near the boss’s office.
Image credits: Johanso
Answer: It's a "claw" to help pull in fishing nets.
Image credits: machukahn
Answer: An old Beltone type hearing aid. There's a transistor in the tie clip, and it plugs into a cord for the hearing aid.
Image credits: badluckninja13
Answer: Carpenter Bee traps.
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Answer: This is a ULV mosquito adulticiding fogger.
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Answer: Old septic tank.
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Answer: Looks like the membrane from a kazoo.
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Answer: Wow, that's a blast from the past. It's for write protecting a 5.25" floppy disk.
It’s for making a single sided disk double sided.
Image credits: R_McN
Answer: Mirror guy here, there are lots of things related to the adhesive that can pull off or degrade the silver backing, including: forceful detachment of the adhesive which pulls off the silver, using an acid curing adhesive instead of a neutral curing adhesive, putting the adhesive onto unpainted Sheetrock which screws up the curing process, or drawing a closed shape with the adhesive so air gets trapped in it when the mirror is pressed against the wall.
Image credits: AdamCohn
Answer: Obfuscation pattern, it's there to hide info or keep people from trying to read through an envelope and look at personal information.
Image credits: 1nesandzer0s
Answer: Worked at a Ponderosa back in my teens as a line cook and we had one of these. When an order was up we would press a button on a box and it would light up a number, so a server would know their order was ready for a table.
Image credits: Gusto74
Answer: It's a perfume diffuser. You can spray your perfume on it, and it will absorb it and release the smell into the air.
Image credits: Solve-Problems
Answer: This is just a scientific specimen cabinet, which could be used for anything from geology to lepidopterology.
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Answer: It's a button hook.
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Answer: An oil lamp.
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Answer: A wash tamper or "wasstamper" in Dutch.
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Answer: A leather fishing belt. You can put the end of the fishing rod in the hole for support.
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Answer: It's for transporting racing pigeons.
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Answer: It is a space for a wireless pod that tracks your running workout called Nike+ sensor.
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Answer: This is used to measure the height of the net in tennis.
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Answer: It’s for drafting. It’s an eraser shield.
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Answer: It’s a baler! The metal bands have small metal prongs protitruding, they pick up the hay. The corkscrew in the back moves it into the baling chamber, where a ram compresses it into a bale, after that it’s tied together and pushed out of the machine.
Image credits: only1jellybeanz
Answer: Chicken steamer, it's used to add humidity to the house.
Image credits: uberCalifornia
Answer: It’s an avocado slicer. You cut the avocado in half and seed it, then scoop out slices.
Image credits: Whatsername868
Answer: This happens a lot in seawater. You see it in the beach all the time as a thick brownish foam. Basically, as marine creatures and so on (especially algae) decompose after death their bodies break down into various components. One of the processes is called saponification and basically converts fats into soap (fun fact, the same thing can happen to un-preserved humans). This coats the sand, gravel, rocks etc and then it is stirred up into foam by the water and (usually) high winds. On the beach it’s usually a mix of these animal byproducts, sand and other contaminants, it’s likely similar here but with less sand. In a canal it is likely stirred up by the wake of watercraft.
Image credits: hamo804
Answer: It's a window breaker for car windows.
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Answer: It's for holding books.
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Answer: Hydraulic fluid reservoir for a military vehicle, possibly a hercules.
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Answer: It’s a sensor to turn the heated sidewalk on and off.
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Answer: It’s a comb hammer for dressing stone.
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Answer: I think the dowel was put into a shelf slot after the fact to possibly make this into a paper towel holder. I say breadbox.
Image credits: DrDirtyJ
Answer: It's a back support.
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Answer: An old blade honer/sharpener.
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Answer: A rotisserie clamp.
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Answer: Knife rests.
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Answer: A tick removal tool. It's called a "tick twister".
Image credits: Repulsive-Wear8696
Answer: It's a tooth pick in a design patented in 1881.
Image credits: ruby_dust17
Answer: It's a vintage police restraint chain called "chain nipper".
Image credits: Mrandres21
Answer: It's a phone “booth.” At one point it likely held a phone (likely a payphone). You could stand it in, have your call, and not be in the middle of the hallway.
Image credits: Major-tomm
Answer: It's a dry water massage bed. A person lays inside and water pummels them.
Image credits: Wraldpyk
Answer: A hanger cover. It's to prevent suits or similar from getting a crease when hanging on a hanger with sharp angles.
Image credits: ellanaKG
Answer: Guide rails for keeping a derailed car from getting too off center.
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Answer: A display for hats.
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Answer: A pull pin from a fire extinguisher.
Image credits: LoganSlendy
Answer: They're measuring wifi strength and saturation as part of MLB's deal with Extreme Networks.
Image credits: paradigmjumper
Answer: It's a temperature sensor for a humidifier.
Image credits: hiberniagermania
Answer: It’s for laptop/tablet storage while charging.
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Answer: It’s a badger gate.
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Answer: It's part of a cream separator for milk.
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Answer: A wagon brake.
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Answer: This is a seafood or cocktail fork.
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Answer: It is a phone holder.
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Answer: Basically there are huge underground tunnels that take water to the power plants, these gates shut the water to them.
Image credits: Limelight_019283
Answer: These are old kilns.
Image credits: Check_M88
Answer: Looks like a it’s maybe a flagpole finial, possibly 19th century or early twentieth.
Image credits: nate8334
Answer: Chef's hat.
Image credits: reddit.com
Answer: They are granaries, for corn and grain.
Image credits: ProperNomenclature
Answer: It’s a home observatory. The telescope inside doesn’t have to be particularly big, but chances are if they spent the money on the dome they have a pretty nice scope.
Image credits: jlol8452
Answer: Saildrone.
Image credits: ShireHorseRider
Answer: Sonde device to measure pipe blockage / delineation using acoustic waves.
Image credits: PSN_ALadyCat
Answer: It's one of a pair of "rattlesnake eggs". You hold them separated slightly in your hand, and toss them up in the air, and they make a cool noise when they magnetize together. That's about it.
Image credits: MotherOfMagpies23
Answer: These are Japanese folding screen weights.
Image credits: RepTheDee
Answer: It’s a keyboard key remover. It’s to help install custom keys but if it didn’t come with any custom keys, they probably gave it to you to help you remove all the keys to make cleaning easier.
Image credits: NuclearHoagie
Answer: They are anti theft strips and will sound the alarm if you try to pass the detectors at the door when not having paid the item.
Image credits: lucian_blignaut
Answer: It’s a core plug for a large roll of paper. You take them out when you load them onto a cutting machine to make smaller rolls like adding machine tapes or toilet paper rolls.
Image credits: Kcnabrev
Answer: It’s part of a magic kit where the magician “guesses” someone’s number… should be like 6 of them with various numbers on them…
Image credits: Backup-AccountHLS
Answer: It’s a spoon rest for cooking so your counter top doesn’t get dirty. Can hold multiple utensils at once. Easy to wash and clean.
Image credits: PoetryOfLogicalIdeas
Answer: That is a paddle designed to swat back a small ball 'a hornet' in the traditional swiss sport or hornussen.
Image credits: rojothered
Answer: It is an outrigger for trolling. you attach a long line to it and this carries it out away from the side of the boat so you can put out two long lines at once. Used for tuna and swordfish in the gulf stream.
Image credits: avery4206
Answer: It's a fishing net float.
Image credits: redblackrider
Answer: A waterproof bathroom mirror TV.
Image credits: natalie_grrr
Answer: It is an Eruv.
Image credits: fjbruzr
Answer: A vintage craftsman wet wheel sharpening stone tool.
Image credits: DonKiedicRPG
Answer: A holder for moth balls, called "mortemoth".
Image credits: pocketfullasunshine1
Answer: It’s a manual massage roller ball.
Image credits: doogal580
Answer: It's a foldable flying disk.
Image credits: ActivityFar178
Answer: It's a vintage “Midget” folding garment hanger.
Image credits: MediumSizeMoose
Answer: The month and year of manufacture. It’s a permanent dent made in the tool steel of the injection molding tooling, so the most recent dent is the birth date of the wheel arch.
Image credits: xrawmonkey
Answer: A Hoosier flour sifter. The flour is contained in a box above or in this case - the conical bag and you crank out what you need below.
Image credits: 98_percent_angel
Answer: A ball mill. Similar in concept to a rock tumbler, but used by industry to powderize or smooth materials.
Image credits: BoutelouaGracilis
Answer: To hold bottles up, so they don't fall out of the door.
Image credits: perksofbeingcrafty
Answer: A Remfly Perimeter Trip Alarm.
Image credits: johnnycross798
Answer: It's a lazy dog. A small bomb dropped in large numbers. No explosives in it.
Image credits: maxuhmillion28
Answer: These are tiny mock versions of what they used to use on riversides to stop erosion. Now they're mostly just decorations or hashi holders (chopstiick holders, but they have much smaller ones - i have some in my cuppard) so your food-covered hashi doesn't touch the table. They were called Takejakago.
Image credits: Sea_Negotiation_2651
Answer: Mk 25 marine location marker.
Image credits: JForce1
Answer: It’s a pull chain and hanging bracket for a solid door bell.
Image credits: tired-until-infinity
Answer: It's a hose holder that prevents tangling.
Image credits: No_Maintenance_550
Answer: Fidget toy.
Image credits: Far_Ad8215
Answer: It's an infrared based occupancy sensor. The TV controller is outputting an infrared signal activating the sensor. Source: husband who is an electrical engineer.
Image credits: Infomaniac63
Answer: Snack plate. Circle is for a cup to rest in.
Image credits: aft25
Answer: Canopy covers for glider cockpits.
Image credits: No-Adeptness1671
Answer: It’s a pog slammer.
Image credits: Tribulus_terrestris
Answer: It’s for ties.
Image credits: elliebelliemk
Answer: An inflatable cushion for securing cargo.
Image credits: SmartGround754
Answer: A South African Knobkerrie.
Image credits: Zeeplebooplebrix
Answer: It's a type of WAP for the hotel staff called AT&T Staff Alert.
Image credits: S3-000
Answer: Cell phone holder for the car vent.
Image credits: aut0asfixiacion
Answer: It’s an old style attachment for a child seat.
Image credits: AlfajorConFernet
Answer: It's a paperweight.
Image credits: iang626
Answer: I think it's actually to evenly distribute the coffee rather than tamp it, the tamper would be used after this thing and has a flat bottom.
Image credits: motherherbivore_
I started online dating in my late 30s. I was a single parent desperate for love and a normal family after years of abuse and unhealthy relationships.
I used a free dating site with a reputation for being sleazy and full of people just wanting to hook up as I couldn’t afford a paid one. It was worth a try as there was little chance of me meeting anyone any other way.
I signed up with nervous anticipation, put my best photos up and tried to describe myself as best I could. There were no pretences or persuasive paragraphs. I still don’t understand why people use filtered, photo-shopped images and lie or exaggerate on their profiles. What’s the point? Don’t you want to meet someone who likes the real you? And surely they’ll realise that your photos aren’t the real deal when you meet up, and they don’t recognise you!
I was looking for long-term, so keeping it real was essential.
The initial flurry of likes and messages came in, which boosted my confidence. Maybe I am attractive and desirable!
…
Your first few days or weeks on a dating site are always new and exciting. And then the roller coaster ride starts.
Some people are just rude.
Online dating sites are full of people that put others down to feel better about themselves. I got a message from someone much younger than me, so I replied, saying thanks for messaging me; I’m flattered but looking for someone a bit older. He immediately replied, telling me I was too old for him anyway and I should feel lucky I was getting attention from someone so young. Ermmm, you messaged me first, you dick, and by the way, us older women aren’t as desperate as you are for a shag.
Then you get those who just want dirty talk, pictures and sex.
Some even send you photos of their erections without you asking for them — how generous of them! Sorry guys, whilst your member gives me pleasure in certain circumstances, I do not find them visually attractive. They can look quite menacing and will not make me want to meet up with you or have sex with you.
Occasionally you get someone who can hold a normal conversation.
You start to feel a sliver of hope filter in. This is promising! You repeatedly look at their photos, trying to overcome those little icks you notice. After all, it’s not all about looks. If it were, I would have met up with some of those who sent me dick pics.
Some conversations can go on for weeks, even months, with no sign of arranging a meet-up. I initially saw this as someone trying to keep it slow and wait until I felt comfortable. But there’s slow, and then there’s grinding to a halt.
I would chat with quite a few people at the same time and would have to remind myself of our ongoing conversations to make sure I didn’t get people confused. But as soon as I decided to meet up with someone, I would stop putting myself about online and never arrange to meet two people at the same time.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with multiple dates. After all, you’re just meeting to see if there’s a connection. It just wasn’t for me.
The excitement and online connection builds, and you hope that when you meet, there’s some sort of spark.
…
You meet up, and it goes one of three ways.
Not for me.
He’s nothing like his pictures. There’s no attraction. He makes me feel uncomfortable, he’s rude, or he’s not over his ex.
I went out for a meal with a guy. It was a nice meal, and we paid half each.
At the end of the evening, we said our goodbyes, he drove off, and then I sent that “end” text — “I’m sorry, but I don’t think it will work out between us”.
The reply was — “I knew you weren’t into me at the beginning. You just wanted a free meal. Why didn’t you just say something at the beginning instead of stringing me along”.
What?! I paid for half, so where was the free meal? And aren’t first dates about getting to know each other to see if there’s any potential? I don’t class that as stringing someone along.
He then had to be blocked as he became abusive. Phew, lucky escape.
Typically, thoughts of “what’s the point” and “it’s not worth it” follow dates with these people.
Phwoar.
Of course, there’s the odd strong physical attraction. Lust takes over. You deal with that and then realise there’s not much else to him apart from that gorgeous face, body and aftershave. Someone else may find something other than that, but you can’t see it.
You may even meet up a few more times, but it remains just a physical thing. This obviously won’t work long-term, and not when you’re a single parent to two kids and rarely get a night to yourself.
Some people are happy with this; if that’s you, go sow your seed. I certainly did for a couple of years. I was a late bloomer sexually, and my late 30s will always be known as my “slapper” years!
I enjoyed the sex but always felt a bit disappointed when it became clear that was all they wanted from me.
I would feel used and unlovable, so I would decide to only chat with people that made it clear they wanted a long-term, committed relationship.
Maybe.
Then there are the ones you meet up with, and you’re unsure, so you continue getting to know them.
I found these were the ones that built my hopes up the most.
It normally happens when they like you more than you like them, so they’re on their best behaviour trying to impress you.
There are a couple of niggles, but you’re willing to overlook them to pursue the relationship you’re desperate for.
Eventually, those niggles can no longer be overlooked, or their best behaviour drops and you realise it’s not going anywhere.
This is when the big dip comes, and you lose all hope of finding someone.
…
I would always take a break at that point, work on myself and remind myself of everything I already had. But the break never lasted long because I ultimately wanted to find someone I could love and be loved by for the rest of my life.
The rollercoaster ride starts again as you make your profile active, change your bio and photos (because that’s obviously what was wrong last time) and get that first buzz of messages coming in.
…
It’s difficult not to compromise when you’ve been dating for a while. It’s hard to deal with the blows of being ghosted, criticised, and stood up. The disappointment of another waste of time pushes you down.
You see other people in successful, healthy relationships and wonder what’s wrong with you. It’s particularly hard when you have been hurt badly before. All your self-doubt comes bubbling up, along with tears, frustration and anger at the unfairness of it all.
But don’t give up because a fourth situation occasionally occurs.
The success story.
This fourth way cropped up following a time of cold turkey from the dating site. I had enjoyed a few medium-term relationships, all from this dating site (ranging from 6 months to a year), but I ended all three of them. It was hard because I wanted them to work, but after years of being hurt, I was determined not to settle for anything less than something that made me feel good about myself and allowed me to be myself.
I’d been messed around by a f**kboy who dangled a carrot (metaphorically speaking, not his actual carrot) in front of me by saying he was willing to give this boyfriend/girlfriend thing a go. His exact words were, “Why not? It could be fun, and you’re cute”. So we arranged to meet to change our booty calls into actual dates. He cancelled last minute, and I’d had enough.
I decided to give up online dating and leave it to fate.
However, I hadn’t yet deleted my profile and had been sharing infrequent messages with someone. He asked to meet up, and I agreed but almost pulled out because I couldn’t deal with another disappointment. He convinced me otherwise, and we met up, both thinking if this doesn’t work out, I’m giving up on this shit.
We met in a pub, and as I walked up to him, there was some sort of click. It was a strange little physical click inside of me rather than the usual spark of lust.
Fast forward ten years and that click, I believe, was the final piece of my puzzle falling into place. We’ve been married for seven years and still going strong.
…
I know it’s a rollercoaster ride, but don’t give up hope. You never know when or where that thing you’re looking for will appear. Be good to yourself, be true to yourself and don’t settle.
You may have to kiss a few frogs, wade through the dick pics and take the odd bitter comment when you decline someone’s attention, but you’ve got to keep putting yourself out there. You won’t find someone if you’re not trying. They will not come knocking at your door. Unless, of course, you fantasise about your local government candidate, postman or delivery driver!
You deserve the love you are searching for, and there’s someone somewhere waiting for you to pop up on their screen and into their dm’s.
—
This post was previously published on medium.com.
***
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]]>PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE COLLINS (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
The snow is melting and the parks are opening - it’s time to get outside! We’re just as stoked as you are for summer hiking and backpacking season, and REI has you covered with some great deals on gear to get you on the trail. REI’s 4th of July sale runs from June 23rd - July 4th.
REI Members have access to some exclusive sale items, so if you haven’t joined yet - now is the time. We scoured the deals and narrowed this list down to the gear we're most excited about.
Oh yeah, if you’re not an REI member, don’t fret! You can pick up a lifetime membership for $30 and still get to use the 20% off coupon. So, your lifetime membership will pretty much pay for itself with one big purchase. Here are some of the reasons all of us here at CleverHiker have been REI members for years:
Knowledgeable and friendly staff - We always have an awesome experience with the sales and customer service staff. They’re friendly and helpful, and they really know their stuff!
Save money - There are so many benefits to membership, but some of our favorites are access to 20% off coupons a few times a year, 10% dividend back on full-price purchases, access to the used gear Garage Sale, and discounts on REI Adventures and in-store classes.
REI brand products are a great value - We generally find that REI brand products strike a great balance between quality and cost. The Magma line of sleeping bags and the Half Dome line of tents are some of our favorite products from their wide range of offerings.
REI has an excellent return policy - Customer service reigns supreme here. REI gives you 365 days to return or exchange items and we love the ability to buy online and return in store.
REI is getting into the ultralight game - We’re pretty stoked to see REI jumping into the ultralight arena. They’re now stocking their shelves with UL retailers, such as Hyperlite Mountain Gear, as well as upgrading many of their REI brand product lines to focus on fast and light gear.
REI has made some of our favorite tents over the years, but few have been as impressive as the Flash 2. This tent has a weight and interior volume that rival some of the most popular backpacking tents of all time, but it costs far less than anything in its class. With its unique pole architecture, the Flash 2 manages to feel more spacious than tents with the exact same dimensions. See how this tent stacks up against the competition on our list of the Best Backpacking Tents.
We love the REI Skyward 4 tent for its high-quality tent poles/fabrics, spacious interior, and ease of setup. It has near-vertical walls and a 6.5 foot peak height, so you can stand and move around freely. The vestibule off the front is handy, and we like that there’s an awning over the door for drip-free entry. The Skyward is a well-rounded tent with a sweet balance of simplicity and spaciousness which made it our number one pick on our Best Camping Tents list.
The REI Half Dome series of tents are a good value for those wanting a tent that’s practical for both backpacking and car camping. These tents provide a good balance of durability, interior space, and affordability, and their freestanding design makes them easy to set up. Our favorite size for backpacking is the 2 Plus, and the 3 Plus is more comfortable and spacious for car camping. The Half Dome tents are featured on both our Best Camping Tents and Best Backpacking Tents lists.
REI’s Wonderland tents come in a few sizes, but our top pick is the Wonderland 4. This tent is a redesign of the popular Kingdom. It still features the same high ceiling, giant doors, and convenient storage pockets that made the Kingdom so well-loved. This is a can’t-miss deal if you’re in the market for a new camping tent. See how it stacks up against the competition on our Best Camping Tents list.
Eureka's Space Camp 4 is a welcoming shelter with nearly vertical walls and a versatile rainfly. There are two generous vestibules to protect your gear when bad weather hits and multiple vents to promote airflow. For taller campers, the Space Camp 6P has a peak height of 6’4” for more headroom. The Space Camp is among the highest-quality budget options on our Best Camping Tents list.
The affordable REI Trail Hut 2 is an excellent tent for hikers on a tight budget or those wanting a crossover tent for car camping and backpacking. It’s quick and easy to pitch, made with durable materials, and the weight/bulk aren’t too bad when split between two hikers. If you’re looking to go as affordable as possible, the REI Trailmade 2 costs less and is a bit lighter. But we ultimately prefer the Trail Hut for its larger interior space. Learn more about these tents on our list of the Best Backpacking Tents.
The La Sportiva Bushido II (men’s / women’s) is a burly trail runner with awesome traction for tackling technical mountain trails. One of the Bushido’s greatest assets is its durability - the mesh zones are reinforced with a ripstop overlay, and they feature a stout rubber toe cap to protect against rocks. Learn more about the Bushidos on our lists of the Best Trail Running Shoes for Men and Women.
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks are simple, lightly padded, and comfortable with cushy tabs at the ankle that effectively keep them from sliding down. The plush padding across the entire sole makes them a bit warmer and less breathable underfoot than some, but they’re an excellent, affordable choice for those looking for comfy low-cut socks for everyday use. See how they compare to other socks on our list of the Best Hiking Socks.
Who doesn’t love a good toe sock? Injinji's Trail Midweight Mini Crews (unisex / women’s) are some of the most popular socks on the market because they’re affordable, comfortable, highly breathable, and excellent for reducing friction between the toes. Since each toe is wrapped in wicking fabric, we find that they do a very good job of keeping our feet dry on the trail too. All this helps cut down on blisters, and we can all get behind that. Head over to our Best Hiking Socks list to learn more about our favorite Injinji socks.
The REI Magma 15 / Magma 30 (women’s Magma 15 / 30) sleeping bags have an unrivaled combination of weight, warmth, and cost. If you want one sleeping bag that will work for most of the year, the Magma 15 is an excellent choice. If most of your backpacking trips are during summer or you’re a warm sleeper, the Magma 30 is perfect for keeping pack weight to a minimum. The Magma 15 and 30 are our top picks on our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags list.
The REI Magma Quilt 30 is one of our go-to sleep sacks for trips where nighttime temperatures stay in the 40s or above. This pared-down design will keep your summer base weight as low as possible, and it compresses down small to leave room in your pack for other luxuries. Its combination of weight, warmth, and cost makes the Magma one of our favorite quilts of all time, and it ranks highly on our Best Sleeping Bags and Best Backpacking Quilts lists.
The REI Camp Dreamer XL is an impressively thick, comfy, and easy to use camping mattress at an excellent price point. It makes sleeping outdoors feel lavish, while still being relatively lightweight and portable. For couples and those who prefer to sleep like a starfish, the Camp Dreamer also comes in a Double Size. Because it’s similar in quality to many high-end camping mattresses but a lot more affordable, we named it the best value mattress on our Best Camping Mattress list.
The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 (men’s / women’s) is a great budget buy for beginners, campers, and those who aren’t as concerned with weight and bulk. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for, so don’t expect the same quality out of the Cosmic as a high-end down sleeping bag, but the Cosmic is fully functional, very comfortable, and is sold at a price that’s tough to beat. The Cosmic Down can be found on our list of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags.
Everything about the HEST Sleep System is hands-down one of the most luxurious camping mattresses we’ve ever slept on. The inflatable base is really durable and creates a smooth, bump-free platform, while the memory foam topper is soft and warm. The HEST Sleep System is expensive, but it’s well worth the money for extended, multi-night trips close to your vehicle. We recommend the wide version as the regular size feels a bit too narrow. See how the HEST compares on our Best Camping Mattresses list.
If you're looking for a way to get more relaxation and comfort to your camping or travel endeavors, check out the HEST Camp Pillow. It brings the comfort of home in a compact package that's easy to transport and keep clean. It's nearly full-size and the shredded memory foam fill provides excellent support that doesn't flatten out. The regular size is plenty big for our needs, but an even larger Standard Pillow is also available. Get all the details on our Best Camping Pillows list.
The NEMO Tensor Insulated Pad is one of our long-time favorite sleeping pads because it’s quieter than other pads and it’s exceptionally comfortable. The Tensor also comes with one of the best pump sacks on the market, which makes inflation fast and easy. This pad comes in several shape and size options, including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular/wide model, and it ranks highly on our Best Sleeping Pads list.
For the ultralight/budget backpacker who’s hard on gear and doesn’t want the possibility of a ruptured air pad, the Therm-a-Rest ZLite Sol is a great option and got an Honorable Mention on our Best Sleeping Pads list. In addition to the ZLite being nearly indestructible, we also love that it can double as a seat when taking a break on hiking trips so you don’t have to sit in the dirt or on wet surfaces.
REI’s Helix Insulated Air features the highest R-value of any pad in its price range, so it’s an excellent value for cold sleepers on a tight budget. At 3 inches thick, the Helix is very cushy and comfortable. It’s a bit heavier than some of our other favorite backpacking sleeping pads, but we think the extra warmth is worth the weight if you tend to get cold at night. See how the Helix stacks up against other top sleeping pads on our list of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads
NEMO makes some of the most luxurious sleeping bags around. Their signature Thermo Gills make it easy to regulate your temperature, and the spoon shape is ideal for side sleepers. If you're looking for a comfortable sleeping bag with a lot of space, the NEMO Disco 15 is a great option. NEMO also makes the Disco 30 for those who do most of their camping in summer. Both make our lists of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags and Best Camping Sleeping Bags for their roomy comfort.
REI’s Camp Bed is already one of the best deals on a car camping pad in the whole store, and now at 50% off it’s truly a steal. The Camp Bed is cushy, quick and easy to inflate/deflate, and is much more compact when stored than many other car camping pads, so it won’t take up as much real estate in your garage or gear closet. The Camp Bed is offered in regular and XL - we prefer the XL size since the extra width is comfier for our arms. Learn more about the REI Camp Bed on our Best Camping Mattresses list.
The REI Trailmade is an excellent and super affordable option that works for just about every kind of trip from travel to backpacking. The foam filling is comfier than an air pillow, and we love that you get to choose between the cozy fleece or the cool polyester side depending on the conditions. Plus, the Trailmade only weighs 5.25 oz., so it's totally backpacking-worthy if comfort is a priority. Learn more on our Best Camping Pillows list.
The REI Siesta 20 (also available as a two-person bag) is one of our go-to sleeping bags for car camping because it’s roomy for sprawling, durable, and comes in at a great value price. The rectangular hood adds extra warmth on chilly nights and holds a full-size bed pillow securely in place. The Siesta is our top pick on our Best Camping Sleeping Bags list.
Down bags are typically more expensive than synthetic, and they tend to only come in a mummy shape that doesn’t allow you to stretch out as much. This is where the down-filled rectangular Kelty Galactic 30 shines! It’s priced similarly to many of the high-quality synthetic bags on the market, and the rectangle shape offers plenty of room to sprawl. It also packs down small and provides impressive warmth for how lightweight it is. The Kelty Galactic 30 is near the top of our Best Camping Sleeping Bags list.
The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 (men’s / women’s) is our favorite synthetic sleeping bag from our list of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags. The Trestles has some surprisingly cool features for how little it costs, like a blanket fold quarter zipper, internal stash pocket, and included compression sack. Synthetic bags used to be much heavier and bulkier than down bags, but that’s not so much the case anymore. The Trestles packs down decently small and is pretty light despite its recycled synthetic fill.
We’re big fans of MSR stoves, and the Pocket Rocket 2 has been a top pick on our Best Backpacking Stoves list for years. This stove is lightweight, compact, durable, and it has great simmer control. The upgraded Pocket Rocket Deluxe has some extra features, like a push button ignitor and better performance in bad weather. Both are truly excellent backcountry stoves that come in handy kit versions as well.
For hikers who mostly use a stove for boiling water to rehydrate freeze-dried meals, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Jetboil Flash. When it comes to boiling water quickly, the Flash lives up to its name and costs less than many other stove systems. If you’re looking for the fastest and most convenient stove for backpacking, The Flash is one of the fastest and most convenient stoves for backpacking, which made it a top choice on our Best Backpacking Stove List.
The Snow Peak LiteMax is one of the lightest backpacking stoves on the market. It’s built with titanium to keep weight to an absolute minimum, and folds down small for easy storage in any cookpot. It also has good simmer control, fast boiling times, and does a decent job in the wind too. The LiteMax ranks highly on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.
The Soto Windmaster is a highly efficient stove that, as the name would imply, performs beautifully in windy conditions. This powerful little stove boils very quickly, and is noticeably quieter than many other stoves we've used. While it's slightly bulkier than some of our other favorite canister stoves, it's still quite manageable and packs a lot of power for such a neat little package. Get more info on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.
The portable and convenient Eureka Ignite 2-Burner Stove is perfect for cooking some gourmet meals around the campfire. Its push button ignitor makes it easy to use, and the simmer control function allows for precise cooking. If you’ll be cooking for a larger group, you may want to upgrade to the Ignite Plus for the wider burners. Check out the Ignite Plus on our Best Camping Stoves list.
GSI products make up almost half of the recommendations on our Best Camping Cookware list, because they really nail it on design, price, and efficiency. The GSI Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset covers all your camp kitchen needs and is our favorite non-stick cookware. Their Stainless Troop Cookset is ideal for cooking for a group. It’s big enough to cook for a group and a cinch to pack. And their Pinnacle Dualist HS is a great choice for those needing something versatile enough to work for both camping and backpacking.
The IceMule BOSS is, well... boss for activities on the water like rafting, kayaking, fishing, or paddleboarding. It’s comfortable to carry thanks to the well-padded backpack straps and hipbelt, and it retains ice for multiple days. Since the Boss is 100% waterproof and insulated with both foam and air chambers, it floats if it happens to end up in the water too. It can also be used as a dry bag for your phone, keys, wallet, or a dry change of clothes. The Boss earned the title of best waterproof backpack cooler on our list of the Best Coolers.
The AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press is an awesome innovation for those who want to enjoy great coffee and espresso on the go. It allows you to have the bold taste of French press coffee anywhere.If you already have one or you know you’ll use it a ton, you can also stock up on discounted filters. The AeroPress Go Travel is our top travel coffee maker overall on our list of the Best Camping Coffee Makers for brew quality, portability, and ease-of-use.
The REI Skyward from our Best Camping Chairs list is a simple, affordable chair that’s great for sitting around a campfire, at the beach, or just about anywhere. It’s made of a highly-breathable mesh with supportive webbing straps, which means it’ll help keep you cooler and more comfortable on hot days, and it dries quickly if it gets wet in the rain.
NEMO’s Stargaze Recliner has been our favorite luxury camping chair for years due to its exceptional comfort and unique design. All this luxury comes with a high price tag, though, so this is a great time to get it at a deep discount! Check out how the Stargaze compares to other camp chairs on our Best Camping Chairs list.
Backpacking chairs can be great for short casual trips, and of course we love using camp chairs for frontcountry camping, events, and travel. The Flexlite Air, which weighs only one pound, is comfortable, sturdy, and packs down very small, making it an excellent choice for those on the go. The Flexlite family of chairs has earned a place on both our Best Backpacking Chairs and our Best Camping Chairs lists.
The Doublenest Hammock is roomy and tough enough to fit two people comfortably, so it’s awesome for lounging around camp with a pal. It comes in a bunch of fun color combinations for showing off your personal style, and it’s incredibly easy to set up using the included carabiners. If you’re hammocking solo, the SingleNest may be all you need. These hammocks can be found on our Best Hammocks list.
If you’re looking for a high-quality hydration pack with solid support and plenty of pockets, check out the Osprey Manta 24 (men’s) and Mira 22 (women’s). These packs have a large capacity for long days on the trail and a comfortable suspension system that transfers weight to your hips. The included 2.5L reservoir has a wide, leak-proof opening that zips shut with a slider. It also has a quick-disconnect tube that’s really easy to access. Get more details about the Manta and Mira on our Best Hydration Packs list.
If you’re looking for a chair you can share, the Kelty Low Loveseat is a practical and cozy perch for two. Its best asset is its durability, with a strong steel frame, thick quilted fabric, and quality construction. The smartly-designed carrying case wraps around the chair and buckles so it’s easy to pack up. The case also serves as a load hauler for firewood/gear, or a small ground cloth to keep your feet clean and dry. The Kelty Low Loveseat is our top two-seater choice on our list of the Best Camping Chairs.
The GCI Zero Gravity is an excellent value when compared to other luxury chairs, and it’s an absolute steal at 50% off. It features a high back with a headrest, a neck pillow, reclining options, and full leg support that make it really comfortable. Since it’s not the most portable, the Zero Gravity is one of our favorite chairs for glamping or relaxing in the yard.
There’s a lot to love about the REI Camp Prep Table: it’s sturdy, stable, and has a slatted aluminum tabletop that’s heat resistant and a breeze to clean. What really sets it apart, though, are the individual leg adjustments that make it easy to level no matter how uneven the ground is. The legs are controlled with lever locks (similar to those on a trekking pole), which are easier and more adjustable than push-button locks. The Camp Prep Table is our number one pick on our Best Camping Tables list.
Katadyn makes some of the best water filters and purifiers on the market. One of our favorites is the ultralight and compact Katadyn BeFree, which is great for day hikes and long backcountry trips. We also love Katadyn Micropur Chlorine Dioxide Tabs because they’re ridiculously light and compact, and they’re more reliable than filters.
The Gregory 3D Hydro is lightweight, durable, and it has a ton of handy features. What really sets it apart is that it’s soft-molded with a water bottle-like material. That means it holds its shape and stays open to dry completely between uses - greatly reducing the chances of grime accumulation. It even has a hook to hang it upside down when you’re done. The easy care and durability are why the 3D Hydro has the top spot on our Best Hydration Bladders list.
If you’re the camp cook, you know how essential it is to have some counter space to work with. Enter the Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen. In addition to having a large surface for your two-burner stove, it also has a prep area for a cutting board and a side table to hold utensils and a drink while you cook. The shelves help keep your kitchen organized and the detachable hanging storage compartment keeps your stuff out of sight from the critters. The Roll Top Kitchen is one of our favorites from our Best Camping Tables list.
The season of new gear releases is upon us which means last year’s colors and designs are going on clearance. If you don’t mind being a little behind on the latest fashion trends and gear updates, this is the perfect time to grab some big ticket items (like footwear and tents) at a deep discount.
In addition, from June 30th-July 4th members can save an extra $20 off a $100 REI Outlet purchase using coupon code OUT4JUL23.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.
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]]>Secret Obsessions is Atlas Obscura’s new column where we ask wondrous people to take us down a rabbit hole. This edition features the drummer of the British band Blur, Dave Rowntree, as told to Associate Editor Sarah Durn.
I got my first telescope for Christmas when I was nine or 10. Growing up, I would spend hours and hours out in the back garden, staring up at the stars and planets in the shadow of our very conventional two-up, two-down, semi-detached house in Colchester, some 50 miles northeast of London. I would stick it out for as long as I could, until I got so cold that I had to come in. Ever since I've always had a telescope.
As I got older, I still carried on looking through telescopes, but the band started taking off in the 1990s, so that took up most of my time. Once I was on tour with Blur in the United States. We had just played in Texas and had a day off in Houston. Most of the band went off and did something else, but Alex James, the bass player who’s also interested in astronomy, and I decided to go to the space center.
We were struck by how many of the people we met were from Europe, specifically from the United Kingdom. That night, we stayed up very late, and the later we stayed up, the more of a good idea it seemed to be to start the U.K. space program ourselves. So we thought we'd ring up our accountant and get him to put that in action. Of course, he was asleep in bed, and he used some language that really shocked me to this very day. I didn't know accountants were allowed to use that kind of language.
Anyway, the next day he rang us back when we were asleep and let us know how much he appreciated being called at six in the morning by these two idiots. Then he said, “However, funny you should mention a U.K. space program, because a new neighbor just moved in next door and I was chatting to him over the garden fence the other day and I asked him what he did and he said he builds satellites. If you want to talk about British space research, why don't you go and talk to him?”
So we talked to our accountant's neighbor and told him our grand plan. I felt it was rather rude how loudly and for how long he laughed at that idea, but when he calmed down, he said, “No. But funny you should say that because I was in the queue at the canteen the other day and the guy in front of me is the head of planetary science at the Open University and he actually has got a plan to start the British space program, but he needs some money. Why don’t you go and talk to him?”
So two meetings later, we were at one of the Open University’s lecture theaters when planetary scientist Colin Pillinger walked in. He sat down with us, and out of his pocket, he pulled a little plastic container with a small rock in it. He said, “You know what that is? That’s a piece of Mars. A big meteorite hit Mars, threw millions of tons of rock out into space, and those pieces drifted around until some had landed on Earth.
“However, the same thing has happened in reverse. Asteroids and meteorites have hit the Earth millions of times and pieces have been thrown off into space. And wherever we've looked on Earth, even in the most seemingly inhospitable places, we have found life. So even in the hard, cold reaches of space, there's no reason to assume that some bacteria can't survive. So if we do find life on Mars, maybe it came from Earth. Even more interestingly, maybe life on Earth came from Mars. Who knows?”
The European Space Agency had a mission going to Mars called Mars Express, but they had some mass left over on the spacecraft. So Colin had designed an entire Martian lander, complete with a battery of experiments, all of which were looking for signs of life on Mars, to fit in this tiny space on the spacecraft. But he still had to build the thing—and it was going to cost £25 million.
“Are you in?” he said. So, by that point, our mouths were on the floor, and of course we readily, hook-line-and-sinker, agreed to get involved.
From that point, in every interview that either Alex or I did, when a journalist said, “Why did you call your album blah-blah-blah?” We said, “We don't want to talk about that. There's this guy Colin Pillinger and he's got a plan to go to Mars.” We just told the story again and again to anyone who would listen.
Colin suggested that Alex and I might persuade the rest of the band to write a call sign for the Beagle 2, the name of the lander. If the lander made it to Mars and all the systems were working, the first thing it would do is beam this signal back to Earth. We’d get to play the first gig on Mars. It was an easy sell.
We were also friends with the artist Damien Hirst. So Colin said, "Why doesn't Damien do a spot painting, which he was famous for at the time, and that can be the calibration image for the lander’s cameras? Then Damien will have sent the first artwork to Mars." Of course, he was very happy about that and that's exactly what he did.
Then Colin managed to get lots of different British companies to build different parts of the lander. Martin-Baker, which makes ejection seats for fighter aircraft, was going to build the descent parachutes. McLaren, which makes Formula 1 cars, agreed to build the shell of the spacecraft out of carbon fiber. The government had agreed that they would match every pound he raised, and so in the end he got the money.
Then, on June 2, 2003, Beagle 2 launched into space. We went to mission control in Leicester. They had a satellite feed up on the big screen from Baikonur Cosmodrome in southern Kazakhstan, where the spacecraft was being launched. They had a camera actually on the side of the rocket itself, and you could see the Earth receding into the distance. The launch went without a hitch, and there was lots of cheering and jumping up and down and hugging.
It took six months for the spacecraft to actually reach Mars. In December, we watched as Beagle 2 exploded off of the main spacecraft. At that point, we knew the lander would reach Mars, but there was no way of knowing if it was going to be a soft, feathery landing or a massive, Martian explosion. We had a wait until our little tune would play.
We knew Christmas Day would be the earliest possible opportunity for the lander to send its signal home. So I had my Christmas meal at home and then camped out at the Open University. Television cameras from all over the world were there and we just sat there waiting. Unfortunately, we heard nothing. And after three days, we still hadn’t heard anything, which meant something had gone wrong.
Colin had said early on, when we got involved, that no country had ever landed on Mars on its first attempt. It's an unimaginably difficult thing to do. There were a million things that had to go right. We felt so tantalizingly close to sticking the landing, executing the experiments, playing our gig on Mars, and having Damien’s spot painting calibrate the cameras. All of that would have made history. But it didn’t work and we had no idea what had become of our little space art and science project.
Then, in 2015, NASA was doing a high-resolution, photographic mosaic of the entire surface of Mars. And they found Beagle 2 safely on the surface. It was so sad because Colin had died of multiple sclerosis in the intervening years, so he never got to see it. The lander actually had made it, but its solar panels hadn’t properly deployed. Colin had always known that was a risk. It didn’t have the power to send the call sign back or use its cameras, but it had made it.
Bizarrely enough, I'm now doing a degree in astronomy at the Open University, which is where Colin used to teach. I’m doing it part-time so it’ll take years to finish, but I'm hoping along the way I can find some interesting research project and contribute something of value to the community—that's my dream.
I just bought a new telescope, and right now the view of Mars is as good as it's going to be for a decade. After Beagle 2, Mars is my planet, really, and whenever I look at it I always imagine our little lander up there somewhere, hanging out the surface, our little piece of music somewhere in its memory.
Dave Rowntree achieved stardom as the drummer of Blur, one of the quintessential Britpop groups of the 1990s. Rowntree anchored the band throughout an eventful decade as one of the most popular bands in Britain, then chose to pursue a variety of interests following the group's separation in the mid-2000s. He worked in computer animation, directed the television show Empire Square, spent some time as a radio broadcaster, and became a solicitor, before eventually pursuing a political career as a Labour Party candidate. Rowntree maintained a connection to music by composing film scores and Blur reunions, but he didn't launch a solo career until 2023, when he released his debut album, Radio Songs.
]]>Kourtney kept up with her pattern in the latest episode of The Kardashians of hating on Kim, only caring about making out with Travis Barker, and expressing the least amount of enthusiasm possible for a human being with such an exciting life. Thankfully, the Hulu producers didn’t make us suffer through any Kendall Jenner scenes in this episode as a reward for suffering through Kourt’s extended tantrum. Here are five of the main takeaways from the latest episode of The Kardashians titled “You Think I Need Your Permission?”
It was finally the day for Kim’s fashion show in Milan, and the star of the family was ready for her moment. Kim not only looked amazing but was radiating from the high-energy atmosphere backstage of the show. The Dolce & Gabbana heads gifted Kim with an over-the-top diamond cross necklace, which she claims was one of the first pieces of jewelry she ever bought herself. “This is like the nicest piece of jewelry I own because I lost it all,” she said, referencing the robbery. The Paris robbery totally changed Kim’s approach to life and business. She learned she was fine with losing all of her jewelry to save her life, but it meant more to regain a special piece to commemorate such an iconic moment.
Kim slayed the fashion show, as Khloe Kardashian expected. “How is this real life?” Khloe asked in support of her sister’s major accomplishment. “Kimberly has come so, so far in her confidence in fashion.” Hear that, Kourtney? That’s what a SUPPORTIVE SISTER ACTS LIKE. Anyway, Kim’s tribe of four children also were slaying in their D&G fits to support their mom at the show.
Sidenote: Kim’s kids are all so adorable and have so much genuine love for their mom. Even though they’re little, they can tell that the show was a big moment for her. I keep commenting on Kimmy’s mommy skills, but I’m in awe at how close of a relationship she seems to have with her kids while maintaining her A-List life. It was heartwarming to see Kim accomplish a “bucket list moment” with a supportive family by her side.
Speaking of Kim’s kids, North West was the star of the episode. She was Kim’s right-hand in Milan, participating in girls’ night gossip and nearly showing up her mother with her fashion show look. North overheard her mom’s friends talking about how Khloe was flirting with a hotel guest whose room was next to hers. Northie, a certified genius in my book, had the great idea to prank Khloe by putting a note on her door from the “admirer.” This show absolutely needs to keep up the trend of more scenes of North, less of Kendall, if the producers really want us to stay engaged with this family after two decades on TV.
The note instructed Khlo$ to knock twice if she wanted to go on a date with the man. North wrote it in what was clearly a child’s handwriting, but Khloe apparently fell for it. She apparently confronted the guy about the note, who was offended that Khloe would ever think he would have such terrible penmanship. “This note is from my f*cking nine-year-old niece,” Khloe admitted. “I’m mortified that I’m this much of a f*cking loser that I’m going to accept any child’s handwritten letter to me and take it as an admirer.” I’m screaming. This was authentically funny — Kim is a great momager in the making.
Instead of living it up in Milan, Kourtney stayed in Calabasas to do what she always does — hook up with Travis and complain. She joined her husband to celebrate the opening of a restaurant he invested in in Calabasas. If you want to know more about the food, Kourt described it as “just a vibe” with matcha margaritas. She needs to take the word “vibe” out of her vocabulary because it literally gives us nothing to work with. Kourt also proclaimed she was happy to finally have a “good restaurant” in Calabasas. Girl, don’t shade an entire wealthy town full of five-star restaurants just because they aren’t being funded by Blink-182.
Kourt and Travis’ children were at the restaurant opening. Reign Disick, instead of celebrating his stepdad’s moment, made Travis arm wrestle him at the table while directing the camera crew to film it. He also proclaimed that his teacher is a “liar” for claiming he was eating Crayons and paper at school. This child, unlike North, probably needs a break from the cameras after this display, but who knows? I’m definitely not his mama to tell him what to do. Anyway, someone pointed out that no one from Kourtney’s side of the family except her kids was at the opening. “That is my family,” Kourtney quipped back. It’s giving Teresa Giudice’s chosen family, and we all know how going down that path tends to turn out.
I feel a trend coming on that every episode of The Kardashians, I’m going to find some way to complain about Kendall. This time, though, I’m actually praising the show for not making us suffer through any scenes involving her. The episode focused on what we cared about — Kim and Kourtney’s fight, Khloe’s single journey, and North West’s pranks. Keep that horse girl away from the cameras unless her scenes count as commercial breaks. I did miss King Kylie Jenner’s quirkiness a bit, but she definitely doesn’t give as much as her older three sisters for the show.
At the fashion show, Khloe literally met the hot actor that Kim tried to set her up with and they hit it off. Before they even made it to the after-party, a flirty photo was breaking the internet and Khlo$ was living for it. Kylie and Kendall spend so much time trying to hide or create this image of their romantic relationship for the public. Khlo$, however, always keeps it real. She joked about how every time a date asks her a personal question, she has a wild answer. For example, if someone asked about her dad, she’d respond with, “Which one? One’s dead and one turned into a girl.” Another was if someone asked about her reason for divorcing Lamar Odom. “Oh, I found him in a brothel,” she quipped. Kendall and Kylie, unfortunately, can never reach this level of raw.
Kourtney spent the entire episode complaining to everyone about Kim’s show, yet refusing to have a conversation with her about it. She felt like Kim took the mood board Kourt sent to her family for the wedding and turned it into a show. Kourt didn’t blame the D&G fashion heads — just her family. “It’s also a brand,” Kourtney explained. “I can’t really expect as much from them as I would my sister. Or I’m sure my mom did the deal.” I understand Kourt not wanting to ruin Kim’s moment during the show, but even days after when everyone is back in California, they don’t speak.
Kim, in general, felt like Kourtney was a hater. At the end of the episode, Khloe came over to strategize how the pair could have a conversation. “She feels like her wedding moment was taken away from her and she just feels like there’s no loyalty in this family,” Khloe explained to Kim. Kim felt like she didn’t have to ask for permission, and boy did she get activated.
Khloe suggested that before Kim sits down with Kourt that she get her anger out. She also, smartly, suggested that Kris not be there, since she loves taking sides. Kim started to vent about how Kourtney actually wore looks to her wedding that Kim had worn while filming the show years prior, so who was really copying who? She also joked that Kourtney had no friends besides Travis, which had me gooped and gagged. “I’ll be like, “B*tch, you think I need your permission?” Kim said. Khlo$ hit it right on the money — this showdown is going to be anything but zen.
The Kardashians continues Thursdays on Hulu.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE KARDASHIANS? DO YOU THINK KIM SUCCEEDED IN HER DOLCE & GABBANA FASHION SHOW?
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]]>Born free in 1791, Thomas Jennings is widely regarded as the first African American to hold a patent. He invented a dry scouring process, a precursor to modern dry-cleaning. Jennings established his own tailor and dry-cleaning business and gained a reputation as a respected local community member. Using the profits from his business, Jennings could purchase the freedom of his wife and children.
Judy Reed invented a dough kneader and roller that revolutionized the baking industry, making preparing dough more efficient. She was the first African American woman to receive a U.S. patent for her invention. Reed’s invention significantly impacted commercial baking, and her patent paved the way for more women and minorities to obtain patents and contribute to the field of innovation. By improving the efficiency of dough preparation, her invention made baking easier and enabled the production of more baked goods. Judy Reed’s legacy as an inventor and pioneer in the baking industry has inspired generations of inventors and entrepreneurs.
As a self-taught mathematician, Benjamin Banneker demonstrated a natural talent for inventing from a young age. In his early twenties, he became fascinated with a pocket watch and borrowed it to study its mechanism. A year later, he created an early version of a chiming wall clock that struck a gong on the hour instead of playing the Westminster chime melody. Banneker’s clock kept time for over 40 years. Born free in 1731, Banneker never experienced slavery. At 61, he completed the first edition of Banneker’s Almanac and gave it to Thomas Jefferson and then the United States Secretary of State. In the 18th century, almanacs were essential household items.
They provided information about the timing of sunrise, sunset, lunar and solar eclipses, moon phases, and holidays. Farmers in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia relied on Banneker’s Almanac as a guide. When Banneker asked Jefferson to advocate for equal rights for African Americans and fight against racial prejudice, the Secretary of State acknowledged that Black people had talents equal to those of other races. Banneker passed away in 1806, 59 years before slavery was abolished.
James Forten was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1766. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Revolutionary War and was captured by the British. Despite being offered freedom if he agreed to live in England, Forten refused, choosing to remain a prisoner for liberty rather than betray his country. After the war, he became an apprentice sailmaker and developed equipment to help handle ship sails, significantly improving efficiency. His invention made him wealthy, and he used his wealth to support the abolition of slavery. Forten passed away in 1842.
George Peake, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, invented the conventional hand mill used for grinding corn. He was part of the first settlement in what would become modern-day Cleveland, Ohio, which was largely unsettled until the early 19th century.
Peake’s hand mill consisted of two round stones, each approximately 19 inches wide. At the time, the only tools available for grinding were the traditional mortar and pestle, making the hand mill a more efficient and convenient option. Although Peake did not file for a patent, he received credit for his invention thanks to a publication by the Cleveland Leader newspaper.
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Andrew Beard was born into slavery but became one of the country’s most brilliant inventors. Even before working for various rail companies, he invented a flour mill, several plows, and a rotary steam engine. However, while working for the railroads, he developed his most famous invention: the Jenny coupler.
The Jenny coupler automatically linked and locked two train cars as they bumped into each other, eliminating the need for workers to manually insert a metal pin and significantly reducing the risk of accidents and deaths. Before Beard’s invention, connecting train cars was dangerous work, and the Jenny coupler revolutionized transportation efficiency and safety.
Although Henry Blair is often credited as the first Black person to hold a U.S. patent, that honor belongs to Thomas Jennings, who was awarded a patent in 1821. While the U.S. Patent Office did not typically identify patent holders by race, Jennings’ achievement was remarkable, given the racial prejudice and discrimination of the time.
Little is known about Blair, except that he was likely not enslaved, as enslaved individuals were considered property and unable to hold patents. Blair’s inventions included a corn planter that combined plowing, seeding, and soil coverage, which he patented in 1834. He was later awarded a second patent for a cotton seed planter in 1836.
High Browne was committed to improving people’s living conditions as an educator with a practical mindset. He worked alongside prominent figures like Charles Chesnutt, W. E. B. DuBois, and Booker T. Washington to advance education. In addition to his work in education, Browne also invented a device to trap sewer water and prevent it from flowing back into homes. He was awarded a patent for his invention in 1890, and his device helped people maintain a civilized living environment.
All three patents awarded to George Washington Carver were for cosmetics, paints, and stains. None of them were commercially successful. Carver’s discoveries were much more important than his inventions. He discovered that continuous cotton crops in the same piece of land depleted the soil’s natural nutrients. To avoid the damage, he experimented with crop rotation. Using peanut and sweet potato plants as the intermediates, he figured out that the system helped restore nitrogen in the soil, making the land healthy again.
Now that the market had more peanuts than anybody could ever need, Carver found other product uses. Among the products were metal polish, glue, shampoo, soap, and face powder. As mentioned above, none of the inventions made him a wealthy man.
Just because someone works in a post office doesn’t mean the person has to deliver mail. Shelby Davidson worked for the United States Postal Service, specifically in the auditing department, where he kept track of schedules and numbers. Perhaps necessity is, after all, the mother of all inventions. Davidson invented a paper rewinding device for adding-machine in 1908 and an automatic fee device in 1911. Both inventions made his job much easier and more efficient.
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Born in 1848 to formerly enslaved parents, Lewis Latimer was fortunate enough to land a job at a patent law firm after the Civil War, where he fought on the Union’s side. At the firm, he was a draftsman whose drawings of machinery, mechanisms, and various inventions determined whether any patent application would be approved or denied. A skillful draftsman of his time, Latimer was employed by Alexander Graham Bell to draw the draft for the telephone design for which Bell received the patent in 1876.
While working as a draftsman and assistant manager for the U.S. Electric Lighting Company, he improved the process of making carbon filament for light bulbs so that it might last longer and be cheaper to produce. The filament was even more effective than Edison’s design, and in 1884, he was invited to work with Thomas Edison himself. He was the first person of color to be included in the exclusive Edison Pioneers organization. Latimer also invented a precursor to the modern air conditioner known as “an apparatus for cooling and disinfecting,” locking umbrellas, improved train bathroom design, a lamp fixture, and a device called “book supporter.”
Jan Ernst Matzeliger spent a considerable amount of time designing numerous prototypes until he succeeded in building his first shoe-lasting machine. This machine was designed to make the leather uppers fit flawlessly with the mold, ultimately revolutionizing the shoemaking industry. With his invention, shoemaking efficiency drastically improved, increasing production output from 50 pairs a day by hand to anywhere between 150 and 700 pairs daily. Introducing easier manufacturing processes and larger production quantities led to a 50% reduction in shoe prices nationwide. Additionally, Matzeliger is credited with inventing the nailing machine.
George Washington Murray’s inventions were all born from his experience as a farmer and his determination to make labor less arduous. Having been born into slavery, Murray grew up on a Rembert cotton plantation until the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. His first three patents – a furrow opener, a marker, and a stalk-knocker-cultivator – were granted in April 1984. Two months later, the U.S. Patent Office awarded him four more patents, including for cotton chopper and fertilizer distributor devices. Murray was also distantly related to Jim Clyburn, a U.S. House of Representatives member from South Carolina.
John Parker, a conductor in the Underground Railroad network and an American abolitionist, dedicated his life to freeing over a thousand enslaved individuals. In addition to his heroic efforts, Parker was also a successful businessman and inventor. He is credited with the early designs of the tobacco press and harrow, for which he received patents in 1884 and 1885. Moreover, Parker established the Phoenix Foundry in 1890, the largest between Cincinnati and Portsmouth. Parker’s contributions to society were not limited to his activism; he also became one of only fifty-five Americans to be awarded multiple U.S. patents by 1900.
Norbert Rillieux’s father was the owner of a vast sugar plantation. After studying in Paris, Rillieux returned to the United States and began inventing sugar production devices, focusing on the evaporating process. His first patented invention was a vacuum evaporator for the refining process, which produced whiter and more refined sugar. Over time, this invention was widely used in other industries, including whiskey, gelatin, condensed milk, glue, and soap.
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Samuel Scottron, the inventor of the dual-adjustable mirror on a pole commonly seen in traditional barbershops, named his invention the “Scottron Mirror.” This mirror is positioned so clients can observe their haircut from every angle. Scottron patented this practical invention in 1868. Following his success in the barbershop industry, Scottron created several commonplace household items, including curtain rods, adjustable window cornices, a pole tip, and a supporting bracket. He spent approximately 15 years traveling between the United States and Canada to sell these products. In addition to his successful career in inventing, Scottron was also a co-founder of the Cuban Anti-Slavery Society.
Lewis Temple, a highly skilled blacksmith, is credited with inventing an improved harpoon that revolutionized whaling in 1845. Unlike conventional harpoons, Temple’s harpoon resembled a fish hook in shape. Once the hook penetrated the whale, it would latch onto the flesh, making it exceedingly difficult for the animal to escape. This improved design, called Temple’s Iron, became the standard harpoon in the whaling industry throughout the 19th century. Despite his invention’s success, Lewis Temple was not a whaler himself.
Sarah Breedlove Walker, popularly known as Madame C. J. Walker, is arguably the most well-known African American woman inventor. She revolutionized haircare by designing the first hot comb and inventing the idea of pomade. Before the hot comb, most African American women straightened their hair with clothing irons, resulting in scalp and facial burns and damaged hair. Walker sold her inventions and helped transform the marketing strategy for cosmetic products.
She established a large group of saleswomen known as the “Walker Clubs,” a system later adopted by Mary Kay. In 1908, Walker founded Lelia College in Pittsburgh to teach women how to sell cosmetic products. Her innovative marketing tactics made her the first African American woman millionaire in the United States. Despite her wealth, Walker remained philanthropic and contributed significantly to various nonprofit groups, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons (NAACP). She even funded a scholarship to help women enroll in college-level education.
Granville T. Woods was awarded the patent for the steam boiler in 1884. Leveraging the communication technology of the late 1800s, he invented an apparatus that combined the functions of the telephone and the telegraph, called telegraphony. This groundbreaking system allowed telegraph stations to send both voice and text messages over the same line. Alexander Graham Bell’s company later purchased the technology’s patent.
Woods also invented the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph, a communication system that enabled railroad workers to determine the precise locations of trains on any given railway. This technology not only improved scheduling but also helped prevent railway accidents. Throughout his life, Woods received over 50 patents in various industries. Between 1900 and 1907, he was granted 20 patents for electronic devices that controlled trains. His numerous inventions earned him the nickname “The Black Edison.”
Elijah McCoy never had to endure life in slavery thanks to the Underground Railroad, which helped his parents escape to Canada after being enslaved. At 15, McCoy enrolled in a boarding school in Edinburgh, Scotland, to study mechanical engineering. Despite his education, McCoy encountered difficulty finding respectable work in the United States, mainly due to racial discrimination.
He eventually secured a position as a fireman for a railroad company, where he was responsible for oiling the moving parts of the trains. The need for greater efficiency inspired McCoy to invent an automatic lubrication mechanism that reduced the need for labor and kept the train running smoothly. Some attribute the phrase “the real McCoy” to the success and efficiency of this mechanism, making it an expression of superior performance and quality.
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William Henry Barnes, an ENT doctor at the Frederick Douglas Hospital in Philadelphia, is credited with inventing the hypophyscope, a medical instrument designed to reach the pituitary gland on the brain’s underside. This gland secretes hormones into the bloodstream, and Barnes’ invention made it easier for doctors to access it. Although reaching the gland without any specialized medical device was possible, Barnes’ instrument greatly facilitated the procedure. In addition to inventing the hypophyscope, Barnes improved upon a method to remove tonsils without bleeding, refining the process for greater efficiency.
In 1953, the Eder Instrument Company manufactured the Eder-Palmer biopsy gastroscope. Two years later, Leonidas Berry invented an attachment for the device that allowed doctors to collect tissue from a patient’s stomach without resorting to surgical procedures. The modified device, the Eder-Berry biopsy attachment, represented a significant advancement in medical technology.
In 1960, after conducting extensive studies of the stomachs of alcoholics, Dr. Berry made a groundbreaking discovery: excessive alcohol consumption caused more damage to the liver than to the stomach. This discovery revolutionized the treatment of alcoholism, shifting the focus to the liver as the primary organ affected by alcohol abuse. Berry’s discovery marked a significant milestone in the medical community’s understanding of the harmful effects of alcohol on the body.
Tae Bo is a total body fitness program that combines several disciplines, including martial arts and aerobics. The name is a portmanteau of “tae kwon do” and “boxing.” Developed in 1976 by tae kwon do practitioner Billy Banks, the program only gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1990s. One hour of Tae Bo routine is believed to burn up to 800 calories, twice as many as a conventional aerobic session. This intensive calorie-burning program has made it a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts looking to achieve rapid weight loss and muscle toning.
After World War II, many soldiers returned home with permanent injuries. At the veteran’s hospital in Chicago, physical therapist Bessie Blount Griffin treated amputees and patients who had lost the use of their limbs. Determined to improve their quality of life, Griffin invented the “portable receptacle support,” a device that enabled patients to eat without assistance. The device consisted of a tube attached to a bowl and connected to a brace around the patient’s neck.
Though it may seem crude, the invention provided greater independence to those who needed it most. Griffin, born in Chesapeake, Virginia, was the first African American woman to work at Scotland Yard in London, England. Her innovative spirit and dedication to helping others continue to inspire new generations of inventors and medical professionals alike.
Otis Boykin was a brilliant inventor who made significant contributions across various fields. Throughout his life, he patented 26 devices, including the electronic resistors used in guided missiles, pacemakers, and IBM computers. Boykin’s electronic resistors were widely adopted due to their durability, which made them resistant to temperature changes, extreme acceleration, and shocks. In addition to these inventions, he held patents for an electronic air filter and a locking mechanism for cash registers. Boykin’s numerous innovations continue to shape and advance fields ranging from aerospace to healthcare and technology.
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In 1969, George Carruthers invented the far ultraviolet camera and spectrograph that accompanied the Apollo 16 mission to the moon. The camera, plated in gold, could capture high-quality images of Earth from the moon’s surface. The device provided stunning photographs and helped scientists discover the presence of hydrogen in space and understand the mechanisms of air pollution. Carruthers’ invention has since led to new theories about the birth of stars and has influenced global efforts to control air pollution. The far ultraviolet camera and spectrograph remain remarkable in space exploration and scientific innovation.
Michael Croslin’s invention, the Medtek 410, revolutionized blood monitoring with its computerized technology. Before its development, medical professionals had to rely on their instincts and the patient’s vital signs for diagnosis. The Medtek 410 eliminated the guesswork, providing doctors with accurate and reliable data for making informed treatment decisions. Croslin also developed a similar device, the Medtek 420, which automatically adjusts for surrounding noise and air pressure while monitoring a patient’s pulse. Together, these inventions have improved the accuracy and efficacy of medical treatments, demonstrating the power of technological innovation in medicine.
Meredith Charles Gourdine was a pioneering inventor who applied the principles of electrogasdynamics (EGD) to create groundbreaking devices. Among his most notable innovations were the Electradyne Spray Gun, which simplified painting on challenging surfaces like metal frames, and the Incineraid, which reduced air pollution from incinerators.
Gourdine was the first to apply electrogasdynamics to practical inventions, and his contributions extend beyond these devices. He also invented an electric car battery, a method for repairing potholes using old car tires, a system for extracting oil from shale rock, and a way to remove fog from airport runways. Throughout his career, Gourdine earned 25 patents between 1969 and 1996. His innovative spirit and commitment to improving the world around him continue to inspire inventors and scientists today.
Walter Lincoln Hawkins, born in 1911 in Washington D.C., was the grandson of a slave. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute after high school and was one of only two African American students. Hawkins earned his doctorate from McGill University in 1938, becoming the first black person to hold a technical staff position at Bell Laboratories.
While at Bell Labs, Hawkins developed his most famous invention: a weather-resistant polymer coating for telephone wires. This plastic sheath could withstand extreme temperature changes and last for decades, replacing the lead materials previously used to protect telephone cables. Hawkins’ invention revolutionized the telecommunications industry and significantly impacted everyday life.
In 1976, Hawkins retired from Bell Labs and was appointed research director by the Plastics Institute of America. His groundbreaking work as a scientist and inventor opened doors for future generations of black scientists and helped shape the world we live in today.
George Carruthers invented the far ultraviolet light camera and spectrograph, which captured high-quality images of Earth from the moon. In contrast, Elmer Samuel Imes was an astrophysicist who improved spectrometers to measure the amount of infrared in the atmosphere. His invention was subsequently used in various applications, including chemical lasers and rocket engines. Imes’ work helped pave the way for significant advancements in atmospheric and environmental monitoring and space exploration.
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Lonnie Johnson’s passion for scientific experimentation began during childhood when he would conduct experiments in his kitchen, building robots and making batches of rocket fuel. After working at NASA from 1979 to 1991, Johnson founded the Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc., creating three other development companies in Atlanta, Georgia.
While Johnson’s work at NASA focused on high-tech research programs such as a nuclear power source for the Galileo mission to Jupiter and a stealth bomber, his passion for inventing toys and everyday tools never faded. With around 80 patents to his name, Johnson has created a wide range of inventions, including compressed air guns, digital distance-measuring instruments, an automatic sprinkler controller, and even a wet diaper detector. However, his most famous invention remains the Super Soaker, a pressurized water gun that revolutionized the toy industry.
Returning to Hallock, Minnesota, after World War I, Frederick McKinley Jones found work as a movie projectionist and a mechanic. Jones’ natural gift for machines and mechanics led him to invent the first sound synchronization device for motion pictures. His innovation made it possible for films to incorporate synchronized soundtracks, and it quickly revolutionized the movie industry. While sound synchronization was a great invention, Jones held no patent.
His first patent was for a ticket dispensing machine. Jones held more than 60 patents, but his most famous and significant invention was the refrigerated truck or, more specifically, the roof-mounted cooling system used on trucks. He was awarded the patent for it in 1940. During World War II, his invention played an important role in preserving food, supplies, and blood for the wounded. Jones’s other inventions include a control device for internal combustion engines, a temperature control system, and a rotary compressor.
Marjorie Stewart Joyner was an African American businesswoman and community leader who significantly contributed to the beauty industry. She was the supervisor of more than 200 beauty schools under Madame C. J. Walker’s network, and her clients included prominent figures such as Ethel Waters, Marian Anderson, and Billie Holiday. Joyner held the patent for a permanent hair-waving machine, revolutionizing the hair care industry. The machine used a combination of chemicals and heat to curl hair, replacing the traditional curling iron and reducing the time and effort required to achieve long-lasting curls. Joyner was also an advocate for civil rights and an active member of the National Council of Negro Women.
Percy Lavon Julian was a renowned chemist who made many significant inventions. One of his creations was a soy protein coating paper that was a cheaper alternative to milk protein. This paper was used in a product called Aero-Foam, which was used to smother fires from burning gasoline and oil. During World War II, the U.S. Navy also used Aero-Foam. Although Aero-Foam had slow knockdown characteristics, it was safe to use as long as it was applied above the burning liquid.
Julian’s most famous inventions were synthetic hormones, including physostigmine and cortisone, also derived from soybean plants. Physostigmine is still used to treat glaucoma, while the cortisone is used for rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to his scientific achievements, Julian was a prominent civil rights activist and raised money for the NAACP’s legal and education divisions.
A sonic transducer uses sound waves to determine an object’s speed, distance, and other units of measurement. John King invented an early warning sonic transducer in 1972, which could detect potential problems with aircraft engines before takeoff. A professional in the aerospace and safety industries, he also invented an alarm system in 1999; it was not just any other alarm system for home uses but a NASA-approved one.
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Garret Morgan invented the first hair straightening cream, albeit by accident. However, his other two inventions, the traffic signal and gas mask, resulted from deliberate research and development. His gas mask, known as the Morgan helmet, was identified in the patent application as a breathing device and was adopted by firefighters to help them put out fires without inhaling poisonous air. Morgan was awarded the patent in 1912, and soldiers used the gas mask during World War I.
With the money earned from his inventions, Morgan could buy a car. While driving near an intersection in Cleveland, Ohio, he witnessed a terrible accident, which inspired him to invent a “yield” component as an addition to the existing traffic signal. The signal was intended to warn drivers about an upcoming stop. The yield component became one of the world’s first three-light systems, and Morgan was awarded the patent for it in 1924. Morgan’s other inventions include the round belt fastener, hat fastener, and friction drive clutch.
James Parsons held several patents related to metal fabrication methods. In 1929, he was awarded a patent for an iron alloy, followed by a fabrication method for a silicon-iron compound in 1931. In 1934, he developed a treatment process for silicon alloy casting, and in 1940, he invented a corrosion-resistant ferrous alloy. These inventions paved the way for the development of stainless steel.
During World War II, Edwin Roberts Russell was one of the chemists working on the Manhattan Project at the Metallurgical Laboratory of the University of Chicago, a secret government-funded research to develop the atomic bomb. The project eventually led to the development of two types of atomic bombs, known to history as the Little Boy and Fat Man, used in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Russel held eleven patents for nuclear energy, including a method for separating plutonium from uranium and ion exchange absorption for plutonium separation. His works contributed significantly to the advancement of nuclear technology.
Earl Shaw invented the spin-flip Raman tunable laser during his tenure as a research scientist at Bell Laboratories. This device is used to adjust the strength of a laser beam, which is particularly helpful when performing delicate precision-required operations.
Working as a print maker during the Great Depression, Dox Thrash invented a new technique for etching copper in 1937. His discovery, known as the carborundum process, became a standard practice among printers and print makers. This process involves using silicon carbide grit, which is sprinkled onto the plate before it is printed, creating a texture and tone that mimics the look of charcoal or pencil drawings. Thrash wanted to name the process “Opheliagraph” after his mother, Ophelia.
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Until Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, Moses Fleetwood Walker was among the first black people to play Major League Baseball in the 1880s. Walker was also an inventor. In 1891, he was granted his first patent for a detachable shirt collar. He also held three more patents related to methods for loading and changing movie reels.
In the 19th century, Sarah Boone improved the ironing board, which had been around for years but often overlooked. Boone built a curved ironing board with a narrower width than the original, making ironing women’s clothing easier. Her design was patented in 1892 and became the most widely-copied iteration of the ironing board. It’s worth noting that Boone was born into slavery.
An African American nurse named Mary Van Britta Brown spent many nights alone at her home in Queens, New York, in the 1960s. The crime rate was high in the neighborhood, making her feel unsafe each time her husband was away. In addition, the police were largely unresponsive and could sometimes be unreliable. In 1966, out of necessity, she built a homemade security system comprised of cameras connected to a monitor.
The camera could mechanically slide into several peepholes in the front door and broadcast the image to the screen. The design allowed her to survey the neighborhood from the indoor comfort of her home and avoid having unwanted guests around. Van Brittan Brown continued improving the system by adding a microphone to speak to the person at the door, a button to call the police, and an unlock mechanism. She and her husband were awarded the patent for the system in 1969. Modern home security systems feature various elements based on their design.
In the past, riding elevators was complicated and dangerous. Passengers had to manually shut both the elevator and shaft doors before riding. Forgetting to shut the doors properly, or ignoring them, posed a real risk of falling down the shaft. When Alexander Miles’ daughter was almost involved in a catastrophic accident, he decided to develop a system to make elevators safer. In 1887, he was granted a patent for an automatic opening and closing mechanism for elevator and shaft doors. Miles’ design is still used in modern elevators today.
The vast majority of modern microphones, including those in phones and other communication devices, are based on the technology invented by James E. West in 1960. However, he was not the only person credited with the invention, and West was working alongside Gerhard Sessler at the Bell Laboratories, tasked with creating a compact and sensitive microphone.
Their invention, the foil electret microphone, was cheaper to produce than the conventional condenser variant. It was not until 1964 that they perfected the design and were awarded the patent. About four years later, the technology had already been adopted by manufacturers of telephones, tape recorders, hearing aids, and baby monitors.
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Among the 12 people working at IBM to develop the first PC, Mark Dean was one of them. Back then, the P.C. was connected to a monochrome monitor, and the computer had very limited processing power. Dean began working for IBM in the 1980s as Chief Engineer. In addition to helping develop the IBM PC, he was also involved in creating the first color monitor. Furthermore, he led the team that created the first gigahertz chip around 1999-2000.
It’s hard to believe that it was only about 20 years ago. Now we have supercomputers and artificial intelligence with blazing processing speeds to handle even the most complicated algorithms in split seconds. As a co-creator of the personal computer, Mark Dean holds three out of nine patents for the invention. In 1995, he became the first African American IBM Fellow.
Patricia Bath was an academic and ophthalmologist who invented the process of removing cataracts using a laser beam device known as the Laserphaco Probe. She was born in Harlem in 1942 to an immigrant father from Trinidad and a mother who was a descendant of enslaved Africans and Cherokee Native Americans.
Bath achieved many impressive milestones in her career. She was the first woman appointed to the ophthalmology faculty at UCLA and the first African American woman to serve as a surgeon staff at the UCLA Medical Center. Additionally, she was the first African American to be a Jules Stein Eye Institute member, lead a post-graduate ophthalmology training program, and complete a residency in ophthalmology at New York University. Finally, she was the first African American woman to hold a patent for a medical invention.
Benjamin Boardley was born into slavery around 1830 and taught himself to read and write with the help of his master’s children. He showed an early talent for invention, which led his master to recommend him to the United States Naval Academy in Maryland. Boardley’s first job at the academy was as an assistant in the Department of Natural and Experimental Philosophy, making him the first African American to hold a non-menial position there.
While working in the department, Boardley developed the first steam engine on a ship. Unfortunately, due to his status as an enslaved person, he could not legally apply for or be granted a patent for his invention. As a result, Boardley sold the rights to his invention and used the proceeds to purchase his freedom from slavery.
The safe deposit box, initially designed as a receptacle for storing and preserving papers, was invented by Henry Brown, who was awarded the patent in 1886. The metal receptacle came equipped with a locking mechanism, making it a simple and effective design that revolutionized safekeeping for centuries.
Ladles and spoons were never meant to be the right tools for serving ice cream. Alfred L. Cralle, who had only received basic education as a child, noticed this while working at a hotel in Pittsburgh. He went on to develop a purpose-built tool for the job known today as the ice cream scoop. His invention spread so quickly that nobody knew the creative mind behind the design. Unfortunately, Cralle never profited from his idea.
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Mary Jones DeLeon was among the first black women to be awarded U.S. patents for their inventions, receiving her patent in 1896. Her invention was referred to simply as a “cooking apparatus” in the patent. Still, it was an innovative device that would become the precursor to the modern steam table commonly seen in food buffets today. Before DeLeon’s invention, hot food was often kept warm using chafing dishes, which required frequent refueling and could be dangerous.
DeLeon’s invention utilized steam to keep food at a consistent temperature without an open flame. Her invention featured several compartments, each with its own heating element, allowing different dishes to be kept at different temperatures. This invention was an important step forward in food service technology, making it easier and safer to keep food warm and ready to serve. While her name may not be as well-known as other inventors of her time, her contributions to the food service industry have undoubtedly had a lasting impact.
Ellen Eglin, born in 1849, was an African American woman who made significant contributions to the field of laundry and cleaning. While working as a housekeeper, Eglin developed an early mechanical clothes wringer that made it easier for people to wring out clothes after washing them, saving time and effort. Despite the practicality of her invention, Eglin faced significant barriers due to her race and gender. She was concerned that her invention would not be taken seriously because of her skin color.
As a result, she sold the patent to a white man named O. Wheeler for a small amount of money, which made him the official patent holder for the device in 1888. Unfortunately, Eglin did not receive the recognition she deserved for her invention during her lifetime. She died in 1890, never knowing the true impact of her contribution to the field of laundry and cleaning. It was not until years later that her name was finally recognized, and she was acknowledged as a pioneer in the field of laundry technology.
Sarah E. Goode was born into slavery in 1855 as the second of seven children. After the Civil War ended, she and her family were finally freed. Goode later moved to Chicago, where she met and married a carpenter and stair builder. Together, they opened a furniture store, where Goode noticed that many of their clients lived in small apartments with limited space for furniture.
To address this problem, Goode designed a folding cabinet bed that could be used at night and as a roll-top desk during the day. This innovative design was a precursor to the modern-day wall bed and was particularly useful for small apartments. The bed could be easily folded and stored away, allowing the space to be used for other activities during the day.
Goode’s folding cabinet bed was a huge success and helped establish her reputation as an innovative and talented furniture designer. Despite facing discrimination as a black woman in a male-dominated industry, Goode continued to innovate and create new designs, including an improved version of the folding cabinet bed. Her legacy as a pioneering furniture designer and inventor continues to this day.
George Franklin Grant, Harvard’s first African American faculty member, was born to formerly enslaved people in 1846. He began his career as an errand boy for local dentist Dr. Albert Smith, but thanks to his hard work and performance, Dr. Smith promoted Grant to laboratory assistant. Grant pursued a career in dentistry and enrolled in Harvard Dental School, where he was one of only two black students at the time.
While he did not invent any dental care devices or products, Grant’s invention significantly impacted the sport of golf. He was an avid golfer and developed an early version of the golf tee using wood and latex resin. Before this invention, golfers would build a small mound of sand to place the ball before hitting it. Grant’s invention revolutionized the game, allowing for more consistent and stable ball placement, and his design is still used in modern golf today.
Lloyd Hall, an African American chemist, was born in Illinois in June 1894. His grandmother was a formerly enslaved person who came to the city with the assistance of the Underground Railroad. Hall earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 1916 and worked at Griffith’s Laboratories.
Hall was a brilliant inventor, holding 59 U.S. patents and several others in different countries. His most significant inventions include a vitamin concentrate, an antioxidant salt, nitrogen-fortified whey concentrate, a method for preserving frozen pork, a gelatin-based coating for food products, and an asphalt emulsion. His contributions to food preservation and safety have significantly impacted the industry, making food safer and more accessible worldwide.
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Betty Harris was born in July 1940 in Louisiana and raised in a large family of twelve children. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, then a Master’s, and finally a Ph.D. in 1973 from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Throughout her career, Harris became a leading expert in hazardous water treatment, explosives, and environmental remediation.
Harris’s most notable invention was the TATB Spot Test, a method for identifying explosives. She was awarded the patent for this invention in 1984. Her test allowed for rapidly detecting explosives in the field, greatly improving safety in various industries. Harris was also recognized for her work in environmental protection, receiving multiple awards for her contributions to the area.
Benjamin Montgomery’s story is similar to that of Benjamin Boardley, as both were born into slavery and taught to read and write by their owners’ children. Later on, they became inventors in the field of ship propulsion systems. While Boardley invented a steam engine for ships, Montgomery developed an adjustable propeller that could be operated at different angles, allowing boats to navigate shallow waters.
Montgomery was a skilled laborer who his master entrusted with the shipping operation of the plantation. He also had the opportunity to learn about drafting and land surveying. Despite being unable to file a patent for his propeller design due to his “slave” status, Montgomery was determined to commercialize it. His master, Joseph Davis, attempted to file the patent but was denied as he was not the inventor. Davis, however, allowed his slaves to keep the money they earned commercially from the operations.
Montgomery eventually accumulated enough wealth to purchase his master’s plantation as part of a long-term loan deal. He became the first African American to own and operate a plantation in Mississippi, where he implemented progressive agricultural practices, including crop rotation and diversification. Montgomery’s innovative spirit and entrepreneurialism inspired many, and he left a lasting legacy in the fields of agriculture and invention.
Lyda Newman, a hairdresser from Manhattan, New York City, revolutionized the hairbrush industry in the late 1800s. Hairbrushes of that time were made from animal hair, which was too soft to manage the typically thick African American hair. Newman proposed using synthetic fibers to replace animal hair. Her design closely resembled the modern-day hairbrush, with evenly spaced rows of bristles and open slots for cleaning. Additionally, she included a compartment at the back for easy removal of collected debris. In 1898, Newman was awarded a patent for her innovative invention. Despite her groundbreaking contribution to the beauty industry, very little is known about Lyda Newman beyond her invention.
Valerie Thomas was an African American scientist and inventor who worked for NASA. She is known for inventing the illusion transmitter, which uses two concave mirrors to create three-dimensional images that appear outside the mirrors. Thomas was granted the patent for her invention in 1980, which has been used for various applications (i.e., surgery and television).
Thomas joined NASA in 1964 and worked there for over 30 years. She was involved in developing the Landsat program, which uses satellite imagery to study the Earth’s surface. She was also part of the team that developed the first satellite to provide images of the polar ice caps. Thomas was a trailblazer for women and minorities in science and engineering, and her contributions have impacted the field. She retired from NASA in 1995, but her legacy inspires future scientists and inventors.
Joseph Winter was a prominent African American abolitionist who lived in New Bedford, Massachusetts, during the mid-1800s. Alongside his activism, he was also an inventor and developed a fire escape ladder mounted on a vehicle. This invention resulted from observing a firefighter struggling to unload a traditional ladder from a wagon during a fire emergency. Winter’s fire escape ladder invention was more efficient and safer, as it could be deployed quickly and did not require the firefighter to carry it to the building.
In addition to his work as an inventor, Joseph Winter was an active member of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North. He assisted many enslaved people in their escape, providing them with food, shelter, and directions on their journey. Winter’s fire escape ladder invention and his contributions to the Underground Railroad helped save countless lives and made him a significant figure in African American history.
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In the summer of 1883, George Crum, a chef, encountered a customer at his restaurant who complained about his plate of French fries, saying they were neither crunchy nor thin enough. In response, Crum sliced a potato into extremely thin pieces, fried them until they were crispy, and then heavily salted them to make them palatable. The customer was delighted with the new dish, and the potato chip was born.
The popularity of the snack was so overwhelming that Crum opened his restaurant and began serving a basket of potato chips on every table. The invention of potato chips created countless jobs worldwide and remains a favorite snack today. While Crum did not patent the invention, the snack has become a multi-billion dollar industry, with most potato chips now mass-produced and sold in bags.
George Alcorn is an impressive inventor who had an equally remarkable academic career. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in physics from Occidental College, then earned a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Physics from Howard University, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Physics from Howard University. Alcorn worked for various prestigious companies and agencies throughout his career, including IBM, NASA, and Perkin-Elmer.
Throughout his career, Alcorn was granted eight patents, but undoubtedly, the most popular and groundbreaking of these was the X-ray Spectrometer. His invention is used for determining the materials of an object that cannot be broken down for closer analysis. The X-ray Spectrometer earned Alcorn the patent in 1984, earning him the NASA Inventor of the Year Award.
Alcorn’s work has had a significant impact on science and technology, particularly in the fields of space exploration and materials science. His contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized with many awards, including the NASA Langley Research Center Scientist/Engineer of the Year award and the Black Engineer of the Year President’s Award.
Charles Drew’s research on blood plasma and the invention of blood banks revolutionized the field of medicine. By separating plasma from blood, Drew created a way to store and transport blood more efficiently, which became critical during World War II. Drew’s innovative approach to blood transfusion was instrumental in saving countless lives on the battlefield and beyond. In addition to his work with blood plasma, Drew played a significant role in the desegregation of blood donation centers in the United States.
He fought against discriminatory practices that prevented African Americans from donating blood, insisting that race should not be a factor in determining a person’s eligibility to donate. Tragically, Drew died in a car accident in 1950, but his legacy continues to live on. His contributions to the field of medicine have profoundly impacted how we approach blood transfusion and blood banking. His advocacy for racial equality in healthcare has helped pave the way for future generations of healthcare professionals.
Jane C. Wright’s contributions to cancer research were groundbreaking. She transformed chemotherapy from an experimental method to a proven cancer treatment. Her work developing methotrexate for treating skin and breast cancer further cemented her reputation as a leading figure in cancer treatment. Wright was the first African American woman to become a medical college dean, serving as the head of the New York Medical College’s Department of Cancer Research. She was also the first woman elected the New York Cancer Society president. Her contributions to cancer treatment have saved countless lives and continue to inspire future generations of scientists and medical professionals.
Janet Emerson Bashen pioneered Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) management. While at an insurance company, she proposed an external team to investigate EEO, but the idea was rejected. Undeterred, she founded her own EEO management company, which became a huge success. To make the task of retrieving and storing EEO information easier, Bashen and her cousin Donny Moore developed the LinkLine software. This led to her being awarded a U.S. patent for software, making her the first African American woman to receive this honor. Bashen’s innovative spirit and commitment to EEO continue to inspire many today.
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Leonard C. Bailey’s career began in banking, where he helped establish the Capitol Savings Bank in 1888 and served as its president for a few years. However, he was also a prolific inventor with several patents. Bailey invented a truss-and-bandage for people with lower-body hernias in 1883, which the U.S. Army adopted. He also created a folding bed in 1899, designed for easy storage. Additionally, his speed stamper invention was used by the U.S. Postal Service. Despite not having a background in healthcare, Bailey’s inventions helped improve many people’s lives, and his legacy as an inventor continues to inspire today.
Alice Augusta Ball was the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Hawaii with a Degree in Chemistry in 1915. She subsequently secured a teaching position at the university. Ball researched the effects of chaulmoogra oil on patients suffering from leprosy, which led to the creation of the first leprosy treatment injection. She discovered a method to isolate the fatty acid components and created a water-soluble compound from the oil. The injection was widely used for over 30 years to alleviate leprosy symptoms until the introduction of sulfone drugs. Ball’s groundbreaking work helped advance medical research and relieved countless individuals suffering from leprosy.
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner invented the sanitary belt, patented it in 1957, and revolutionized menstrual hygiene. Before her invention, most women were still using cloth pads for menstruation. The sanitary belt had a moisture-proof pocket and was adjustable to fit any user comfortably. Kenner also invented a toilet tissue holder, a back washer mounted on the shower wall, and a serving tray attached to a walking frame. Despite her many useful ideas now still widely used, Kenner was perhaps one of the most forgotten African American inventors.
Marian Croak is a renowned computer scientist and inventor who has significantly contributed to modern communication technology. In 2013, she was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame for her achievements. With over 200 patents to her name, Croak is best known for her work in developing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. She has held several high-profile positions throughout her career, including Senior Vice President of Research and Development at AT&T, and currently serves as the Vice President of Engineering at Google. Croak’s innovations have helped shape modern communication technology and continue to impact the industry profoundly.
Henry T. Sampson became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering in the United States. In 1963, he was awarded a patent for a gamma-electric cell, which converts radiation into electricity. The device is used for capturing the radiation in the shielding of a nuclear reactor and transforming it into auxiliary power. This technology is used to generate additional power in nuclear reactors. Sampson’s invention has been significant for the nuclear power industry and has contributed to developing innovative power sources.
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David N. Crosthwait was an accomplished inventor with air conditioning and heat transfer expertise. Throughout his career, Crosthwait secured an impressive 119 patents, with 39 of them in the United States. He gained a reputation by the 1930s because of his numerous inventions, including a boiler, vacuum pump, and thermostat control. His most highly-respected accomplishments include his heating system design for New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall and the Rockefeller Center. Crosthwait’s contributions to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) continue to inspire and inform new generations of inventors and engineers.
The invention of the street sweeper by Charles Brooks in 1896 revolutionized road cleaning. Before his invention, workers had to rely on rudimentary brooms or manually collect trash, making it a difficult and laborious task. The street sweeper was essentially a standard road truck equipped with brushes to push dirt and debris off to the side of the road. Initially, people were skeptical of the idea, as it did not meet their expectations. However, as cities grew larger and technology improved, street sweepers became indispensable road maintenance tools. Brooks’ innovation remains an integral part of road-cleaning technology today.
Jack Johnson was a professional boxer born in Galveston, Texas, in 1878. In 1908, he became the first African American World Heavyweight Champion after defeating Tommy Burns in Australia. However, Johnson lived in the United States when black men were not allowed by law to openly date white women. He was later charged with violating the Mann Act for transporting his white girlfriend, Lucille Cameron, across state lines for “immoral purposes” and sentenced to one year in prison.
During his time in prison, Johnson invented a wrench that could loosen and tighten fasteners, and he was granted a patent for it in 1922. Although not his primary claim to fame, Johnson’s invention of the wrench was significant and contributed to the development of modern tools.
Joseph Lee, born into slavery in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1848, was an entrepreneur, chef, and inventor. He served as a blacksmith during the Civil War and later worked as a steward in the U.S. Coastal Survey for eleven years. Lee then established restaurants and a successful upscale catering company. Lee was bothered by the idea of throwing away day-old bread, so he invented the machine to automate tearing and grinding the bread into crumbs. This invention was awarded a patent in 1895, and Lee sold the rights to the Royal Worcester Bread Crumb Company. Lee’s invention revolutionized the food industry by providing a way to repurpose what was once considered waste. His innovation still influences the food industry today.
Lloyd Ray’s patent for the dustpan, granted on August 3, 1897, revolutionized cleaning. Before Ray’s invention, dust and debris on the floor had to be swept up by hand using a broom or a brush. The introduction of the dustpan made the process of cleaning more efficient and less labor-intensive. Ray’s design was simple but effective, with a metal collection plate attached to a wooden handle. It remains largely unchanged to this day, a testament to the timelessness and functionality of the original invention. The dustpan has become an essential household tool in homes, offices, and commercial establishments worldwide. Ray’s invention simplified cleaning and paved the way for future innovations in cleaning technology.
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Joseph Dickinson began his career at the Clough & Warren Organ Company in Detroit when he was just 17 years old. The company was known as one of the largest organ makers in the world at that time. Dickinson designed an organ that impressed critics at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. Despite his success in building organs for prestigious customers, such as the Royal Family of Portugal, Dickinson is most remembered for inventing the roller mechanism for sheet music.
The roller mechanism enabled pianos to play sheet music in forward and reverse modes, revolutionizing how people played music. This invention made it easier for people to learn new songs and easily switch between different pieces of music while playing. Dickinson’s roller mechanism became popular and is still used in player pianos.
In the late 1800s, collisions between streetcars and other objects on the road were commonplace. Matthew Cherry, who had witnessed numerous incidents, decided to develop a protective device that could be fitted onto streetcars. He invented the “fender,” a metal plate attached to the front of the car, designed to absorb shock in the event of a collision. Cherry was granted a patent for the fender in 1895, and it soon became a standard safety feature on streetcars.
Miriam E. Benjamin was awarded a patent in 1888 for her invention, the “Gong and Signal Chair for Hotels.” The chair featured a button that signaled a light when pressed, allowing the servers to quickly identify which guest required assistance. This invention eliminated the need for guests to use hand-clapping or verbal cues to call for help, making it easier for guests and servers. The United States House of Representatives later adopted the design.
Richard Bowie Spikes, who was almost blind then, invented and patented an automatic safety braking system for buses and trucks in 1962. This innovative system was designed to help prevent accidents by automatically stopping the vehicle if it sensed an obstacle ahead. The invention was quickly adopted by school buses across the United States, making them much safer for children. Spikes also held several other patents during his lifetime, including ones for an improved beer tap, an automatic gear shift device, and directional signals for vehicles.
While working at the United States Census Bureau, Robert Pelham invented the pasting apparatus in 1905 and the new tallying machine in 1913. The pasting device was used to attach paper strips containing census data onto large sheets, making the task quicker and more efficient. The new tallying machine Pelham invented in 1913 automated counting census data, resulting in significant time and resource savings. Both inventions revolutionized the census-taking process and helped ensure more accurate and comprehensive data collection.
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A series of innovations in the manufacturing process of fiber optics led Thomas Mensah to develop a new technique that could deliver 20 meters per second output in 1985. Previously the fibers were produced at a rate of only 2 – 3 meters per second. Such a massive jump in production efficiency allowed the manufacturers to sell optical fibers at prices comparable to copper cables. Based on his work, further improvements in manufacturing methods eventually reached a peak speed of 50 meters per second.
In 1986, Mensah moved from Corning Glass Works to Bell Laboratories and led a weapon development team for the U.S. Department of Defense. His team built the first laser-guided missile system. Mensah’s innovative spirit and technological contributions have had a significant impact, making fiber optic communication a reality and advancing weapon technology.
Thomas Stewart, an African American inventor from Kalamazoo, Michigan, invented the precursor of the modern mop in 1893. Before the invention, cleaning floors was a strenuous process that involved manually scrubbing the surface with rags or brushes. Stewart’s invention included a clamping device that held the rag attached to a lever, allowing the user to wring the water out of the mop after several strokes. Although manual labor was still required, the invention made the job easier and more dignified. Stewart also co-invented an improved version of the station indicator for railways. The indicator was designed to activate automatically as the train hit a small lever on the side of the track, allowing the station to determine the train’s position and track.
Thomas Elkin revolutionized the food preservation industry with his groundbreaking invention in the late 1800s. Before his discovery, perishable goods were only preserved using large ice blocks, often insufficient during a hot summer. However, Elkin’s invention of the metal cooling coils was a game-changer, and it effectively preserved food without ice blocks, making it a more efficient and cost-effective solution. Thanks to his innovation, the modern refrigeration industry was born, forever transforming how we store and preserve food. Elkin’s significant contribution was recognized when he was awarded a U.S. patent for his revolutionary invention in 1879.
When Willis Johnson invented his mixing apparatus in 1884, he had no idea how it would revolutionize the world of cooking. By transforming the slow rotation of a crank into a high-speed whisking motion, the machine could easily beat eggs and other ingredients, saving valuable time and effort in the kitchen. Despite being small and easy to use, Johnson’s invention was powerful enough to impact food preparation significantly. His innovation was so influential that modern rotary egg beaters and electric mixers still use the same basic principle today. Johnson’s invention was a game-changer for home cooks and professional chefs, earning him a patent and a place in culinary history.
John Lee Love, who passed away in December 1931, is best known for inventing two simple yet practical products: the plasterer’s hawk and the portable pencil sharpener. Although not technologically advanced, his ideas aimed to make everyday tasks easier. Before the pencil sharpener, people commonly used a knife to sharpen their pencils, but Love’s invention offered a more straightforward, affordable, and practical solution.
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In 1890, Henry Falkener was granted a U.S. patent for his invention of the ventilated shoe, a breakthrough in footwear technology at that time. Unlike modern shoes made with breathable materials, Falkener’s design featured an air passage between the material and lining, which ensured proper airflow in and out of the shoe. To achieve this, he fitted perforated inner soles to allow fresh air to enter the shoe without obstruction. Falkener’s design included a rubber bubble under the heel connected to an upward-facing open tube, creating an air passage. Whenever the wearer took a step and pressed the bubble, foul air would be forced out, allowing fresh air to enter the shoe.
Albert C. Richardson from Frankfort, Michigan, invented a casket-lowering device that was granted U.S. patent No. 529311. The device was a simple, cost-effective solution that could be easily attached to a trench or ditch to receive the deceased’s casket. The device was mechanically operated, offering safe and stable support to prevent the casket from falling or dirt from spilling off the trench’s edge. It was constructed using a series of pulleys, cloths, and ropes, providing a secure and balanced descent for the casket.
In the 1800s, fire escapes were primarily available for commercial and multi-story buildings, leaving homeowners with few options. Daniel McCree solved the problem by designing a lightweight fire escape made of wood that could be easily attached to windowsills, allowing occupants on the second or third floor to escape in case of fire. His invention was awarded a patent in 1890, and modern residential fire escapes are still based on his design.
In 1931, Benjamin Thornton was awarded a patent for his “Apparatus for Automatically Recording Telephonic Messages,” an early version of today’s answering machine. While some sources credit Thornton with inventing the answering machine in 1935, his device was an attachment for telephones that could record messages from callers and timestamp them. It also allowed the telephone owner to record messages on the device.
David A. Fisher, an inventor, designed two tools that revolutionized carpentry and cabinetry work: an improved joiner clamp and a furniture caster. The clamp eliminated the need for workers to pause multiple times to hold two pieces of wood together while applying glue or other fasteners. Instead, the clamp could mechanically and securely hold pieces of wood together, saving time and increasing efficiency. Fisher patented the invention in April 1875. A year later, in March 1876, Fisher received a patent for a furniture caster, which featured free-turning wheels (rollers) that allowed cabinetmakers to move large pieces of furniture effortlessly.
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There is debate about who invented the spring gun to scare away trespassers. While some sources attribute its invention to Edward R. Lewis, the patent he was granted in 1887 pertained to a toy. The toy consisted of a metal tube on a wooden support with a wire trigger mechanism that required only a simple motion to activate the trigger release. The wire was attached to a holder, and the trigger would release when the holder was disturbed, causing the toy to shoot a projectile. While Lewis did not mention using the toy as a booby trap, some people may have repurposed it for that use.
Joseph Hawkins received a patent in 1845 for his invention, the gridiron. The gridiron was a cooking apparatus with a metal rack attached to a wooden handle. It was designed for heating or cooking meals, particularly meat, and could be placed inside a fireplace or on a campfire. However, during the early 19th century, the gridiron was not widely used as most people had already switched to using more convenient kitchen stoves.
Alexander Ashbourne was born into slavery around 1820 in Philadelphia, and little is known about his early life. However, he later gained recognition for his inventions and was awarded several patents, including one in 1875 for a spring-loaded biscuit cutter. About five years later, Ashbourne also received a patent for his techniques for refining and treating coconut oil. Despite his success as an inventor, Ashbourne’s life story remains largely unknown today.
n 1879, William Binga was awarded a patent for an apparatus constructed from perforated pipes connected to water mains and attached to sidewalks, streets, and roads. The invention allowed the existing sprinkler system to reach all surface areas of a street, including gutters, with excellent efficiency.
James A. Sweeting’s invention, described in the U.S. patent file 549501, issued in 1897, was a device for easily rolling cigarettes. The device comprised a cylindrical rod holding the tobacco and a mechanism to hold the cigarette paper. When used correctly, the device would create a perfectly formed cigarette. The paper might require dampening along the roller line to prevent the cigarette from unraveling. Sweeting’s goal was to make it easy for regular cigarette smokers to roll their cigarettes rather than only being accessible to cigarette manufacturers.
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Robert Reynolds was granted a patent in 1899 for inventing the non-refillable bottle. It was designed with valve stoppers permanently attached to the bottle to prevent unauthorized or misinterpreted use. The invention benefited products that needed to maintain their original quality, such as medication and food. This innovation prevented consumers from accidentally or intentionally refilling the bottles with other substances that could cause contamination or harm. As a result, the non-refillable bottle became a standard packaging choice for products requiring high safety and hygiene.
William Purvis patented an improvement to the early design of fountain pens in 1890. Before his invention, fountain pens did not have an onboard ink reservoir and required a separate ink bottle. Purvis’ design included a small ink storage inside the pen, allowing for even ink distribution onto the writing medium. Purvis’s invention of the fountain pen with onboard ink storage made handwriting work cleaner and more efficient than the previous method.
Kerrie Holley is a renowned inventor and technology consultant who has significantly contributed to analytics and systems engineering. During his time at IBM, Holley has been awarded several patents for his groundbreaking inventions, including a system to locate lost mobile devices and a process for maintaining functionality in the face of component failure. However, his most notable invention is the IBM Service-oriented architecture (SOA) reference architecture, revolutionizing how businesses approached software development and integration. Holley was named Black Engineer of the Year in 2003 for his numerous contributions to the technology industry and continues to be a prominent figure in the field.
John White’s invention of the lemon squeezer was simple yet practical, and the tool is now a household staple used by many worldwide. Unlike Kerrie Holley, who was awarded patents for complex technologies, White’s invention was much more straightforward. The lemon squeezer described in his patent application closely resembles the familiar modern design, and it also included a container attachment to collect the juice.
Martin’s lock design was revolutionary for its time and eventually led to the creation of many other improved locks. Martin himself went on to patent several other inventions, including an electric motor and an electrical switch. His lock design was significant not only for its security improvements but also for its impact on the field of locksmithing. Locksmiths no longer had to rely solely on the ancient bolt design but now had access to new and improved lock designs, eventually leading to more advanced security systems. Today, Martin’s lock design is still used as the foundation for many modern lock systems.
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Henrietta Bradberry’s two inventions, the bed rack and torpedo discharge mechanism, showcase her range as an inventor. The bed rack, patented in 1943, was a simple yet practical design that allowed people to expose their worn bedclothes to fresh air. In contrast, her second invention, the torpedo discharge mechanism, was a highly technical device requiring extensive submarine operations knowledge.
Her improvements to the mechanism ensured that water could not enter the submarine chamber upon missile release, making it more efficient and effective. Bradberry’s diverse portfolio of inventions highlights her ingenuity and adaptability as an inventor, as she could design both practical and highly technical inventions.
The Top 101 Black Inventors and African Americans’ Best Invention Ideas that Changed the World highlight some of the most significant contributions of Black inventors to society. The list includes inventors from various fields, including science, medicine, transportation, etc. Among the inventions are traffic signals, the super soaker water gun, the ironing board, the refrigerator, and the carbon filament for the lightbulb. These inventions have had a significant impact on our daily lives and have helped shape modern society. The list serves as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Black inventors and their vital contributions to technology and innovation.
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Southern California is an amazing destination with so much to do. But where can you stay in your RV while you’re there? Look no further than Valencia Travel Village RV Resort. This conveniently located RV resort offers everything you could need and more! Plus, it’s perfectly located to see all the best that the area has to offer.
Let’s take a look at what makes Valencia Travel Village RV Resort so great and what to do during your stay.
Valencia Travel Village RV Resort is located in the Santa Clarita Valley, less than an hour outside of Los Angeles, in Castaic, California. This RV resort has a killer location and tons to offer.
The park has 381 total sites, 64 of which are daily and weekly pull-through sites. There are a total of 303 full hookup sites and 78 partial hookup sites, with 30/50 amp sites available. So, whatever your rig and whatever hookups you need, Valencia Village has you covered.
At your site, you’ll be able to enjoy DirecTV and free Wi-Fi, as well as a picnic table. RV washing, repair, and house cleaning are also available on-site by appointment.
Valencia Travel Village has way more to offer than just great sights, too.
Nearly anything you could ask for at an RV resort, Valencia Travel Village has!
If you’re bringing furry friends, the good news is that the resort is also pet-friendly. They even have a dog run where you can let Fido out to get some exercise.
On top of all this, Valencia Travel Village RV Resort also sells discounted tickets for Six Flags Magic Mountain. Because, thanks to the resort’s great location, Six Flags and so much more are just a short drive away.
Valencia Travel Village has a great 7.9/10 average rating from RVers on RV LIFE Campground Reviews. According to a recent reviewer,
“We stayed at this resort from July 3rd thru July 17th. The staff is friendly, the place was easy to get into and out of. As mentioned there are for the most part long-term in the park, we were in the circled area pull-through site K11. This place was in a great location, right by 6 flags. Let’s talk amenities, Full hook-up, decent WiFi, a convenient store with a good variety of things you may need, in the area by us, they have a outdoor kitchen/fire pit that you can use, heated adult / youth pools, spa, outdoor showers, laundry room, game room and out door activities, they are dog friendly with a dog run, and facilities are open until 10 pm.”
– via Karma Camper
Thanks to Valencia Travel Village RV Resort’s killer location, it provides the perfect home base for visiting local attractions. World-class theme parks, beautiful hikes, and top-notch golf courses are just a few of the things you can find nearby. Let’s take a closer look at all the places of interest and things to do near the resort.
One of the best things about Valencia Travel Village RV Resort is that you’re perfectly located to visit some of the nation’s best theme parks.
The resort is just minutes away from Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor. Ride legendary roller coasters like X2 and Tatsu, or cool off with Hurricane Harbor’s water slides and river cruise.
Just a bit farther away, you can find Universal Studios Hollywood, home to the brand-new Super Nintendo World. If you or anyone else in your family loves Mario or any of Nintendo’s other great characters, this is a spot you don’t want to miss.
Of course, no list of California theme parks would be complete without mentioning the world-famous Disneyland. Ride the rides, take a picture with your favorite character, and see just why Disneyland is one of the world’s greatest theme parks.
If that’s not enough for you, Knotts Berry Farm is also conveniently located nearby. This beloved theme park has something for the whole family, from thrilling roller coasters to low-key rides to exciting shows.
If you prefer outdoor adventure, the Santa Clarita Valley has plenty of hiking available. A few options include:
Other great hiking options near Valencia Travel Village RV Resort include:
Whatever outdoor adventure you prefer, there is something nearby to suit your needs. Golfers have two great options near the resort to play a round.
The first is Sand Canyon Country Club. Covering 400 acres at the base of the Angeles National Forest, this is a 27-hole course that you don’t want to miss. In addition to the golf course, the Sand Canyon Country Club also features fine dining at the Sycamore Bar & Grill.
The other golf course nearby is the Vista Valencia Golf Course. This 27-hole facility features both an 18-hole, par 61 executive course and a 9-hole, par 3 course. If you’re working on improving your game, they have a top-notch practice facility, plus individual and group instruction.
There’s tons more to check out near Valencia Travel Village RV Resort on top of these great options.
Hankering for fresh produce and local delicacies? Check out the local farmer’s market every Sunday from 8 am to noon.
If you like museums, there are plenty nearby. Head to The Autry to learn about California art and history, or check out the Nethercutt Collection to see some truly impressive classic cars. Or, for something a little different, check out the Hollywood Wax Museum.
For nature lovers, the Los Angeles Zoo is a can’t-miss. There you’ll find over 270 different species, including gorillas, elephants, alligators, and much, much more.
If you want to see something out of this world, check out the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. This world-class observatory sits right in the heart of LA and features 60 exhibits that teach you about our amazing universe. Even better, Griffith Park is also home to the world-famous Hollywood Sign.
Valencia Travel Village RV Resort truly has it all: quality sites, amazing amenities, and a location that simply can’t be beat. If you’re visiting the greater LA area in an RV, there’s simply no better place to stay. Time to plan that California trip you’ve always dreamed of!
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
Been to a campground lately? Don’t forget to leave a review! Reviews help other RVers like yourself, and they help the campground. Leave a campground review today!
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The post Valencia Travel Village RV Resort: A Must-Visit In California appeared first on RV LIFE.
]]>Despite the hype from tackle merchants, most artificial flies only ever catch humans. Trout, it seems, don’t share our obsession with ‘match the hatch’. Trout fishing is a battle of wits, pitting wily angler against crafty fish. It is an undisputed fact that it takes a canny fisher to catch a canny fish. We know this to be true because clever fisherfolk write books and articles in which their sophistication and guile always win the day. For the rest of us there are no bragging rights in dumb failure, so we scour magazines and the internet hoping for enlightenment. This quest for wisdom amounts to just one all-important question. It’s the one we ask of every angler we meet on the bank. And it’s the first thing we say to anyone who’s just caught a trout: “What’s the fly?” Not “How long is that rod?”, “Nice waistcoat” or “That’s a cool net”. Nor do we ask about spiritual incantations or performance-enhancing drugs. Just the fly.
So when it really matters and the chips are down, the summation of centuries of piscatorial knowledge can be distilled into one universal question: “What’s the fly?” There’s nothing wrong with the question, but the answer has caused endless human misery. Look around you. Magazines promote fancy patterns and bloggers tie sensational flies made with just the hair of their dog. The omnipresent Mega-Weba-Store offers click-bait flies distinguished only by their pornographic names (trout are suckers for sexual innuendo). This fly-choice conundrum lies at the heart of fly-fishing’s collective neurosis: if we make a bad decision and fish the wrong fly, we will go home empty-handed on a day when everyone else is catching fish on alternate casts. This is the worst humiliation a fly-fisherman or woman can suffer.
And there’s no excuse for getting it wrong. Thanks to smartphones we can consult the wisdom of the ‘interweb’ 24/7, and even midstream if we are so minded (I’m not). Assuming we have a serviceable rod, line and reel, then all we need to do is ‘match the hatch’. Who’d argue with that? It’s all about the fly, isn’t it? Yet this smug little phrase opens the door to a world of pain. It’s a triumph of slick sloganeering up there with my favourite, ‘naughty but nice’, which promoted cream cakes back in the 1980s and now explains ‘match the hatch’ (MTH) perfectly. Anyone who bought a ‘naughty but nice’ chocolate eclair expecting the implied sexual gratification would have been sorely disappointed. Likewise, the MTH promise is clear: if you, dear reader, can truly match the hatch, no wily trout will ever outwit you again. The river will be your servant. You will be invited to fish the finest beats and people will point you out at the Piscatorial Society Annual Dinner.
Becoming an MTH-maestro takes decades of hard graft and nobody ever knows it all. When, eventually, you are confidently armed with enough MTH knowledge, you head for the river, observe a major Ephemerellidae die-in and reach for your spent-wing spinners. Sadly you’ve brought the wrong fly box, so you tie on a Patagonian Gordo Alberto Black & Green Barbless Groucho Bonkster (size 12) and catch the first fish you cast to. And the second. So much for MTH.
The father of all fishing wisdom, Ed Zern, nailed the match the hatch myth back in 1945: “Every once in a while a fly-fisherman catches a trout on a trout fly, and he thinks this proves something. It doesn’t. Trout eat mayflies, burnt matches, small pieces of inner tube, each other, caddis worms, Dewey buttons, crickets, lima beans, Colorado spinners and almost anything else they can get in their fool mouths. It’s probable they think the trout fly is some feathers tied to a hook. Hell, they’re not blind. They just want to see how it tastes.” Quite so. And well said, Ed. I don’t know whether Zern had an epiphany or if he laboured hard, testing his evolving theory on fish and fly and fag-end combinations. I like to think that, as a prolific and creative writer, he snatched it from the ether under pressure from an imminent deadline.
My enlightenment was not a life-changing bolt of inspiration. It seeped in as part of a long, slow, teenage slouch through life, enhanced by seven-days-a-week access to a wild chalkstream. I could cast well enough, name maybe a dozen flies and had little interest in entomology. And I should fess up to a slovenly intellect. I was also a teenager with no Mega-Weba-Store on a smartphone to seduce me with centrefolds of shiny tackle. In fact, I don’t remember buying any fly-fishing tackle. It was all hand-me-downs from old people, or acquired from my father, or mongrel flies I tied for myself. In my world view only grown-ups did entomology – and why would anyone do Latin outside school?
Most importantly, whatever it was that I was doing, it worked. I was catching fish, and enough of them to get noticed locally. Hardly fame, but enough to induce a quiet confidence in an otherwise wobbly teenage life.
Hindsight and self-delusion are the two elemental forces of fishing so, like most humans, I needed a theory to rationalise my modest achievement. It was clear to me that fly choice was only cursorily related to catching fish, making entomology dead in the water, just like Latin. Although given the maxim that you can’t catch a fish without a line in the river, it seemed prudent to put a fly on the end. After that fly size mattered somewhat, but not much else. So that left presentation, which was all about casting – and that suited my slouchy narrative well.
There was, I decided, a commanding skill to be drawn from reading water and wind and then subduing them with my split-cane wand. The summit of achievement was landing a fly with delicacy and precision just above the nose of a chosen trout. At the time I didn’t talk about this, because I thought any grown-up with half a brain would have seen my approach for the slacking I knew it to be. Only later in life have I come to think there was truth in my stoner logic. And these days I’m rather less fantastical about my much better handling of carbon rods.
Most of my fly-tying focused on making size 16 flies that sort of resembled proper fishing flies, but within the limits of materials scavenged at home. I can only claim one original creation and its purpose was to extend fishing time into near darkness without missing last orders in the pub at 10.30pm. It was big, fluffy and white and could be seen under the far bank as the last of the grey bled slowly out of the dying day. It caught fish – occasionally big fish – thereby delivering further evidence that whatever it was that flies did, it wasn’t preordained by the pseudoscience of MTH. And it kept me on the bank into that magical time when the light fades and all is hushed, except the bats.
So fast forward to today. How did we end up in a world dominated by a rigid fly orthodoxy so closely matched to the stock offerings of multinational tackle companies? A world where the majority of artificial flies only ever catch a human? Ask yourself how many flies you own and how many fish you caught last year. What was once a slow-moving evolutionary struggle between fish and man has become a turbo-charged arms race fuelled by merchants and influencers keen to sell stuff. And while humanity has made an intense intellectual and financial commitment to this fight, the fish are less bothered. Indeed, the fish seem to be just as relaxed about it as they ever have been. The canny angler tries to think like a trout and second-guess his enemy, but no trout has ever repaid the compliment. I can’t say whether this makes trout clever or not, it’s just that fish don’t waste as much time on us as we do on them. They have better things to do.
Nature ensures that dim-witted fish are as widely distributed as their smarter brethren, and probably in much greater numbers – just like fishermen, you might say. And yet, for reasons I can’t fathom, smart fishermen never waste their time catching stupid fish. At least not in print. Perhaps it’s too easy? So dumb fish, it seems, are only caught by dumb anglers relying on dumb luck. Hmm. It works pretty well for me.
So, after a lifetime on the bank, here’s what I know: dry flies come in three sizes: small, medium and large. They have wings, mostly. They are barbless. How well they float depends on their mood. That’s it.
Richard Wilson writes FishRise.substack.com, a monthly newsletter offering a wry look at the quirky world of fishing
Illustrations by Simon Trinder
]]>Earlier this week, Mr. Magpie and I planned the appetizer course of a neighborhood progressive dinner we are co-hosting. (By the time you’re reading this, it will have already happened!). The theme was Mexican, and we spent a lazy Sunday morning sifting through Mr. Magpie’s collection for inspo. We — and by we, I mean Landon — ended up making a ceviche, several homemade salsas, and guacamole from these books, and this required four separate trips to four different markets. Ay! We don’t make things easy on ourselves, do we? I mixed up Death & Co’s excellent, tequila-based “East River Underground” punch and a watermelon-lime agua fresca for the non-drinkers. Punches are the best way to serve cocktails to a crowd. You mix up a big batch with an enormous ice cube in the center (so it won’t dilute the punch, but will keep it cold) and guests serve themselves. This one called for jalapeno-infused tequila, which I made myself in advance — you just steep the ribs and seeds, and a small amoutn of chopped jalapeno flesh, from a couple of jalapenos in tequila for 20 minutes and then strain. We used Los Altos tequila for this cocktail but — and I think I’ve mentioned this before — the brand G4 has a blanco tequila that is, as my brother-in-law might say, “lights out,” meaning absolutely delicious and the best of its kind. I’m sort of sad I’ve tasted G4 because now it’s ruined me for all others. I’m not saying its sipping tequila, but it’s perfect for margs and mixed drinks, and it adds an interesting almost vegetal dimension to the drink. So, so good.
BTW, Williams-Sonoma has a clever cake dome that inverts to become a punch bowl that is a GREAT gift for a newlywed, or for yourself. I mean, you don’t need a punch bowl often, so it’s great that it serves another more routine purpose.
And, if you don’t have the Death & Co cocktail book, please treat yourself! It is our absolute bible. We’ve made so, so many of the cocktails from this book and they’ve taught me how to properly mix a drink, why some drinks are shaken vs stirred, how long to shake, how many ice cubes to use. The book includes classics and inventions alike.
Earlier this week, Mr. Magpie and I went to a friend’s late-afternoon birthday party at a bar downtown, and afterward, came home and ordered El Pollo Rico (THE best Peruvian chicken in the DC area, and conveniently delivers to us) and I insisted that we had enough juice in the tank to start a movie. We put on “Creed III” (?) and immediately talked through the first six minutes of the movie and then turned it off. Ha! Sometimes those nights are the best, though. They remind that marriage is one long conversation, and that — even nearly thirteen years in! — there is still so much to share with one another.
I wore my Juliet Dunn dress, one of my absolute favorite purchases this spring, with this Lizzie Fortunato necklace.
This was the first week my daughter and son were both out of school. They were in camp all week, and the logistics of this week were harrowing for various reasons (too much happening at once!), but it still had the sticky-slow feel of summer. I love the less harried pace of the mornings. Nowhere to be until 9! The children also broke in their new rainbow arch sprinkler (on sale!) and pulled out their beloved watermelon pool for a day of backyard fun. Just look at those smiles! Micro is wearing a Minnow swimsuit and mini is wearing this adorable floral bathing suit (on sale for $15 — but check out all of the J. Crew Kids sale suits, too! I just picked up this two-piece for her for $20). She asked to wear the swimsuit below for water play at camp one day this week, and wore these paper-bag waist jean shorts over top. After she was dressed, I caught her studying her reflection in the mirror, and she said, unprompted: “I like the way I look.” I about died! I couldn’t express my happiness, encouragement, delight at hearing her say that quickly enough. “I love that, I love you, I love that you like the way you look!” It felt like a big win after some of the skirmishes we had earlier this year when she began to express discontentment with the way I was dressing her. She asked me earlier this week if I can buy her “jean shorts with strings hanging off,” by which I’m sure she’s referring to the cut-offs she’s seen her teenage babysitters wearing the past few weeks. I have been working hard to “let go” and accommodate her budding sartorial sense, so dutifully did my homework. I like this pair from J. Crew, but I’m sure she’d prefer this more distressed style from Gap. (I like them in the colored options — they feel less…grown-up.). Onward we go!
In terms of my own shopping this week, I bought myself this Doen dress, this lightweight athletic jacket, and the Hunza G-lookalike suit I shared in detail yesterday. I’ve also been breaking in my new Birkenstocks and I have to say…I love them. I keep them by the door so I can slip into them when I take Tilly for a walk/run out after the kids/grab the mail/pop out to say hi to a neighbor/etc. They go with everything and I love the unexpected pop of metallic.
I also received some really exciting PR packages this week, including Goop’s new shampoo and conditioner set, which I cannot wait to try. I was fully bought in after listening to Gwyneth rave about it — hook, line, sinker — and was planning to purchase after my current lineup was finished. Will report back with a review ASAP! More of my shower favorites here, to which I must add the body oils from Olio E Osso. I now have both their classic body oil and their luster one. The former smells divine and leaves skin so silky. I love the latter, too — makes my skin look candlelit! — but be warned that it can stain! Also, I still stand by my evangelical review of Davines’ conditioner, so Goop has some big shoes to fill. It brings me joy every single time I set foot in the shower stall!
The team at Summersalt reached out offering to send me one of their suits to try and I can’t wait to share a review. I know many, many, many of you have raved about their suits over the years. I think I’m going to try their “Ruffle Backflip” in solid black.
AND — my birthday is coming up! I usually use the occasion to treat myself to a special dress. I have so many already, but…this Ulla?! This Fanm Mon? Eeee!
Have a great week!
The post The Magpie Edit: Edition 42. appeared first on Magpie by Jen Shoop.
]]>Swirls of cheese, an insanely golden crispy cheese crust, and soft fluffy crumb. This cheese bread is every cheese-loving carb-monsters’ dream come true! The clincher: it’s a very easy, no-knead bread recipe based on the beloved No-Knead Crusty Artisan Bread. Are you ready for this??!
This is a bread you’d struggle to buy. Because I just can’t see any bakery cramming in as much cheese as I do. 250g – that’s half a pound! For un-missable cheese flavour.
Indulgent? Excessive? Perhaps.
But if I’m going to make a cheese bread, I want to do it right! None of this wimpy barely-there sprinkle of cheese on just the surface. I’d rather just make a plain loaf of bread and make a cheese toastie!
This gorgeous loaf is made using a no-knead bread dough that has been read over 7 million times since I published it in 2020. It’s tried and tested miracle recipe (thank you New York Times!) that’s easy enough for beginners yet seasoned bread enthusiasts appreciate its Artisan qualities.
Here’s how it goes down:
Mix flour, yeast, salt and water with a wooden spoon (10 seconds).
Leave to double in volume (1 to 3 hours).
Fold in cheese, shape in a round (5 minutes).
Bake (40 minutes). Eat (30 seconds).
Here’s what you need to make this – yeast, flour, salt, water and cheese. Yep, really, that’s it!
Bread flour is best, if you can – Use bread flour if you can. Bread flour has more protein in it than normal flour which means more gluten, and this makes the dough more elastic and yields a more fluffy yet chewy texture inside the bread, just like the (pricey!) artisan bread you get from your favourite bakery.
However, this bread is still fantastic made with plain/all-purpose flour. Put it this way – I wouldn’t make a special trip just to get bread flour if I have a hankering for this right now. But I would go and get it if I was making this for company!
Instant yeast – The base recipe calls for Instant Yeast (aka Rapid Rise yeast) which does not need to be dissolved in water and left to foam. You can also use normal yeast (“Active Dry Yeast” or just “dry yeast”) – you just need to change the order of the steps and dissolve the yeast in water first. The bread will come out the same!
I use Colby but you can use (almost) any meltable cheese you want (thoughts below). But I really urge you to:
Don’t skimp on quantity. I use a whole 250g/8oz (2 1/2 packed cups) in this bread. The early versions started with 1 cup, then just creeping up and up. For full-on unmissable OMG cheese flavour, 250g/8z is the amount to use! (In case you’re curious, I did creep up a little more but it started to weight the bread down. Cheese greediness backfired!)
Shred your own cheese. Store bought cheese is chunkier (so it weighs the bread down and won’t rise as well) and doesn’t melt because it is coated with anti-caking agents. For the best cheese ribbons and best cheese crust, grate your own! (But, in the event of a Cheese Bread emergency – and it can happen – packet shredded cheese will do).
I use Colby – I like using Colby because it melts “softly” so it kind of melds into the bread crumb beautifully without weighing it down or bleeding oil. It also bakes up beautifully golden on the crust. For a premium version, I use gruyere. But it makes this considerably pricier!
Other cheese – Any cheese (other than mozzarella) that melts well will work great here, like cheddar, tasty, Monterey Jack, gruyere. I like Colby for it’s melting qualities and it doesn’t weigh the bread down as it rises in the oven, and it’s not greasy (like Tasty cheese). Re: mozzarella – it will work fine but it doesn’t have enough flavour in it compared to other cheeses.
Heads up – There’s a lot of detailed information in this section to give bread first timers the confidence to make this. For experienced bread makers, this recipe is a cinch so I suggest you skip straight to the recipe or recipe video.
For those familiar with the beloved no-knead Crusty Artisan Bread – the method is the same except with cheese folded in and piled on top!
Dump everything in a bowl and mix. No kneading!
Shaggy dough – Using a rubber spatula, mix flour, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Add water, then mix using the handle of the spatula until you can no longer see flour.
Why the handle of the rubber spatula? Kind of mimics the dough hook of stand mixers. Less surface area to wipe gummy dough off.
Dough consistency – It should be too sticky to knead by hand, but not pourable like cake batter (see video at X seconds).
Rise – Cover with cling wrap and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until the dough doubles in volume. The surface should be bubbly, and the mixture should jiggle when you shake the bowl.
What’s a warm place? 25°C/77°F+. Warmer = faster rise. Avoid direct sunlight, it dries out the surface of the dough. In winter, I sit the bowl next to a heater. In summer, anywhere in the house! TIP – your dryer Run it (empty) for a few minutes. Put bowl in, shut door. Nice and warm inside = perfect draught free dough rising location!
The proofed dough (ie rising the dough) – Aim for around double for the best bread rising. If it rises too much (eg triple) or not enough, then the bread will not rise enough or will collapse.
Dough, done – and you didn’t even get your hands dirty! Onto shaping, cheesing and baking.
This section is wordy. But in practice, it’s straight forward. You’ll see in the recipe video!
Pre-heat pot – 30 minutes before the dough is ready, put a 24-28cm / 4.5-8 quart heavy based pot with a lid in the oven. Then preheat the oven to preheat to 240°C/450°F (220°C fan-forced). We want that pot hot!
Curious why a hot pot? Read the Q&A in the No-Knead Crusty Artisan Bread. No dutch oven? That’s ok! Use a pan of water in the oven instead. Instructions in recipe notes.
Scrape dough out – Sprinkle a 30cm/12″ area with ~1 tablespoon flour. Scrape the dough out onto the flour using the rubber spatula.
Shape into disc – Sprinkle the surface with 1 teaspoon flour so you can pat it down into an approximate 20cm/8″ disc without the dough getting stuck all over your hands. No need to be meticulous about a perfect shape or size, just approximate is fine.
Cheese it – Set aside 1/3 of the cheese for topping. Cover surface with half the remaining cheese, leaving a 2cm/3/4″ border.
Fold inwards – Using a dough scraper or anything of similar shape (cake server, large knife, spatula), fold the sides inwards 4 times to roughly form a roundish shape. Sprinkle the scraper as needed to stop the dough from sticking to it.
Cheese each layer – After each fold, top the naked dough with some of the remaining cheese, but keep the final layer cheese-free as this will be the base of the bread.
Wonky is fine! Don’t worry about the shape at this stage. The purpose of the folding steps is to deflate the air bubbles in the dough and bury the cheese inside the bread.
Paper transfer – Place a 40cm/16″ sheet of baking/parchment paper next to the dough then flip it onto the paper so the seamside is (mostly) facedown.
Tidy the shape roughly, using the dough scraper, into an even round or oval shape. Don’t bother being too fastidious here because no matter what shape the dough is, it always expands and rises into a perfect round shape, as dictated by the pot.
Cheese crown – Pile the reserved cheese on. It piles up high. Such a satisfying vision!
Baking time!
Unlike the bread shaping, this part is delightfully short to explain in words!
Take out hot pot – Remove hot pot from the oven.
Transfer dough – Hold the paper to transfer dough into the pot, keeping it on the paper. Put lid on.
35 minutes covered – Bake 35 minutes with the lid on.
10 minutes uncovered – Remove lid. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes to colour the surface.
Transfer to cooling rack – Remove pot from oven. Use paper overhang to transfer bread onto a cooling rack. Slide paper out from underneath.
Rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Resting is important for breads! In this step, the inside finishes cooking and dries out. If you’re impatient and cut bread straight out of the inside, the inside will smear like it’s uncooked dough – even if it’s not. Yep, been there, done that. Patience is not my virtue – and I get punished for it!
Now, it’s time to EAT!
Note: The artwork of the cheese ribboned throughout is different every time. It’s like a surprise-inside!
This bread, when hot and fresh, needs nothing to accompany it to be enjoyed. The cheese is molten, the bread is soft, the crust is salty and crispy.
However, you and I both know that a slathering of butter would only elevate the eating experience!
It stays fresh enough to eat un-toasted for around 24 to 36 hours. After this, just give them a quick toast in your toaster then slather with butter. The cheese on the surface of each slice goes golden and crusty, and you also get molten bits. It’s so good, you will forever hope for more cheese bread leftovers. – Nagi x
Freshly laundered bucket of Dozer toys. Let’s see how full that bucket is by the end of tomorrow.
The post Cheese Bread (no knead!) appeared first on RecipeTin Eats.
]]>You may have never given it much thought but rubber has been around for a very long time. With all the conclusive evidence, historians agree that the ancient Mayans and Aztecs had several uses for rubber dating back hundreds of years ago. Besides being found inside balls for their notorious sacrificial games, these Latin American natives used the elastic material from a rubber tree to make tools, shoes, medicines, and much more.
So, instead of keeping those rubber bands in your junk drawers and never using them for the standard methods, it’s time to think creatively. A couple of rubber bands could be the difference when faced with an emergency or survival situation!
The modern-day rubber band was invented in 1845 and is still used today to hold and group all sorts of things together. But as it turns out, rubber bands can also serve hundreds of other purposes, especially pertaining to survival. Are you wondering what some of them are? Keep reading to find out about many amazing survival uses for rubber bands. Many outdoor enthusiasts already use rubber bands for a variety of applications. As a survivalist, you need to consider starting to carry rubber bands in your Altoids tin survival kit or pill bottle survival kit ( How to Put Together a Pill Bottle Survival Kit).
You’ll need extra cash during an emergency if debit and credit card readers are temporarily unavailable. A rubber band can be used as a money clip to fold and keep your bills secured in your pocket or backpack. Cash Stash: Standby for Emergencies
Once ignited, rubber can make a small fire big rather quickly. This means they’ll be useful as emergency fire starters in situations when you need a fire for warmth or for your cooking purposes. 15 Different Ways to Make Fire Starters
Should you or a loved one be dealing with a severe laceration or open wound that happens during an emergency situation, you can take several rubberbands and use them as a makeshift tourniquet to hold you over until you can seek medical attention. First Aid Kits-What You Need To Survive Be sure to read up on the proper use of tourniquets so you don’t permanently damage body tissues in your extremities.
If you or someone else in your group is dealing with an arm injury and needs a temporary sling you can be prepared. Grab a few thicker rubber bands and loop them together like a bracelet or necklace strong enough to hold the arm in place. This will provide support for slings until the injured person can get proper medical treatment. Cheap Items Valuable During Survival
If you’re out in the wild and need to catch some fish, then rubber bands can come in handy. You can tie one around a hook, add bait, and dangle it down in the water. Hopefully won’t need to wait for very long for the fish to think it’s a worm or night crawler. Beginners Guide to Fishing: 6 Amazing Tips and Tricks
Dealing with a stripped screw head can be very frustrating. But if you push a rubberband down in the grooves of a screw head, it should give the point of your screwdriver enough resistance so that you can remove the screw.
Sometimes you just need that little extra grip when you’re using a particular hand tool. So the next time you’re struggling, try wrapping a few rubber bands around the handle of the tool you’re using and be amazed at how much easier grasping the tool becomes.
Rubber bands can also act as a shield or insulator if you are trying to grasp something like a hot coffee cup, a hot pot, a panhandle, or a bowl of soup.
When you’re needing extra traction to open something like a glass pickle jar, rubber bands will give you the opening power that you need to get lids off. 14 Clever Uses for Mason Jars
When you don’t want your paracord unraveling inside of your backpack, one or two rubber bands will do the trick! Rubber bands are a smart survival tool that a lot of people don’t think about! 13 Survival Uses for Paracord
Instead of standing there scratching your head wondering which batteries are charged and which ones are not. Use a rubber band to keep them organized so that you can tell the difference and you can label the rubber band using pens or markers to tell the difference. Survival activities include being able to think ahead with items like batteries and rubber bands! How To Store Your Batteries
Whether it’s for self-defense or for hunting small game, a slingshot made with a rubber band could be a valuable tool that you couldn’t go without. You can use the “Y” of a tree branch or a piece of metal to form the slingshot.
Needing more light to help you with a difficult job? Take a few rubberbands and attach a flashlight to your forearm to assist you with completing the task.
Have you ever needed a door to stay unlatched but it kept closing on you? To solve this problem, simply take a rubber band and wrap it around one door knob tightly and then stretch it around to the opposite doorknob. Make sure the rubber band covers the latch. This is a hack that’s especially useful when you have children you don’t want to get locked in a room or you need to have it stay unlatched when bringing in the groceries.
When a container no longer stays sealed like you want it to, a rubber band will help keep it closed up the way it was intended. Take the rubber band and wrap it around the threads of the container if it has a screw-on lid. If it’s a smaller plastic container, wrap the container from end to end or side to side with a rubber band that will stretch properly. It won’t be airtight but should stay closed as needed. DIY PVC Frozen Ice Containers For Emergencies
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, you may want to consider adding rubber bands around your shirt sleeves at wrist level and pant leg as low as you can get on the bottom of your legs to keep insects from getting to your skin. This could include mosquitos and ticks.
Needing something to keep your survival gear attached to your bug-out bag or organized inside the bag? Rubber bands can help items like your flashlight, water bottles, and multi-tool stay secure.
When you’re busy doing something and need your hair up and out of your face, a rubber band can be used as a ponytail holder when you can’t find a regular hair fastener.
Whether you’re trying to keep a bunch of pencils organized or a group of straw filters or survival tools together, use a rubber band to perform a task that they were originally designed to do. How to Stay Organized + Free Calendar
You can use rubber bands to hold all sorts of things together. That could include camp utensils like knives, forks, and spoons. They’re handy to hold tent stakes and poles, wrap up tarps, and keep cable ties from scattering all throughout your pack or duffel bag.
For those of you that only need reading glasses or sunglasses every now and then but don’t want to lose them, you could always use a big rubber band to keep them around your neck. Or if one side gets broken, you can use it to hold the glasses in place by wrapping it around the back of your head.
Is the eraser on the end of your pencil all used up? Depending on the lead in the pencil, a really strong rubber band that’s attached to the end of your pencil MAY work just as well whenever you’re in a pinch.
Normal rubber bands and small rubber bands work okay in a pinch, but the survival situations really call for heavy-duty rubber bands! You have other survival items like duct tape, paracord, space blankets, and office supplies, so why not store extra rubber bands in the everyday items you already have in your storage?! Survival situations are becoming more frequent, so it’s super important that you are prepared!
There you have it folks! Survival uses for rubber bands that can make all the difference during an emergency situation. These elastic bands can be quite useful in your everyday life as well. So don’t be afraid to stock up on a huge stash of them for your survival kit! Can you think of any other uses for rubber bands, whether it’s just around the house or that can actually be used during an emergency? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below! May God Bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Rubber Bands In Colors AdobeStock_225033713 By Duangjit, Rubber Band Ball AdobeStock_144674265 By Tierney
The post 20 Survival Uses for Rubber Bands appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
]]>That’s what happened with Wendy Heard’s most recent book, “You Can Trust Me,” out June 13 from Bantam.
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A writer of what she calls “dark little stories” for adults and young adults, Heard says her main character, Summer, had nearly appeared in two of her earlier books before Heard found the story that was right for her. The key, Heard says, was finding the right companion.
In Heard’s new thriller set along the highways and coastlines of California, Summer and Leo are two young women living out of their car. The two friends survive by scamming, grifting and pickpocketing the wealthy. But while targeting an eccentric billionaire, Leo goes with him to his private island – and vanishes. It’s up to Summer, using her wits and her skills picked up over years of living on the edge, to get to the island, find Leo and escape.
“You Can Trust Me” is both an examination of relationships with chosen family and a love letter to California from Heard. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q. How did the idea for this book come about?
It happened because of Summer. She’s a character I know really well; I’ve tried to write her into two other books, but she didn’t work out in them. Usually, I’m learning the plot and the characters together as I go, but in the end, I had to find the plot that would suit her best.
I really wanted to give her a companion; I had tried in a previous book, but it just wasn’t right. And so I started thinking, what is it like when someone who has floated through the world so untethered finds that one person that they feel is their home? How close can that bond be when people are traveling together, and when they don’t have a million other people and jobs and other things they’re beholden to?
The relationship between Summer and Leo was the heart of the book, I felt. After that, it was just about finding the right adventure for them to go on.
Q. Besides Leo, California is Summer’s only other tether – “its freeways and roads my arteries and veins,” she says. How did California inspire the story?
Most of my books take place in California, especially southern California. And I think it’s clear from reading my books that I’m from here; these books are written by someone who is a hometown Californian. It takes years to really understand those layers of what it’s like to live here, and sometimes it takes a lifetime.
I was inspired to set most of my books here because of my parents and our travels up and down the state. My dad is in the East Bay now, but when I was growing up, he lived in San Francisco proper. And I lived down in LA with my mom, and then we also lived in San Diego for a minute. So I do feel like I have worn a groove up and down the state, going back and forth, up and down. I wanted to incorporate that.
Q. What research did you do when building Summer and Leo’s skills, i.e. Summer’s pickpocketing ability?
I did a lot of research on pickpocketing – not just how to pickpocket, but how it feels to be pickpocketed. The interesting thing about Summer is that she has developed this very deep, instinctive understanding of the people around her and how they’re feeling. From the outside, she can see how people are internally experiencing the world, and that informs how she picks pockets. It’s about empathy and really understanding what it’s like to be in someone’s skin.
I also did research into how magicians operate. I feel like Summer operates with a lot of the same principles of misdirection and distraction. I really wanted to play into that idea of what magicians do to control the attention and to control what the audience is perceiving.
Q. What draws you to writing suspense?
I had always known I wanted to write books, but I thought I would write literary fiction. Turns out that a lifetime of reading dark stuff, like Anne Rice and Stephen King and Dean Koontz, had influenced me more than I realized. So I would set out to write these very literary books and what I would end up writing would be suspense and thrillers. It became apparent that this was going to be my accidental genre. I’d start writing a book about sisterhood and end up writing about a murder – just kind of happens every single time.
I embrace it now since it seems to be where I naturally go. At some point, you just have to know yourself and do what you’re best at.
Q. What are some books that inspired your love of suspense and mystery?
I started reading Stephen King at around nine or 10 –I know that’s a little young! There were kids in his book, so yeah, I wanted to read them even though they were scary. Then I got really into Christopher Pike. I have a little collection of Christopher Pike paperbacks that I’ve held on to over the years.
When I was a kid, my dad would drink wine at a place with a used bookstore next door. He’d give me like $2 and tell me to go find books, which he knew would keep me busy for hours. I could get five paperbacks for $1 and come away with all these noir mysteries and cheap ‘70s thrillers. And of course, I’d clear the young adult section out of any used Christopher Pike. Then there was my Anne Rice phase, which I think was pretty painful for everyone around me; I spent, like, three years of my young teenage life dreaming of being a vampire.
Q. It says on your website that you love vintage things. Can you talk about that?
I started loving vintage things through my grandparents. I really appreciated certain things about them that were very generational. They didn’t waste things. They didn’t overspend. They didn’t dispose of broken things, they fixed them.
I grew up on a low income. In the ‘90s and aughts, I remember feeling like buying things vintage was a way of having beautiful things that were not expensive but meaningful, with a real story behind them. And because of that, you wouldn’t be penalized for being poor.
Q. If one wanted to explore vintage LA, where are some cool places to go?
I am sure everybody knows about the big flea market at the Rose Bowl. That’s kind of the motherland if you’re interested in vintage clothing, furniture, electronics, dishware, kitchenware. The thing that people don’t know about the Rose Bowl is that you can pay $20 bucks or something and get in before they open. So you can get first dibs on the stuff that’s in there. All the vintage dealers and resellers, that’s what they do.
I also go often to the Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax High School. That’s where you’re going to get funky stuff, you know what I mean? Like a funky necklace from the 1970s. They also have a lot of really cool craftspeople who make and reclaim things.
Q. Ultimately, what would you like your readers to leave with after finishing this book?
For Summer, home is a person, not a house. I really wanted people to look at things from the point of view of someone who doesn’t own things, and who kind of floats outside of our society.
I wanted to also highlight the deep platonic loving relationship between two women. I’m a queer writer, and I’m aware of the extent that queer women get sexualized. Anytime I write about women being close to each other, there’s a resounding chorus of, you know, are they going to hook up?
Summer is bisexual. In the book, she has a couple of flippant remarks where she mentions it, but it’s not in the text much. I wanted to let the queer main character just have a deep friendship with another woman that was more of a sisterhood. I can’t speak for everybody, but I have personally experienced really close female friendships where we were both queer and yet our relationship was platonic, a very close friendship. It was very meaningful for me to give my characters that.
]]>A Fishing Pole, A Picnic and A Book: Simple Activities in Educational Terms ~
Written by Lusi Austin from That Homeschool Life
Having home schooled three older kiddos and now homeschooling their two younger siblings, has given me an unexpected gift: perspective.
The blessing of perspective is that I can easily see the big picture. I have experienced how fast time really flies. I have learned to not sweat the unimportant things.
I’ve learned to give more time to the things that matter most. I see how simple experiences can be learning opportunities. I’ve now learned how to express the value of these days.
Recently, we began our homeschooling day with a visit from another home schooled friend. She and my teen hung out in our teen-space. My son was building with LEGOs and playing a favorite game.
I heated up some banana bread I’d made the day before and we all gathered in the loungeroom to enjoy our snack. While we did, I read aloud from a book that I’ve found recently Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
They listened as I then read about the Sioux and different Chiefs that I remembered the names of from previous readings. We looked up Chief Sitting Bull and read about Custer’s Last Stand too. We talked about bison and reservations, nomadic peoples and the similarities and differences between Indigenous Americans and our First Nation’s peoples here in Australia.
I also explained that the encyclopedia I was reading from had been published some 50 years earlier. We talked about how facts can remain the same, but how our language around those facts can evolve and change as our understanding does. The kids looked at a map my sister-in-law had lent us.
They looked at the different nations names and areas. I asked Mr 11 to get out the Book of Centuries timeline book and he wrote down a few important dates that we read aloud as we went.
I suggested we pack ourselves a picnic and go down to the river for some lunch.
Mr 11 got excited and started to make a homemade fishing rod. He made it out of a piece of wood in the backyard and some jute. A hook was fashioned out of a metal paper fastener.
He tested the length of the line in the backyard and then made some adjustments. Zeeki then packed extra ‘line’, some scissors (in case the line got snagged) and some extra ‘hooks’. Lastly, he went into the kitchen and made his own sandwiches.
We chose a nice spot by the river and as they ate, I read aloud some more from the Braiding Sweetgrass book.
After lunch, Mr 11 had the chance to throw his line using some bread as bait. He didn’t catch anything, but while there we chatted about the little wrens and swallows we could see by the water. He observed the current and some of the flowers by the river’s edge which we hadn’t seen before.
Now, years ago, I wouldn’t have classified this type of day as ‘productive’. I would have called it relaxing, but now with the gift of perspective, I can see it as being both.
Assessing – Zeeki assessed the situation (that we’d be going fishing and decided to make the most of that and make a fishing pole).
Estimating – He estimated the materials and resources he’d need and brought them with him.
Research – As we read through the encyclopedia, we discussed the importance of reliability of our sources when we are researching.
Processing – There was lots of new information to process as we read about the Sioux, about culture that has been lost and as we discussed assimilation here in Australia too.
Observation – We observed new birds and flowers by the river.
Identifying – The kids identified some of the territories and nations of the Indigenous Americans on our map as we read aloud.
Brainstorming – Zeeki brainstormed ways to create the best kind of fishing pole he could.
Contributing – All 3 of the kids contributed their thoughts on our discussions based on the readings.
Conversing – There was lots of good conversation all day!
Listening skills – The kids listened as I read aloud.
Efficiency – We worked together to get ourselves out the door with a picnic lunch, snacks, books and drinks for everyone.
Independence & self-regulation – While at the river, the girls went and made autumn leaf throwing videos for themselves and asked to walk to McDonalds and get some drinks to bring back for us all.
Imaginative & resourceful – Zeeki showed this in his fishing pole activity.
Thoughtfulness & integrity of thought – We had lots of chats about colonization.
I’ve learnt over the years that learning is always happening. Even simple activities like the ones I’ve just described can be packed full of amazing opportunities for our children to engage in their interests, with each other and with the world around them. I hope this might encourage you in some way.
What’s Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie’s quiz now and receive a free personality report to help you organize your homeschool based on what your type needs most!
]]>As bizarre as it might sound, some people make considerable money selling pictures of their feet.
With the rise of social media and feet pic sites, it’s relatively easy to monetize your unique features and interests.
But just like any online income opportunity, scammers and frauds await to take advantage of inexperienced sellers.
In this blog post, we’ll share 11 tips and the best sites for how to sell feet pictures without getting scammed.
Sell sexy feet pics and videos. Join thousands of sellers making a cool side income selling sexy feet pics & videos
Selling feet pictures is certainly one of the booming ways to make money right now.
But how do you stay safe and get paid properly for every picture or video?
Keep reading to learn my tips for how to sell feet pics without getting scammed:
You can sell feet pics without getting scammed when you find the right selling platform for you.
One of the best places to sell feet pictures safely is via feet pic sites. These sites act as a platform where you can post your feet pictures and offer them for sale.
When choosing a feet pic site, go for reputable and trustworthy ones that don’t exploit creators, such as Feet Finder.
Feet Finder provides a platform for safe and secure transactions, and they even verify buyers’ and sellers’ identities to prevent scammers from joining.
And if buyers’ accounts are reported for being rude/inappropriate or trying to scam sellers, they get booted!
And with Feet Finder, you don’t have to worry about payments- they handle them directly for you.
Not only do you have access to a broader audience, but your payments and data are secured. The buyers don’t get their content if they don’t pay first!
When selling feet pics, you want a hassle-free payment process. You should create a separate business account with a payment platform like PayPal.
A separate account lets you keep your business income and expenses separate from your regular finances.
Plus, having a verified business account makes you appear more professional and trustworthy to buyers.
One of the common tactics that scammers use is to ask for a ‘sample’ up front, and then, just like a magic trick, they vanish into thin air without any sales or money for you.
So, how do you avoid this?
Simple! You set the rules of the game- no haggling, no bargaining, and no discounts or bartering.
Decide on a price you feel is a fair reflection of your work and stick to it. Make it clear on your profile, too, and don’t make exceptions for anyone!
And trust me, plenty of buyers will respect your pricing and be willing to pay the full amount for your pictures.
If you encounter a buyer trying to haggle the price down, take that as a red flag that they want freebies. It might not always indicate a scam, but it can often be a sign of something.
Another important tip for how to sell feet pics without getting scammed is to watermark your pictures.
Some feet sites blur your photos or give short previews of your videos; that way, buyers get a feel for your content before buying.
But nothing prevents reselling or scamming like a good watermark!
Watermarking adds an extra layer of protection to the pictures by security having your name or business name marked on the surface of the photo.
This way, if the pictures are shared or leaked without your permission, people will know who the rightful owner is.
Avoid using watermarks that can be erased when you sell feet pics and put them in a location that won’t interfere with or cause damage to your image.
When selling feet pics, your own feet are the stars here, not your face. So why include your face when you sell pictures online?
Think about it this way: if you wouldn’t give your home address to a stranger, then it makes sense to avoid including your face or identifiable features.
Protecting your identity is important here; anything that could hint at who you are should be left out of the picture.
So, if an identifiable birthmark or a sassy tattoo has popped up in a photo, don’t be afraid to use that crop tool and cut it out so you can sell feet pics and remain anonymous!
And just like those hagglers, if a buyer pops up and insists on a picture that includes your face- consider it a red flag and move on to the next buyer.
Think of a secure internet connection as your digital lock and key. It’s your first defense against unwanted visitors trying to sneak a peek at your attractive pictures for free.
That’s why using a private, encrypted connection is vital so your business dealings stay as secure as a vault.
Now, I know it can be tempting to hop onto public Wi-Fi or an unsecured network. I mean, who doesn’t love free internet, right?
But let’s be real here, these networks can be as open as a city park, and you wouldn’t want just anyone strolling through when you sell feet pics.
You don’t want scammers getting access to your pics, your account, or anything else on your phone or laptop!
So, do yourself a favor and stick to password-protected networks. And while you’re at it, ensure your computer is armored up with the latest antivirus software.
If you have a public Wi-Fi or unsecured internet connection as your only option, always log out of your account once you’re done and never have your passwords saved online.
It’s a simple step, but it could be the difference between keeping your business secure and opening the door.
After all, safety and security should always be your top priority in selling feet pics without getting scammed.
One of the most important tips for how to sell feet pics without getting scammed is getting paid before sending your feet pics.
You’ve got these amazing feet pics ready to sell, and someone’s eager to buy. But no money, no feet pics!
Always, and I mean always, make sure you’ve got that payment safely tucked away in your account before you send out any of your pictures.
Once you see the payment in your account, you can send the agreed-upon pictures through a secure messaging app.
Now, you might run into some folks who promise to pay you after you send the pictures. But let me tell you, that’s a red flag flapping in the breeze.
Thankfully, most selling sites have it set that money must be paid before buyers get your pics, and sites like Feet Finder use secure payment processing to protect sellers like you!
If you’re committed to keeping your online activities under wraps while selling feet pics, you might consider a virtual private network (VPN).
Think of a VPN as your personal invisibility cloak but for the internet. It takes your connection, bundles it up, and sends it through a secure tunnel.
The right VPN keeps your online activities as secretive as a whisper in the wind!
So, what’s a VPN all about? It’s like a secret passageway for your data, encrypting it and making your online presence as anonymous as possible.
If you’re looking for recommendations, NordVPN often tops the list. It’s a lot like the VIP section of VPNs.
NordVPN roll out the red carpet with superior security features, where you can get a safe internet connection anywhere you go!
Gift cards have sadly become a go-to method for scammers who are out to get their hands on your photos without really parting with their cash for your feet pics.
They ask for your pics, suggest a gift card as payment, and once you send over the goods, they vanish quicker than a shooting star, or the gift card doesn’t check out.
Now, you might be wondering why they prefer gift cards. They’re notoriously hard to track and can have $0 in funds.
But let’s say you’re considering accepting gift cards as payment because of how easy they are to use. You can try using the gift card before sending over any photos to see if it works.
But the gift card is often empty, so you’re better off sticking to traditional payment methods like PayPal, Venmo, or bank transfers.
There’s an unexpected pitfall I’d like to tell you about when you sell feet pics – digital scammers pulling a fast one with fake payment screenshots.
They show you this flashy screenshot of a payment they’ve ‘supposedly’ made for your feet pics.
But guess what? It may not be real! Just because a screenshot says the money’s been sent doesn’t mean it has.
It’s a slick trick where an image is doctored and manipulated to appear like a genuine transaction and make it seem like something’s wrong on your end.
Now, here’s how you sidestep this sneaky move like a pro. Always cross-verify any claimed payments in your account- your side of things isn’t going to be off the way they say it is.
Your account balance doesn’t lie. So, don’t send your photos if the payment isn’t reflected there.
Only share your photos once you confirm the funds are in your account!
Let’s revisit that old saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” It applies to our list of tips for how to sell feet pics without getting scammed!
When navigating a feet pics business, you’ll find it rings particularly true, especially when dealing with surprise overpayments or extreme tips.
Here’s a typical scammer’s playbook: they send a generous payment or extreme tip, way more than your listed price, and ask you to refund the extra, claiming a “mistake.”
But here’s the plot twist- often, the initial ‘payment’ they sent is nothing more than an illusion, a well-crafted digital forgery.
They may be sending you money from a stolen account or credit card, and when you refund that money, it’s going right to the scammer and not the real account holder.
And when the person sees the charges that weren’t theirs, they’ll have the bank charge back the fraudulent purchase, and you’ll be on the hook for all that money and not the scammer!
So don’t issue refunds under these circumstances!
Selling sexy feet pics has become a lucrative business, but increased scams and frauds come with that.
Therefore you need to choose a secure and reliable platform to start a legit business account as a seller.
The sites listed below are the best options I’ve found so far:
Feet Finder is one of the most sought-after sites to sell feet pics online.
With its user-friendly interface and hassle-free signup process, Feet Finder makes it easy for sellers like you to jump right into the action.
One of the biggest perks of Feet Finder is its vibrant community of foot photos enthusiasts, but not only that, it’s easy to join and list feet content for sale.
Simply upload your feet pics to Feet Finder, and let the eager buyers come to you. It’s a paradise for sellers looking to connect with a targeted audience.
Feet Finder operates on a small commission basis, taking 20% off each pic you sell and a subscription fee to list your feet pics and videos.
But those fees cover the payment processing, security, and more that you don’t get with every selling site!
This lets you focus on what you do best—capturing stunning feet pics- while the platform handles the technicalities to sell photos and make money.
Want to learn more? Read our Feet Finder Review to see why they’re my #1 site for selling feet pics!
Sell sexy feet pics and videos. Join thousands of sellers making a cool side income selling sexy feet pics & videos
While it may not be as popular as Feet Finder, FunWithFeet still boasts a large user base and attracts many buyers actively seeking feet pics.
One of the standout features of FunWithFeet is its user-friendly interface, similar to a social media site, making it easy for you to navigate the site and showcase your feet pics.
Privacy is also a top priority on the platform, ensuring your personal information is well-protected.
When it comes to payments, FunWithFeet keeps it simple. You can set your own prices for your foot pictures, giving you full control over your earnings.
What’s more, FunWithFeet allows for private messaging between buyers and sellers.
This opens up the opportunity for personalized communication and the ability to negotiate custom deals, should you prefer to offer a more tailored experience to buyers.
read more about it in our in-depth FunWithFeet Review!
Sell sexy feet pics and videos. Join hundreds of sellers making a cool side income selling sexy feet pics & videos
Feetify offers a user-friendly website with a simple layout, making it easy for sellers to navigate and create their accounts.
Setting up a seller profile is straightforward, allowing you to showcase your pics and connect with interested buyers.
It’s important to note that when you create your profile on Feetify, you must provide your real name and ID verification before you can start selling.
That way, they know you’re legit, and you can be safe knowing only real sellers will be on the platform.
What sticks out to me is Feetify’s regular account is completely free! It doesn’t have as many perks as the premium account, but it could be a low-cost way for you to start selling feet pics.
Check out more about the different account options and fees in our honest Feetify Review.
FeetPics provides a seamless way to get your pics out there and connect with interested buyers.
When it comes to earning potential, FeetPics offers a range of possibilities.
You can earn anywhere between $5 and $100 per sale, depending on factors such as the demand for your pics and the quality of your content.
It’s an easy site for selling feet photos with a large audience and welcoming community.
FeetPics employs a rating system to maintain a trustworthy community that helps sellers identify and avoid scammers and fake buyers.
Foap is a trusted platform that’s perfect for selling your feet pics. It’s primarily a photo marketplace connecting buyers with talented photographers.
Foap boasts a relatively wide audience, giving you a great chance to attract potential buyers for your high-quality pictures.
While the platform does take a 50% commission on each sale, but doesn’t charge a monthly subscription to be a seller.
It offers a secure payment method and an easy-to-use platform, so you can rest assured that your transactions will be handled smoothly.
One of the standout features of Foap is the ability to add captions and keywords to all your feet pics so that potential buyers can find your feet images among the vast visual content.
Etsy is a popular eCommerce platform for selling handmade items, but it’s also a popular place for selling digital products- including selling foot images.
Etsy is a trusted platform well-known for its focus on high-quality pictures and products and great customer service. Plus, it’s easy and inexpensive to start an Etsy shop.
Unlike other platforms, Etsy charges a $0.020 fee to list items rather than take a commission fee, but it’s still relatively inexpensive since the site is free to join.
That said, due to the high competition, you may need to develop unique strategies to stand out when selling pics.
Believe it or not, you can actually sell your feet pics right there on Facebook Marketplace!
It’s free and easy to sell pictures within the world’s largest social media platform.
With the vast number of users on Facebook, you’ll have the opportunity to reach a wide audience and potentially make some extra cash.
Creating a listing on Facebook Marketplace is a breeze. Just upload your feet pics, set your price, and provide a compelling description.
Here’s the scoop: to get started, you’ll want to ensure your images comply with Facebook’s community standards.
You’re good to go as long as your pics adhere to their policies and don’t violate any rules.
Just make sure to create a new account, unassociated with your regular account- then you can remain anonymous!
Craigslist is a well-established online marketplace that may not be your first thought when it comes to selling feet pictures, but it’s actually a popular platform for many online sales.
With Craigslist’s large user base, you have the potential to reach a wide audience, increasing your chances of making some extra cash from selling your feet pics.
The best part? It won’t cost you a dime to use, as no fees are involved with joining or listing pics for sale.
So, how does it work? It’s like having your own little virtual storefront.
You can create a listing on Craigslist where you describe your feet pics (or list blurry ones or some freebies) and set your price per pic.
Ever heard of Whisper? If not, let me fill you in.
Whisper is this nifty little app typically known for sharing anonymous confessions. But it’s also a hidden gem for selling feet pics online.
When you upload your feet pics, just tag them with something like #feetpicsforsale and a link. It’s like putting up a sign in a shop window for sales.
That way, potential buyers scrolling through the app can easily spot your content. You can also put your website link or any other subscription-based account you have on your account.
And here’s the best part – Whisper is all about anonymity. You can sell feet pics anonymously, which is perfect for keeping this venture a little hush-hush.
Have you ever considered creating your own website or using social media to sell your awesome feet pictures?
It’s a cool way to control your content, set your own prices, and choose how you want to get paid.
And guess what? Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and OnlyFans are popular for promoting and selling foot pics online.
They have a massive audience of people who are interested in this kind of content.
If you’re looking for a more professional touch, you can set up shop on Shopify to have sales be fast and direct while marketing yourself on social media platforms.
Make money with ease of mind. Shopify takes care of everything from marketing and payments to secure transactions and shipping.
Generally speaking, in places like the United States, it’s legal to sell feet pics as long as you’re 18 years old (or older) and own the feet in question!
Now, the legality changes a bit when we bring in pictures with a more sexual undertone and where you’re trying to sell them.
These can sometimes be viewed as adult content or pornography, which is a whole different ball game with different rules and regulations.
In some countries, this kind of content might be illegal, so it’s important to be aware of the laws in your particular area.
Dipping your toes (pun intended!) into the business of selling feet pictures might leave you wondering, “Is this really safe?”.
The short answer is, yes, it can be quite safe if you take certain precautions.
Some sites are more reputable than others, so it’s important to research before joining a site and selling feet pics online.
You can also take steps to protect your privacy by using a pseudonym and keeping your face out of photos.
Additionally, don’t disclose too much personal information and avoid meeting buyers in person.
All of these combined means you can easily sell feet pics in a safe way.
People have said they make $1,000+ per month selling feet pics, and it’s possible that you can too.
Factors like the platform you choose to sell on, how in-demand your pics are, and how effectively you market your content to feet lovers can all affect your earnings.
Now, let’s talk numbers. Most people list their feet pics for $5 – $20+ per image, depending on how much effort they were to take and what’s going on in the image.
To make $1,000 per month with feet pics, you’d need to sell between 50 – 200 photos if you’re in that price range.
In my mind, that’s totally feasible, and with premium accounts on selling sites, you can upload more foot photos to sell!
It can be a bit risky to sell feet pics online, but it can be done.
Here is how to sell feet pics without getting scammed:
One of the most common types of customers are folks with a thing for feet, a foot fetish, basically.
And feet pics are their way of consensual fun, with images that fit what they’re into.
For instance, some people with a foot fetish are particularly interested in good feet pics that include the shape and size of the foot.
But feet interests include anything from dirty feet, painted toenails, foot jewelry like toe rings or anklets, or specific types of footwear such as high heels or boots.
If you want some pointers, we know plenty of ways to take good feet pics and make more interesting foot content for feet lovers!
But it’s not just people with a foot fetish who buy feet pics.
Ever think about where the images in advertisements, marketing materials, and websites come from?
They often buy images from stock photo sites or foot fetish websites rather than hiring a foot model. Just like the images in this article!
Payment methods can vary quite a bit when you’re selling foot pics, mostly depending on the platform you’re selling on.
Some websites opt for a payment method like PayPal, Venmo, or even direct bank transfers.
On the flip side, other platforms that sell just feet pics might be more modern, choosing to pay via cryptocurrency.
Before you decide to sell your pics on a platform, do some digging into their payment options. How will they pay you, and how much do you pay in fees/memberships?
Selling pictures of your feet sounds like a weird way to make money, but it’s a growing market that can help you earn extra cash.
But just like any money-maker online, people are out there waiting to scam you and either get stuff for free or take your money!
So be sure to follow our tips above for how to sell feet pics without getting scammed and safely make money every month.
Always be careful when you sell foot pics online, and make sure to use a trustworthy platform to sell toe pics or feet photos.
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We all have those days when mustering the motivation to exercise seems like more of a challenge than usual. We just can’t seem to get going and we end up giving ourselves permission to skip the gym or yoga class, or postpone the run or walk.
I don’t have my gym clothes on. I’m too tired. I haven’t eaten. My back has been bothering me. I just washed my hair. It’s raining. It’s getting dark.
The excuses are endless and it seems that the older we get, the harder it is to resist taking the easy way out.
As a result, we end up feeling guilty about our laziness or regretful about missing an opportunity to do something that would improve our physical, emotional and cognitive health and increase our longevity. To make matters worse, the hour that would have been spent building strength and endurance, or increasing mobility and flexibility is replaced with more time sitting at the computer or lounging on the couch. Instead of burning calories and increasing metabolism, we’re doing just the opposite.
If you really want to know how to motivate yourself to exercise, here are a few tips.
So, how do we get workout ready? Replace laziness with preparedness.
We prepare for natural disasters and emergencies by keeping a disaster kit in our home and a spare tire in our car. Exercise is equally important to our survival, so it stands to reason to be prepared for it as well!
Here are five surefire ways to increase your chances of working out on any particular day:
Eliminating the task of having to change into your workout clothes can go a long way toward getting yourself to that yoga class or starting your run.
Put on your athletic wear as early in the day as possible. If you’re retired or work at home, put on your fitness garb first thing in the morning. If you work or volunteer outside the home, bring your workout clothes with you and dress out before leaving the workplace. Being dressed and ready to go can mean the difference between a sure bet and an unfortunate regret.
Nothing is more motivating for me than hearing the songs from my workout playlist. If you like working out to music, have your earbuds and playlist handy and turn on your music before hitting the gym or Pilates studio. Put on a song that gets you into the workout frame of mind and you will surely get up and go!
Between-meal hunger can be a workout killer. Don’t let your appetite get the best of you. Keep a favorite protein bar and sports drink in your backpack, gym bag or purse, and make a point to fuel up and hydrate. Once you have some nourishment, your body will be revved up for an awesome workout!
Sometimes we can’t seem to pull ourselves away from what we’re doing, especially when at the computer, and the day seems to just slip away. Don’t let time pass you by. Schedule your workout and set your phone alarm to go off 15 or 20 minutes beforehand. This will give you enough time to finish up what you’re doing and get yourself out the door.
Invite a friend to work out with you at a specific time of day. Agree to take a fitness class together or go for a walk, hike or run. For extra insurance, have the friend pick you up. This will decrease your chances of a no-show. Exercising with a friend adds a social element to your workout, which is almost always an extra bonus!
It’s hard to go wrong if you combine all five strategies. Put on your workout clothes as early in the day as possible, turn on some energizing music, power up with a protein bar and a sports drink, set your alarm and invite a friend for good measure.
Being dressed, motivated, nourished, duly reminded, and partnered up will make it easier for you to steamroll through excuses, get your workout in, and feel fantastic!
How do you get motivated to exercise? What motivates you to go for it whether you’re tired or the weather is bad or you’re just not in the mood? Any favorite workout music you’d like to share? Please join the conversation.
]]>Peter Singer is one of the world’s most influential living philosophers, whose ideas have motivated millions of people to change how they eat, how they give, and how they interact with each other and the natural world.
Peter joined Tyler to discuss whether utilitarianism is only tractable at the margin, how Peter thinks about the meat-eater problem, why he might side with aliens over humans, at what margins he would police nature, the utilitarian approach to secularism and abortion, what he’s learned producing the Journal of Controversial Ideas, what he’d change about the current Effective Altruism movement, where Derek Parfit went wrong, to what extent we should respect the wishes of the dead, why professional philosophy is so boring, his advice on how to enjoy our lives, what he’ll be doing after retiring from teaching, and more.
You can also watch a video of the conversation here.
Read the full transcript
TYLER COWEN: Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Conversations with Tyler. Today I’m here with Peter Singer of Princeton University. Peter is one of our most important and influential intellectuals. For our purposes, there is a new and very much revised edition of Peter’s classic book, Animal Liberation. It is now titled Animal Liberation Now: The Definitive Classic Renewed. By my estimate, it’s about two-thirds to three-quarters new material. Peter, welcome.
PETER SINGER: Thanks very much, Tyler. Good to be with you.
COWEN: When large language models make it possible for us to speak with dolphins, what will be the first question you ask?
SINGER: What do you think of humans, maybe. [laughs]
COWEN: What do you think they will say?
SINGER: Nothing very positive, that’s for sure, because a lot of dolphins have been caught in nets for catching tuna and impaled to stop them eating fish that people want in some parts of the world. I don’t think they’ll think too well of us.
COWEN: What do you expect the dolphin to ask you? We explain to the dolphin that you’re Peter Singer, right?
SINGER: Right, okay.
COWEN: What’s the question?
SINGER: Why have you failed? Why have you failed to stop humans treating animals so badly?
COWEN: I’ll ask you the dolphin question. Why have you failed?
SINGER: It’s harder than I thought it might be. That begins, I think, with the fact that humans eat animals, and it seems like we’re very conservative about what we eat. Relatively few people are prepared to really think ethically and openly about what they eat. They’re worried about having to change that, eat something different, maybe stand out from their friends and family by not eating meat and, therefore, implicitly criticizing those people when they do eat meat.
I think there are a whole lot of factors that just make it hard for people to make that fundamental change about what they eat. Without that, they’re not really going to fundamentally change what they think about animals.
COWEN: I have a general question about how totalizing ethics can be, or how totalizing utilitarianism can be. If someone says to me, as you likely would, “Well, at the margin, we should treat animals better, much better,” I would agree.
But if someone asks the question, say, “Do we wish that human beings had never settled the New World, and there would then be many more intelligent mammals alive in the New World today?” I simply think that question is intractable and that the limits of utilitarian reasoning are fairly tight around marginal changes, small events. So, I’ll ask you, do you wish that human beings had never settled the New World or New Zealand?
SINGER: No, I don’t wish that. I agree that the question is intractable. I’m not sure whether it’s intractable in a philosophical sense because we can’t sum up the values, or whether there’s just so much factual information that we don’t have, including how do we make comparisons between the well-being of the bison, let’s say, that were here more numerously, as compared with the well-being of the humans.
COWEN: If you think, say, about Earth’s current population — which is, what, about 8 billion human beings — can we conclude that it’s too many because it’s too much pressure on animals? Or is that also an intractable comparison in the same way?
SINGER: I don’t think you can say it’s too many or it’s too few unless you make assumptions about the kind of technology that we have available to live in a sustainable way on the planet and to allow nonhuman animals to live as well.
But also in that question, of course, there’s the issue of, how do we compare the value of human lives — let’s assume that they’re human lives that are lived positively, that they’re rich and fulfilling human lives — with the lives of nonhuman animals? I totally agree that they’re different.
I think it’s reasonable to argue that a rich and fulfilling human life contains more happiness than the life of, I don’t know, a cow or a sheep. I’m not going to deny that. I don’t think animals are equal in the sense that their lives contain equal value with that of humans.
COWEN: But you still think, in principle, we should be trying to do these total comparisons of one state of affairs against another? Or those are just big-picture questions that we need to set aside; we should be content with marginal comparisons? Because you’re sounding like more of a marginalist than what I was expecting.
SINGER: I see. Well, I’m certainly prepared to say that, clearly, the suffering we inflict on animals in factory farms is indefensible. We cause far more suffering than any good we do for humans. Arguably, actually, it’s a negative for humans as well. That’s what my focus is in Animal Liberation Now. In fact, a lot of my work has been aimed at that. It’s been aimed at what we should do about people in extreme poverty. It’s been aimed at things like, should we have the right to say we’ve had enough of life and we want to die if we’re terminally ill and in pain?
So, in a way, the big-picture questions that you’re asking — I find them interesting theoretical questions, and I can give you the answer that a utilitarian would give if you want that answer. But in practice, I do think that I can’t really make a lot of headway with that.
COWEN: How do you think about what is sometimes called the meat-eater problem? Most countries — probably all countries — as they become richer, they start eating more meat. At some point, they start treating the animals less well. If not factory farms, there’s just more mass production of animal meat. Do we need to calculate a tradeoff to wish for those countries to become wealthier, or do we just root for the wealth and figure we’ll sort it out later?
SINGER: My view over the long term has generally been that countries will have to pass through this stage where they’ve got wealthier, they can purchase more meat, they raise animals in factory farms to do that. But then eventually, they’ll go on to become more humane and more civilized, and they’ll see that that’s the wrong thing to do, and they’ll treat animals much better.
The outcome will be better on the whole than it was before they became prosperous, when there were a lot of people in extreme poverty and they also weren’t treating animals well, although they didn’t have the power to raise so many of them. But still, because they were using them for food and because if your own survival is at stake or that of your family, you need to eat more, that you’ll do anything to animals to do so, it was not a good situation.
In other words, what I’m saying is, I was prepared to swallow the short-term negatives for the long-term outcome. I have to admit that I’ve become less confident about the long-term outcome. I still hope that it’s there. But the fact that there’s been relatively little progress in terms of treating animals better over the 48 years since the first version of Animal Liberation appeared does make me concerned that we’re not going to be going in that right direction, or not for a long time.
COWEN: Let’s say you could peer ahead another 70 years, 80 years, and things basically didn’t get better compared to now. Would you then think the meat eater’s problem is a real dilemma, a moral dilemma if it seems it’s not a stage? People will just keep on eating meat through factory farms more or less forever.
SINGER: Then I would think, yes, there’s a real question as to whether it would’ve been better if people had not had the prosperity and the ability to raise animals in that way.
COWEN: You once wrote a book entitled A Darwinian Left. Do you think you’re becoming more or less Darwinian over time? My Darwinian intuition is people won’t ever get much better because they evolve to eat animals, not to have factory farms, but to kill them in painful ways and simply not worry about it. What’s your current view on how Darwinian you are?
SINGER: I’m still 100 percent Darwinian. I don’t think there’s an alternative explanation of how we exist and of the biological elements of our nature. But I also think it’s compatible with being a Darwinian to say we are a being who’s evolved the capacity to reason, and reason can lead us to conclusions which can influence our behavior. I don’t see that as being anti-Darwinian or non-Darwinian. I just see it as a realistic appreciation of the fact that we have evolved as rational beings and that that leads us to certain conclusions we wouldn’t have reached otherwise.
COWEN: But one might start seeing, in Darwinian fashion, that the evolution of rationality is just far more selective than what we might wish for. There are people who are very reasonable, and then, in another context, they’ll do terrible things. They could be a prison guard. It could be animals. You’ve written plenty about many, many other examples. Is there really this general faculty of reason that overrides those evolved intuitions?
SINGER: I think there certainly can be, and I think there is for some people some of the time. The question would be, is everybody capable of that? Or even if not everybody, are we capable of getting a dominant group who do follow reason in general, universal directions, who use it to develop a more universal ethic that applies to a wider group of beings than their own kin and family and those that they’re in cooperative relationships with? I think there’s evidence that that is possible, and we don’t yet know to what extent that can spread and start to dominate humans in future generations.
COWEN: I wonder sometimes how much we can have an ethics that truly separates morality from partiality. Here’s a question I gave to Sam Bankman-Fried. I said, “As a utilitarian, let’s say a super being offered you a gamble where we would, in essence, double the population on Earth, create a dual Earth somewhere, equally happy, with 51 percent; and 49 percent, we wipe out the Earth we have now. That would represent an increase in expected value.”
And furthermore, I asked Sam, “Would you keep on playing this game, double or nothing?” As Sam being Sam, he just said, “Yes.” Indeed, in his own life, he did continue playing the game, double or nothing.
SINGER: And he ended up with nothing or worse than nothing.
COWEN: Yes, but doesn’t a thought example like that mean we can’t really be utilitarians in the big picture of things? We need to be more loyal to the Earth we have and not consider gambling, in a way, for these extra Earths.
SINGER: I think it says more about gambling than it does about being utilitarian. I agree, it’s a paradox. You could say it’s a paradox particularly for maximizing utilitarians who normally will talk about maximizing expected utility. And this seems to be a case where you don’t want to maximize expected utility.
Although, of course, there are arguments that would say, well, your expected utility is actually low, given that you can’t infinitely long keep doubling utility, I assume. But you had a hypothesis where you have a twin Earth, and if you could just create a twin Earth, I guess you could. But for the real world, we can’t keep doubling utility, and so we shouldn’t do double or nothing.
I’m not claiming to solve this paradox, by the way. I think it is an interesting and somewhat baffling problem with maximizing expected utility.
COWEN: But does the question show not only that it’s some unusual paradox in a corner of the moral universe, but that in all our choices, that assessments of utility are within some framework that is pre-assuming a certain amount of partiality, and that there’s no escape from that partiality, no fully objective outside viewpoint?
SINGER: I don’t understand why you’re seeing this paradox as relating to partiality. It’s just as true if we’re completely impartial about universal good. I don’t understand why you think that it shows that we, inevitably, are going to be partial.
COWEN: Well, take the Bernard Williams question, which I think you’ve written about. Let’s say that aliens are coming to Earth, and they may do away with us, and we may have reason to believe they could be happier here on Earth than what we can do with Earth. I don’t think I know any utilitarians who would sign up to fight with the aliens, no matter what their moral theory would be.
SINGER: Okay, you’ve just met one.
COWEN: I’ve just met one. So, you would sign up to fight with the aliens?
SINGER: If the hypothesis is like that, that the aliens are wiser than we are, they know how to make the world a better place for everyone, they’re giving full weight to human interests, but they say, “Even though we’re giving full weight to human interests, not discounting your interests because you’re not a member of our species, as you do with animals, but unfortunately, it just works out that to produce a better world, you have to go,” I’ll say, “Okay, if your calculations are right, if that’s all right, I’m on your side.”
COWEN: You’re making them a little nicer. You’re calling them wise. They may or may not be wise. They’re just happier than we are. They have less stress, less depression. If they could rule over Earth, they would do a better go of it than we would. I would still side with the humans.
SINGER: I would not. What you’ve shown now is that their interest happens to coincide with the universal good. That’s the way to produce more happiness, full stop, not just more happiness for them. And if that’s the case, I’m on their side.
COWEN: How do we know there is a universal good? You’re selling out your fellow humans based on this belief in a universal good, which is quite abstract, right? The other smart humans you know mostly don’t agree with you, I think, I hope.
SINGER: But you’re using the kind of language that Bernard Williams used when he says, “Whose side are you on?” You said, “You’re selling out your fellow humans,” as if I owe loyalty to members of my species above loyalty to good in general, that is, to maximizing happiness and well-being for all of those affected by it. I don’t claim to have any particular loyalty for my species rather than the general good.
COWEN: If there’s not this common metric between us and the aliens, but you just measure — you hook people up to a scale, you measure. They have more of it than we do. Let them come in. If that doesn’t exist, what is the common good or universal good in this setting?
SINGER: I don’t know if that doesn’t exist, but you said they’re happier than we are, which suggests that there is a common metric of happiness, and that was the basis on which I answered your question. If there’s no common metric, I don’t really have an answer, or I would try to use the metric of overall happiness. I’m not sure why I wouldn’t be able to use that, but if we assume that I couldn’t, then I would just not know what to do.
COWEN: So you wouldn’t fight for our side. Even then, you’d throw up your hands or just not be sure what to do.
SINGER: No, this is not about a football team. You can give your loyalty to a football team and support them, even though you don’t really think that they’re somehow more morally worthy of winning than their opponents. But this is not a game like this. There’s everything at stake.
COWEN: To what extent for you is utilitarianism not only a good theory of outcomes but also a theory of obligation? I’m sure you know the Donald Regan literature, this “Oh, you prefer the outcome with more utility,” but “What should I do?” can still be a complex question.
SINGER: Well, it can be a complex question in the sense that it may be that we don’t want to directly aim at utility because we’re likely to get things wrong. If we can’t be confident in our calculations that we are doing the right thing, then I think the obligations that we have are to maximize utility. But it’s been argued that we’re more likely to make mistakes if we do that, and rather that our obligation should be to conform to certain principles or rules. I think that depends on how confident you are in your ability.
I certainly think we should follow rules of thumb sometimes, when we can’t be sure of what’s the right outcome, and we should do what generally is accepted. You go back to Sam Bankman-Fried. Obviously, I think that was his mistake. He was too confident that he could get things right and fix things and didn’t follow basic rules, or at least it’s alleged that he didn’t follow basic rules, like “Don’t steal your clients’ money.”
COWEN: Isn’t there a dilemma above and beyond the epistemic dilemma? Say, you, Peter Singer, you’re programming a driverless car and you’re in charge. Ideally, you would like to program the car to be a utilitarian and Benthamite car, that if it has to swerve, it would sooner kill one older person than two younger people, and so on.
Let’s say you also knew that if you programmed the driverless car to be Benthamite, basically, the law would shut it down, public opinion would rebel, you’d get in trouble, the automaker would get in trouble. How then would you program the car?
SINGER: Yes, I would program it to produce the best consequences that would not be prohibited by the government or the manufacturer. I’m all in favor of making compromises if you have to, to produce the most good that you possibly can in the circumstances in which you are.
COWEN: Doesn’t that then mean individuals should hold onto some moral theory that may be quite far from utilitarianism? It’s not just a compromise. You need to be very intuition driven, nonutilitarian just to get people to trust you, to work with you, to cooperate. In that sense, at the obligation level, you’re not so utilitarian at all.
SINGER: You may be. That will depend on your own nature, as to whether you think you’re going to be led astray if you’re not intuition driven. Or you may think that you can be self-aware about the risks that you’re going to go wrong. You’re not exactly intuition driven, but you’re driven by the thought that “I could be mistaken here, and it’s probably going to have more value if I don’t just directly think about how to produce the most utility.”
COWEN: Let me continue with a number of the easy questions. If you take current AI’s large language models, you would agree they’re not sentient, they’re not beings, right?
SINGER: I would agree with that.
COWEN: So they don’t count. I agree with that, too. There’s something about sentience that is essential for a being to count, but we actually know very little about consciousness. You can read philosophy of mind. You can look at neuroscience. It seems to me one of the most mysterious and baffling areas in all of human knowledge. We have introspection; I’m not sure how much to trust introspection.
Does it worry you to be erecting a moral theory based on sentience, some notion of utility happiness, when all of our scientific inroads toward that concept seem to be, at least for the moment, very, very badly flawed?
SINGER: They’re incomplete, certainly. Are they flawed in the sense that would lead us astray in terms of making those decisions based on sentience? I’m not convinced of that.
COWEN: But say you’re trying to compare human animal welfare to nonhuman animal welfare. We have a sense many of these other animals are sentient. That’s pretty much certain. They feel pain, but we don’t know how to compare them to us. We don’t really know even where in science to look for such a unit of comparison. How do we know they don’t just overwhelm our well-being Derek Parfit-like conclusions? Doesn’t one just become a radical agnostic if all of our judgments rely on this utility thing? Which, to me, is somewhat mysterious.
SINGER: I don’t think you have to be completely agnostic about all these issues. I think there are some cases — and again, I would instance factory farming — where we can be very confident that what we’re doing is causing more pain and suffering than it’s doing good to us. That’s not to say that there aren’t a lot of other questions, including that question you asked about — is it good that humans colonized North America — where it’s harder to make those decisions because they are involving comparisons.
Some of these decisions are quite practical, too. For example, even within the animal movement, if you say, should we focus on trying to get people not to eat chicken? Because chickens are so intensively farmed, and there’s so many of them, it takes less of a chicken to make a meal than it does of a cow. Should we do that? Then we’re trying to compare the suffering of more chickens with fewer cows or fewer pigs. I agree those questions are still ones that we can’t really get a grip on, but it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing we can do that is based on sentience, happiness, suffering, and so on.
COWEN: If there are many intelligent and sentient space aliens, would that make the extinction of the human race less of a tragedy?
SINGER: If the idea is that then these intelligent and sentient aliens might populate our planet or take —
COWEN: No, they’re just out there.
SINGER: They’re just out there.
COWEN: Speed of light is too fast. We’ll never catch them, vice versa.
SINGER: Then the extinction of our species is still just the same loss. It’s a loss of a certain amount of happiness, and the fact that it’s less of a proportion of the happiness or well-being or sentience in the universe doesn’t mean that it isn’t the same loss.
COWEN: So, it’s linear and separable.
SINGER: Yes.
COWEN: So, the notion of a universe empty of sentient and intelligent life — there’s nothing special about the zero point?
SINGER: No. As you say, assuming that the existence of some sentient life isn’t going to regenerate and repopulate the universe, that’s a reason why extinction is worse than the loss of most of our species. But otherwise, no.
COWEN: What is the margin at which you wish to police nature? I’ve argued, for instance, we should not subsidize carnivores per se. There may be some other reason to do so, but the idea, “Oh, we’re going to introduce wolves back into this national park,” should not be an especially desirable prospect. What’s your view on that, and where should we stop?
SINGER: That was an interesting, pioneering article that you wrote, I think, “Policing Nature.” I tend to agree with it. I think it’s reasonable to raise a question about why we should reintroduce predators. As you said, there may be effects on other animals and plants in the area where we’re introducing them. But to do so just for its own sake, just because they were once here and were once part of the ecology, is not, to my view, a sufficient reason for introducing them if we know that is going to increase the suffering of some prey animals.
COWEN: How much should we spend trying to thwart predators?
SINGER: I think that’s difficult because, again, you would have to take into account the consequences of not having predators, and what are you going to do with a prey population? Are they going to overpopulate and maybe starve or destroy the environment for other sentient beings? So, it’s hard to say how much we should spend trying to thwart them.
I think there are questions about reducing the suffering of wild animals that are easier than that. That’s a question that maybe, at some stage, we’ll grapple with when we’ve reduced the amount of suffering we inflict on animals generally. It’s nowhere near the top of the list for how to reduce animal suffering.
COWEN: What do you think of the fairly common fear that if we mix the moralities of human beings and the moralities of nature, that the moralities of nature will win out? Nature is so large and numerous and populous and fierce. Human beings are relatively small in number and fragile. If the prevailing ethic becomes the ethic of nature, that the blending is itself dangerous, that human beings end up thinking, “Well, predation is just fine; it’s the way of nature.” Therefore, they do terrible things to each other.
SINGER: Is that what you meant by the moralities of nature? I wasn’t sure what the phrase meant. Do you mean the morality that we imply, that we attribute to nature?
COWEN: “Red in tooth and claw.” If we think that’s a matter that is our business, do we not end up with that morality? Trumping ours, we become subordinate to that morality. A lot of very nasty people in history have actually cited nature. “Well, nature works this way. I’m just doing that. It’s a part of nature. It’s more or less okay.” How do we avoid those series of moves?
SINGER: Right. It’s a bad argument, and we try and explain why it’s a bad argument, that we don’t want to follow nature. That the fact that nature does something is not something that we ought to imitate, but maybe, in fact, we ought to combat, and of course, we do combat nature in many ways. Maybe war between humans is part of nature, but nevertheless, we regret when wars break out. We try to have institutions to prevent wars breaking out. I think a lot of our activities are combating nature’s way of doing things rather than regarding it as a model to follow.
COWEN: But if humans are a part of nature flat out, and if our optimal policing of nature leaves 99.9999 percent of all predation in place — we just can’t stop most of it — is it then so irrational to conclude, “Well this predation must be okay. It’s the natural state of the world. Our optimal best outcome leaves 99.99999 percent of it in place.” How do we avoid that mindset?
SINGER: I think we can avoid that mindset because if we don’t have any option about leaving it in place, we just regret it. I do regret the way nature works. I think it’s a very powerful argument against the idea that this world was created by an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent creator. That just seems to be impossible because of the way nature works, but that’s the world we live in.
COWEN: Given low fertility rates in virtually every wealthy nation, is there something self-defeating about secularism as a philosophy?
SINGER: Is secularism responsible for the low fertility rates? I think Roman Catholic couples in some of these countries have birth rates that are as low as secular people or —
COWEN: Well, these countries have all secularized. Israel is somewhat an exception. They’re above replacement. I don’t know of any other wealthy countries. It’s not only secularism, but it’s secularism plus birth control, plus a number of other features of modernity. Does that mean this whole enterprise is just self-defeating?
SINGER: I hope that it’s not self-defeating, and I hope that birth rates will drop in less secular countries as well, or that those countries will become more secular. I think the project of secularism is sound and right. I certainly hope that we won’t see a world in which secular people have few children and religious people have more children, and therefore, secularism disappears. I accept that there’s a possibility that that could happen. I think that would be a very bad outcome.
COWEN: Why be so loyal to a project that is so poor at producing utility? Babies being utility, happiness, well-being, something.
SINGER: I think one reason for supporting secularism is that it seems to me to be true. I don’t think that there is a divine being. I can’t simply say, “Let’s adopt the idea of a divine being and fool ourselves that there is one.” I would rather say, “Given that there isn’t, let’s find ways of having enough children to produce good long-term outcomes.”
COWEN: You do have this piece, I think it’s titled “Secrecy in Consequentialism,” where you say a true consequentialist should be willing to entertain or even advocate ideas just because they will help the world. Why not move away from secularism, become a religious Straussian? The Amish have more kids. We all need to have more kids, and that would be one of the false ideas that you would, at least publicly, embrace.
SINGER: Yes. The article, “Secrecy in Consequentialism” — and I should acknowledge my co-author, Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek — is more about acting in certain ways that you keep secret, like when it might be right to lie but bad if your lie became known publicly, than it’s about fostering general ideas like becoming religious. I would think that there would be sufficient negative consequences to that particular idea that we wouldn’t want to do it anyway.
COWEN: Should abortion be legal or illegal, say, in Western countries?
SINGER: I think abortion should be legal.
COWEN: From a utilitarian point of view, which I would not myself apply to abortion, but why isn’t it just better to have the babies? The benefit to the baby-to-be seems to outweigh the costs to the family.
SINGER: Well, for a start, not all abortions reduce the number of children who will be born. Often, abortions terminate a pregnancy that is poorly timed, but the couple have a plan to have x children, and they will have x children.
COWEN: But truly, on average, the number of babies will go down if abortion is legal?
SINGER: Oh, possibly it will on average, but those babies would be born to mothers who did not want to have them at that particular time. Maybe their circumstances were ones that would’ve made it difficult for them to bring up the child well, and so the child might be a less happy child, and the mother or the parents might also be much more stressed because they had to rear a child at a time that wasn’t suitable for them. The fact that, yes, there’ll be an extra being in the world — and we can hope that being is going to have a positive life — still doesn’t mean that abortion actually is maximizing utility.
COWEN: That’s a lot of stress on the family to outweigh the value from a whole new life. Then that baby will become an adult, in turn, have other children. If the optimal discount rate is low or zero, it’s really a lot of future gain you’re forgoing, right?
SINGER: But you’re assuming that having more children in the world today is a net positive, which may be the case, but there are also negatives to it in terms of, that child and then adult will continue to use products that consume energy and produce more greenhouse gases and deprive wildlife of habitat. So there’s a whole lot more involved than just simply saying, having another child is a plus.
COWEN: Sure, but you don’t say, “Well, once population falls enough due to low total fertility rates, well, then the time will come to ban abortion.” I’ve never met a person who made that calculation. They’re either for or against abortion being legal. They don’t say, “Oh, at current population levels, but in 80 years, get back to me. I’ll change my mind,” which suggests to me it’s just not a utilitarian calculation.
SINGER: I do think it would make a difference if the world were underpopulated. One question is whether you would make it illegal. Another question is whether you would discourage it, or think that individual women who had abortions were doing something wrong. I think they are relevant factors, but if what you want . . . if population falls and you want to have more people, then I think there would be better ways of doing that than prohibiting abortion. You would give baby bonuses.
COWEN: Oh, but do both. You don’t have to do one or the other.
SINGER: Well, but you’re probably going to get enough of a population increase by doing the ones that involve more conception rather than more pregnancy termination.
COWEN: Now, you’re one of three co-editors of the Journal of Controversial Ideas, which I believe started in 2021. Is that correct?
SINGER: I think we produced our first issue then, yes.
COWEN: What have you learned doing that?
SINGER: I’ve learned that there is a need for our journal, actually. I suppose I thought that when we began, but I wasn’t really sure. But one of the interesting things is that we have published a number of interesting papers — I’m not necessarily saying I agree with them — but papers that have worthwhile ideas that should be out there, which would not have got published otherwise, which were being rejected.
That happened in the most recent issue, which we just published at the end of April this year, with an article called “Merit in Science,” which actually had 29 co-authors. I think two of them were Nobel laureates. And it was objecting to the fact that, as the authors claimed, positions, research jobs, and also research grants were not simply going to those with the best qualifications or the greatest merit in scientific terms, but were going also on the criteria of maximizing diversity and inclusion.
The authors of that paper — as I say, a distinguished group of scientists — submitted it to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and were told that they wouldn’t publish it because it might be harmful to some people. I think they shopped it around to another couple of journals before somebody suggested they send it to us. It was published in the Journal of Controversial Ideas. It was written about in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. We’ve had a hundred thousand views in the month since we published that issue, which for a peer-reviewed academic journal is pretty unusual.
COWEN: It’s open access, right?
SINGER: It is free, open access, that’s right. We are supported by donors. Anybody who would like to donate to us, please do so. But yes, we’re managing.
COWEN: If you look only at submissions and not acceptances, what’s the most common topic you see crossing the desk of the journal?
SINGER: At the moment, I would say it’s transgender issues.
COWEN: Because there are so few outlets where you can say your mind, or —
SINGER: There’s a lot of hostility about it.
So there are two things about a journal. One is, as I say, that we are prepared to publish controversial ideas that other places are not prepared to publish. The other is, we’re prepared to publish under a pseudonym if the authors don’t wish to be identified with the article. Roughly, I’d say about a third of the articles in each issue, authors prefer to publish under a pseudonym.
In the area of transgender studies, that’s because many academics have been severely abused and harassed and their lives made quite difficult if they have published things that were seen as transphobic, although I think that term is used far too broadly. We could simply say they were not accepting the idea that a person’s identification as a gender is necessarily the last word as to what their gender is.
COWEN: Do you worry that with AI, everyone will just be identified? “Oh, whose writing style is this?” And it will tell you?
SINGER: That’s a possibility. Actually, I must admit that’s one I hadn’t thought of. It could be a worry. I don’t know whether maybe we’ll get an AI that will be able to mix people’s writing styles so that they’re harder to identify.
COWEN: Do you ever reject good or potentially good pieces just because they’re not controversial enough?
SINGER: Yes. We say that in our call for papers, that articles must be controversial in some sense, and we tell our reviewers that. Occasionally, they write back and say, “Yes, this is a reasonable article, but I don’t see why it couldn’t get published in any other journal.” We don’t publish it then.
COWEN: Organizationally, institutionally — put aside philosophy — what do you think of the current Effective Altruist movement?
SINGER: I think it’s making progress. I think it’s a good forum for ideas, and I think it’s had significant influence. So, on the whole, I view it positively, which is not to say that I view every aspect of it positively.
COWEN: Let’s say you were called in to give advice, and probably you have been. What do you tell them they should do different?
SINGER: I’ve had concerns about the extent to which Effective Altruism has moved in the direction of very long-term thinking about the future, so thinking not just about the present or even the next century or two, but thinking about the next million years. William MacAskill, I think, has talked about the next billion years. I understand why he’s doing that. He’s talking about the possible loss that could exist if we become extinct and if, in fact, there is no other intelligent life in this corner of the universe, so we are not replaced by others.
I can understand why he wants to emphasize the importance of preventing extinction, but I think there are a number of concerns. One is uncertainty about whether we can actually make a positive difference in this direction and also whether, if you encourage people to ignore present suffering, you’re actually going have a long-term drawback in that people may become more callous, and that may actually contribute to making the world a worse place.
My advice is not to forget about the present and to continue to have a really major focus on things like reducing extreme poverty, reducing animal suffering, protecting the environment from climate change right now. I’d like to see Effective Altruism with more of a focus, not an exclusive focus, but more of a focus on those issues.
COWEN: Is there too much emphasis on existential risk from AGI in your opinion?
SINGER: I’m not an expert on that risk, but yes, I think there is too much of an emphasis. I think perhaps that has something to do with a lot of the people in AI are people who like these kinds of problems. How are you going to align super-intelligent AGI with human values? That’s a really interesting problem, and in some ways, it’s a more interesting problem than how are you going to reduce the suffering of animals in factory farms? Or even, how are you going to help people in extreme poverty?
I think that’s perhaps why there’s been more of a tendency to talk about that and focus on it than is really justified.
COWEN: Not everyone knows you’ve written a book on Hegel. What have you learned from Hegel, who is not a utilitarian, right? Not in a simple way.
SINGER: Definitely not a utilitarian. Let me just say, firstly, that book was written a long time ago, I think in the early 1980s. Secondly, it’s a very slim book. It’s a hundred-page book for what was then called the Past Masters series by Oxford University Press. It’s now called A Very Short Introduction.
COWEN: But it’s a good book. Let me just make a point of adding that.
SINGER: Thank you. Thank you. I’m glad you think it’s a good book.
I think what I learned from Hegel was that the nature of society at a time, including its economic interests, does influence people’s ideas. Of course, that’s an idea that a lot of people will associate with Marx, but Marx really, I think, took that from Hegel. I’m going to say that that’s an insight that I learned from Hegel rather than from Marx.
COWEN: If you, today, were to write a book about some other philosopher — you’re granted the free time to do it miraculously — who would that philosopher be?
SINGER: I did, again with Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, write a book about Sidgwick.
COWEN: And Marx, too.
SINGER: I have written a very short book about Marx as well, yes. I’m interested in the English utilitarians, but I’m interested in the roots of utilitarianism as it goes back further. So, I’m not sure. David Hume is certainly a favorite philosopher and, in some sense, an early utilitarian. I suppose if I had free time to write, Hume would certainly be a candidate.
COWEN: Where did Parfit go wrong? The final two-volume set — to me, it seems like a mess. Intellectually, what happened there?
SINGER: It’s a three-volume set now, right?
COWEN: Three. Yes, yes.
SINGER: You think the whole three-volume set is a mess, or you think the third volume is a mess, or — ?
COWEN: It’s often interesting, but the whole thing, to me, seems a mess. The project is too hard. He’s not thinking marginally enough, and to make all of consequentialism, and maybe Kantianism, compatible — I just don’t think it can be done.
SINGER: I like the fact that you think the project is too hard and you started off by asking me about whether it was a good thing that humans settled North America. [laughs]
I see the project as making a case for the idea that there are objective values, that things matter objectively, and I think it makes a significant contribution to that project, so I don’t think of it as a failure. There are some parts of it that may be a failure, maybe the attempt to reconcile the three series — a form of consequentialism, a form of Kantianism, and a form of contractualism — maybe that’s a failure. Certainly, the proponents of those other theories or nonconsequentialist theories don’t really approve of it.
In fact, I don’t like the form of consequentialism that he ends up with as part of the triple theory, and I talked to him about that. The third volume, to some extent, grapples with that. I edited this collection of papers called Does Anything Really Matter? Originally, Parfit was going toto in the volume, but then his— characteristically for Parfit — grew so long that it had to be a third volume. That’s really why there’s a third volume.
I think that there are problems with what he says about consequentialism, and he doesn’t really address act consequentialism. It’s rule consequentialism that he’s reconciling with the others. I don’t think he succeeds in producing reconciliation between the major ethical theories. I think that part of it is a failure. Why did he fail? I would say he became so committed to the idea that he had to show that morality is objective — that otherwise nihilism is true, nothing matters, and his whole life would be a waste — that that influenced his acceptance of arguments that otherwise he would not have accepted.
COWEN: Who’s an underrated philosopher that we should be reading more, talking about more, thinking about more?
SINGER: I used to say that Sidgwick is an underrated philosopher because he’s the best of the utilitarians, of the 19th-century utilitarians. He certainly was neglected, and that’s why Katarzyna and I wrote The Point of View of the Universe, to try to show that he is a great philosopher and that his ethics is still relevant. But other people, like Parfit, have also praised him. I’m not sure to what extent he is still neglected.
COWEN: Say someone active today, whose work you admire — maybe not even in your areas.
SINGER: As a younger philosopher — and I must admit, he was one of my students — I greatly admire Richard Chappell. He’s somebody who has a fairly popular Substack blog now and has a little book on Parfit, in fact, we’re talking about. Does a lot of interesting work.
COWEN: I’m a big fan of your book, Pushing Time Away: My Grandfather and the Tragedy of Jewish Vienna. A few questions in that direction. Should we respect the wishes of the dead?
SINGER: Yes, that’s a good question. I had that feeling in writing this book. For those who don’t know, this book is about my maternal grandfather, who was a victim of the Holocaust. I was born after the Second World War, so, of course, I never knew him. He left a lot of papers, a lot of writings, and I wanted to read them.
In a sense, I suppose I thought, in reading them, and then subsequently, when I decided to write about him, that I was bringing him back and undoing the terrible crime that the Nazis committed against him and so many others. But did I really think that I had an obligation to do that because he might have wished it? I toyed with that idea, but I never fully convinced myself of it.
COWEN: But never fully rejected it either, right?
SINGER: Yes, perhaps that’s true. I’ve held different forms of utilitarianism throughout my career, and for quite a long time, I was a preference utilitarian. A preference utilitarian thinks that the good you should maximize is the satisfaction of preferences. There’s a question, then, about whether the preferences of the dead count.
My supervisor at Oxford, R.M. Hare, thought that they did. He thought, in fact, that if there was some ancient Roman and you stumbled across his tombstone, and he engraved on it, “I want an oil lamp to be burning on my gravestone forever,” that gave you a reason — not necessarily an overriding reason — to put an oil lamp on his gravestone and to watch that it kept burning. I wasn’t totally convinced of that. I must admit that.
COWEN: If population shrinks and the past accumulates, we’re going to be in big trouble, right?
SINGER: Yes, that’s right because we’ll all have to be looking after the preferences of all of those in the past. Anyway, I’m now a hedonistic utilitarian, so on that view, no. The only reason to pay attention to the wishes of the dead is that the living will have more confidence that their wishes will be respected.
COWEN: Referring especially to early 20th-century Vienna, during times of great cultural achievement, are most thinkers utilitarians? I would say no, but I want to hear your view.
SINGER: I haven’t, in fact, thought about Vienna’s heyday. No, certainly, they were not utilitarians, but then, utilitarianism is a relatively new theory. I say, in terms of spreading to non-English-speaking cultures, that’s happened much later, too. It’s not surprising that people were not utilitarians in late 19th-century, early 20th-century Vienna.
COWEN: But they knew enough. They knew Bentham and Hume, and they knew consequentialism in some form. They could have been. It wasn’t some mysterious idea they’d never heard of. Isn’t this like the driverless car problem, where you actually want a society of nonutilitarians?
SINGER: I don’t know, do you? Again, yes, there were some wonderful works of culture and art produced, but the working class had a very rough life, and maybe they would’ve had a better life if there’d been more utilitarian thinking.
COWEN: If I try to think, today, which government in the world is most utilitarian — not globally, not for animals, but just for its own citizens — I would tend to think that’s Singapore. Does that make sense to you?
SINGER: It’s quite possible. I think the Australian governments are actually reasonably utilitarian, and I’m more familiar with them than I am with the governments of Singapore, but Singapore’s a strong candidate.
COWEN: If I think of Singapore, it’s a big success. People are quite well off. They have more freedom than a lot of outsiders like to admit, but it seems not that happy to me, relative to per capita income. Australia, relative to income, seems really quite happy to me. Are those consistent with your impressions?
SINGER: Maybe there are things that utilitarianism has no control over, like a better climate. It’s not hot and sticky and humid like it is in Singapore all the time. Australia has great beaches. Natural assets will play a role in how happy the population is.
COWEN: On your book about your grandfather, your ancestors — at the very last page of the book, you say that justice was done to the Nazi leaders, and I fully agree. But for a pure utilitarian, what does that mean?
SINGER: I think we want to punish people who do great evil as a way of indicating that it’s got an expressivist function, that this was a terrible thing that they did. This is an ultimate condemnation that people should learn from, be educated from. And also a deterrent function if other people think that they’re going to get away with that.
COWEN: In terms of just downright justice, flat-out right and wrong, I consider myself a two-thirds utilitarian, but not completely. You’re more than two-thirds. Can I pull you down to two-thirds and bring in justice for these extreme cases, where you can just point and say, “That was wrong”?
SINGER: I think we all have that intuition. It’s not that I don’t have any retributive intuitions.
COWEN: I don’t want retribution. I just want to be able to say it’s wrong without having to count up the utils.
SINGER: Sorry, to say that what they did is wrong and that they should be punished for it?
COWEN: Sure. It’s not that I want retribution per se. As you noted, there are other reasons to punish them.
SINGER: Yes. I’m happy to say that what they did was wrong and they should be punished for it, and that at a level that is compatible with utilitarianism but also compatible with a lot of other views. Is that enough for you?
COWEN: But is there some nonutilitarian reason that you’re willing to call your own and let in the door? If so, how do you stop that reason from growing?
SINGER: At a theoretical philosophical level, I’m going to say no, it’s all explicable in terms of the utility. But as I said, that doesn’t mean that I don’t have nonutilitarian intuitions about it.
COWEN: What do you think of Freud as a philosopher?
SINGER: I don’t think Freud was a great philosopher. I think that if he were a great philosopher, he would have been more open to different ideas. Clearly, he was highly authoritarian in his thinking. He had a set of ideas and wasn’t really prepared to brook opposition to them.
That’s why my grandfather broke with him, along with Alfred Adler. When the split between Freud and Adler occurred, my grandfather — this is what my mother and aunt told me — my grandfather acknowledged that Freud was, in some sense, the greater genius, but just really didn’t like the way he behaved and how authoritarian he was, and therefore sided with Adler. I think if Freud had been more open to ideas, he wouldn’t have treated dissent — whether Adlerian or other forms of dissent — in the way he did.
COWEN: Why does so much of professional philosophy today seem so boring? It’s my subjective opinion, but I meet many philosophers who, to me, don’t seem philosophical at all. Not at all the case with you or the other guests we’ve had on the show, but what has gone wrong? Or do you challenge my premise?
SINGER: No, I don’t really challenge your premise, although I do think there’s a lot of good work being done in philosophy.
COWEN: Sure.
SINGER: I think there’s, obviously, immense competition for jobs, and particularly for tenured jobs. You’re going to be reviewed. Your case for appointment or for tenure is going to be reviewed by your peers, other philosophers. They are going to look for work that is the kind of work that gets published in highly rated journals, which is going to tend to be work that reviews, criticizes, builds on work that is already going on in those journals.
I think it’s difficult for young people to break away and say, “Here’s a different area that I want to work in,” or “Here’s something that is broader and less narrow that I want to work in.”
We tend to get articles which say, “Well, here’s a theory that some philosopher holds. I’ve got an objection to one part of this theory, and maybe I’ve got an alternative to that.” In a sense, instead of aiming for, really, the lifeblood of the subject, it’s aiming for the capillaries of the subject, in a way. It’s the smaller things that you can get right and you can get articles published in good journals.
COWEN: How would you reform that?
SINGER: I think you would really have to change the system of making appointments and tenuring people. You would.
COWEN: What would you replace the status quo with? The dean does it all, the students vote, there’s no tenure whatsoever — a lot of options. Do you —
SINGER: Yes, there are a lot of options. I’m reluctant to get rid of tenure. It has been a protection for people to have different and controversial ideas.
COWEN: But it’s not so much anymore, given that you started this journal, which I’m glad you did. Surely, you must think tenure is not enough now.
SINGER: Yes, it’s not enough, but I worry that people with controversial ideas would simply get fired by deans when people on Twitter start criticizing. I’ve really been disappointed in some of these recent controversies where people have been criticized for saying things. The extent to which university administrations have not stood up to this Twitter storm and have instead suspended, or in some cases, people who were not on tenure, dismissed or not reappointed people for controversial ideas. I think tenure has provided protection for some people. That’s why I’m still reluctant to get rid of tenure.
I’m not sure. Maybe giving students more of a role in appointments would be a reasonable factor because they would be interested in things that the professional philosophers might not see as part of philosophy, but they would.
COWEN: For how many years have you taught at Princeton now?
SINGER: Oh, 23, 24.
COWEN: How have your students changed over that time? What do you notice?
SINGER: It’s actually got harder to get them to do the reading, I think. When I first came to Princeton, I was very pleasantly surprised that you could set students reading, and you would find that when you talk to them about it, they nearly all had read it. I think they’re reading less now, and that’s disappointing. That’s one difference.
Otherwise, I’ve always found there’s a reasonable level of idealism. I think that fluctuates. I find American students — again, this is particularly a Princeton experience — there are some of them who are just wanting to get through the course and get a decent grade and get on with the degree. But there are quite a few who come to philosophy courses, and particularly ethics courses like mine, really wanting to think about what they’re going to do with their lives. What are their ultimate values? How are they going to live?
I find that refreshing. I don’t think that’s changed dramatically in any direction, either up or down, over the 24 years I’ve been at Princeton.
COWEN: Last three questions. First, as a mental-state utilitarian, surely you’re concerned with happiness. What advice might you give us today to enjoy our own lives better?
SINGER: Oh, I am very concerned with happiness. The advice I would give is to think about making your life fulfilling and meaningful. Not to think that it’s just about earning more money, buying more consumer goods, having a richer lifestyle, but contributing to making the world a better place. This is obviously the goal of Effective Altruism. But there’s a lot of psychology research showing that people who are generous and are thinking of values, and their lives are in harmony with values, do actually find their lives more rewarding and more satisfying.
COWEN: In the spirit of your new book, Animal Liberation Now, what are three things we can do to help other sentient beings?
SINGER: Firstly, we can stop eating nonhuman animals, and particularly, I would say, stop eating animal products from factory farms. That seems really important. Secondly, we can support the organizations that are trying to combat factory farming. If you want to find the best ones, you can go to Animal Charity Evaluators, which is an effective altruism site for animal charities. Thirdly, you can get political about this. You can tell your political representatives at all levels of government that animals matter and that you’re going to be more likely to vote for people who have strong policies on animal welfare.
COWEN: Final question: After your book tour is over, what will you do next?
SINGER: I’m going to relax a little bit from what I’ve been doing. I’m going to be teaching my final semester at Princeton because I’m retiring from Princeton at the end of the fall semester. I’ll want to put some time into doing that.
Then I’m going to stop and think, are there still other things that I’m really keen to write and do? I’m sure I’m going to be speaking, doing short-form writing about the issues that are important to me. Do I still have a major book in me at this stage? I must admit, I’m not sure what that would be. But I’ve been working hard on Animal Liberation Now and, more recently, been trying to promote it and publicize it. So, I think I need to take a break and take stock and think.
COWEN: Peter Singer, thank you very much.
SINGER: Thank you, Tyler. It’s been terrific talking to you again.
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]]>Have a bunch of curtainless windows in your home? Or maybe you stuck with drapery that had already been installed when you moved in because it seemed easier than trying to change them? You’re not alone. Given all the factors involved, upping your window dressing can seem overwhelming. But never fear—this post is for anyone who has coveted curtains but has never known where to start. The Brownstone Boys are here to help you go from “curtain confused” to “curtain confident!”
The Brownstone Boys: Hanging curtains is one of those interior design jobs that can get complicated fast, given all the aspects of the project at hand. Do I hang them at the top of the window, or up to the ceiling above? How much space should I leave on either side? How long should they be? All questions that are sure to come up as soon as you actually pick up the curtains and rod and bring them to the window. As much as we’d like to say there’s one clear answer that applies to every window and curtain, it’ll depend on the type of window, the type of curtain and the style of room you’re going for. Luckily here are some ground rules you can use to determine the best way to go about it.
While the tips below walk you through where to hang your curtains and what types of curtains to order, these are the tools you’ll need to get the job done.
The first steps are to measure and assess the window as well as the room it’s in. Asking yourself these questions and noting your answers will make the rest of the process so much easier! Once you have your answers, you’ll be able to use them to determine what size curtain panels you’ll need, how many panels to buy and where you should hang them.
• How wide and tall is your window?
• How close to the ceiling is your window?
• Is there crown molding on the ceiling?
• Is there a wall, door or another window close to this one?
• What sort of style does your room have already, or what style do you envision for it with this project?
Standard curtain lengths are usually 84”, 96” and 108.” While it may vary, the width of many curtain panels is generally somewhere around 50” when fully stretched out. Next up, we’ll figure out where to hang our curtains, and then move on to how many curtains you’ll need based on the measurements you learned in this section.
Let’s start with how high you’ll want to hang your curtains. Most windows will look best when the curtains go up to the ceiling on either side, as hanging the curtains right at the top of the window can make it look shorter and even make your ceiling height look lower. That being said, remember that there are certain situations where this isn’t possible, or where another option might look better—these are general guidelines, you know your place best!
If your space has crown molding, you’ll need to hang your curtains just below the molding. Additionally, if your ceiling happens to be exceptionally high, and the top of your window doesn’t come anywhere close to the ceiling, that’s also a good reason to bring your curtains down to just above the window. In some cases, where windows are recessed into thicker walls, or where there’s ornate window molding you don’t want to cover, it may be best to mount your curtains within the window frame.
With the above guidance in mind, think about how high you’ll want to hang your curtains. You may want to play around with a few different options and see what you prefer. Once you know the height you’d like to hang them up top, measure that distance and write down (or draw a sketch!) of what you discovered so that you’re not second guessing yourself once you order your curtains.
Let’s tackle the width of your new curtains!
A good rule of thumb for the width of each curtain panel is for it to be at least 1.5 times the width of the entire window. While this means that one curtain panel can cover your entire window, using this guideline means that when you close your curtains they will remain pleated and full and aren’t pulled tight and flat.
If you would like your curtains to seem even fuller or if they are made from a thin material, you can go up to 3 times the width. Please note that this may mean getting multiple panels for each window side depending on the width of your window.
In terms of width, generally speaking, curtains should cover the window trim on either side of the window. To ensure your curtains stay in place once they’re installed, having at least one ring (or loop or grommet, depending on the curtain type) on the outer side of the bracket ensures that your curtains fully close vs. having the sides pull in toward the center of the window instead.
When thinking about where to install the brackets for your curtains, remember that your curtain rods may extend past the brackets. Therefore, think in terms of where you want the rods to go, then work backward from there with where to place the brackets. Now that you know where you’ll be hanging your curtains and how many panels you’ll need, let’s look at what different curtain hanging methods are out there.
Once you’ve decided where your curtains should go, it’s time to evaluate the curtains themselves—and a great place to start is with the mounting method. There are various ways curtains can be attached to their rods, but the most common are rod pockets, loops or tabs, hooks and grommets. (Note: Spoonflower’s curtains are hand-sewn with both rod pockets and top-tabs.)
Rod pockets are where the top of the curtain is folded over and sewn with openings on either side, where the whole curtain is simply slipped into the rod directly. This is the easiest way to mount curtains! With this hanging method, the curtain fabric can (in some cases) stay fairly wide at the top. When the curtains are opened, they scrunch up on the curtain rod and leave rod brackets exposed. If this exposure isn’t desired, you can place the curtain rod behind a valence.
Next are loops (or tabs): fabric loops that have been sewn onto the back of each curtain panel. For installation, the curtain rod can be easily slipped through the fabric loops. With this hanging method, your curtains can be opened wider than those with a rod pocket. Additionally, one or two fabric loops can be placed to the outside of the rod bracket so that it’s concealed and all the fabric loops aren’t pulled in with the rest of the curtain when it’s closed. Compared to other hanging methods, these fabric loops can be a bit harder to pull back and forth and if you have an extendable rod with a seam in it, the loops are more likely to catch on the seam than they are on rods without a seam.
Grommeted curtains have large holes punched in the top of the curtain with metal grommets surrounding them. For installation, the grommets are slipped through the rod. This hanging method has all the benefits of the loop curtain, and the metal grommets make the curtain easier to pull back and forth. Do keep in mind that grommets give your curtains a specific look that may not work in every space, and due to the way the curtain goes on the rod, you’ll be able to see the rod between every other pleat.
Hooks allow you to attach the curtain to rings. This is the most expensive and time consuming hanging method and means that the curtains have had hook loops sewn into the back of them. Usually the loops sewn onto these curtains are constructed so that the hooks can be mounted at different heights, allowing you the choice of rings that are either exposed or mounted so that the top of the curtains extends over the rings and hides them. These hooks can also be inserted in a way that creates permanent pleats, which stay in place even when the curtain is pulled closed for a more formal look. Since the hooks attach to the rings this makes them very easy to pull back and forth.
With the sections above, you’ve determined the height and width of your curtains and how you’d like to hang them, but here are a few more things to keep in mind before you hang your new curtains.
One layer or two? While a single layer of curtains can work perfectly, in some cases you may want to add an additional sheer layer underneath. This additional layer can work to give you a bit more privacy, filter sunlight in bright rooms or add a bit of drama to your space. If you decide to add a sheer layer, you’ll need to make sure you get a double rod so that the sheer layer can be opened and closed independently of the curtains.
If you’re going for a more modern look, the curtains should come down right to the level of the floor so that they’re almost touching, but not quite, and the pleating should be more relaxed. They should hang straight down without any tiebacks. If this is the look you’re going for, you may need to adjust your curtain’s height measurements accordingly.
If you’d like a more traditional look, you can have the curtains pool on the floor, though make sure they’re not too long so they don’t start to pile up. The pleats should be more uniform, even creating permanent pleats with mounting hooks. You can also have the curtains stay stationary on the rod in the fully closed position, and pull back the curtains lower down, keeping them open and swagged with a tie back for a more formal traditional look. Again, if this is the look you’re going for, you may need to adjust your curtain’s height measurements accordingly.
While these hanging tips will work in most cases, remember that they’re just guidelines! What’s most important in your home decor is that you’re doing what feels best for your unique situation, personality and space. Because after all, at the end of the day, if you’re happy with the way it looks then you’ve already done it right.
The post How to Hang Curtains With Confidence appeared first on Spoonflower Blog.
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Most dating ‘quick fixes’ are baloney, but not all of them.
If a dating coach claims his magical pick-up line will hook any woman’s attention, he’s a scammer. If a marketer claims the latest cologne or wristwatch will make you more attractive, you’re a sucker for believing them.
Yet, there are some ‘quick fixes’ that can help to attract a woman into your bed TONIGHT.
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Online dating doesn’t work for most guys. Data suggests that it’s only the top 20% of attractive men getting anything from dating apps.
But the good news is: most guys have no idea how to create an attractive profile.
If you invest in a photoshoot with a professional photographer, you’ll create one of the most eye-catching profiles in your city.
A pro will be able to shoot you with perfect light and framing. They’ll help you to strike the right poses. Many will even touch up your photos using editing software. This can be all it takes to rocket you into that top 20% of guys who actually get matches.
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A Rolex or Gucci belt won’t get you too far on their own. It’s a silly idea that any clothing item can get you laid.
However, you do need your appearance to pass a minimum threshold to attract most women.
If your beard or haircut make you look homeless, that’s a problem. If your clothes are dorky or don’t fit you properly, they need to be changed.
You need to look like you can take care of yourself, at the very least. If you’re not at that level, a basic makeover is the ‘quick fix’ you need most.
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Most dateless guys aren’t putting themselves out there enough.
The majority upload a half-assed dating profile onto a couple of apps and hope for the best. Some might try sending cold DMs to Instagram models. A few might go to the club with their boys, only to not approach any hotties.
This isn’t enough for regular guys to achieve amazing success with women. The most important ‘quick fix’ for these men is simply to put themselves out there.
Most men aren’t approaching any women in the real world these days. A few might do it once in a blue moon, even though it’s far easier to stand out and make an emotional impact this way.
Commit to going outside and meeting women for 30 days — and you’ll often be astonished with the results. Especially if you adopt the rest of these quick fixes.
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It’s no secret that alcohol helps men to attract women. Alcohol registered an assist for all of my seductions before 2014. Without it, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to approach anyone. So, it would be dishonest not to list it as a ‘quick fix’ in this guide.
There are obvious downsides to drinking all the time though. And it’s not sustainable to swig a shot of vodka every time you want to chat up a hottie.
So, I also want to recommend my alternative method of losing my inhibitions. It’s called social momentum. The basic idea is to put yourself in a flow state by approaching many groups of people with no gap between interactions.
You can learn more about how it works in the guide below.
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I took a cheap swipe at ‘pick-up lines’ earlier, but they can be useful.
It’s not the lines themselves that woo women, but your belief in them.
It’s your vibe that attracts women more than your words. So, if you’re super-confident that a pick-up line will hook a woman’s attention, it probably will. After all, that confidence will result in more excitement, better body language, stronger vocal tonality etc.
That’s why I give my dating coaching students a basic 3-step guide to obtain a woman’s contact details. With a basic structure in their mind, they don’t have to stress about what to say next. This allows them to focus on bringing a great vibe to the conversation.
So, feel free to steal my three steps from the guide below. It has worked countless times for me and my students. It could therefore be the perfect ‘quick fix’ to help you believe in yourself when approaching women.
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The sixth ‘quick fix’ is a mindset shift. I want you to focus on having FUN with the women you meet, instead of trying to get something from them.
Desperation and neediness are two of the least attractive qualities in a man.
Focus too much on the outcome of your interactions and you’ll inevitably come off as too needy. It’s a woman-repellent.
Concentrate on FUN instead and women will be desperate to hang out with you more. From there, it’s just a case of making that happen.
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Wayne Gretzky famously said: ”You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
We’ve all heard that quote and it sounds obvious. But there are still so many guys getting into conversations with hotties and not shooting their shots.
Their low self-esteem and fear of rejection overwhelm them. So, they do nothing and never see that woman again. Even when the conversation was going well.
Women want to go on dates with fun and interesting men. They want to have sex with great guys. But it’s up to you to make that happen.
The ‘quick fix’ of actually making a move could change your life forever with the right woman.
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If you’re the type of guy who struggles to attract or keep a woman’s attention, my book Big Dick Energy will help you. It features 12 powerful exercises to help you unleash your confident masculine energy and attract amazing beautiful women. You can learn more by clicking here or watching the video below.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Alonso Reyes on Unsplash
The post 7 Dating ‘Quick Fixes’ That Can Actually Work appeared first on The Good Men Project.
]]>[RELATED: The Pandemic Fueled These Incredible Home Renovation Projects]
Paul says when his grandchildren saw the house, “they lost their minds, they were so happy. They ran up to the dunes and the beach and saw it. The next day, they asked when they were going to come back.” Perhaps the quaintest of the communities, OBIII today most closely resembles Ed and Fred’s original vision. “There are deed restrictions,” adds Kevin Iredell. “You can’t go up. You can’t put an addition on. You basically have to leave it the way it is. That keeps that old-school, 1950s kind of Jersey Shore feel.” There are no McMansions and no five-bedroom houses for partygoers like those infamously featured on MTV’s Jersey Shore in nearby Seaside Heights. People who buy and rent in OBIII know what they are getting, choosing the family-oriented, quiet lifestyle, away from the boardwalks and clubs. [caption id="attachment_309797" align="alignnone" width="778"] Ashley Swartz is among the handful of OBIII residents who live there year-round. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption] “It’s as if Dirty Dancing was filmed by the sea instead of a lake,” says full-time resident Ashley Swartz. When she first bought her house in 2015 while still living in New York City, she says “it felt like what I would imagine the Jersey Shore to be like in the 1950s, like time had stood still, with sand streets, these little cottages, and with children playing in the street, riding their bikes freely.” Of course, a 500-square-foot house creates challenges, including having only one bathroom, which is typically only 40 square feet. In homes like the Chirchirillos’ that hark back to the 1940s, the bathroom is accessed by two doors—one from the kitchen and one from outside. “It was designed for people to have their kids come right in from the beach into the potty and not have to go into the house,” Bridget says. They generally lock the outside bathroom door, but when Paul is barbecuing on the outdoor patio, everyone is warned he’ll be cutting through the bathroom to get to the kitchen. The two bedrooms are the same size, barely big enough for a queen-size bed. Owners often add bunk beds in the second bedroom and a pull-out couch in the living room to attract renters. The Chirchirillos have told prospective renters their home sleeps six or seven people. Storage space is severely limited as well. As Kevin Iredell describes it, “Everything we have has to have a place. We don’t bring any extra.” [caption id="attachment_309796" align="alignnone" width="778"] Almost 1,000 tiny homes comprise the Ocean Beach III community. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption] Some homeowners, like the Chrones, haven’t been able to figure out how to add a washer and dryer without redoing the house completely. While space is tight inside, as Marie says, “a lot of the house is outdoor living. Almost everyone has a patio with chairs, a table and some outdoor grill.” At first glance, the houses seem nearly on top of each other. But as John McDonough, local Realtor and one of Fred Pearl’s grandsons, says, “These are small lots on small streets. [Fred and Ed] didn’t want big houses, tall houses, to create almost a tenement affect, which you have up in the big cities of North Jersey. Most everything is in a checkerboard pattern the way the houses are laid out, so it maximizes the space between each house. You can’t be closer than 10 feet to the rear lot line. You’ve got to be 20 feet minimum away from your neighbor. So there’s always at least 20 feet from all these little houses. You don’t feel like you’re cramped, like someone is right there.” Sure enough, despite many homeowners renting to new tenants each week throughout the summer, there’s very little complaining about rowdy behavior and noise. “We’re not a community that rents out to kids for parties,” Bridget Chirchirillo says. “People care.” Paul adds, “They respect it. It’s traditional. They want to maintain that 1950s, 1960s, maybe 1940s feel. Everybody goes to the ice cream store at night and waits to get their cone.” Aptly, the ice cream store is a Dairy Queen. While the vast majority of owners are families with children or retirees with kids and grandkids who come down in short stints, there are a few full-time residents. Swartz managed to buy one of the larger homes—all 729 square feet—on Osprey Way. She eventually moved to OBIII full time in 2017. As a single professional woman without children who worked in Manhattan, Swartz says, “I could not have more different life experience than my neighbors, and sometimes that extends to politics. I have learned, which happens naturally when living in such small spaces, that despite this, we often have the same values.” She adds, “I have beautiful neighbors; we are a family and a community, and they would and have done anything for me. I’m better at listening to hear and to better understand. Living here has made me a better person.” For Swartz and the handful of others who live there year-round, there is one drawback: “The island becomes a ghost town as of the end of October, with street lights blinking.” R.C. Staab writes extensively about the Jersey Shore, including the book 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore. In the summer, he runs, swims, kayaks and walks the beaches from Sandy Hook to Cape May.The post Inside the Jersey Shore’s Unique Community of Tiny Houses appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
]]>I’ve often, in my mind, likened the perfect reading experience to sitting in a bar and finding myself drawn—at first reluctantly, then less so all the time—into a stranger’s story. There’s something unique and compelling in that narrative space, and it’s an effect Jon Michaud conjures up masterfully in his new book, Last Call at Coogan’s: The Life and Death of a Neighborhood Bar.
For a span of about thirty-five years, until its 2020 closure, Coogan’s was an uptown institution: an Irish bar in a Dominican stronghold, marrying the saloon ideals of a bygone New York with the practical, workaday concerns of a neighborhood in need of meeting spaces. Michaud, a talented novelist with longtime connections to the area, brought to the project a deep appreciation for the bar’s place in civic life.
The result is a profound story of a community in flux—a timeless New York story, that is, and one that has room for the sweeping forces at play in the city as well as the deeply personal stories that mix and mingle in any saloon worth its taps. I caught up with Michaud before the book’s release to discuss how the project began, how Coogan’s captured his imagination, and the qualities that define a neighborhood bar.
Dwyer Murphy: You obviously spent a great deal of time with the owners of Coogan’s and were given tremendous access to the life of this bar. How did they first respond when you approached them about this? Were they at all wary?
Jon Michaud: It all started with this New Yorker piece I wrote, when Lin-Manuel Miranda and Adriano Espaillat and Lin-Manuel’s dad essentially led the effort to save Coogan’s from going out of business due to an extreme rent hike. That was in January 2018. I called up Coogan’s and asked to talk to the owners. I had met one of them, but I didn’t really know them, and they didn’t know me. It was Peter Walsh who answered the phone and he said, ‘oh you’re writing for the New Yorker? I love the New Yorker. When do you want to come?’
I thought I was going to get ten minutes with them, because they had just come out of this huge wave of publicity and I figured they would be exhausted, but I ended up talking with all three of them—David Hunt, Peter Walsh, and Tess O’Connor McDade—for two hours in the back of the bar. It was an amazing conversation, and I walked out of there thinking how much there was to that place, and how it would have all been lost if they had closed.
So I wrote my article, but I just couldn’t stop thinking about Coogan’s. They were very pleased with the article and the response to it. Finally, I pitched the idea of a book to them, because as I say, this huge legacy, all these stories, all the lore about the bar would have been lost. They are a naturally collaborative group of people. Throughout their careers, they’ve worked with artists and writers, so collaboration is a natural state of them. It’s one of the reasons they’ve been so successful in the hospitality business. So, they said yes. They were completely open with me for the entire process. We never had any kind of adversarial interaction in the five years I was working on the book.
Murphy: I got the impression the owners had an appreciation for the spirit of a good bar and what it could mean to a neighborhood. It almost seemed like they were waiting for someone to come along to tell the story.
Michaud: All three of them are terrific storytellers. And, of course, that’s part of owning a bar. A bar is a venue for storytelling. Peter himself wrote a musical about a bar. He spent decades working on this shadow chronicle of Coogan’s. So, he had been thinking about it as a narrative, and he understood how bars work within their communities. They all had very clear ideas about that. But I do think they were waiting for someone to come along and ask to write about it.
Murphy: Can we talk about Washington Heights and about the specific block where Coogan’s is located? The terrain, this distinct part of New York City, is so important to the bigger story.
Michaud: The bar sat at the crossroads of Washington Heights, which is a neighborhood in the northern part of Manhattan, north of Central Park, north of Harlem. It’s the part of New York that often isn’t shown on maps of Manhattan. It’s historically significant: a culturally rich and diverse section of the city. It developed later than the rest of Manhattan, in the late 19th to early 20th century. A lot of the original landscape of the island is still visible there.
Washington Heights is a neighborhood many immigrants went to. Immigrants on the Lower East Side, Irish and Jewish, once they got out of tenements housing, went there for a little more air, more space. That was abetted by the construction of subways at the end of the 19th century. So, it was a neighborhood that underwent waves of immigration. The Irish were strong there for a long time. You had African-Americans in the southern part of the neighborhood who had moved in during the Great Migration. Then later you had Greek and German-Jewish immigrants. And then, ultimately many, many Dominican immigrants who started arriving in the late 60s and early 70s. For a while, Washington Heights was the second largest Dominican settlement in the world, after Santo Domingo.
And that’s about where the story beings: in this transition from being an Irish and Jewish neighborhood to a primarily Dominican neighborhood. At that time, crime was increasing, and opportunities were decreasing. Washington Heights was under-serviced by the city. It suffered badly during the financial crisis in the 1970s. Coogan’s opened in 1985, when crime was on the increase. The murder rate crested, I think, 1989 or 1990. You had the crack epidemic, and Washington Heights was the epicenter for the drug trade, not just in New York but on the whole east coast of the United States. It was a complex, rich neighborhood to write about.
Murphy: You have an interesting quote in the book, somebody who reflects on the affinities between the Irish-American and Dominican-American experiences in New York City, and how those communities grew.
Michaud: That was a priest at one of the local parishes who was bilingual. An Irish priest. He commented on the similarities between the Irish and the Dominicans: both countries that were once dominated by nearby colonial powers, both majority Catholic nations with a love of dancing and drinking and storytelling. I think these Irish owners of this bar felt perfectly comfortable with their Dominican clientele.
Murphy: And they chose the location very carefully.
Michaud: Location was definitely part of their success. They’re on top of a major subway station. A few blocks from the George Washington Bridge and the bus station. A few blocks from the New York Presbyterian Emergency Room. So that’s a major crossroads. A lot of people come in and out of there and many of them needed a bite to eat or something to drink, and Coogan’s was there to welcome them all.
Murphy: Let’s talk about the role of a good bar in a community. That’s a subject that occupied your attention during the process of writing this book, I take it: the question of the “moral pub.”
Michaud: One of my touchstones was this essay that George Orwell wrote about this fictional bar in London that he described as the ideal London bar. He delineated the qualities of the bar and what it should have and what it shouldn’t have. I took that idea and transposed it to New York.
I thought about how, if I was writing about the ideal New York City saloon and I arrived at a list of qualities, many of those qualities would be shared by institutions that are vital to New York City as a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic place. I’m thinking of the subways, the parks, and the libraries. They’re open to all. There’s an egalitarian element to the way people are treated when they’re there. Status doesn’t really matter.
A lot of those qualities were qualities that Coogan’s had and strove to maintain. The owners loved the idea that they could have a surgeon sitting next to a transit worker at their bar and they would be treated the same way. I think that’s fundamental to New York’s neighborhood bars. There are of course the kind of clannish places where everyone turns their heads when you walk in, and outsiders are shunned. But Coogan’s was very much the opposite kind of place. They were looking to welcome people, to bring them into the fold. All of those qualities were essential to Coogan’s success.
Also, they had a deeply rooted sense of the history of pubs, both Irish and American. David Hunt had worked in bars in Greenwich Village before opening Coogan’s, and he had grown up in Inwood, which is famous for its many Irish saloons. And Peter Walsh had spent a lot of time in Ireland and talked about the role Irish country pubs played in society in rural Ireland. He wanted Coogan’s to have many of those same functions.
Murphy: Irish pubs were the setting for your own formative bar experiences, as well.
Michaud: Indeed, I spent my teenager years in Northern Ireland. From the age of fifteen, I was drinking in Belfast bars, in a wet cold city. This was during the Troubles, so bombs were going off, and there was the ring of steel around the center, where cars were checked for bombs, and everyone got frisked. But at the same time, you had a number of very welcoming Irish bars, and that’s where I spent a great deal of time in Belfast. When I first got to New York, I went looking for places that reminded me of the bars I remembered from Belfast.
Murphy: I worry about the future of bars in New York, neighborhood bars especially. Obviously, the pandemic impacted those places tremendously. But before that, I think the experience had changed. People in bars—and I’ve been as guilty as anyone—spend time on their phones. The social aspect of the space is completely different.
Michaud: The owners of Coogan’s fretted about that. Peter Walsh had a line: ‘social media is anti-social.’ They liked to recall when Monday Night Football was launched, and how everyone would go into the bar on Monday nights to watch games. But now you have high-definition TV in your home; you can watch any sporting event from the world on demand and have food from every restaurant in the city brought to your door. Why would you go out to a bar?
The reason you might go to a bar is to meet other people—to interact with people you don’t normally interact with. This goes to the very roots of the problems the country is facing. We’re self-selecting our social circles. We’re no longer putting ourselves in positions where we have to converse with people who are not like us. That was one of the great functions of a bar. You would go and, lubricated by a beer or two, you would discuss the issues of the day, often with people who disagreed with you, but it would be civil and healthy. I’m concerned that’s happening a lot less.
There are still a number of neighborhood bars in New York. An Beal Bocht, for example: an Irish bar in the Bronx, which still has that neighborhood vibe to it and people still go to hang out with their neighbors and to talk to people. Those saloons, they’re still there, but the demand is shrinking, and I worry about what that means for the country.
Murphy: What kind of bar literature were you looking to, for this project? Joseph Mitchell’s Up in the Old Hotel came to mind as I was reading.
Michaud: I’ve long been a fan of Joseph Mitchell’s work. When I was working as a bookseller at Rizzoli in the 90s, I got to meet him. He came in to sign copies of Up in the Old Hotel. They had just reissued The Bottom of the Harbor in Everyman edition. So, I have signed copies of those. They’re treasured items in my library. I acknowledge a debt to Mitchell, not just to the McSorley’s story, but the “Up in the Old Hotel” story, which is about Sloppy Louie’s, of course. And he had another great piece about the tradition of beefsteak dinners at the New York social clubs, “All You Can Hold for Five Bucks.”
When I was starting out on this project, I didn’t find too many books like the one I wanted to write: narrative nonfiction about a bar. There were a couple. I loved Rosie Schaap’s memoir, Drinking with Men, and there was another book called Sunny’s Nights, by Tim Sultan which is about a bar in Red Hook. And a gorgeous book called The Last Fine Time, by Verlyn Klinkenborg, which is about a Polish saloon in Buffalo. And then of course there’s J.M. Moehringer’s The Tender Bar, which is a memoir and, with the exception of Mitchell, might be the greatest ever rendering of a bar in a work of nonfiction. But I liked that weren’t too many books on the subject. It gave me some latitude.
Murphy: You were bringing a novelist’s eye to the subject, too. The book has these wonderful character studies that break out of the main narrative. Were there figures you met along the way that you immediately recognized would need to have their piece of the story?
Michaud: Some of them, I knew in advance. The owners had tipped me off about who I had to talk to. Other people, I would just meet in the course of doing my interviews, and stories would mushroom up and I would think, ‘I have to give you a chapter.’
One of them is the story of Darren Ferguson and Taz Davis. Darren was an aspiring singer who grew up in Washington Heights. He became addicted to cocaine and was living with his grandfather at the time. He got behind on the rent and had a moment of crisis where he decided that, to make all his problems go away, he was going to set a fire in his grandfather’s apartment. He set the fire and walked out. Later, he learned that an older woman who lived above the apartment died in the fire. He was arrested and served a number of years in prison. While he was in prison, he discovered his faith and became an ordained minister.
He came out and his choir sang at the first Coogan’s 5K race, and Peter Walsh invited him to participate—to sing—in the production of his play about this Irish bar. During rehearsals, Peter introduced Darren to this guy named Taz. It was Taz’s surrogate grandmother who had died in the fire. And while Darren was in prison, Taz had been sending him messages that said, basically, ‘if I see you, what happens happens, and I’m not going to be held responsible for how I respond.’ But in that moment in Coogan’s, when Peter introduced him, Taz grabbed Darren and said, ‘God forgives you and so do I.’ Then the two of them went on stage and performed together.
When I heard that, I knew I would write about them, not only because it’s a remarkable story on its own, but because it shows the power of a place like Coogan’s to bring people together.
Murphy: People come together differently in a bar.
Michaud: The importance of having a space like that in the neighborhood can’t be overstated. It was a neighborhood that for much of Coogan’s history was a very tense place, a neighborhood where people from different ethnicities distrusted one another. So, to have a place—and there weren’t many of them—where these different groups could meet and talk to one another was essential to the functioning of that society and the pulling together of the community during those difficult years. Coogan’s didn’t do that on its own. But they collaborated with many of the community figures who were stiving to improve life in the neighborhood. They collaborated with non-profit organizations, the police, politicians, sports coaches, all of these people who were working together to make life better. Coogan’s was a place they could interact and collaborate and work together.
]]>Where in the name of human rain delays is Juan Soto?
The stud outfielder is late. Everyone keeps checking their phones—the antsy Major League Baseball officials, the San Diego Padres PR guy, the handful of reporters, and the assorted hangers-on you encounter around baseball clubhouses. Everyone is wondering when the Padres superstar will show up. He was supposed to be here half an hour ago, just after this baseball players’ sanctum opened and we were allowed to join them in their most elemental of baseball activities: waiting around.
Soto, who is 24, works at his own pace. He is a baseball player. Players do their thing and the game indulges their routines, at least to a point. But everything was supposed to be different today, the first day of baseball’s new, accelerated life. I had flown into Phoenix the night before to witness the first spring-training game of the year, in Peoria, Arizona, between the Padres and the Seattle Mariners. Normally, I would pay zero attention to this contest. Even if it counted in the standings—or, for that matter, even if it was a World Series game—I wouldn’t care. Baseball has been losing me for years, as steadily as its games have become more interminable every season: less scoring, less action, slower, more stagnant.
Yet here I am—here we all are—for a Padres–Mariners scrimmage on February 24, one of two games scheduled to begin just after 1 p.m. (The Rangers would be concurrently opening against the Royals not far away, in Surprise, Arizona.) These would be curious and newfangled specimens, the first major-league contests to feature rules enacted to revitalize a sport that had been heading toward cultural irrelevancy. “Time of game: three hours, 32 minutes”—or some such bloated number—had become a mocking coda to the nightly slogs.
In a few hours, MLB would introduce a novel ethic into its stationary culture: urgency. Limits would be placed on pickoff throws as well as time taken between pitches and between at-bats. The most radical change would be the addition of a pitch clock, a kind of pacemaker to reregulate the game’s lagging heartbeat. Pitchers would now be allowed just 15 seconds to begin their motion to deliver the baseball to home plate (20 seconds with runners on base), and hitters would have to be set in the batter’s box by the eight-second mark. Failure to do so would result in an automatic ball (for delinquent pitchers) or strike (for dawdling batters). The goal is to curtail dead time, the endless velcroing and re-velcroing of batting gloves and strolling around the mound. Also, in an effort to stimulate offense, MLB had banned infield shifts; to encourage aggressive baserunning, it had augmented the size of the bases.
How would this “best version of baseball,” as one of its architects calls it, play in Peoria? At the very least, hopefully it would play faster. The pitch clocks, which were deployed throughout the minor leagues in 2022, cut the average game time by 26 minutes. Pretty much everyone who experienced this sped-up rendering loved it. But that was the minors. And it’s one thing for a spectator to be anesthetized over several years and crave something new. But what would the royalty think?
And how would this affect King Juan, if he ever gets here? A Padres PR guy is apologetic, explaining to me that Soto is still relatively new to the team—he was acquired from the Washington Nationals last year—and that the staff is still trying to divine his propensities and quirks. After about 40 minutes, Soto appears through a side door and heads for his locker. He pauses and scrolls through his phone. I think about walking up to him, but my legs will not move. It’s funny that way with pro athletes, my earliest idols. They can be extremely scary to approach. I’ve interviewed presidents, Nobel laureates, and all flavors of tycoon and luminary over the years and never felt intimidated. But put me in front of a partially dressed man-child in pajama pants who can hit a baseball and I’m suddenly reduced to a puddle at his feet.
“Juan, hey,” I say, finally moving toward him.
“I gotta go over here,” Soto says, blowing past me and into a training room.
After another 10 minutes, Soto reemerges and starts bantering in Spanish with two of his teammates, designated hitter Nelson Cruz and star third baseman Manny Machado. They stand in a huddle, giggling a few feet away from where Xander Bogaerts, the former Boston Red Sox shortstop who signed an 11-year, $280 million contract this past winter, is being interviewed.
Soto continues to give off strong “do not approach” vibes, so I hold my position in the center of the room. Next to me is another clubhouse loiterer, Josh Rawitch, the president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, in Cooperstown, New York, who is on hand to collect mementos from this landmark happening. “We’re going to want to grab one of the new larger bases at some point,” Rawitch says to me. It seems wholly on-brand for baseball that even in this season of renovation, the sport remains ever attentive to its treasured souvenirs. Rawitch hands me his business card and the two of us continue waiting around.
Finally Soto ambles back toward his locker and I walk over to introduce myself. The time is now 8:56 a.m., exactly four minutes until the clubhouse will be closed to interlopers. “I have a good feeling,” Soto reports to me after I lead off our discussion with a piercing How do you feel? question. Specifically, how does he feel about the new pitch clock?
“I feel like baseball, if you enjoy the game, you gotta give us time to think and to see and look around at everything,” Soto says. This might have been a mild complaint, but I would generally characterize Soto’s default posture as unfazed.
“Nine a.m., folks,” a team official announces. Nonplayers start heading for the exits. I wish Soto luck and he shakes my hand and that is the extent of the action.
Time of interview: three minutes and 10 seconds.
I feared that my foray back into baseball might end up a requiem. I missed having a sport to care about after the NBA and NHL playoffs ended and before football began. I obsessed over baseball growing up and rarely missed a Red Sox game into my 30s. But by the time I reached middle age, baseball was an afterthought. The only time I would ever seriously tune in again was when the Sox happened to be playing in the postseason, which fortunately has occurred with some regularity this century. (On a related note: The Yankees will always fair and squarely suck.)
The so-called national pastime’s fade into bygone territory has happened simultaneously with my brain speeding up to receive the various dopamine pelts coming at me from my phone, laptop, NFL RedZone channel, or whatever else captures my attention instead of the latest chore creeping past midnight on the MLB Network.
Apparently, there were many of us. We were reflected in audience surveys and TV ratings and testimonials from pretty much every longtime baseball fan I knew. Annual game attendance dropped from 79.5 million in 2007 to 64.5 million last year. And then there was the separate constituency of younger fans and thrill-seekers who never got the baseball thing to begin with and weren’t exactly bingeing Field of Dreams and George Will columns to find out what they were missing. I remember a few years ago trying to get my then-13-year-old nephew, Carlos, excited about the longest-ever World Series game, which had been played the night before, a 3–2 victory by the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Red Sox in 18 innings (seven hours, 20 minutes). Carlos flashed me a classic “OK Boomer” smirk (even though I’m not a Boomer!) and went back to his Minecraft or fantasy football or whatever the hell he was doing.
Baseball had a great run, a nice century. Boxing used to be huge too. Times change, tastes veer, attention spans shrink. Cultural gems become cultural relics. It’s no one’s fault; we move on to new things. Roger Angell died last year. Vida Blue left us in May. (His Topps card was in the spokes of my bike.) Nothing is timeless, not even baseball.
Each morning in years past, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred would review daily reports charting the advancing lengths of the previous night’s games. “It was not a good story,” he told me. “Last year was so depressing, I just stopped doing it.” Manfred, who started as commissioner in 2015, knew that the game had hit a bad seam. To avoid further decline, baseball would have to save itself from lethargy.
[From the July/August 2018 issue: Chasing the ‘Holy Grail’ of baseball performance]
I came in as a kind of embedded spectator to this operation beginning last fall, when I attended Game 4 of the World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the visiting Houston Astros. My three-hour trip up I-95 from Washington, D.C., told its own story of the cultural ghetto that baseball now inhabited. As I drove, I sampled the sports-radio offerings in various cities. Around D.C., everyone was fixated on the news that the hideous owner of the Washington Commanders, Daniel Snyder, might finally be unloading the once-venerable NFL franchise. Baltimore stations featured intense concern over the contract dispute between the Ravens and their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Not until I got within 30 miles or so of Philly did anyone on the radio so much as mention the World Series—a mark of baseball’s drift into the foul territory of “regional sport.” Upon entering the City of Brotherly Love, it was all Phillies, everywhere. Philadelphia is a great sports town, and the surprising Phillies—who barely slipped into the postseason—play in spiffy Citizens Bank Park to loud and engaged fans, albeit many of them drunk, disgusting animals.
The game itself was historic. I suppose. Four Houston pitchers combined to no-hit the Phillies in a 5–0 victory that tied the Fall Classic at two games apiece. It was just the second no-hitter in the World Series’ 119-year history, joining Yankees pitcher Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956. The Fox broadcasters and a few sportswriters and Astros partisans seemed dutifully aroused by the achievement; the Hall of Fame secured the rosin bag. But besides that milestone, I remember nothing about the game, mostly because nothing happened—and it took three hours and 25 minutes.
“It’s cool; we’ll be in the history books, I guess,” Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber said at his locker after the game, his voice as dead as his team’s bats. “Yeah, I really don’t give a shit.”
Neither, apparently, did large swaths of the viewing public. Philly–Houston in 2022 was the second-lowest-rated World Series since Nielsen began tracking these numbers five decades ago, ahead of only the COVID Classic of 2020.
Before Game 4, I’d met Morgan Sword, MLB’s executive vice president of baseball operations, who was preparing to monitor the action, such as it was, from a suite above home plate. Sword, a boyish, ruddy-faced dynamo, has been the chief orchestrator of the new rules. He began planning to implement them after baseball’s new collective-bargaining agreement was reached in early 2022. “Welcome to one of the last slow baseball games,” Sword said as I entered the suite. I assured Sword that I would savor this bland finale with great nostalgia—maybe between pickoff throws.
Sword and I would meet a few times through the offseason. His mission was straightforward: to make baseball less boring.
“I think it’s the most significant change made to the sport in my lifetime,” he told me, referring to the pitch clock. Sword is only 38, so his lifetime does not cover most of the game’s major transformations. Still, his point would be valid even if he’d been born a century ago. The introduction of the designated hitter, in 1973, was certainly meaningful, but it was more of a lineup and personnel amendment than a disruption of the game’s rhythms. Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier, in 1947, transformed the culture, character, and style of the sport forever, but not the actual rules. Night baseball, which began in 1935, was a huge development, but ultimately a scheduling phenomenon. None of these changes recalibrated baseball’s essential pace.
For years the league had done its best to speed things along, but the enforcement mechanisms were toothless. If a player was particularly lackadaisical during an at-bat, an umpire might tell him to hurry up; if he was a habitual slowpoke, MLB might send out a warning or, at worst, issue a fine of a few hundred dollars—loose change to the multimillionaire offender.
“The league office would send letters fining the players,” Theo Epstein told me. Epstein, the former general manager of the Red Sox and president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, masterminded those franchises’ first championships in 86 and 108 years, respectively. “And we’d have to have someone in the office take the letters down to the clubhouse to the players so they could crumple them up into a ball and then say, ‘Just tell me how much the next fine is.’ ”
When Manfred took over as commissioner, he made it clear that speeding up the game was a priority. He instituted a set of relatively minor adjustments that nibbled a few minutes and seconds away here and there—limitations on warm-up throws, in-game conferences, and pitching changes; eliminating the need to throw four outside pitches to complete an intentional walk. But this did not address the biggest drag on time: pitchers and batters futzing around between deliveries.
So starting this season, excessive delay would be punishable by balls and strikes, a direct performance cost that could influence the outcome of the game and the players’ statistics. After two unsuccessful pickoff throws by a pitcher, an unsuccessful third one will advance the runner a base. “One thing you learn about discipline in baseball is, uh, that money is a very weak deterrent,” Manfred told me with a resigned laugh. “The things that work affect what players really care about: Do you win or lose? Does it affect how well you do your job?”
Baseball has been eager to bring pitch clocks to the big leagues for years, especially after its top executives saw how effective they were in cutting game times in the minors. After a reorganization of the sport in 2020, MLB gained oversight of minor-league baseball, which became a laboratory for potential innovations. The league also conducted fan surveys showing that not only did fans want a brisker pace; they also did not care for all the walks and strikeouts and pickoff throws. They craved more action and offense; more balls hit into play; more doubles, triples, and stolen bases. But MLB could not quickly implement any of these big changes without the approval of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a colossus of a sports union that tends to be fiercely distrustful of management. This is particularly true of rule changes that owners might impose that could affect players’ livelihoods. Baseball in general is the most change-averse of games, bound like no other major sport to its quirky traditions and rules, written and unwritten. Players can be a notoriously delicate bunch, protective of their routines and hypersensitive to workplace disruptions.
Baseball’s last collective-bargaining agreement expired after the 2021 season, which resulted in an offseason lockout that delayed spring training and the start of the 2022 season. A game that was ailing to begin with now appeared headed for a catastrophic work stoppage. Some fans responded with their standard laments about the greed, arrogance, and ineptitude of the game’s leaders. But, perhaps more worrisome, many others didn’t seem to care all that much. Would anyone really miss baseball?
In March 2022, MLB owners and players reached a deal on a new five-year collective-bargaining agreement, ending the lockout after 99 days. Beyond the major points of contention over minimum salaries and bonus pools, the agreement made it easier for MLB to change the rules. A new joint competition committee was formed to deliberate over new rules; it was made up of six owners, four players, and one umpire, so management effectively controlled the panel. Six months after the new agreement was signed, the league announced a more enduring salvation: the pitch clock, coming in 2023.
Though the Players Association accused the Commissioner’s Office of refusing to “meaningfully incorporate the player feedback,” this was perhaps the most enlightened addition to baseball since batting helmets, or maybe soft-serve ice cream (served in mini batting helmets). In September 2021, I had attended a California League game in San Bernardino that deployed one of these beauties. It was a revelation and, I hoped, a preview. Unbeknownst to me, Sword and a few members of his team had attended a California League game a few weeks earlier, in Rancho Cucamonga, and had a similarly effusive reaction to what they saw.
The innings flew by in San Bernardino, even though the two teams I was watching—the Inland Empire 66ers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes—scored tons of runs. I was focused on the action and barely checked my phone. Rancho Cucamonga won 8–7, and the game was over in two hours, 40 minutes. A few days later, I attended a clockless MLB game in Los Angeles that was, comparatively, like watching grass grow, albeit the lush and manicured pastures of Dodger Stadium.
News of the coming rule changes, particularly the pitch clock, was met warily by some major leaguers. The knee-jerk critique of the clock was tied to the purist notion that baseball was unique in its “timelessness,” that its leisurely rhythms should be sacrosanct.
“I don’t like it,” Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story said after the new rules were announced. “Our game is special in that it doesn’t have a clock.” Story, who signed a six-year, $140 million contract with Boston in March 2022—since then, he’s mostly languished on the injured list—seemed put off by the idea that anyone would want to spend less time witnessing the divine occurrence of a baseball competition. “I don’t know why everybody wants it over so quick,” he said. (Ideally, for Red Sox fans, his contract would be too.)
In general, the “baseball must be timeless” decree is lazy and dumb, and typically trotted out by those who have never endured a 37-minute inning with a melting-down 6-year-old on a school night. For starters, no one was proposing placing a timer on baseball’s substantive action. They are regulating only excess time between pitches—the practice swings, swatting of bugs, and staring at dirt. Unlike an NBA game, whose essential activity will always cease after 48 minutes (barring overtime), a baseball game is still measured in 27 outs per team (barring extra innings). No one activates a timing device after a ball is hit; the play is over when it’s over. If a pitcher can’t get a batter out, no buzzer will save him; if neither team has a run advantage after nine innings, they keep playing.
“I think the statement that ‘baseball is the game with no clock’ is more facile than deep,” Manfred, the MLB commissioner, told me. He mentioned an interview, conducted by the sports broadcaster Dan Patrick, with Tom Boswell, the exquisite former baseball columnist for The Washington Post. Boswell, Manfred told me, was thrilled by the new rules and said he was “back” to watching baseball, which the commissioner said had helped him appreciate how far things had deteriorated. “It’s one thing when you’re talking about Joe on the street,” Manfred said. “But when you have people who make their living in the business saying ‘I’m not watching as much,’ you have a problem.”
Epstein told me that when he was running the Cubs, after they were eliminated from contention he would watch every postseason game between the remaining clubs—or he would for as long as he could stand it. “Some of those World Series games were taking so long, I found myself channel surfing,” Epstein said. “And I talked to a lot of other people in baseball who were experiencing the same thing.”
In the middle of January 2023, Morgan Sword and his team invited me to a Scottsdale, Arizona, resort to attend a special “boot camp” that MLB had organized for the game’s 76 full-time umpires to get acclimated to the new rules. “Our goal is to suck the idle time out of our game,” Reed MacPhail, the league’s senior vice president of baseball operations, announced to the umpires during an evening presentation. (ESPN’s Jeff Passan described the pitch clock as “baseball liposuction.”) The all-hands session dragged on for more than three hours—metaphor alert!—in large part because the umpires seemed unsettled by the coming revolution and asked a million questions. “Umpires thrive on guidance,” Sword told me outside the ballroom. “We expected a lot of the back-and-forth. It’s better to iron things out now.” Sword said the main purpose of the retreat was to encourage the umpires to enforce the new rules from day one. No exceptions, easing-in, or grace periods. “Once we flip the switch on this, we’re into the future,” he said.
Sword fits the current mold of young baseball executive. He was a high-school catcher and outfielder in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, who was not good enough to keep playing at the University of Virginia, where he majored in economics. He interned one summer with the Phillies and was inspired to pursue a career in baseball after reading Moneyball, Michael Lewis’s best-selling 2003 book on the data-and-analytics revolution in the sport pioneered by Oakland Athletics General Manager Billy Beane.
Like many concerned keepers of the game and its traditions, Sword will often explain the creeping dispassion for baseball in terms of that overcooked analogy about the boiling frog in the pot. “Part of what made this so tricky was that the games were getting two or three minutes slower every year rather than half an hour slower, so there was never a point where it felt like a real emergency,” he told me. I offered an alternative analogy, comparing baseball’s predicament to a slow-growing tumor that the new rules would surgically excise. “I’d prefer to go back to the frog,” Sword said.
How did America’s beloved old frog find itself in such mortal danger? Baseball’s slowdown took many forms and had no shortage of culprits: The Moneyball innovators placed premium value on hitters “working counts” and “taking walks.” “Grinding out at-bats” became a thing; players with keen batting eyes became folk heroes (Lewis introduced readers to a newly coveted minor-league infielder, Kevin Youkilis, “the Greek god of walks”). Meanwhile, a boom in pitching talent and “optimization” tools led to an obsession with hurlers “missing bats.” Pitchers throw significantly harder than they used to—fastballs now average 94 miles an hour—which requires greater physical exertion and, in many cases, several seconds more recovery time between deliveries. The result: more strikeouts, more walks, less contact with the ball, less offense, less action. This new breed of analytics eggheads provided fodder for a classic business book (Moneyball ), a fun movie based on that book (Brad Pitt as Beane), and God knows how many M.B.A. case studies and MIT grads inundating baseball teams with their theorems and résumés. But as an actual consumer product, this brainiac, pitching-dominant version of baseball was not much fun to watch.
“Look, there’s nothing wrong with analytics,” Manfred told me. “The problem is, they have been used to solve for one thing: ‘How do I win baseball games?’ That’s a very narrow goal when you think about the business overall.” Manfred, who started working in baseball as an outside counsel in 1987, joined the league full-time in 1998 as the executive vice president for labor relations and human resources. Fidgety and intense, he can evince the aloof manner of a lawyer-bureaucrat who quite obviously never played the game. He also talks like this: “Analytics can quite frankly ignore what your business optimization should look like in terms of revenue.”
As a practical matter, he says, statistical probabilities take time to process and disseminate. A bench coach, for instance, might notice something from the dugout. Then he might consult a spreadsheet and call to the batter, who then might step out of the batter’s box for a few seconds while he receives the information. The catcher might then try to adjust the pitch sequence, or adjust an already complicated set of signs, which might necessitate a visit to the mound.
Another example: the shift. Refined data have helped teams become more precise at placing their defenders where opposing batters are most likely to hit the ball, and at adjusting for specific counts. Against certain left-handed pull hitters, shortstops would routinely move to the right of second base, joining the second and first basemen on a lopsided infield. This wasted several more seconds—moving the players around—and also a lot of offense: Singles and doubles that were once smashed through infield holes became momentum-killing outs.
Beyond the cold tyranny of numbers, the culture of baseball had evolved in the direction of dead time. Every team, for instance, embraced mental-skills coaching, which encouraged players to “slow the game down” with assorted breathing, visualization, and relaxation techniques. Likewise, certain batter’s-box tics—such as the Red Sox Hall of Famer David Ortiz spitting on his hands and clapping them together—had become legendary. They were also widely imitated. John Stanton, the chair of the Mariners and a longtime proponent of the new rules as chair of the league’s joint competition committee, which oversees rules and on-field issues, witnessed this when he coached his sons’ Little League teams. Robinson Canó, a star infielder who played five years for the Mariners, had a very particular method of adjusting his batting gloves after each pitch. “And then all of a sudden I see my 6-year-old and my 12-year-old doing the same thing,” Stanton told me. Similar delays were breaking out all over the field. “The dynamic was, we were teaching a whole new generation to walk around the back of the mound every time they threw the ball,” he said.
“If we had let this game evolve on its own, we were on our way to an unwatchable sport,” Epstein told me. He left the Cubs after the 2020 season and went on to join Major League Baseball as a consultant, to help reverse the tailspin that had befallen the game itself. He shared a few key data points that illustrated the grim trend lines he’d been up against when he joined the rescue squad. In 2021, Epstein’s first season as a consultant, major-league games averaged a record three hours and 11 minutes; that’s a full 42 minutes longer than the two hours and 29 minutes they averaged in 1976. What’s more, not much was happening between the endless time-outs, rosin-bag ruminations, elbow-pad modifications, and testicle readjustments. This was especially true on offense. In 2022, nonpitchers had their lowest batting average of all time: .243. The strikeout rate had risen to 22.4 percent, approaching the rate that two of the best strikeout pitchers in history, Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan, had achieved over their career. As noted by my Atlantic colleague Derek Thompson, “In the century and a half of MLB history covered by the database Baseball Reference, the 10 years with the most strikeouts per game are the past 10.”
“So what’s it going to look like 10 years from now, when the league is hitting .215?” Epstein said. “Who’s going to watch that?”
After my spring-training brush with Juan Soto, Glen Caplin, an MLB PR executive, walked me through brief visits with the managers of both the Padres and the Mariners. It was a cool Cactus League morning of luminous sun and green grass (cracking of bats, thudding of mitts, Shoeless Joe emerging from the cacti). Fans began pulling into the Peoria Sports Complex for the 1:10 p.m. game. Bob Melvin, the Padres manager, stationed himself in a small patio area outside the locker room and addressed reporters. Melvin, a former big-league catcher now leading his fourth team, has the weary, seen-it-all manner of an exemplary baseball man. He allowed that it was unfortunate that the slowing of the game had repelled generations of potential fans. But he also spoke of the phenomenon with remove: This was not his problem.
“I’ve noticed it, but I don’t really care,” he told me. In other words, Melvin would much rather win a game in four hours than lose in two. Everyone affiliated with the Padres, or any other team, would say the same.
“From a baseball-operations standpoint, you just don’t have the bandwidth to think about the fan experience,” Epstein told me. “It’s a zero-sum game. If you want to win five more games, you have to take those five wins away from another team. All of your thinking, all of your R&D, is geared to doing that.” When Epstein was leading the analytics revolution in baseball as a Moneyball guru for the Red Sox and then the Cubs, I asked him, did he ever consider the unintended harm he might be causing the game? “No,” he said. “It was all about how to prevent one more run and score one more run.”
Players and managers might talk about “growing the game” and “attracting new fans,” but it usually comes off as lip service. “We are in the entertainment business, and we have to understand that, keeping it as fan-friendly as we can,” Scott Servais, the Seattle manager, who was sitting in his office, told me. The Mariners’ clubhouse dog, Tucker, a yellow lab–retriever mix, kept scurrying in and out of the room (apparently hungry). What happens, I asked, if “fan friendliness” conflicts with “player or manager friendliness”?
“We’re in the entertainment business,” Servais said again. His voice assumed the dutiful monotone of a hostage video. But as we spoke, I began to believe that Servais, another former catcher, who was participating in his 35th spring training, was sincere. I asked him if he ever worried about the state of the game.
“Yes, I do,” Servais told me. He paused. “I’m trying to decide if I want to say this or not”—always a sentence that makes a reporter’s ears perk up. He glanced at his PR babysitters. “There are games when I’m sitting there in the dugout, and I will think, This is boring,” Servais said. “And I’ve been part of this game my whole life. This is boring. It’s three up, three down. No action.”
If there is one team that has bought into baseball’s acceleration campaign, it is the Mariners, led by Stanton, the chair of MLB’s joint competition committee. Stanton has steeped himself in the trend lines of tedium that have stricken the sport. He has also studied how other sports leagues have adjusted their rules to enliven games: The NBA’s 24-second shot clock eliminated laborious stall tactics; the NFL made it harder for defenders to manhandle receivers, leading to an explosion of passing offense.
Given Stanton’s dual roles—as chief of the Mariners and champion of the pitch clock—I asked how he would feel if his team wound up winning the World Series on a clock violation. Stanton laughed, then stipulated that he would always prefer that a game not be decided by a rule infraction. But, he said, “as the managing partner of the one team in baseball that has never been to the World Series, if we get there as a result of an earthquake that hits the other 29 markets, we will still take it.”
Sword and Epstein, two of the founding fathers of the New Baseball, were in Arizona to witness the Mariners and Padres inaugurate the pitch-clock era. I found Sword tapping away on his phone outside the San Diego clubhouse before the game, his cheeks an even darker hue of cardinal red than usual. Normally a relaxed and comfortable presence, Sword was a conspicuous basket case today. He was leaning against the door of a closet marked Isolation Room, preparing to do a final consult with the umpires and officials from both clubs and then visit the press box to check in with the stadium’s pitch-clock operator.
A few minutes before the first pitch, I settled into a lower box seat behind home plate, with Epstein to my left, and Sword and Caplin to my right. Epstein wore a cap pulled low over his forehead and kept his hands buried in his pockets. He appeared more subdued than Sword—or maybe fatigued, given the spirited reunion he had enjoyed the night before with a bunch of his old pals from the Cubs at a raucous Mexican steak house in Scottsdale (fire dancers, infinite tequila). Epstein looked to be in desperate need of a nap, which, thanks to the new rules, should now be available to him sooner. “The pitch clock is great for hangovers,” he declared.
Epstein majored in American studies at Yale, and was hired by the Red Sox at 28, making him the youngest general manager in major-league history to that point. His curse-crushing résumé has earned him boy-genius-for-life status, even though he will turn 50 this year. Epstein and I first met in 2012, when I interviewed him in Chicago for an anthology of profiles that I contributed to about Semitic sports heroes, called Jewish Jocks. “Is this a pamphlet or a book?” Epstein had asked me when I’d first approached him, which immediately won me over, even though he’d already earned my eternal gratitude for his heroic Red Sox deeds. (Disclosure: I am totally in the tank for this man.)
Epstein had served on previous versions of the competition committee during his tenures with the Red Sox and the Cubs, and wished to remain involved in rule-and-reform debates after he left. He wrote Manfred a long letter in 2020, with recommendations on how to measure fan sentiment, develop new guidelines, and realize “the best version of baseball.” Manfred hired him as a part-time consultant, but not without ambivalence. Epstein is a brilliant and visionary figure in baseball, with a high profile and Hall of Fame cachet. This gave Manfred pause, something the commissioner was more open with me about than I would have expected.
“I’ll be honest with you; Theo’s a big presence,” Manfred told me. “When you bring somebody in like that, it’s like, how is he gonna fit with the people who are here?” He twice noted that Epstein was “really active with the press” and also wondered, “Is his messaging going to be our messaging?”
Manfred emphasized that Epstein was hired to complement MLB’s existing staff. “I wasn’t out there looking for Theo,” he said, and reiterated that “the quarterback” of this project is Sword. “Not Theo, okay?”
Sword, for his part, sounded almost starstruck to be collaborating with Epstein. A product of the Moneyball generation himself, Sword views Epstein—a nonplayer who transformed the game—as a major inspiration. They had a jocular, easy rapport as they watched the Padres–Mariners game, rooting for one outcome above all: a brisk and glitchless contest with lots of base runners, preferably ending in less than two and a half hours.
Seattle’s Kolten Wong stepped in to lead off against San Diego’s Nick Martinez at 1:11 p.m. It was 62 degrees and sunny. Wong struck out, center fielder Julio Rodríguez grounded a single into left, and within a few minutes I barely noticed those big numbers counting down over the outfield fence. A minute later came history.
“So that was the first violation,” Epstein said. I hadn’t even noticed. Yes, Epstein said, it was on the hitter, San Diego’s Manny Machado, who had not settled into the box in time to face the Seattle left-hander Robbie Ray. The home-plate umpire, Ryan Blakney, called time and pointed to his wrist to signal a violation on Machado.
Both Epstein and Sword watched replays several times on their phones. Could the violation have been intentional? I had wondered if certain star players with mutinous tendencies (for instance, Machado) might engage in pitch-clock civil disobedience. Regardless, Machado was penalized a strike—the count was now 0–1—and would go down as the first pitch-clock scofflaw in baseball history; he then singled to left. (Six weeks later, Machado became the first player to be ejected over a pitch-clock violation after he called the home-plate umpire, Ron Kulpa, a “fucking douchebag,” per lipreading sources.)
The Padres and Mariners skipped right along, reaching the fifth inning after just an hour and five minutes. I mentioned to Epstein how smoothly everything appeared to be going—not just this game, but all of spring training, how little friction and complaint there seemed to be. Who have been the loudest critics? I asked him. Epstein did not hesitate.
“Online commenters.”
Entering the bottom of the ninth, the Mariners were up 3–2, and—far more important—the game had a good shot at coming in under two hours, 30 minutes. With one out, we were at 2:23, and history was in the hands of a bunch of roster stragglers. A walk, then a strikeout. “We’re at 2:25,” Caplin reported. The Padres shortstop Jackson Merrill singled to left, then third baseman Matthew Batten was hit by a pitch, and uh-oh. The Mariners’ pitching coach stepped out of the dugout. “Okay, you might be about to see a pitching change, which would really fuck us,” Epstein said. Phew, it was only a mound visit. San Diego’s right fielder David Dahl stepped into the box at 2:28. He flied out to right field to end the game in a brisk two hours, 29 minutes.
“We did it, baby,” Epstein said, pumping his fist in celebration of a triumph that obviously surpasses everything else he’s ever achieved in baseball.
When I first set out on this story, I imagined an obituary. Baseball’s plodding demise was the hook. The game was mortally ill. Its tempo was poorly suited to the age. Its leaders were overmatched. Manfred made for a perfectly peevish face of the collapse. He had a special gift for making matters worse. In 2020, after the Astros were caught in a sign-stealing caper, Manfred declined to revoke their ill-gotten World Series trophy from 2017, dismissing its significance as a “piece of metal.” He later apologized (just making “a rhetorical point,” he explained). During the labor impasse last March, a camera caught him practicing his golf swing on the day MLB announced it would be canceling games. Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman twice referred to the commissioner as “Manclown.”
But as it turns out, game times are down, ratings are up, and the new rules—especially the pitch clocks—are drawing raves. “If we’d had a pitch clock my entire career,” the Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, told the columnist Rick Reilly, “I might have learned how to play the violin by now.” As of mid-May, game times were averaging two hours and 37 minutes, almost half an hour less than the average game in 2022. Batting averages were up 12 points. (Sadly, this did not extend to my man Soto, who got off to a terrible start at the plate—through April, he was hitting 62 points lower than his career average.)
Manfred has no idea how to process all this good news. He always looks like he is bracing for a light tower to fall on his head. I kept hitting him with more sunny indicators—good fan surveys, few hiccups with the new rules—and he kept wincing as if he thought I was taunting him. But my sentiment was genuine. I told him that for the first time, I’d purchased the MLB.TV package this season ($139.99), and have probably watched more games in April and May alone than in all of the past five years combined.
On a typical night, as the rest of my family settles in to watch some weird Netflix show about sociopathic British teenagers, I open my laptop to catch the Sox, who got off to a fast start, in both senses of the word—winning games at rapid speeds. They managed a remarkable 14 comeback victories through mid-May. Right fielder Alex Verdugo alone has accounted for three walk-off hits, followed by delirious postgame interviews in which he tries, with limited success, to get through them without swearing (repeatedly). And it’s all usually over in time for that night’s NBA or NHL playoff action to crush my good mood and poison my dreams before bed (RIP Bruins, Celtics).
It’s still early with the pitch clocks. The effects of sped-up games on injuries, especially to pitchers, bear monitoring over the full season. Inevitably, violations will be called—or not called—in high-stakes situations. Fiascoes are likely. So, for that matter, is the next scandal or existential crisis that baseball—being baseball—will find a way to inflict on itself, and somehow make worse. And everyone will then go back to blaming Manfred for everything, including the earthquake that ends baseball once and for all, except in Seattle, city of champions.
So far, though, 2023 has been a joy. I am becoming reacquainted with box scores. Sword told me he brought his 6-year-old to Mets Opening Day at Citi Field and they made it through all nine innings—another historic first. From what I’ve observed (a very scientific sample), fans are looking less at their phones, for fear of missing something.
Later in the spring, I concluded my baseball reclamation journey with an outing to Nationals Park, where Washington’s woeful squad was hosting the Cleveland Guardians on a sunny Saturday. Before the game, I visited with Terry Francona, Cleveland’s manager, ostensibly to get his view on the pitch clock, but mostly because I wanted to profusely thank him—consummate professional that I am—for his glorious life’s work of managing the World Series–winning Red Sox of 2004 and 2007.
I arrived at the Cleveland clubhouse two hours before the 4:05 p.m. game and, of course, spent several minutes waiting around. The players all looked 14 years old. Most wore headphones and stared deep into their phones. A small group played cards, while one of them counted out $100 bills on the arm of a couch. A Cleveland PR guy informed me that “Tito”—as Francona is known—was ready, and led me into the manager’s office. I had 10 minutes, three of which I spent on egregious New England fanboying.
Pitch clocks have required an adjustment, Francona told me. Especially for lifers like him. “I’ve been watching the game one way for 44 years, and now all of a sudden it’s different,” he said. What slowed baseball down to begin with? Francona mentions a few contributors: among others, walk-up music—the modern practice of ballparks blaring a batter’s self-selected song as he comes to the plate. Before, hitters might pause to hear their selection to its completion. But that’s harder now, especially if the pitcher is ready to go. “So many players have shticks, it started to take over the game,” Francona said. I asked what his shtick was.
“I have none,” he replied immediately. “My shtick is I hope we play good.”
As I was finishing this article, Josh Rawitch, from the Hall of Fame, let me know that the museum had secured—and for this we can be grateful—the “ClockCom” buzzer that had alerted Ron Kulpa, the third-base umpire on Opening Day at Wrigley Field, to the first pitch-clock violation to ever occur in a regular-season game.
Baseball’s obsession with preserving its keepsakes through the generations is part of its charm, as though the sport is constantly adding new sepia-toned episodes to its perpetual Ken Burns documentary. But from the discussions I’ve had with the various custodians of America’s pastime, they clearly do understand that for the game to capture new and younger cohorts of fans, it needs to be more than just the sum of its immutable traditions.
Before I left the MLB offices for the last time, I stopped to visit Sword, who had just finished watching his daily video mashup of every infraction that had occurred at every ballpark the night before—a kind of customized RedZone package for pitch-clock-violation junkies. (Sounds like fun viewing, I said.) I mentioned to Sword that baseball sometimes seems to treat itself like one big museum piece. This seemed to amuse him. “It’s actually a perfect metaphor,” he said, “because I couldn’t drag my kids to a museum.”
The idea is that baseball needs to attract new fans. But there’s a parallel notion here, with life lessons embedded. Change can invigorate at any age. It’s important to keep traditions, and base runners, moving. Obsolescence is a choice.
This article appears in the July/August 2023 print edition with the headline “How Baseball Saved Itself.” When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.
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I travel around the United States and to other countries giving presentations and workshops on university and high school campuses and at professional conventions on social justice issues.
A few years ago, I spoke about the topic of heterosexism at an east coast university. A student asked me what my undergraduate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) student group was like.
“Was there much resistance from the administration and from other students?” she inquired. More questions followed: “Did the women and men work well together?” “Were bisexuals and trans people welcomed?” “Was the group’s focus political or mainly social?” “Was there a separate ‘coming out’ group for new members?” “What kinds of campus activities did your group sponsor?”
As she asked me these questions, my head began to whirl with visions of my undergraduate years. I stopped long enough to inform her that I graduated with my B.A. degree on June 13, 1969 – 15 days before the momentous Stonewall rebellion, an event generally credited with sparking the modern movement for LGBTQ liberation and equality.
Though I later learned that some universities like Cornell, Stanford, and Columbia had officially recognized LGBTQ-equivalent student groups before 1969, as a graduating senior, the concept of an “out” person, let alone an organized, above-ground student organization was not even in my range of possibilities.
I was born during the height of the Cold War era directly following World War II, a time when any sort of human difference was held suspect. On the floor of the U.S. Senate, a young and brash senator from Wisconsin, Joseph McCarthy, loudly proclaimed that Communists corrupt the minds, and homosexuals corrupt the bodies of good, upstanding Americans, and he proceeded to purge suspected Communists and homosexuals from government service.
When I was only two years old, my parents suspected that I might be gay, or to use the terminology of the day, “homosexual.” Shy and withdrawn, I preferred to spend most of my time alone.
Later, on the playground at school, children called me names like “sissy,” “fairy,” pansy,” and little girl” with an incredible vehemence and malice that I did not understand.
My parents sent me to a child psychologist in 1952 when I was only four years old until I reached my 13th birthday with the expressed purpose of making sure that I did not grow up “homosexual.”
Each session at the psychologist’s office, I took off my coat and placed it on the hook behind the door, and for the next 50 minutes, the psychologist and I built model airplanes, cars, and trains – so-called age-appropriate “boy-type toys.” It was obvious that the psychologist confused issues of gender with sexuality believing that one could prevent homosexuality by learning “masculine” behaviors.
During high school in the early 1960s, I had very few friends and never dated. It was not that I did not wish to date, but I wanted to date some of the other boys, but I could not even talk about this at the time, for the concept of high school Gay/Straight Alliance was still many years in the future. In high school, the topic of homosexuality rarely surfaced officially in the classroom, and then only in a negative context.
I graduated high school in 1965 with the hope that college life would somehow be better for me. I hoped that people would be more open-minded, less conforming, more accepting of difference.
To a great extent, things were better. In college, I demonstrated my opposition to the war in Vietnam with others. I worked to reduce racism on campus, and I helped plan environmental ecology teach-ins. Nevertheless, there was still something missing for me. I knew I was gay, but I had no outlet of support through which I could express my feelings.
As far as I knew, there were no openly LGBTQ people, no support groups, no organizations, and no classes or library materials that did anything more than tell me that homosexuality was “abnormal” and that I needed to change.
In 1967, I finally decided to see a therapist in the campus counseling center, and I began what for me was a very difficult coming out process. And then during my first year of graduate school in 1970, I experienced a turning point in my life.
In my campus newspaper, The Spartan Daily, at San José State University, I saw the headline in bog bold letters: “GAY LIBERATION FRONT DENIED CAMPUS RECOGNITION.”
The article stated that the chancellor of the California State University system, Glenn Dumke, under then Governor Ronald Reagan’s direction, had denied recognition to the campus chapter of the Gay Liberation Front.
In the ruling, Dumke stated that “The effect of recognition…of the Gay Liberation Front could conceivably to be endorse or to promote homosexual behavior, to attract homosexuals to the campus, and to expose minors to homosexual advocacy and practices” and “…belief that the proposed Front created too great a risk for students – a risk which might lead students to engage in illegal homosexual behavior.”
This was the first I had heard of such a group, and the first time I had heard about other LGBTQ people on my campus. I called the coordinator of the group, and she invited me to the next meeting.
Since the university chancellor did not permit group members to hold meetings on our campus, they met at a little diner on a small side street a few blocks off campus. Unfortunately, this only confirmed my fears of the underground nature of LGBTQ life. As I approached the door to enter the meeting, I felt as if I were a member of the French resistance during the Nazi occupation.
Upon entering, I saw around 15 people. I recognized one man from my chemistry class, but the others were strangers. I saw a near even mix of men and women, which made me feel a bit easier. In my mind, I had envisioned 50 men waiting to pounce on me as I entered, but I soon discovered that they were all good people who were concerned about me. They invited me to their homes, and before too long, I relaxed in their presence.
I left San José in 1971 to work for a progressive educational journal, EdCentric, at the National Students Association in Washington, DC. Within a few month after arriving, I founded and became the first director of the National Gay Students Center, a national clearinghouse working to connect and exchange information between the newly emerging network of LGBT campus organizations within the US.
One year after leaving San José, I read that students at Sacramento State University, represented by the student government, sued the chancellor in Sacramento County Superior Court and won the case forcing the university officially to recognize their group. The court upheld the students’ First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of association by affirming their contention that
“…to justify suppression of free speech, there must be reasonable grounds to fear that serious evil will result if free speech is practiced; there must be reasonable grounds to believe that the danger apprehended is imminent.”
I had the opportunity to talk with Marty Rogers, one of the founding members of the LGBTQ group at Sacramento State University, who described how the denial of recognition and eventual court battle was instrumental in the group’s organizing success:
“Being denied recognition, being decreed invisible, reactivated in most group members other similar and painful incidents in their lives. The difference this time was that there was mutual support — from the campus newspaper and from the student government. Two faculty members openly acknowledged their homosexuality through letters to the Acting College President and the campus newspaper—they insisted on being seen. For once, homosexuals were not running and hiding. Publicly announcing one’s homosexuality, an issue which had not really been confronted previously, became an actuality as a result of the denial of recognition.
Fortified by this case, other campus groups throughout the country have waged and won similar battles.
A few years ago, I boarded a subway train car on the Green Line in Boston bound for Boston University where I was scheduled to present a workshop on LGBTQ history at an annual Northeast LGBTQ student conference. Also entering the car were four young male students en route to the conference, one whom I remembered from a workshop I had given the previous day.
Once on board, they sat two by two in rows directly in front of me. After a few moments of animated talk and without apparent concern or self-consciousness, one of them reached out his hand and gently stroked the hair of the young man seated next to him. The other man welcomed and accepted the gesture.
Witnessing this scene, I thought about how far LGBTQ people had come from the time I attended college as an undergraduate. Tears came to my eyes as I thought back to the pain of coming out of a closet of denial and fear. I saw before me memories of the hard and often frightening work so many of us have been doing to ensure a safer environment for young people to be able to display seemingly simple acts of affection for someone of their own sex, acts which heterosexual couples routinely take for granted.
Through my travels to college and university campuses, I come away with the definite sense that conditions remain somewhat difficult for some LGBTQ and questioning young people today, especially in the retro-climate in which we find ourselves, though we have made some progress. Support systems in many places have been set firmly in place on campuses, and students today appear more self-assured and exhibit a certain joyous and feisty rebellion not seen only a decade or so ago.
Therefore, I realize that though school is still not a particularly “queer” place to be, it is a great deal better than ever before. In solidarity, then, we need to keep up the struggle.
I wish everyone a joyous and safe Pride month, and I hope we all remain vigilant in these current difficult times.
***
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]]>The experience inspired him to write “The Uses of Natural History,” and to articulate a philosophy that put naturalism at the center of intellectual life in a technologically chaotic age—guiding him, along with the collective of writers and radical thinkers known as transcendentalists, to a new spiritual belief system. Through empirical observation of the natural world, Emerson believed, anyone could become “a definer and map-maker of the latitudes and longitudes of our condition”—finding agency, individuality, and wonder in a mechanized age.
America was crackling with invention in those years, and everything seemed to be speeding up as a result. Factories and sugar mills popped up like dandelions, steamships raced to and from American ports, locomotives tore across the land, the telegraph connected people as never before, and the first photograph was taken, forever altering humanity’s view of itself. The national mood was a mix of exuberance, anxiety, and dread.
[From the June 2018 issue: Henry A. Kissenger on AI and how the Enlightenment ends]
The flash of vision Emerson experienced in Paris was not a rejection of change but a way of reimagining human potential as the world seemed to spin off its axis. Emerson’s reaction to the technological renaissance of the 19th century is worth revisiting as we contemplate the great technological revolution of our own century: the rise of artificial superintelligence.
Even before its recent leaps, artificial intelligence has for years roiled the informational seas in which we swim. Early disturbances arose from the ranking algorithms that have come to define the modern web—that is, the opaque code that tells Google which results to show you, and that organizes and personalizes your feeds on social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by slurping up data about you as a way to assess what to spit back out.
Now imagine this same internet infrastructure but with programs that communicate with a veneer of authority on any subject, with the ability to generate sophisticated, original text, audio, and video, and the power to mimic individuals in a manner so convincing that people will not know what is real. These self-teaching AI models are being designed to become better at what they do with every single interaction. But they also sometimes hallucinate, and manipulate, and fabricate. And you cannot predict what they’ll do or why they’ll do it. If Google’s search engine is the modern-day Library of Alexandria, the new AI will be a mercurial prophet.
[From the May 2018 issue: The era of fake video begins]
Generative artificial intelligence is advancing with unbelievable speed, and will be applied across nearly every discipline and industry. Tech giants—including Alphabet (which owns Google), Amazon, Meta (which owns Facebook), and Microsoft—are locked in a race to weave AI into existing products, such as maps, email, social platforms, and photo software.
The technocultural norms and habits that have seized us during the triple revolution of the internet, smartphones, and the social web are themselves in need of a thorough correction. Too many people have allowed these technologies to simply wash over them. We would be wise to rectify the errors of the recent past, but also to anticipate—and proactively shape—what the far more radical technology now emerging will mean for our lives, and how it will come to remake our civilization.
Corporations that stand to profit off this new technology are already memorizing the platitudes necessary to wave away the critics. They’ll use sunny jargon like “human augmentation” and “human-centered artificial intelligence.” But these terms are as shallow as they are abstract. What’s coming stands to dwarf every technological creation in living memory: the internet, the personal computer, the atom bomb. It may well be the most consequential technology in all of human history.
People are notoriously terrible at predicting the future, and often slow to recognize a revolution—even when it is already under way. But the span of time between when new technology emerges and when standards and norms are hardened is often short. The Wild West, in other words, only lasts for so long. Eventually, the railroads standardize time; incandescent bulbs beat out arc lamps; the dream of the open web dies.
The window for effecting change in the realm of AI is still open. Yet many of those who have worked longest to establish guardrails for this new technology are despairing that the window is nearly closed.
Generative AI, just like search engines, telephones, and locomotives before it, will allow us to do things with levels of efficiency so profound, it will seem like magic. We may see whole categories of labor, and in some cases entire industries, wiped away with startling speed. The utopians among us will view this revolution as an opportunity to outsource busywork to machines for the higher purpose of human self-actualization. This new magic could indeed create more time to be spent on matters more deserving of our attention—deeper quests for knowledge, faster routes to scientific discovery, extra time for leisure and with loved ones. It may also lead to widespread unemployment and the loss of professional confidence as a more competent AI looks over our shoulder.
[Annie Lowrey: Before AI takes over, make plans to give everyone money]
Government officials, along with other well-intentioned leaders, are groping toward ethical principles for artificial intelligence—see, for example, the White House’s “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.” (Despite the clunky title, the intention is for principles that will protect human rights, though the question of civil rights for machines will eventually arise.) These efforts are necessary but not enough to meet the moment.
We should know by now that neither the government’s understanding of new technologies nor self-regulation by tech behemoths can adequately keep pace with the speed of technological change or Silicon Valley’s capacity to seek profit and scale at the expense of societal and democratic health. What defines this next phase of human history must begin with the individual.
Just as the Industrial Revolution sparked transcendentalism in the U.S. and romanticism in Europe—both movements that challenged conformity and prioritized truth, nature, and individualism—today we need a cultural and philosophical revolution of our own. This new movement should prioritize humans above machines and reimagine human relationships with nature and with technology, while still advancing what this technology can do at its best. Artificial intelligence will, unquestionably, help us make miraculous, lifesaving discoveries. The danger lies in outsourcing our humanity to this technology without discipline, especially as it eclipses us in apperception. We need a human renaissance in the age of intelligent machines.
In the face of world-altering invention, with the power of today’s tech barons so concentrated, it can seem as though ordinary people have no hope of influencing the machines that will soon be cognitively superior to us all. But there is tremendous power in defining ideals, even if they ultimately remain out of reach. Considering all that is at stake, we have to at least try.
[From the June 2023 issue: Never give artificial intelligence the nuclear codes]
Transparency should be a core tenet in the new human exchange of ideas—people ought to disclose whenever an artificial intelligence is present or has been used in communication. This ground rule could prompt discipline in creating more-human (and human-only) spaces, as well as a less anonymous web. Any journalist can tell you that anonymity should be used only as a last resort and in rare scenarios for the public good. We would benefit from cultural norms that expect people to assert not just their opinions but their actual names too.
Now is the time, as well, to recommit to making deeper connections with other people. Live videochat can collapse time and distance, but such technologies are a poor substitute for face-to-face communication, especially in settings where creative collaboration or learning is paramount. The pandemic made this painfully clear. Relationships cannot and should not be sustained in the digital realm alone, especially as AI further erodes our understanding of what is real. Tapping a “Like” button is not friendship; it’s a data point. And a conversation with an artificial intelligence is one-sided—an illusion of connection.
Someday soon, a child may not have just one AI “friend,” but more AI friends than human ones. These companions will not only be built to surveil the humans who use them; they will be tied inexorably to commerce—meaning that they will be designed to encourage engagement and profit. Such incentives warp what relationships ought to be.
Writers of fiction—Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Rod Serling, José Saramago—have for generations warned of doppelgängers that might sap our humanity by stealing a person’s likeness. Our new world is a wormhole to that uncanny valley.
Whereas the first algorithmic revolution involved using people’s personal data to reorder the world for them, the next will involve our personal data being used not just to splinter our shared sense of reality, but to invent synthetic replicas. The profit-minded music-studio exec will thrill to the notion of an AI-generated voice with AI-generated songs, not attached to a human with intellectual-property rights. Artists, writers, and musicians should anticipate widespread impostor efforts and fight against them. So should all of us. One computer scientist recently told me she’s planning to create a secret code word that only she and her elderly parents know, so that if they ever hear her voice on the other end of the phone pleading for help or money, they’ll know whether it’s been generated by an AI trained on her publicly available lectures to sound exactly like her and scam them.
Today’s elementary-school children are already learning not to trust that anything they see or hear through a screen is real. But they deserve a modern technological and informational environment built on Enlightenment values: reason, human autonomy, and the respectful exchange of ideas. Not everything should be recorded or shared; there is individual freedom in embracing ephemerality. More human interactions should take place only between the people involved; privacy is key to preserving our humanity.
Finally, a more existential consideration requires our attention, and that is the degree to which the pursuit of knowledge orients us inward or outward. The artificial intelligence of the near future will supercharge our empirical abilities, but it may also dampen our curiosity. We are at risk of becoming so enamored of the synthetic worlds that we create—all data sets, duplicates, and feedback loops—that we cease to peer into the unknown with any degree of true wonder or originality.
We should trust human ingenuity and creative intuition, and resist overreliance on tools that dull the wisdom of our own aesthetics and intellect. Emerson once wrote that Isaac Newton “used the same wit to weigh the moon that he used to buckle his shoes.” Newton, I’ll point out, also used that wit to invent a reflecting telescope, the beginnings of a powerful technology that has allowed humankind to squint at the origins of the universe. But the spirit of Emerson’s idea remains crucial: Observing the world, taking it in using our senses, is an essential exercise on the path to knowledge. We can and should layer on technological tools that will aid us in this endeavor, but never at the expense of seeing, feeling, and ultimately knowing for ourselves.
A future in which overconfident machines seem to hold the answers to all of life’s cosmic questions is not only dangerously misguided, but takes away that which makes us human. In an age of anger, and snap reactions, and seemingly all-knowing AI, we should put more emphasis on contemplation as a way of being. We should embrace an unfinished state of thinking, the constant work of challenging our preconceived notions, seeking out those with whom we disagree, and sometimes still not knowing. We are mortal beings, driven to know more than we ever will or ever can.
The passage of time has the capacity to erase human knowledge: Whole languages disappear; explorers lose their feel for crossing the oceans by gazing at the stars. Technology continually reshapes our intellectual capacities. What remains is the fact that we are on this planet to seek knowledge, truth, and beauty—and that we only get so much time to do it.
As a small child in Concord, Massachusetts, I could see Emerson’s home from my bedroom window. Recently, I went back for a visit. Emerson’s house has always captured my imagination. He lived there for 47 years until his death, in 1882. Today, it is maintained by his descendants and a small staff dedicated to his legacy. The house is some 200 years old, and shows its age in creaks and stains. But it also possesses a quality that is extraordinarily rare for a structure of such historic importance: 141 years after his death, Emerson’s house still feels like his. His books are on the shelves. One of his hats hangs on a hook by the door. The original William Morris wallpaper is bright green in the carriage entryway. A rendering of Francesco Salviati’s The Three Fates, holding the thread of destiny, stands watch over the mantel in his study. This is the room in which Emerson wrote Nature. The table where he sat to write it is still there, next to the fireplace.
Standing in Emerson’s study, I thought about how no technology is as good as going to the place, whatever the destination. No book, no photograph, no television broadcast, no tweet, no meme, no augmented reality, no hologram, no AI-generated blueprint or fever dream can replace what we as humans experience. This is why you make the trip, you cross the ocean, you watch the sunset, you hear the crickets, you notice the phase of the moon. It is why you touch the arm of the person beside you as you laugh. And it is why you stand in awe at the Jardin des Plantes, floored by the universe as it reveals its hidden code to you.
This article appears in the July/August 2023 print edition with the headline “In Defense of Humanity.” When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.
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