The Guardian
There’s nothing they need, nothing they don’t own already, nothing they even want. Buy them a solar-powered waving queen; a silver-plated ice cream tub holder; a “hilarious” inflatable zimmer frame; a confection of plastic and electronics called Terry the Swearing Turtle; or – and somehow I find this significant – a Scratch Off World wall map. … more »
PBS.org
Sacramento fire stations no longer will distribute masks to the public. Peter Beilenson, the county’s Department of Health Services director, said the county decided to stop handing out the masks because they aren’t necessary and are potentially harmful. Just stay indoors. … more »
ArlingtonVA
A recent study from RENTCafe suggests San Francisco, eternally maligned as one of the nation's--and the world's--least affordable cities for renters, is actually the second most affordable in the United States. Is this true? … more »
NASA
One hard fact is that those who cover it are at heightened risk of murder, arrest, assault, threats, self-exile, lawsuits and harassment. According to one estimate, 40 reporters around the world died between 2005 and September 2016 because of their environmental reporting – more than were killed covering the U.S. war in Afghanistan. … more »
China Daily
The world’s biggest market for electric vehicles wants to get even bigger, so it’s giving automakers what amounts to an ultimatum. Starting in January, all major manufacturers operating in China, have to meet minimum requirements there for producing new-energy vehicles, or NEVs (plug-in hybrids, pure-battery electrics, and fuel-cell autos). … more »
plainpicture/robertharding/Jon Purcell
Climate breakdown could be rapid and unpredictable. Softer aims might be politically realistic, but they are physically unrealistic. Only shifts commensurate with the scale of our existential crises have any prospect of averting them. Hopeless realism, tinkering at the edges of the problem, got us into this mess. It will not get us out. … more »
MTC
Transformative Operational Strategy Finalists Integrated Transit Fare System, Seamless Bay Area and SPUR Free Transit, Higher-Occupancy HOV Lanes, Demand-Based Tolls on All Highways, Reversible Lanes, Freight Delivery Timing Regulation … more »
Northwestern
There are likely very few people in the world that aren't familiar with the nightmare that can often be parking. Whether at the airport, a busy shopping mall or sports stadium, almost all large facilities can create a headache when it comes to finding an open parking spot in an efficient and timely manner. … more »
Estonia
In 2005, Estonia became the first country in the world to hold nation-wide elections using internet voting. the Estonian solution is simple, elegant and secure. During a designated pre-voting period, the voter logs onto the system using an ID-card or Mobile-ID, and casts a ballot. Their system is built on blockchain technology. … more »
John Parulis
"The Bank of North Dakota, currently the nation’s only state-owned depository bank, has been called a “mini-Fed” for that state. The Bank of North Dakota partners with local banks to make below-market loans for community purposes, including 2 percent loans for local infrastructure" … more »
