I felt like I needed a cheery photo of penguins in Antarctica after reading the alarming revised predictions about how fast the polar ice sheet could be disintegrating in The New York Times yesterday.
The newspaper published a sobering review of a new study published last week: “the total rise of the sea could reach five or six feet by 2100, the researchers found. That is roughly twice the increase reported as a plausible worst-case scenario by a United Nations panel just three years ago, and so high it would likely provoke a profound crisis within the lifetimes of children being born today.” The news that warming global temperatures means a looming disaster is not news, but the timeline is. Realizing that our grandparents were born around the turn of the last century puts that in such real, alarming, relatable terms. “In some areas, the shoreline would be likely to move inland by miles.
They did try to incorporate some voices of optimism as well; there’s hope if we act. And they included a primer, a helpful list of frequently asked questions on the topic—like what might be done to stop or slow the disintegration. Sharing the primer with 50 friends was noted as one good start, which of course is particularly savvy of a news source to say, but also likely true. So, friends, here it is.
And then take another look at those cute penguins! Awww…
Have a great weekend, and here are some other links of note…
Peggy Orenstein’s interview on NPR was one of the most interesting things I’ve listened to recently. I ordered her new book, Girls & Sex, immediately and have a feeling it’s going to be a must-read.
Giving gentle instructions and (the appearance of) choice works better than punishment for shaping behavior in children. I think Pavlov sort of figured that out first, but it’s a good read for parents. It’s helpful to be reminded—and given some more concrete tips.
I first tried Roasted Strawberry ice cream at Salt & Straw in Portland (on our road trip), and… yum. Here’s how to make some at home.
The real unicorn.
13 Questions to ask before getting married. I have a feeling this would be interesting at any stage.
Damn, Daniel. Cool white Vans.
Animals captured by remote cameras.
Tempted by this light cropped jacket for spring, and its slightly boxy silhouette.
How to happily travel with a group of friends.
Here are two trips we took with friends: a weekend on the California coast and a week in Grand Cayman.
Andrew Bird has a new single out, and an album coming soon. (Thanks, Lauren!)
Incredible daffodils. (Via Erin)
Today’s the last day to use the exclusive discount from Mollusk Surf Shop (20% off with H+T20) from this post. They added some new items, including that Guru cover up in Indigo Dip.
Finally, Happy April Fool’s Day! I tried looking up from reading the news this morning to tell Aron that Arnold Schwarzenegger just announced he’s entering the race and, while he laughed, he wasn’t very surprised—which is sadly telling, really. But this lady, she always has the BEST stuff on this day: Oh Joy Kitty Litter.
[Photo by Terrini via Flickr]
3 Comments