Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Advocating for RSS: One Person's Campaign for Better News Feeds

2025-01-18

ReedyBear, a blogger, has been actively advocating for more websites to support RSS feeds. Frustrated by the lack of RSS support on many sites he follows, he's personally contacted government organizations, news outlets, and game companies, successfully persuading some to add RSS. The post encourages readers to join the movement, highlighting the benefits of RSS for a cleaner, more controlled news experience, free from ads and algorithmic biases.

(reedybear.bearblog.dev)

Misc information access user advocacy

Malta's Grand Harbour: A Devastating 16th-Century Tornado

2025-01-18

On September 23, 1551 (or 1556, sources differ), a powerful tornado struck Malta's Grand Harbour, resulting in at least 600 fatalities. Beginning as a waterspout, the tornado capsized hundreds of ships, drowning countless sailors. At least four galleys belonging to the Knights of St. John were lost. Classified as an F3 (or TORRO T7) tornado, this event ranks among history's deadliest, highlighting the immense destructive power of nature.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc tornado natural disaster Malta

UK Study Reveals Accent Bias in Criminal Justice System

2025-01-17

A University of Cambridge study reveals a persistent bias in the UK criminal justice system, linking working-class accents with criminal behavior. Participants rated recordings of various regional accents, with Liverpool and Bradford accents perceived as more likely to be associated with crime. This bias, the researchers argue, can impact all stages of the justice system, from arrest to sentencing, and even affect witness credibility. The study highlights the need for improved voice identification procedures to mitigate accent-based prejudice and ensure fairer outcomes.

(www.cam.ac.uk)

Misc criminal justice accent bias social prejudice

Rescued from the Digital Void: Kevin Killian's Amazon Reviews

2025-01-17

This book collects over two thousand Amazon reviews written by the late poet Kevin Killian between 2003 and 2019. Beginning after a heart attack as a form of therapeutic writing, Killian's reviews evolved from short comments into insightful essays on everything from everyday objects to books and films. They offer a unique perspective on popular culture from the first quarter of the 21st century, blending humor and personal reflection. The publication of this collection is a rescue mission for Killian's digital legacy and a poignant reflection on the ephemeral nature of online content.

(www.clereviewofbooks.com)

Misc literary criticism Amazon

The Morro Castle Disaster: A Suspicious Fire and a Trail of Suspects

2025-01-17

In 1934, the luxury liner SS Morro Castle was ravaged by a sudden fire at sea, resulting in a devastating loss of life. The captain's mysterious death just hours before the blaze only deepened the mystery. Chaos ensued as passengers and crew struggled to escape the inferno and the stormy waters. Investigations pointed towards radio operator George Rogers, whose past and connections to the captain’s death raised significant suspicions, yet a lack of definitive proof left the case unresolved. The tragedy highlighted maritime safety failings of the era, leaving behind a lingering question mark about who was truly responsible for the disaster.

(www.damninteresting.com)

Misc maritime disaster SS Morro Castle arson

In Defense of Productivity Systems: It's About Doing the Work, But Systems Help

2025-01-17

This article explores the pros and cons of productivity tools. The author argues that while a minimalist 'heads-down' approach works for some, a personalized system is key for most to truly boost efficiency. Using personal experience, the author highlights the importance of building and using a system that suits individual needs, emphasizing the diversity of styles across different systems and the value of mutual inspiration. Ultimately, the author concludes that regardless of system complexity, the key lies in finding what works and taking action.

(nicky.bearblog.dev)

Misc efficiency

Regulations.gov: Your Voice in Federal Rulemaking

2025-01-16

Regulations.gov is the U.S. government's website for public participation in the federal rulemaking process. Here, you can browse, comment on, and participate in discussions regarding proposed and final federal regulations. It's designed to increase government transparency and foster public engagement in policy creation. Whether you're interested in a specific regulation or want to voice your opinion on government policy, Regulations.gov is a crucial resource.

(www.regulations.gov)

Misc federal regulations public participation policymaking

Post-Disaster Aid: Best Practices for Donations and Volunteering

2025-01-16

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emphasizes that the most effective way to provide post-disaster aid is through cash donations to recognized disaster relief organizations. These organizations can procure necessary supplies based on actual needs, prioritizing local businesses in affected areas to support economic recovery. In-kind donations should be coordinated beforehand to avoid unnecessary burdens. Volunteers should also work through reputable organizations and avoid self-deploying to disaster zones. Post-disaster recovery is a long-term process; volunteer needs persist for months, even years, after the immediate emergency.

(www.fema.gov)

Misc Disaster Relief Volunteering Donations

The Extraordinary Life of Potoooooooo: A Racing Legend

2025-01-16

Potoooooooo, a chestnut thoroughbred with a legendary status, is renowned for his unusual name and spectacular racing career. He won over 25 races, his name, a humorous misspelling of "Potatoes," adding to his colorful story. After retirement, Potoooooooo became a significant sire, his offspring including multiple Epsom Derby winners. His genetic legacy continues to shape thoroughbred racing to this day.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc horse racing thoroughbred pedigree

Legendary Director David Lynch Passes Away

2025-01-16

Renowned film director David Lynch has passed away at the age of 77. His family released a statement expressing their deep sorrow and thanking fans for their years of support. Lynch was known for his unique surrealist style and profound exploration of the human condition. His films, including Mulholland Drive, The Elephant Man, and Blue Velvet, have profoundly impacted cinematic history. His passing is a significant loss to the world of cinema.

(www.facebook.com)

Misc David Lynch Film Director Death

2000-Year-Old Wine: A Taste of the Past

2025-01-16

A Roman tomb unearthed in Carmona, Spain, yielded a remarkable find: a 2,000-year-old glass urn containing five liters of remarkably preserved white wine, predating the previous record holder by three centuries. This discovery, along with other well-preserved artifacts like amber, textiles, and perfume, offers a visceral connection to the past, challenging the typical perception of history as solely comprised of grand events and famous figures. The author argues that such artifacts provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary people, making the past feel immediate and tangible.

(resobscura.substack.com)

Misc ancient Rome historical artifacts

JavaScript Error: You Need to Enable JavaScript to Run This App

The Free Music Archive (FMA) is a non-profit platform offering a vast library of original music available for free download and use under Creative Commons licenses. It's a win-win: artists gain exposure and build an audience, while users find royalty-free music for their projects, from YouTube videos to podcasts. FMA champions artist rights and recently launched a podcast series, "Music Insiders," showcasing the platform's talented creators and their musical journeys.

(freemusicarchive.org)

Misc music platform creative commons royalty-free music

77 Days, 3877 Miles: A Cyclist's Epic Journey Down the Eastern Divide Trail

2025-01-15

In the fall of 2024, zygomorph completed an epic 77-day bicycle journey covering 3,877 miles (6,239 km) along the US portion of the Eastern Divide Trail. From Maine to Florida, this detailed journal chronicles his adventure, filled with stunning scenery, challenging terrain, and unforgettable experiences. Each day is meticulously documented, rich with vibrant descriptions and photos, making for a compelling tale of outdoor exploration.

(www.crazyguyonabike.com)

Misc bikepacking long-distance cycling outdoor adventure bicycle touring

Digital Resource Helps Wildfire Survivors Recover

2025-01-15

The Home Loss File System, created by California wildfire survivors, is a digital resource designed to support individuals navigating the challenging process of disaster recovery. This comprehensive tool provides checklists, organizational tools, and essential resources to help manage insurance claims, document losses, and track expenses. It features multiple sheets covering immediate actions, insurance details, inventory management, mental health resources, and more. Physical boxes are also available upon request.

(docs.google.com)

Misc resource management

Luxury Everest Ascent: Banned Xenon Gas Fuels Controversy

2025-01-15

An expedition company is offering a one-week Everest ascent using banned xenon gas, for a hefty $154,000. Clients inhale a xenon mixture in Kathmandu, then summit within two days, bypassing acclimatization. Xenon boosts EPO production, enhancing oxygen transport, but is banned in sports. The company argues mountaineering isn't a regulated sport, thus avoiding doping rules. This raises ethical questions about the pursuit of extreme experiences by the wealthy.

(gripped.com)

Misc Mount Everest Xenon Gas Doping

Cold War Relic: The 'Maintain Top Safe Speed' Sign You Probably Never Knew Existed

2025-01-14

This article discusses a fascinating Cold War-era highway sign: 'MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED'. Designed for a post-nuclear attack scenario, this sign instructed drivers to speed through radiation-contaminated areas to minimize exposure. The article explores other Civil Defense signs from the MUTCD manual, including fallout shelter and decontamination center markers. While largely forgotten today, these signs offer a chilling glimpse into the anxieties of the Cold War and the government's preparations for unthinkable events.

(www.theautopian.com)

Misc Civil Defense Highway Signs

The Credibility Crisis in Academia: How Metrics Are Killing Research Quality

2025-01-14

Academia is facing a credibility crisis, with a record number of retracted papers and the rise of AI-generated content. The article argues that the over-reliance on metrics like publication counts and impact factors has led to 'indicatorism' – a focus on manipulating metrics rather than pursuing genuine research quality. This has resulted in unethical practices like citation cartels and fabricated data. While metrics have their uses, the author advocates for a more nuanced approach, incorporating qualitative assessments alongside quantitative data to gain a more holistic understanding of research quality and credibility. The current system, he warns, risks sacrificing long-term scientific progress for short-term performance gains.

(www.socialsciencespace.com)

Misc research metrics indicatorism

Post-Wildfire Home Loss File System: A Digital Resource

2025-01-14

This digital resource is a Home Loss File System created by California wildfire survivors to support those navigating the challenging process of disaster recovery. It provides essential resources, checklists, and organizational tools to efficiently manage insurance claims, document losses, and track expenses. The system includes multiple sheets covering everything from immediate post-fire steps to mental health resources and rebuilding information, along with summaries of California insurance claim rules and links to additional helpful resources.

(docs.google.com)

Misc disaster recovery insurance claims property loss

How Writing Reshaped English Sentence Complexity

2025-01-14

This article explores the impact of writing on the complexity of English sentences. Research shows that spoken languages tend towards simpler sentence structures, while written language favors complex, nested clauses. This difference stems from the inherent properties of writing versus speech: writing allows for deliberate planning and revision, whereas speech is constrained by time and memory. Furthermore, the cultural and knowledge backgrounds of different language communities also influence sentence complexity. The decline of complex sentence structures in modern written English may be linked to changes in reading habits and a demand for more accessible language.

(nautil.us)

Misc linguistics sentence structure

reMarkable Digest: Personal Reading Notes for your reMarkable

2025-01-14

reMarkable Digest is a personal reading digest app designed for the reMarkable tablet. It allows users to extract key passages from articles and books for easy review and organization later. Leveraging the reMarkable's paper-like writing experience, the app makes note-taking natural and efficient, improving both reading comprehension and knowledge management.

(digest.ferrucc.io)

Misc note-taking

Category: Misc