The rise of 'one-and-done' parenting

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The rise of 'one-and-done' parenting When Jen Dalton got pregnant in 2018, she made a spreadsheet. Taking into account maternity leave, family-spacing health recommendations and even potential family holidays, she planned out when to have each of the four kids she thought she wanted. "I look at it once in a while and I giggle at how naïve I was," says Dalton, 31. That’s because, just two months after her daughter's birth, she and her husband decided they were 'one and done'. Part of it was their struggle with sleep deprivation and mental health; Dalton dealt with a traumatic birth, postnatal depression (PND) and postpartum anxiety (PPA). But even when life became easier, the decision felt right. Continued here

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Bear: A Soulful Illustrated Meditation on Life with and Liberation from Depression Those of us who have lived with depression know the way it blindfolds us to beauty, the way it muffles the song of life, until we are left in the solitary confinement of our own somber ruminations, all the world a blank. It might feel like the visitation of some monster, but it is not something that happens upon us from the outside — it is our own undulating neurochemistry, it is the parts of ourselves we have not yet befriended, integrated, understood. “The gray drizzle of horror induced by depression takes on the quality of physical pain,” William Styron wrote in his timeless account of depression. The pain can feel interminable. It is a lifeline to remember that it is not — that there is an other side, that the blindfold and the muffler can come off just like they came on. That is what Swedish-born, London-based printmaker and graphic artist Staffan Gnosspelius explores with great subtlety and soulfulness in Bear (public library) — a wordless picture-book for grownups about life with and liberation from depression. We meet a bear with a body bent in the shape of sorrow and a cone on its head — a cone that won’t come off, only plunging the bear deeper into despair with each failed attempt. Continued here

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Uber Just Redesigned Its iPhone App, and This 1 Feature Is a Stroke of Genius A more personalized app, and a more glanceable experience. Continued here

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My Employee Can't Handle Even Slightly Negative Feedback And three other tricky workplace dilemmas. Continued here

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Meet the Founder: PetPlate's Renaldo Webb PetPlate founder Renaldo Webb talks about financing inequities, his proudest moment as an entrepreneur, and how he's grown alongside his company. Continued here

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These Successful Black Founders Have 3 Tips for Those Just Starting Out Pinky Cole, Monique Rodriguez, and Richelieu Dennis offer advice on hiring, funding, and more. Continued here

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A.I. Isn't Just for Arguing With Chatbots. Why Notion's CEO Thinks It Will Fundamentally Change the Way We All Work In an interview,Notion's CEO, Ivan Zhao, reveals how A.I. is going to make work easier and better. Continued here

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You Are Unintentionally Jeopardizing Your Team's Productivity Do this simple shift to improve output. Continued here

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How Paperless Post's James Hirschfeld Won Over Dubious Investors Over 175 million users can vouch for the convenienceofPaperless Post. Continued here

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3 Ways You Can Eliminate Silos to Accelerate Digital Transformation To accelerate and reap the benefits of digital transformation, organizations must know how to remove the 4 main types of silos. Continued here

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Venture Fundraising Reached a Nine-Year Low. You Can Still Get Your Share Venture Capital Funds are Tight. Entrepreneurs Should Follow These Tips. Continued here

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When Your Self-Talk is Killing Performance, Flip The Script Much of our behavior begins between our own two ears, which provide us with a unique opportunity to enhance our performance by simply changing the way we speak to ourselves. Continued here

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Underrepresented Entrepreneurs Have Bounced Back from Pandemic Obstacles. Here's How Despite setbacks and racial disparities, Latino and Black entrepreneurs are making important progress. Continued here

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Starbucks Is Making a Very Big Bet on a Very Strange Idea and I Can't Decide if It's Brilliant or Bizarre The coffee giant thinks adding olive oil to your latte is the next big thing. Continued here

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Apple Employs 3 Deep-Seated Psychological Triggers To Incite Spending. Anyone Can Use Them The clever strategy hidden in plain sight. Continued here

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Delta Air Lines Has a Secret Weapon for Delighting Customers. It's Something Every Business Should Copy If you're going to pay people to respond to tweets, empower them to solve problems and make people happy. Continued here

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Startups With Employees in the Office Grow 3.5 Times Faster, New Analysis Finds Lean Startup creator Steve Blank reflects on what this new data on remote work means for entrepreneurs. Continued here

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The Biggest Mistake Every New Boss Makes and What to Do Instead It may be time to "unboss" yourself, says the author of Two Weeks Notice . Continued here

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5 Red Flags That Suggest Your Leadership Needs a Major Upgrade, Backed by Research Findings from DDI's 2023 Global Leadership Forecast reveal the current and future state of leadership. Continued here

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What an FTC Noncompete Ban Could Mean for Workers and Businesses In January, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission proposed a ban on noncompete clauses in employment contracts. In addition to barring new noncompete agreements with employees and independent contractors, the rule would require employers to rescind existing ones. To understand what a federal ban could mean for workers and businesses, why it’s facing opposition, and how employers can prepare, we spoke with Evan Starr, an associate professor of management who studies noncompetes at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Evan Starr: Surveys show that between 50% and 60% of firms use noncompetes for at least some workers, and about 30% of firms use them for all workers. An estimated 18% to 30% of workers are bound by noncompete agreements. Executive roles are by far the most common place in which we see noncompete agreements. For other professionals, such as technical workers like engineers and doctors, it’s around 50%. But you see them in every corner of the labor market. The typical worker bound by one is paid by the hour and makes at the median about $14 an hour. I’ve seen noncompete agreements in volunteer contracts and nonprofit organizations, too. Continued here

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The mindset that brings unlimited willpower We all face demanding days that seem designed to test our self-control. Perhaps you are a barista, and you have some particularly rude and demanding customers, but you manage to keep your poise throughout. Or maybe you are finishing an important project and you have to remain in quiet concentration, without letting your attention slip to other distractions. If you are on a diet, you might have spent the past few hours resisting the cookie jar while the sweet treats silently whisper “eat me”. In each case, you would have relied on your willpower, which psychologists define as the ability to avoid short-term temptations and override unwanted thoughts, feelings or impulses. And some people seem to have much greater reserves of it than others: they find it easier to control their emotions, avoid procrastination and stick to their goals, without ever seeming to lose their iron grip on their behaviour. Indeed, you may know some lucky people who, after a hard day at work, have the resolve to do something productive like a workout – while you give up on your fitness goals and fall for the temptations of junk food and trash TV. Continued here

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The companies that churn through young workers Sarah had always dreamed of working in the fashion industry. Aged 21, she decided to follow her dream, move to London and find a career she loved. “Like many young people, my passion was fashion,” she says. “But the reality wasn’t quite so glamorous.” After working for less than a year in fashion retail, Sarah secured an e-commerce assistant role in the head office of a global luxury brand. In both jobs, she was surrounded by like-minded twenty-somethings, all of whom wanted to succeed in the fashion world. “It’s like any creative industry: young people always see it as cool to work in,” she says. “And the perks are great, even in sales: we’d get heavily discounted items all the time.” Continued here

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The ancient drink that powers Indonesia In the streets of Central Java, women carefully load their bamboo baskets with bottles of jamu, a homemade elixir. Their hands are stained yellow from the turmeric that they have freshly ground to a pulp that morning with a pestle and mortar, along with other rhizomes, roots, fruits, bark and leaves to add to their tinctures. As the sun starts to rise, the jamu gendong (jamu sellers) make their way along their daily route by foot or by scooter, stopping only to serve one of their botanical infusions to a thirsty customer. Some carry as many as eight bottles, each containing a bespoke jamu designed to give the customer a boost at any stage of life, from childhood to old age. They take care not to spill a drop as they pour the precious drink into a cup. For in Indonesians' eyes, the bitter-tasting drink is not solely designed to quench your thirst, but jamu means a "prayer for health" in old Javanese. Continued here

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What's Love Got to Do With It? and arranged marriage on film "It kind of started as a joke," says producer and screenwriter Jemima Khan, "where I would say to my friends— particularly those that were close to their parents and had parents that were sane and functional— who would your parents choose [for you to marry]? And would it work with that person?" More like this: – Is the rom-com truly back? – The best films to watch in February – Marvel's first Muslim superhero Continued here

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ChatGPT could be an effective and affordable tutor Chief Digital Learning Officer, Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning, University of Virginia Imagine a private tutor that never gets tired, has access to massive amounts of data and is free for everyone. In 1966, Stanford philosophy professor Patrick Suppes did just that when he made this prediction: One day, computer technology would evolve so that “millions of schoolchildren” would have access to a personal tutor. He said the conditions would be just like the young prince Alexander the Great being tutored by Aristotle. Continued here

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How fitness influencers game the algorithms to pump up their engagement Social media and misrepresentation can go hand in hand – and that’s especially the case in the loosely regulated fitness and nutrition industry. To improve his fitness regimen, Tim has sought out experienced trainers, while Ashley ran an online fitness and nutrition company before getting her doctorate. Continued here

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Lent is here - remind me what it's all about? 5 essential reads Foreheads smudged with the sign of the cross are the most visible sign of Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent in many Christian denominations. The 40-day period leads up to Holy Week, some of the most sacred days in the church calendar – including Easter, which commemorates Christians’ central belief that Jesus was crucified and buried before rising from the dead. But if Easter is associated with celebration and triumphal joy, Lent is more a season of soul-searching and spiritual discipline. Here are some of The Conversation’s many articles exploring the history and significance of Ash Wednesday and Lent. Continued here

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Lesson from a year at war: In contrast to the Russians, Ukrainians master a mix of high- and low-end technology on the battlefield The author is an officer in the United States Air Force. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the United States Air Force or Department of Defense. In less than a year, Ukraine’s military has emerged as a modern, effective fighting force in large part due to an abundance of technology provided by the United States and its NATO allies. Continued here

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How frontotemporal dementia, the syndrome affecting Bruce Willis, changes the brain - research is untangling its genetic causes Around 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, the actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, a rare type of dementia that typically affects people ages 45 to 64. In contrast to Alzheimer’s, in which the major initial symptom is memory loss, FTD typically involves changes in behavior. The initial symptoms of FTD may include changes in personality, behavior and language production. For instance, some FTD patients exhibit inappropriate social behavior, impulsivity and loss of empathy. Others struggle to find words and to express themselves. This insidious disease can be especially hard for families and loved ones to deal with. There is no cure for FTD, and there are no effective treatments. Continued here

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People produce endocannabinoids - similar to compounds found in marijuana - that are critical to many bodily functions Over the past two decades, a great deal of attention has been given to marijuana – also known as pot or weed. As of early 2023, marijuana has been legalized for recreational use in 21 states and Washington, D.C., and the use of marijuana for medical purposes has grown significantly during the last 20 or so years. But few people know that the human body naturally produces chemicals that are very similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, which comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. These substances are called endocannabinoids, and they’re found across all vertebrate species. Continued here

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Globetrotting Black nutritionist Flemmie P. Kittrell revolutionized early childhood education and illuminated 'hidden hunger' Nutrition is among the most critical issues of our time. Diet-related illnesses are shortening life spans and the lack of conveniently located and affordable nutritious food makes it hard for many Americans to enjoy good health. Physicians are also alarmed by nutritional trends they see among the nation’s most vulnerable people: children. Continued here

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In rural America, right-to-repair laws are the leading edge of a pushback against growing corporate power As tractors became more sophisticated over the past two decades, the big manufacturers allowed farmers fewer options for repairs. Rather than hiring independent repair shops, farmers have increasingly had to wait for company-authorized dealers to arrive. Getting repairs could take days, often leading to lost time and high costs. A new memorandum of understanding between the country’s largest farm equipment maker, John Deere Corp., and the American Farm Bureau Federation is now raising hopes that U.S. farmers will finally regain the right to repair more of their own equipment. Continued here

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You: a criminologist explains Joe Goldberg's 'erotomaniac delusions' in Netflix stalking drama Despite its unusual choice of protagonist – obsessive stalker and serial killer Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) – Netflix’s You is entering its fourth season, with audiences around the world streaming the many crimes he commits in the name of “love”. Goldberg’s narration (spoken directly to “you”, the changing subjects of his obsessions) draws viewers in with his backstory and attempt to use logic to explain his behaviour. Continued here

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South Africa's power crisis: going off the grid works for the wealthy -- but could deepen injustice for the poor South Africa’s current electricity crisis has been described as “a perfect storm”. A number of factors have converged to reach this point: an ageing and inadequately maintained fleet of coal power stations, delays in upgrading the Koeberg nuclear power station and significant failures at the recently built Medupi and Kusile coal power stations. Since the beginning of 2022, power utility Eskom’s inability to meet the country’s electricity demand has resulted in unprecedented loadshedding (scheduled power cuts). In 2022, electricity interruptions totalled 3,775 hours over 205 days. The situation almost certainly will not improve any time soon. Continued here

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Peter Obi could be the force that topples Nigeria's two main political parties Obi-dient is the word in town for the Nigerians who support Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, south-east Nigeria. To them, Obi is the best candidate for the country’s presidency. A look at the development of Obi’s character reveals discipline, responsibility, prudent management of resources and a positive impact on society. Continued here

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Over 90% of Rwandans have health insurance - the health minister tells an expert what went right Sabin Nsanzimana: In the last decade, calls for increased efforts to achieve universal health coverage have grown. Many countries have committed to universal health coverage – particularly in Africa. This has resulted in numerous health reforms. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame was appointed by other African heads of state as the leader on domestic health financing in the AU Assembly Declaration in February 2019. The aim of the declaration was to increase investment in health and have member states spend efficiently and effectively to achieve better health outcomes. Continued here

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Rock art as African history: what religious images say about identity, survival and change University of the Witwatersrand provides support as a hosting partner of The Conversation AFRICA. To “read” the history of times before writing, scholars have traditionally used excavated evidence. Remains like dwellings, burials and pots can reveal a lot about how people lived long ago. In southern Africa, there is another archive to “read” too: rock art. Rock art is primarily a record of spiritual beliefs – but also reflects the events that these beliefs made sense of. Continued here

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Nigeria heads to the polls: 5 essential reads about the elections Nigerians go to the polls on 25 February to elect a new president, vice-president, 109 members of the Senate and 360 members of the Federal House of Representatives. Eighteen political parties have presented candidates for the various offices and over 93.5 million adult Nigerians are registered to vote. The elections will be conducted at 176,606 polling stations spread across the 774 local government areas of the country. It is Africa’s biggest election and presents huge logistical challenges for the Independent National Electoral Commission, the electoral umpire. Continued here

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How Nicola Sturgeon mastered the art of public image and won support for a decade With Nicola Sturgeon’s departure, the UK has lost an expert in constructing a public image and winning support across political divides. Sturgeon led the Scottish National Party (SNP) to an unprecedented five electoral victories – three in Westminster and two in her home parliament of Holyrood. As deputy and then first minister of Scotland, Sturgeon turned the map of electoral allegiances upside down. She made normal what once seemed impossible – taking from Labour what was always assumed would be its birthright as the dominant party in Scotland. Continued here

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A 19-year-old is the youngest person to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease - the cause is a mystery A 19-year-old man from China, who has been having memory problems since the age of 17, was diagnosed with dementia, according to a recent case study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. The main risk factor for the disease is getting old, which makes this latest case so unusual. Continued here

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Enrico Caruso: the first big opera star of the 20th century 25 February 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Enrico Caruso, one of the most admired tenors in history and one of the first to have his voice preserved for posterity through phonographic recordings. Caruso was born in Naples in 1873. Just 14 months earlier, the world premiere of Verdi’s opera Aida had taken place. Caruso was to play its Radamès years later. Continued here

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Why walking through the countryside 'tames' our brain Profesor e investigador científico en Neurociencia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid This is a common refrain among people who, overwhelmed by the big city, seek to spend a few days in nature as a means of escape. We all know it works – a couple of days spent in rural relaxation and we return with our batteries recharged. Continued here

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Putin's state of the nation: why Russia hasn't officially declared war and what difference it would make As Vladimir Putin steps back from his state of the nation speech, it’s important to note that the Russian government has still not formally declared war on Ukraine. But from a Ukrainian and western viewpoint, we can all see that a war is taking place. This apparent contradiction does matter. What the conflict is called matters for the future progress of the war, and for how the fighting might escalate to include other countries. It also matters for Russia’s domestic politics, and how Putin is able to maintain the morale and fighting will of the Russian people. All governments in the Euro-Atlantic area (which includes the EU, UK, Canada and the US) describe the conflict in Ukraine as a war of aggression. In contrast, Russia has described its military actions as a “special military operation”. Putin described the conflict in his 21st February state of the nation address as a defensive action to protect Russia and Russian speakers from Nato aggressors. This appeals to his domestic audience but also to other nations who have historically rejected western colonial rule, such as China, India and South Africa, three countries that haven’t criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Continued here

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Ukraine war 12 months on: how Volodymyr Zelensky became the nation's unlikely hero “The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride.” These words, reportedly spoken by Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky in response to the Americans’ offer of evacuation from Kyiv soon after the launch of Russia’s mass invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, laid the foundations for his reputation as a hero. Over the past 12 months Zelensky’s reputation both at home and abroad has been transformed. Continued here

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Ukraine war: conflict-related PTSD is putting strain on an already underfunded mental health system Over the past 12 months the people of Ukraine have lived through a full-blown Russian invasion, with all the horrors you might expect. Those who lived in conflict zones, have had to flee or witness death and destruction on a massive scale. Many have either witnessed or experienced war crimes – including sexual violence. Millions have lost their homes and possessions, while thousands are mourning lost loved ones. Since Vladimir Putin sent his war machine into Ukraine on February 24 2022, The Conversation has called upon some of the leading experts in international security, geopolitics and military tactics to help our readers understand the big issues. You can also subscribe to our weekly recap of expert analysis of the conflict in Ukraine. Continued here

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine is proof the EU needs to get better at stopping mass atrocities Karen E. Smith est membre de International Studies Association, UACES, and British International Studies Association. The Russian invasion of Ukraine shows that identifying mass atrocity risks is not a niche concern. Many who thought it would be irrational for Russia to launch an attack minimised long-standing Russian rhetoric that denied Ukrainian statehood and national identity. If policymakers had used a “mass atrocity lens”, then they would have seen that a war of aggression was not only plausible but was likely to be accompanied by mass atrocities, taking into account Russia’s track record in Chechnya and Syria. Continued here

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Do dogs really descend from wolves? Chercheure en archéologie préhistorique et paléoécologie, University of Aberdeen Curled up on the sofa, you watch your dog snoozing nearby. Is he dreaming of the bowl of biscuits he gobbled down? Or could he be picturing the great odyssey of his forbearers, who roamed in packs across the vast steppes during the last Ice Age in search for reindeer? Continued here

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Gender pay gap is bigger for some women than others - here's how to work it out Women in the UK earn, on average, 14.9 pence less per pound than men, based on the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This means that while men are getting paid from January 1, women have effectively worked for free for the first 53 days of the year. That makes February 23 “women’s pay day”. The ONS gender pay gap is calculated by dividing the median pay for women by the median for men. The resulting ratio tells us that women earn, on average, 85.1 pence to the male pound – or 14.9% less. Continued here

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Why David Hockney's Bigger and Closer is an important step forward for immersive art shows Artist David Hockney has ridden many technological waves. While his mark-making has remained resolutely painterly, he has challenged the practice of painting. He was an early adopter of computer-assisted drawing, using the iPad and iPhone. His latest work, Bigger and Closer (not smaller and further away), at Lightroom in London is an ambitious exhibition and another foray into the future from the 85-year-old artist. Using multiple large-scale video displays, Hockney has decided to stage an immersive exhibition that reviews the last 60 years of his work. Continued here

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CSIS targeting of Canadian Muslims reveals the importance of addressing institutional Islamophobia There has been an uproar recently among politicians who have called for the resignation of Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s first special representative on combating Islamophobia. The position was created in January 2023 to address the longstanding discrimination, hate crimes and intolerance faced by Muslim communities across the country. Continued here

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Gastro or endometriosis? How your GP discusses uncertainty can harm your health You wake with stomach pain that worsens during the day and decide to see your doctor. You describe your symptoms and your doctor examines you. Then the doctor says, “From what I hear, I think you could just have a stomach bug. Rest and come back in three days.” This might be a less definitive answer than you’re after. But doctors can’t always be sure of a diagnosis straight away. As my review shows, doctors use various ways of communicating such uncertainty. Continued here

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Why Tasmania and Victoria dominate the list of Australia's largest trees - and why these majestic giants are under threat Australia has an extraordinary diversity of trees, with more than 820 species of eucalypts alone. But not all trees are created equal. Some species can turn into giants, like the majestic mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) and the impressive white fig (Ficus virens). Our newly published paper documents the tallest and the biggest circumference trees across the continent, and the biggest trees in each state and territory. Continued here

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The wellbeing 'pandemic' - how the global drive for wellness might be making us sick Are we in the midst of a wellbeing pandemic? The question may seem curious, even contradictory. But look around, the concept is everywhere and spreading: in the media, in government institutions and transnational organisations, in schools, in workplaces and in the marketplace. To be clear, it’s not just wellbeing’s infectiousness in public discourse that makes it pandemic-like. It’s also the genuine malaise that can be caused by the term’s misuse and exploitation. Continued here

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'We just discovered the impossible': how giant baby galaxies are shaking up our understanding of the early Universe “Look at this,” says Erica’s message. She is poring over the very first images from the brand new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It is July 2022, barely a week after those first images from the revolutionary super telescope were released. Twenty-five years in the making, a hundred to a thousand times more powerful than any previous telescope, one of the biggest and most ambitious scientific experiments in human history: it is hard to not speak in superlatives, and it is all true. Continued here

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Returning a name to an artist: the work of Majumbu, a previously unknown Australian painter Rock Art Australia Ian Potter Kimberley Chair, The University of Western Australia Adjunct Fellow, Place, Evolution and Rock Art Heritage Unit, Griffith University Continued here

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No, the Voice isn't a 'radical' change to our Constitution Some people have criticised the draft proposal for a First Nations Voice as a radical change to Australia’s Constitution. This view is reflected in recent calls by some Liberal members of parliament for a different model that will be palatable to constitutional conservatives, and in concerns expressed by some commentators. Continued here

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For a lot of First Nations peoples, debates around the Voice to Parliament are not about a simple 'yes' or 'no' A referendum to vote on a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament will be happening later this year. This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese kicked off a national week of action for the referendum. He and other public figures are holding information sessions across the country in the hope of garnering support for the Voice. Continued here

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Loblaw's PR response to consumer criticism shows it prioritizes profit over people Loblaw Companies made headlines in October 2022 for freezing the prices on one of its in-store brands in the face of record food inflation. When the promotion finally ended on Jan. 31, consumers responded negatively to the announcement. In response to consumer criticism, Loblaw took to social media to defend itself. The result was an embarrassing communications display from one of Canada’s biggest companies. Continued here

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A brave new world without a map for employers - are ad-hoc responses the best way forward? Increasing demands from staff for flexibility in the post-COVID era have left small businesses in New Zealand scrambling. We have found employers are, indeed, reacting to employee needs with creative solutions. However, sometimes these are too spontaneous and possibly short-sighted in nature. Additionally, despite the demands from employees being widespread, employer responses have remained ad-hoc and informal. Continued here

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Good or bad? Some 'invasive species' can help native ecosystems thrive Invasive species have caused extinctions of native species and even altered the functioning of ecosystems. But not all species that are introduced to new areas become invasive — meaning they cause negative impacts. Collectively, this has perpetuated the idea that native species are good and non-native species are bad. But what if we’re wrong about non-native species? Continued here

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We can learn a lot about long COVID from years of diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue syndrome Long COVID reportedly affects about 10% of post-COVID patients, and describes a range of ongoing or new symptoms three months post-infection. Given the COVID pandemic has infected more than 750 million people worldwide, it’s clear long COVID will create a significant burden on society for years to come. Australia’s parliament is currently undertaking an inquiry into long COVID, with hearings this week. Continued here

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At Mona Foma, I encountered death rituals, underwater soundscapes, worship - and transcendence Mona Foma has returned to Launceston. As always, the festival offers a diverse program of contemporary art, design, music and performance, and works that sit somewhere between. There will be bands, there will be lasers, and there will be queer woodchopping. But this year’s program kicks off somewhat quietly (though no less powerfully) with contemplative works that inspire a sense of connection, and an examination of the embodied practices we share in. Continued here

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A survey of over 17,000 people indicates only half of us are willing to trust AI at work Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly used at work to enhance productivity, improve decision making and reduce costs, including automating administrative tasks and monitoring security. But sharing your workplace with AI poses unique challenges, including the question – can we trust the technology? Continued here

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Households find low waste living challenging. Here's what needs to change Australian households produce about 12 million tonnes of waste every year. That puts the sector almost on par with manufacturing or construction. We interviewed residents about their existing waste management practices. We then invited them to design and implement their own six week household experiments. Their ideas ranged from home gardening and repairs to zero-plastic cooking and bulk store shopping. And then we brought them all together with policy-makers to share their experiences. Continued here

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Why do small rural communities often shun newcomers, even when they need them? Do you remember the time you and your friends started a secret club and didn’t let anyone else join? Well, it’s kind of like that in some small rural communities. Even though these communities really need to attract and keep newcomers, some longstanding residents belong to a special “locals” club. Many newcomers who moved from the cities in recent years would know this all too well. Locals are regarded as the legitimate residents and often have greater local power and privileged status. They can be used to calling the shots for the community. They may hold back change by undermining or failing to accept or support new people, their ideas or businesses. Continued here

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The huge fandoms of stars like Harry Styles are underestimated - but these highly creative communities can teach young people useful skills This week, Harry Styles finally kicked off the Australian leg of his much anticipated tour. Fans have been preparing for months, creating handmade outfits and learning the “boot scoot” – a dance associated on tour with Styles’ song Treat People With Kindness. As one of the world’s biggest pop stars, the ex-One Direction singer has amassed millions of fans, referred to as “Harries”. Continued here

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Class and the City of London: my decade of research shows why elitism is endemic and top firms don't really care During the COVID pandemic, as most wages stagnated, workers in the City of London were enjoying bumper pay packets. Average partner salaries in one corporate law firm exceeded £2 million for the first time. Investment bankers received their highest bonus payouts since 2008. City bosses have long justified these exceptional rewards by claiming that they are available to anyone with sufficient intellect and willingness to work hard – regardless of their gender, ethnicity or social class. In the words of Goldman Sachs, one of the City’s most iconic players: Continued here

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Some houseplants take in nutrients from roots outside the soil - and it may change how we care for them In recent years, we have seen growing interest in houseplants, particularly among younger generations. Between 2019 and 2022, houseplant sales in the UK increased by more than 50%. Indoor plants are associated with a range of environmental and health benefits including cleaner air, better mental health and clearer thinking. If you’re a plant parent, you probably know that plants need food and water to grow and survive. You will also know that plants have roots for taking these resources in and leaves to absorb the light energy required for photosynthesis. This sounds simple, but many of us (including me) struggle to keep our plants healthy. Continued here

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Rejecting science has a long history - the pandemic showed what happens when you ignore this Fear engulfed everyone during the pandemic. Yet when a vaccine became available, it was met with fierce resistance. Anti-vaccination crowds formed, and some of these groups argued this vaccine was against their religious beliefs. Many didn’t trust the scientists and their explanation for how they said the disease spread. A lot of people didn’t believe the vaccine worked as well as governments claimed, or they felt mandatory vaccinations violated their personal freedom. Continued here

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Ukraine: Russia's inability to dominate the sea has changed the course of the war Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago, most of the fighting has been on land. However, there has also been a less visible – but nonetheless crucial – maritime dimension to the war across the full spectrum of tactical, strategic, economic and diplomatic considerations. After land troops crossed the Ukraine border on February 24 2022, the Russian navy quickly secured control of the northwestern Black Sea. This meant it could contribute to the air campaign against Ukraine by launching cruise missiles from the sea. This diversified Russia’s attack vectors, thus increasing the chance of penetration by overwhelming Ukraine’s air defence systems. Continued here