1. Embracing “Ugly” Food
There are a bunch of US-based food-delivery companies (such as Imperfect Produce, Hungry Harvest and Perfectly Imperfect) that are encouraging us to embrace so-called “ugly” produce. From carrots with two legs to oranges with spots and oddly shaped tomatoes, so much “imperfect” food is wasted in this country that it’s inappropriate—especially when considering the divide between those who can afford fresh produce and those who can’t. Luckily this movement—selling imperfect or discarded food for less—seems to be catching on, and not a moment too soon. Besides, a two-legged carrot tastes just the same. Read more at The Guardian.
2. Help Over Hate: A List of Organizations Under Threat
The recent election results kicked many people into action. One of the most useful resources we’ve found thus far is Help Over Hate—an inventory of organizations that support and service communities that may find themselves threatened by the new government. From initiatives that work toward race and gender equality, civil and reproductive rights, and those who work with immigrants and refugees—there are plenty of organizations worthy of our time and money. Take a look and maybe find a way to lend a hand.
3. Instagram Live Video
It’s impressive just how quickly Instagram can roll out new competitive features. For those who’ve already found great value in their photo zooming and the addition of stories (which 100 million people have now used), there’s a new trick up the social media service’s sleeve: live videos. Now, users can stream live experiences directly through the stories section. As with images in the stories section, live videos (which can be up to an hour long) disappear in time. Taking a page out of Snapchat’s playback, Instagram also introduced a disappearing photo and video feature for direct messages. In adopting what’s been successful with their peers, Instagram continues to solidify its importance as a go-to app.
4. Apple’s Frankenstein Holiday Commercial
While we’re a little Grinch-y here at CH HQ, we were sucked right into Apple’s holiday 2016 commercial. Starring Brad Garrett, the spot is a heartwarming tale of an iPhone-toting Frankenstein—and will tug on your heartstrings. Not overly branded, it’s a little dark and obscure, but the message of opening your heart to all is an important reminder any day of the year—not just during the holidays. Watch the ad on YouTube.
5. Frida Kahlo Painting Found After 60 Years
Frida Kahlo’s painting “Niña Con Collar” (1929) has been missing for 60 years—in fact, the only reason it was known to exist at all is because of a photo of it. The artwork has been rediscovered, however, and now its history has been revealed. Since 1955, “Niña Con Collar” has been with one of Kahlo’s former assistants—a gift from Diego Rivera. When the assistant left Mexico with the precious painting, nobody took notice—partly because Kahlo wasn’t yet famous, and partly because of the relaxed national patrimony protection laws of the time. Up for auction next week via Sotheby’s, the painting is expected to sell for over $1.5 million. Read more at Artsy.
6. First We Feast’s Guide to Thanksgiving Leftovers
One of the greatest joys associated with the holiday of Thanksgiving happens to be leftovers. From second dinners the same night to breakfast and lunch the next day (and beyond), food continues to be consumed. The team at First We Feast has written a handy, creative guide to Thanksgiving leftovers. Rather than reheat what you’ve got, much of it can go into other dishes that aren’t labor-intensive. The list of recipes includes mini turkey pot pies, cookies and a reimagining of salads and cheeses. Not only do they sound delicious, it seems like a grand option for reducing waste after all is said and done.
7. An Eco-Friendly Paper Bike Helmet
Brooklyn-based inventor Isis Shiffer has just taken home the prestigious International James Dyson Foundation Award (given to students with groundbreaking design proposals) for her EcoHelmet. The helmet has been constructed from radial, honeycomb designed paper making it as sturdy as the plastic helmets on the market. There’s also a biodegradable coating that protects the paper from up to three hours of light rain. But perhaps the greatest benefit is the collapsible design, making it easy to stow and quite handy for anyone who commutes through a bike sharing system. With the prize money, Shiffer plans on honing all of the features and ultimately producing a consumer product.
8. Best Ancient Sites for Stargazing
Many important ancient astronomical heritage sites are closed at night (from Stonehenge to the Mesopotamian ziggurats) but photographer Babak A Tafreshi has explored many in the midnight hours. Along with some gorgeous photos and videos, Tafreshi listed his favorite ancient sites to gaze at the stars, and while some of them look like scenes from a sci-fi film, all of them are magnificent. From Kenya’s Sibiloi National Park (where “fossils of our ancestors as much as 3.5 million years old have been found”) to Central Australia’s Uluru, and Alamut Castle in Iran, there are beautiful locations all over the world where people can connect with our history and wonder about the infinite nature of the universe. Read more at National Geographic.
Link About It is our filtered look at the web, shared daily in Link and on social media, and rounded up every Saturday morning.