First-century tyrant Caligula used a magical estate and its accompanying garden as a retreat during his four-year reign. (He was also assassinated there.) On the outskirts of Rome, on Esquiline Hill, Caligula housed imported animals and oddities, oversaw the construction of an exquisite botanical complex and leveraged his wealth. Scholars believed that when he died, his estate was likely pillaged and the belongings unlikely to …
$10
From High Falls Hemp, this CBD-infused lip balm is creamy but never feels tacky, sticky or greasy. Their NY-grown, full-spectrum CBD blends with natural beeswax for the formula; as well as coconut oil, sweet almond oil and essential oil of spearmint for plenty more nourishment. The rich formula also helps to reduce inflammation in damaged lips.
An L-shaped extension to NYC’s High Line is set to connect the elevated park to the just-opened Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station. Currently the High Line reaches 10th Ave and 30th St, but an extra 1200 feet (366 meters) will bring it to 31st St between 9th and 10th Ave—where the Manhattan West development exists, a block from Moynihan Train Hall. The intention is …
The first car penciled in to compete at 2021’s inaugural Indy Autonomous Challenge was unveiled at the CES all-digital 2021 show by Energy Systems Network, Penske Entertainment Corp, Dallara and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Set for October, the race will feature 40 teams comprised of university students from all over the world. These teams will build the software necessary to achieve top speeds over 200mph. …
Since its inception in 2009, Advancing Women Artists (AWA) has identified 2,000+ works by women artists tucked away in Italy’s museums, churches and beyond. The non-profit also funded the restoration of 70 more pieces spanning the 16th and 17th centuries. All of this encompasses their mission: to fight for equitable representation in museums and scholarly art discussions. Their mission also occurs in the public sphere …
In an effort to reduce space waste and the numerous safety concerns associated with the vast amount of debris in the cosmos, Kyoto University is developing a satellite with a shell made of timber, designed to burn up completely upon reentry into the atmosphere after its life cycle. Former astronaut Takao Doi leads the team at Kyoto University, who work in conjunction with the Japanese …
$45
Africa boasts nearly 20,000 miles of surfable coastline, and surf company Mami Wata celebrates the vastness of the continent’s surfing history as well as the rising interest amongst younger generations. Their debut book’s 300 pages contain contributions from Africa’s top surfers, photographers and cultural commentators in the form of 50 essays and 200 photos. Altogether, it’s a colorful and cheerful celebration of the culture, both …
$55
Sold in sets of six by home decor brand HANDS, these Natural Orb candles function like tea lights but favor a handmade look and feel. Two inches tall and three inches wide, they fit into most places the common iterations do, but with a noticeable, design-forward presence. With a bulbous middle, they melt in on themselves when burning (and can become a bit messy). Depending …
$90
From Emma Lewisham, this lush Supernatural Triple Vitamin A+ Face Oil can make a big difference with only a few drops, three times per week. 100% natural, this formula includes three concentrated sources of vitamin A, as well as vitamins B, C and E, antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, lipids and omegas. Together they work to hydrate, promote collagen-production (as well as inhibit enzymes that …
$50
Now in its second printing, Melodie McDaniel’s Riding Through Compton is the result of several years of documentary and portrait photography, capturing striking and tender equestrian scenes in the LA County city. In 1988, Mayisha Akbar (who provides an essay in the book) founded the Compton Jr Posse—a program made for local kids to enjoy riding horses, but also to build self-esteem, confidence and a sense …
South London recording artist Visionist’s “The Fold” hails from the experimental producer and vocalist’s forthcoming third album, A Call To Arms (due out 5 March). The track’s instrumental soundscape buoys lyrics stretched and saturated with emotion. Visionist (aka Louis Carnell) brought in Haley Fohr of Circuit Des Yeux for additional vocals, as well as improvisational pianist Matthew Bourne for keys. The accompanying video lives within the …
French indie-pop act Moodoïd (aka Pablo Padovani) taps Stephanie Lange of iconic ’80s German duo/concept band Saâda Bonaire for “Puissance Femme.” Both the track (which celebrates the power of women) and its music video (directed by Padovani and shot at night in the fog of Bremen, Germany), embrace a dreamlike, 1980s film noir aesthetic. Padovani reached out to Saâda Bonaire via email for the collaboration. …
Developing over nine minutes, Dan Deacon’s remix of the Future Islands’ track “For Sure” begins with frontman Samuel T Herring’s signature vocals over pretty piano and escalates with fluttering, symphonic support. “When the guys released ‘For Sure,’ it really brought me back to memories of when we lived together and I could hear them practicing in the basement,” Deacon says in a statement about their …
French disco-pop sextet L’Impératrice’s cheeky new single, “Peur des filles” (which translates to “Afraid of Girls”) provides sharp, sarcastic social commentary with an underbelly of dark humor. In the Aube Perrie-directed video, killer women (led by frontwoman Flore Benguigui) invade a distant destination (called the “manaxy”) and upend the power imbalance until a gaggle of men appease them to avoid execution. In total, the slasher-themed …
From Heaux Tales, Jazmine Sullivan’s just-released album (her first in five years), “Pricetags” features a verse by Anderson .Paak that’s punctuated by swirling ad-libs. Simultaneously laidback and bold, the tune incorporates plenty of ’90s R&B and neo-soul elements. Heaux Tales—which also features cameos by H.E.R. and Ari Lennox, as well as production from Dev Hynes, Key Wane and DZL—is a welcome return for the wildly …
Navy Blue (aka skateboarder, artist and model Sage Elsesser) balances light and darkness on his newest track, “Moment Hung.” The Jacob Rochester-produced song relies on a slow-burning, laidback beat, while Elsesser addresses heavy subjects without dimming the song’s energy. “I’m moving graciously through all the nonsense,” his first verse begins. This line embodies the track, which was released alongside a Ryosuke Tanzawa-directed visual treatment via …
Scientists are increasingly looking to chefs to help save threatened wetlands, lakes, rivers and forests from invasive species by encouraging them to turn pesky vines like kudzu, ravenous lionfish, feral hogs and other unwelcome species into delicacies with a locavore flavor. National Geographic features several of the chefs, organizations and restaurants in the south tackling the problem of managing invasive species and the delights that …
