TED-Radio episode I enjoyed this week:
Two or three weeks into the new year, a lot of people are already flagging on their resolutions of course. This episode though, is not just about how to stick to new habits, but includes some additional reasons to care about exercise, new perspectives on resolutions to engage in more travel or family time, the importance of fun, and it bangs another nail in the coffin of ‘diet culture’.
My favorite quote from the episode is from Pico Iyer, being interviewed about travel:
“Travel is not about moving, it is about being moved”
Incidentally, the episode made me download Iyer’s new book: The half known life: In Search of Paradise.
Climate-Friendly Retirement Investments:
During the previous administration, restrictions were imposed on 401(k) and retirement fund managers related to offering climate-aligned or other sustainability or social impact-based portfolios.
On November 22, the Department of Labor (DOL) removed those restrictions and now it is easier for us to request and adopt portfolios that will not only make money (and follow all the normal guidelines and rules for prudent investing), but that can also fund investments we care about.
The ruling will take effect on January 30th, and if you happen to have an employer-based 401(k), you can now ask for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-aligned options, just like the rest of the investment market!
And just because I feel compelled: The previous administration’s restriction of this option seems driven only by political spite. Offering an additional set of portfolios does not diminish existing ones and they all still have to be measured against the same market performance standards. In other words, just because there are additional ESG funds doesn’t mean you ever have to choose them. This political decision to limit our options because they might happen to boost investment in socially or environmentally beneficial projects, is pure hypocrisy from the party who anchors their rallying cries on individual freedom.
2022 in Artistic Photos from My Modern Met
I enjoy looking through various collections of photos from the year. They are lots, but this one is absolutely beautiful. An art-focused collection - some human, some based on current events, some nature, but all stunning in their composition, color, and ‘story’.
One from the selection: This smaller version of his photo is from Tim Flach, and here is his website for more. Please look at this photo on his site for the full detail. Every feather is visible. Unbelieeeeeeevable photos. His website is worth a visit just for the homepage too. Best homepage I’ve seen in ages.
Unexplained gas cloud discovered between the Milky Way and Andromeda
This is a cool story mainly because it shows that we still have lots to discover in places we’ve already been looking, with really expensive equipment, for ages! AND, scientists have no idea why this gas cloud exists right now; it doesn’t fit any ‘standard’ explanation or evidence. So, this is especially exciting for scientists because they get to play with new ideas or theories, and we all get to learn something new about the universe!
A quote to ponder for the weekend:
“Far too many of us have been lured into the cult of efficiency. We are driven, but we long ago lost sight of what we were driving toward. We judge our days based on how efficient they are, not how fulfilling.”
-Celeste Headless in her book ‘Do Nothing’.
Have a great weekend y’all!
Friday Bits and Bobs (Jan 20th)
Love the quote!
Love the quote at the end of your post. I’ve been really watching my small kids and they are 100% fulfilling all day everyday. They’re not concerned with efficiency. I mean, building with blocks, playing on the bounce house, digging in the dirt, jiu jitsu, endless imaginative play...it’s all they do and they’re happy as can be! -- I know as adults we obviously have responsibilities we can’t ignore but it’s interesting to compare their day full of fulfilling vs. an adults day full of efficiency/productivity.
Great Friday post as usual. Happy weekend!