Taking a dip into the icy sea on New Year’s Day has become quite a worldwide tradition. But, doctors advise that taking the plunge is literally not for the faint-hearted!
Author Archives: annettebrennan
15 striking photos from the best wildlife photographers of the year
Take a look at some stunning and captivating imagery from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 Awards in Britain. The captions provide some descriptive background to each image.
Brain game: bringing Paddington to life on screen
The use of technologies such as CGI (computer-generated imagery) can make a little bear from Peru appear very real. We take on board the personality and challenges of the “guy” as if he were human. Read more about the technical challanges here.
Some Reflections on ‘My Year of No Shopping’
You might be surprised by what you will find stashed away in cabinets and cupboards! Ann Patchett discovered the effect of shopping for only essential items for a whole year. And, this article is a reflection by another writer on Anne’s essay. How do you think you might feel about taking on such a frugal challenge?
The Next Step
Mars Short Stories – The Write Stuff is an initiative by NASA to engage writers to put technology-based fiction to paper. The aim is to help visualize the potential reality of, in particular, the first human missions to Mars.
Our privacy is for sale, we have to accept that. But what’s the price tag?
Computer programs gather information about people based on every web site, news article, or item that they view or buy online. Using algorithms, computers can form a picture of each person’s personality better than a friend or family member. Read what you should know about protecting yourself and your privacy.
Why Taking Breaks Will Help You Get More Work Done
Through this quick animation, discover why breaking up your work will make you more productive. Be sure to try out some of the tips for yourself!
The Healing Power of Animals
Do you have any pets in your family? Excluding chewing of furniture…do you ever get a sense of the benefits a pet like a dog can bring to your family’s health and well being? Bonding with pets can promote emotional, physical and social benefits.
In a First, Gravitational Waves Linked to Neutron Star Crash
Imagine the elation at witnessing a cosmic event that occurred millions of years ago! That’s what happened in October this year when scientists announced the ripple effect (literally) of two neutron stars crashing into each other around 130 million years ago.
Dashrath Manjhi Road
Dashrath Manjhi, also known as “Mountain Man” spent 22 years carving a road through a mountain with hammer and chisel in Bihar, India. Read about what drove him to do this painstaking work and the long lasting impact it had on the people of his village.
A Chinese perspective on Autumn
Scenes of colorful leaves dropping to the ground typically signify Fall. But, not to everyone. To the Chinese, Fall (or Autumn) represents the color white among other connotations.
Fall Seed Saving Tips
The seed for the Edible Schoolyard Project was sown 20 years ago at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California! The concept is that the garden is an interactive classroom. Read this article from the ESY about collecting seeds in the Fall.
Strange Worlds: Miniature Condiment Landscapes
Nothing is quite what it appears to be! At least that’s the case in the photograph’s of Matthew Albanese.
In Puerto Rico, a foundation changes course to rebuild after Maria
In Puerto Rico, a foundation that was originally set up to generate tourism and business has changed its mission to focus on aid relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The aim is to rebuild homes, communities, and livelihoods for Puerto Ricans.
5 Ways “Tech Addiction” Is Changing Human Behaviour
What are your thoughts on living in a constantly plugged-in world with a digital device always close to hand? What are the benefits and drawbacks?
Check out the United Arab Emirates’ plans for building a Martian city—on Earth
Building a city on Mars is full of unknown risk. The United Arab Emirates plan to build a Martian city…on Earth…within the next ten years or so to plan for the real thing.
15 Examples of the Most Epic Metamorphoses from Youth to Adult
Can you think of many animals that go through a dramatic physical transformation and appearance during their lifetime, aside from the butterfly? Have a look at this list of the top 15.
Augmented Reality
What if you could look at a building through your smartphone and see a layer of information about what’s inside? Well, you can with augmented reality technology. Here’s an illustrated explanation.
The Early History of Bungee Jumping
Why has jumping from a 364ft bridge become a popular outdoor pursuit? Who came up with the idea in the first place?
The Evolution of the Charity Run/Walk and the Road Ahead
Have you ever participated in a family fun run or charity walk? Today, the 5K run or walk is a pretty commonplace event around the world and all through the year. Where did the idea of running to raise funds begin and why are people drawn to this activity?