Startups replace plastics with mushrooms in the seafood industry

Startups are leveraging mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, to create sustainable alternatives to plastic in the seafood industry. MycoBuoys, founded by mycologist Sue Van Hook, is developing mushroom-based buoys to replace plastic foam buoys, which contribute significantly to ocean pollution. The initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic waste, as seen in South Korea's upcoming ban on Styrofoam marine buoys and the European Union's regulations on fishing gear. Other companies, like GROWN bio, are exploring mycelium coolers as eco-friendly packaging for seafood transport. These innovations are part of a broader movement towards circular economies and reducing plastic pollution in marine environments.

My Life on the Oil Rig: Why I Love This Hard and Lonely Job

Kailem Donovan shares his experiences as an offshore rope access technician working on oil rigs in the North and Baltic Seas. Despite the challenges and loneliness of the job, he finds fulfillment in the adventure and camaraderie among crew members. Donovan highlights the demanding nature of the work, the necessary qualifications, and the financial benefits. He describes the unique lifestyle on oil rigs, including the facilities and routines, and the emotional challenges of being away from family during important occasions. The article provides insight into the life and work of offshore workers, emphasizing both the difficulties and rewards.

My Life on the Oil Rig: Why I Love This Hard and Lonely Job

Kailem Donovan shares his experiences as an offshore rope access technician working on oil rigs in the North and Baltic Seas. Despite the challenges and isolation, he finds fulfillment in the adventure and camaraderie of the job. Donovan highlights the rigorous qualifications required, the demanding work schedule, and the unique lifestyle on the rigs, including the absence of phone signals and the reliance on Wi-Fi for communication. He appreciates the financial benefits and the structured environment, although he acknowledges the difficulty of missing family events. The article provides insight into the daily life and personal reflections of someone working in this demanding field.

I work on an oil rig. It has lonely moments, but every rig I've been on is like a family.

Kailem Donovan, an offshore rope access rigger from Middlesborough, England, shares his experiences working on oil rigs in the North and Baltic seas. Despite the isolation and challenges of offshore life, Donovan describes the camaraderie and family-like atmosphere among the crew. He highlights the demanding nature of the job, the extensive qualifications required, and the rewarding aspects such as good pay and extended time off. Donovan also reflects on the personal sacrifices, such as missing family events, and the unique experiences, like encountering marine wildlife and enjoying leisure activities on well-equipped rigs.

Thailand capital turns to urban forests to beat worsening floods

Bangkok is addressing its worsening flood issues by developing urban forests, transforming areas like former racetracks and tobacco factories into green spaces that help manage stormwater. These initiatives, led by landscape architects such as Kotchakorn Voraakhom and Kongjian Yu, aim to create climate-resilient environments by incorporating natural water filtration systems and floodplains. The city plans to build 500 parks by 2026 to combat the effects of increased rainfall and rising sea levels. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to adapt to climate change by integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning.

Bangkok turns to urban forests to beat worsening floods

Bangkok is implementing urban forests to combat increasing flood risks, with a new city forest larger than New York City's Central Park set to open by December. This initiative includes planting 4,500 trees and creating a floodplain to purify rainwater, complementing the existing Benjakitti Forest Park. The city aims to establish 500 parks by 2026 to address its low green space ratio in Southeast Asia.

Music has been banned in some countries – but its artists have found a way to play

Music bans in countries like Cambodia and Saudi Arabia have sparked resistance, leading to new eras of cultural expression and identity. Despite restrictions, artists have found innovative ways to continue their musical endeavors, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of cultural expression in the face of censorship.

I'm a British expat who moved to the US. Navigating credit scores, guns, and grocery shopping the American way has been an adjustment.

Karen Osman, a British expat, shares her experiences of moving from Dubai to New York City after her husband received a job promotion. The transition involved navigating the US tax system, building a credit score, and adjusting to cultural differences such as gun safety and grocery shopping. Despite challenges, Osman appreciates the sense of community in New York and the opportunities for her writing career. She reflects on the differences in lifestyle, including housing costs and schooling, and expresses a mix of nostalgia for Dubai and appreciation for her new life in the US.

Bangkok turns to urban forests to beat worsening floods

Bangkok is addressing its worsening flood issues by developing urban forests, transforming former industrial sites into green spaces that act as natural flood management systems. These projects, led by landscape architects like Kotchakorn Voraakhom and Kongjian Yu, incorporate innovative designs such as floodplains and water filtration systems to manage stormwater and improve water quality. The initiative aims to increase the city's green spaces and adapt to climate change by using nature-based solutions, moving away from traditional concrete infrastructure. The efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Bangkok more resilient to flooding while enhancing urban biodiversity and recreational spaces.

I got my dream job at Google without a college degree. Here's how I did it.

Edwin Toh shares his journey of securing a job at Google without a college degree, highlighting his unconventional path from Singapore to the tech giant. He discusses his initial career steps, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the interview process at Google. Toh reflects on his six-year tenure at Google, working on projects like Google Search and Google Pay, and the cultural differences between the New York and California offices. He recently transitioned to an AI startup, Runway, seeking a more direct impact in a smaller company environment.