Link About It: This Week’s Picks

Mapping the universe, making tiles from discarded eggshells, learning from squids and more

The Vital Role of Longfin Squids’ Giant Nerve Fibers to Neuroscience

In 2020, a group of scientists at Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory used the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to disable a gene in the Doryteuthis squid (aka the longfin squid). This milestone comes after years of neuroscience developments derived from this particular underwater creature and its dual nerve fibers, called axons. Research on these axons has provided insight into everything from simple nerve signaling to the …

Wine Tote

$68

Woven from the same premium full-grain leather used for their duffle bags and personal accessories, WP Standard’s new wine tote can accommodate two bottles—and comes complete with an affixed corkscrew pouch (which the brand can monogram). It’s a handsome, high-quality addition to any picnic ensemble.

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Link About It

Stories from around the web that we think you should read

“DESI” Will Attempt to Create The Most Detailed 3D Map of the Universe

As part of an ambitious new survey of the cosmos, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) will analyze light collected by the ultra-powerful Mayall telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory. “DESI will record not only a galaxy’s light but also its spectrum,” according to Smithsonian Magazine, “by measuring how much light a given object emits at particular wavelengths.” It intends to compile this information into the …

Nature Squared’s Tiles Made from Eggshells

From ethical Swiss design studio Nature Squared’s new chief innovator, Elaine Yan Ling Ng, the CArrelé tile series is composed of organic white eggshells discarded in industrial kitchens and then collected by craftspeople on the Philippine island of Cebu (where the brand maintains a factory). The shells are cleaned, crushed, cured and then combined with natural dyes. They’re ultimately cut into beautiful design-forward tiles. Ultimately, …

Cities Continue to Hire Chief Resilience Officers to Address Climate Change

Amidst the myriad extreme weather events globally, city and county governments in the US continue to hire Chief Resilience Officers in an effort to address the effects of climate change. Once grant-funded (through efforts like the 100 Resilience Cities initiative from The Rockefeller Foundation, which ran from 2013-2019), these roles are now full-time government positions that help cities and local leaders to prepare for and …

Artist Jillian Mayer’s “Life-Saving” Lake Sculpture at SECCA

Upon the lake outside of Winston-Salem, North Carolina’s Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA), artist Jillian Mayer has positioned her largest sculpture to date—aptly named “LAKE SCULPTURE”—for her solo exhibition TIMESHARE. This clever multimedia exhibit reflects upon survivalist subcultures, as well as infrastructural and environmental collapse. The floating “LAKE SCULPTURE” references another of Mayer’s works also on view, “A Sculpture Can Be Used As A …

The Future Of Racing, the Formula E Championship for Electric Cars

Three-time Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer on racing and the automotive industry as a whole

Buy Guide

The latest additions to our shoppable directory

Black Stone / Blue Liquid Record

$17

Celebrating the fourth anniversary of their acclaimed studio album Love What Survives, Mount Kimbie (aka London-based duo Dominic Maker and Kai Campos) has released two previously unheard tracks from the recording sessions. Not only online, the songs are also available on 12-inch vinyl—limited to just 500 copies worldwide.

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Recycled PVC Basket

$109

From South African brand Mo’s Crib, this basket looks like wicker, but it’s more durable, as it’s woven from recycled PVC. Whether used indoors or outdoors, as a container (for towels, toys or beyond) or as a planter, it’s a weather-resistant product that’s as tough as a plastic tub but much prettier. Available in five colorways and measuring 22 by 15 by 16 inches, it’s …

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NuraTrue Earphones

$200

Nura’s newest audio product, the wireless NuraTrue earphones improve noise-cancellation along with the sound quality. Providing exceptional bass and clear phone calls, the buds are ideal for audiophiles. They’re also water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating—meaning they’re safe from splashes and sweat. They come with a fast-charging case as well as four sets of different sized silicone ear-tips.

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MOKO MOKO DOKI DOKI

$100

Published by Montreal-based Anteism, the limited edition MOKO MOKO DOKI DOKI by Misaki Kawai is both a book and an artwork. Every one of the 108 copies available (18 in each color—yellow, green, blue, red, pink or white) has a handmade fur cover. With images from the multidisciplinary artist’s fourth solo show at The Hole, this saddle-stitch bound book provides inspiration and off-kilter escapism.

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Kiana V: Better

Filipina singer-songwriter Kiana V (aka Kiana Valenciano) follows her 2019 debut album See Me with Dazed, an EP released today. From the five-track project (co-produced with Jesse Barrera) comes “Better,” a dreamy, contemplative tune. With ethereal vocals and twinkling synths, it sounds like a love song, but after listing the problems within a relationship, Valenciano repeatedly coos “I could do better” in each chorus.

Mdou Moctar feat. MC Yallah: Tala Tannam (Debmaster Remix)

Tuareg songwriter and musician Mdou Moctar (aka Mahamadou Souleymane) released his already acclaimed Afrique Victime album earlier this year. From it, the track “Tala Tannam” returns as a remix by electronic producer Debmaster (aka Julien Deblois) that features a riveting guest turn from the rapper MC Yallah. “I’ve loved to work on my brother Mdou Moctar’s track,” Kenya-born, Uganda-based Yallah says in a statement. “Fusing …

Belaver: 70’s Adventure

A subdued, sometimes humorous ballad, “70’s Adventure” is the latest track to be released from the sophomore album of NYC-based singer-songwriter Belaver (aka B.E. Godfrey), Lain Prone. The album, out 22 October, is set to be structured like a novel; composed of tracks that act as thoughtful, reflective alt-folk chapters. This song’s official music video, directed by Erica Alexandria Silverman, follows the singer on a canoe …

Casper Caan: Last Chance (Hot Chip Remix)

English synth-pop act Hot Chip has reworked NYC-based electronic artist Casper Caan’s debut single, “Last Chance.” The dance-floor-ready remix blossoms from a minimal but buoyant bop into an all-out party. Hot Chip says in a statement, “Something about the melody and Casper’s voice reminded us of New Order so they became an important reference for the remix. We really enjoyed making it!”

Upstate Art Weekend’s 2021 Programming

61 venues across six counties that express the vast cultural richness of Upstate New York

MUNYA: Pour Toi

French-Canadian singer, songwriter and producer MUNYA (aka Josie Boivin) returns with a new single, “Pour Toi.” The dreamy tune matches synths with Boivin’s delicate vocals, as she sings wistfully (in French and English) about long distance love. She also directed the video with Josh Aldecoa, which was shot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Nico Hedley: Tennessee

From Queens-based alt-country singer-songwriter Nico Hedley’s debut LP Painterly comes the second single and album opener, “Tennessee.” A tender, contemplative reflection on the act of saying goodbye, with exquisite harmonies introduced toward its escalating end, the track was written spontaneously after Hedley witnessed his band members hugging their partners goodbye before the start of a tour.

Test Ride: Canyon’s New “Grizl” Gravel Bike

This user-friendly bicycle proves its capabilities in the Canadian Rockies

The Japanese Art of the Cocktail

$22

From visionary bartender Masahiro Urushido (the mastermind behind NYC’s award-winning Japanese cocktail bar, and CH favorite, Katana Kitten) and prolific food and drink writer Michael Anstendig, the 288-page hardcover Japanese Art of the Cocktail book includes 80 recipes that epitomize the nation’s contribution to cocktail culture around the world. From insightful information to step-by-step techniques and exquisite photography, the book surprises and delights as it …

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Chef John Fraser on Re-Opening Ardor at The West Hollywood EDITION

We discuss how playfulness, nostalgia and simplicity all come together at this thriving restaurant