Astrophotographer Joshua Brazzle introduces the new photo series he’s launching with PDN called Deep Sky Marianas.
Editors note: This is part of an on-going bi-weekly photo series called Deep Sky Marianas which you can find every other Saturday on Guampdn.com.
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New photo series: Deep Sky Marianas
On April 20, 2023 after a long five hours under the sun, my first thought was, “Man I should’ve brought a canopy and put on some sunscreen.” As someone who lives with ADHD, I was hyper-focused on capturing photos of the eclipse every five seconds completely disregarding the sun’s intensity leaving me with a burnt bald head and arms and looking like Vin Diesel with a bad sunburn.
However, the experience was worth it. This is the first time I’ve captured a solar eclipse since I started astrophotography in 2020 and I couldn’t help but feel anxious prior to the event. “Is my solar filter going to work? What if it doesn’t and I look through the telescope and possibly go blind.” Thankfully, the process went smoothly and resulted in some great photos. I set up my equipment at Natibu Park here in Tinian at 11:30 a.m. and managed to take some photos of the sun before the eclipse. I also had some spare time to go live on Facebook to show family and friends the sun and its sunspots.
The hybrid solar eclipse began soon after at 2:16 p.m., with its maximum peak at 3:37 p.m. and ending at 4:47 p.m. I took a little over a thousand photos and was ecstatic with the outcome. Astrophotography can be grueling and tasking, but when the photos come out so well, it is extremely rewarding. I’m honored to share my work with everyone and hope the people of the Marianas enjoy this photo I put together showcasing the different phases of this 2023 solar eclipse. Si Yu’us Ma’åse’! See you at the next celestial event!
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Deep Sky Marianas: The Cosmic Fire M42 Orion
The Sennheiser Evolution Wireless Digital: EW-DP is the latest solution to simplify your DSLR or Mirrorless audio setup and provide unmatched audio quality to your video productions. The EW-DP is a fully digital UHF wireless microphone system that is purpose-built for content creators, filmmakers, and broadcasters.
Sennheiser’s EW-DP is designed to be as simple as possible while providing professional-quality audio. A compact, intelligent receiver with an innovative magnetic stacking system is at the system’s heart. This means you can stack multiple receivers on top of each other for a cleaner and more organised setup. Additionally, the receiver can be controlled remotely via the Smart Assist app.
With the EW-DP series, Sennheiser has developed a series of options to suit your needs. The series includes a bodypack transmitter for clip-on mics (EW-D SK), a handheld transmitter (EW-D SKM-S), and a plug-on transmitter (EW-DP SKP) that will launch in October. As part of the larger Evolution Wireless Digital family, the EW-DP inherits features such as the exceptionally low latency of 1.9 ms and a wide 134 dB dynamic input range.
The compact, stackable EW-DP EK receiver is the heart of the system. Its OLED display ensures optimal visibility regardless of placement, angle, or light. Three sets are available now: The EW-DP ME 2 SET has a bodypack transmitter and the ME 2 omni-directional clip-on (lavalier) microphone, while the EW-DP ME 4 SET includes a cardioid clip-on microphone for noisier environments. The EW-DP 835 SET contains a handheld transmitter with a cardioid MMD 835 dynamic microphone head.
All sets come with a magnetic mounting plate kit, a BA 70 rechargeable battery, two standard AA batteries, a locking 3.5 mm TRS to 3.5 mm TRS cable, a locking 3.5 mm TRS to XLR cable, and a USB-C charging cable for the receiver.
Sennheiser has designed the EW-DP to be intuitive and fast to set up. The system provides the reliability and consistency needed in stressful filming situations and time-sensitive working scenarios and as such the EW-DP is the first portable wireless system with magnetically stackable receivers, a user-facing OLED display, and ergonomically designed controls, all to help with ease and speed of use.
Thanks to the EW-DP’s automated frequency coordination, you can get up and running quickly. The receiver finds a free frequency (which can also be initiated via the Smart Assist app), and then the transmitter is simply synced via Bluetooth. This makes the EW-DP ideal for filmmakers who may not have a dedicated audio person on set.
If any issues should occur, the system will guide you with Smart Notifications that give tips for troubleshooting and show you where to fix a problem. The system sends alerts for audio clipping, low battery, occupied frequencies, muted transmitters, and unlinked devices – and all suggest how to solve the issue quickly.
The EW-DP receiver can be powered by a BA 70 lithium-ion rechargeable battery, two standard AA batteries, or via USB by a power bank, which is an essential feature when working on location. The exact battery runtime in hours and minutes is displayed on the receiver so that you can avoid surprises during long location shoots.
In addition, the EW-DP SKP plug-on transmitter, which will be available from October, features +48V phantom power on board, allowing it to turn any wired XLR microphone into wireless, such as an MKH 416 on a boom pole. The plug-on transmitter also has a locking 3.5 mm mic input for lavaliers and onboard recording, providing videographers with a safety copy of their audio on a micro SD card.
Sennheiser’s 5th generation of Evolution Wireless systems for filmmaking and video applications is purpose-built for content creators, filmmakers, and broadcasters.
If you need a UHF wireless microphone system that requires minimal attention, then the Sennheiser Evolution Wireless Digital: EW-DP looks to be a great choice. For more information, visit https://en-uk.sennheiser.com/ew-dp.
Princess Eugenie is sharing an intimate look into her family life in celebration of Earth Day.
The granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth, 33, posted a selection of photographs on Instagram Saturday to mark the annual occasion, including an adorable snapshot of son August Philip bonding with cousin Sienna Elizabeth.
In the image, August, 2, can be seen watching penguins at a zoo exhibit while standing beside Sienna, 1 — whose parents are Princess Eugenie’s sister, Princess Beatrice, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
“It’s World Earth Day and today is all about celebrating our planet and people doing amazing things that help protect it,” Princess Eugenie began the caption of her post, before describing what each photograph shared shows.
“Photo 1: August and his cousin Sienna love going to the London Zoo. It’s part of the Zoological Society of London @zsllondonzoo a global wildlife conservation charity that helps to restore habitats and protect wildlife,” she said, detailing the first image posted. “Every time you visit you are supporting their work.”
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Related:Sarah Ferguson Says She’s ‘So Proud’ of Daughters Beatrice and Eugenie on U.K. Mother’s Day
In second and third images, Princess Eugenie shared snapshots of August immersing himself in the BBC Earth Experience, which is currently located in London “in a totally sustainable building dedicated to the BBC’s Natural History Unit’s footage of our earth,” per the royal.
“Their vision is to inspire visitors to protect the planet through this immersive experience,” she continued.
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Follow-up images show Princess Eugenie cleaning oysters. “Who knew oysters were so cool,” she wrote, describing the photos.
Princess Eugenie added: “One oyster can clean up to 200L of water a day. @bluemarinefoundation are leading an initiative called @solentseascapeproject which is restoring coastal marine life with a collection of partners making it one of the most ambitious environmental projects in the UK!”
RELATED VIDEO: Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank Hold Hands at Royal Easter Outing Ahead of Welcoming Second Child
In the final image posted in her carousel, Princess Eugenie — who is currently pregnant and expecting her second baby with Jack Brooksbank — shared a glimpse of her son and husband underneath a blossoming tree.
“Photo 6: Because I love them and they love nature,” she wrote with the photograph.
Princess Eugenie previously announced that she is expecting in a statement released by Buckingham Palace in January.
“Princess Eugenie and Mr. Jack Brooksbank are pleased to announce they are expecting their second child this summer,” the palace said in the announcement. “The family are delighted and August is very much looking forward to being a big brother.”
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In the world of photography, the quality and presentation of your work can make all the difference. One of the most effective ways to showcase your photography skills is through custom-size printing. Offering an unparalleled level of control and personalization, custom prints can truly bring your images to life.
In this blog post, we will explore six essential tips to help you make the most of custom-size printing for your photographs.
Understand The Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of your image, and it plays a crucial role in determining the size of your print. To maintain the integrity of your photographs, it’s essential to choose custom size printing that matches the aspect ratio of your original image.
Common aspect ratios include 3:2, 4:3, and 16:9, and familiarizing yourself with these ratios will help you make informed decisions about your print size.
Know Your DPI
DPI (dots per inch) refers to the resolution of your printed image. A higher DPI results in a more detailed and sharper print, while a lower DPI can lead to a pixelated or blurry appearance.
To ensure optimal quality, aim for a DPI of at least 300 when printing your photographs. Remember that increasing the size of your print may require you to increase the DPI to maintain image quality.
Choose The Right Paper
The paper you choose for your custom prints can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your photos. Different types of paper offer varying levels of color vibrancy, contrast, and texture. Some popular options include:
Matte Paper: Provides a smooth, non-reflective surface that is excellent for fine art photography and images with rich detail.
Glossy Paper: Delivers vibrant colors and a shiny finish, ideal for high-contrast and colorful images.
Luster Paper: Offers a balance between matte and glossy finishes, with a subtle sheen that enhances color and detail.
Consider the subject matter and style of your photography when selecting the best paper for your prints.
Work With A Reputable Print Provider
To ensure the highest quality custom size prints, it’s essential to work with a reputable print provider. A professional printing service will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and premium materials, and they will work closely with you to achieve the desired results.
When selecting a print provider, consider factors such as customer reviews, turnaround time, and available print options.
Color Management
To ensure that the colors in your printed photographs match your original images, it’s essential to calibrate your monitor and use a color-managed workflow. This process involves adjusting your monitor’s settings to accurately represent colors and using color profiles to maintain consistency between your screen and the final print.
A professional print provider can also help you with color management, ensuring that your custom prints accurately represent your original vision.
Experiment With Borders And Framing
When printing your photographs, consider experimenting with borders and framing to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your prints. Borders can be used to create a visual separation between the image and the frame, while also providing space for a mat or signature.
Framing not only protects your prints but also enhances their overall appearance, making them perfect for display in your home or gallery.
In Conclusion
Custom size printing is an invaluable tool for photographers looking to elevate their work and create stunning, personalized pieces. By understanding the importance of aspect ratios, DPI, paper choice, and color management, you can optimize your prints to showcase your unique style and vision. Partnering with a reputable print provider and experimenting with borders and framing will further enhance the final product, resulting in captivating images that leave a lasting impression.
The 32-year-old actress is soaking up nature’s scenery in her latest Instagram snap.
Sarah Hyland is enjoying some serene vacation time.
The Modern Family alum was seen taking in some gorgeous views in a social media post this week, as she posed for a scenic photo-op in front of a stunning sunset backdrop.
In the Instagram post shared on Friday, April 21, Hyland was seen posing seaside in front of a picturesque horizon, while soaking up the glorious sunset glowing views. Her silhouette was backlit by the yellow-orange sun, which appeared to be settling down on the water for the perfect artsy snapshot.
But the scenery around her wasn’t the only eye-catching part of the photo, as the 32-year-old actress was also serving a major vacation fashion moment, sporting a backless floral sundress, with one of the straps draping down her arm.
Her hair was pulled up into an effortless updo secured by a clip, while all of her little banana curls could be seen framing her face.
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“Eclipse Season Energy ” she captioned the post, which garnered an abundance of complimentary messages from her followers in the comment section.
“spicy, i like it ” one of her fans quipped under the dreamy photo, while another follower was in love with her hairstyle in the pic, gushing, “Curls ” in the comments.
“absolutely beautiful ” someone else chimed in, while others called the photo “glowy,” “elegant” and “gorg.”
Even the official account for Instagram couldn’t help but fawn over the post, writing in the comments, “love a sunset moment .”
Next: Watch Sarah Hyland Channel Her Inner Avril Lavigne on ‘That’s My Jam’
PUNE: Besides the planets, stars and galaxies viewed through telescopes, summer night parties are also about astrophotography these days. Scores of enthusiasts are joining camps with astro clubs in Pune only to capture the night sky and its elements in beautiful shots during the overnight star parties held in Panshet, Kamshet, Bhor, Tamhini and other places where light pollution is less.
Ever since digital DSLR cameras came into use widely, individuals taking to astrophotography have increased to a great extent. With costs of cameras and allied equipment dropping, students interested in this field can afford cameras and, there was a rise in the photography aspect of the starry nights. Sanshodhan in collaboration with Khagol Vishwa organizes overnight sky gazing programmes for sky lovers every month at Godham eco-village situated around 40 km from Pune. Mayuresh Prabhune of Sanshodhan said, “Astrophotography has become a hobby and youngsters join the star-gazing sessions as and when they find time. Many spend entire nights with all the equipment, collect data and process it to get stunning visuals.” Prabhune said many enthusiasts have good technical know-how of the camera but not so much about astronomy. “If they are able to understand astronomy and tie up with professional astronomers, study the visuals and then bring out the photographs, then Indian astronomy could go up to the next level.” Photographers interested in the field could look at variable stars, occultation, transient events, extrasolar planets, minor planets, and asteroids and study these elements in the sky then it would give them great results. Suyash Deshpande, who has pursued his love for astrophotography for the past five years, said that at first he would join groups in Pune at star parties. “I developed an interest in photography later on and started taking my camera to star-gazing events. Knowledge of both aspects helped me,” Deshpande said. The oldest astronomy club in Pune, Jyotirvidya Parisanstha, has started a course in astrophotography. Aniruddha Deshpande of JVP said, “We conduct two sessions – the first is a preparatory one the second session is a field exercise to a nearby location in Pune. We also provide the participants with telescopes for imaging and open source software for processing among other materials.”
For decades after its invention in the early 19th century, photography was not considered art. By the late 1850s, French art critic Charles Baudelaire was calling the photographic industry “art’s most mortal enemy.”
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Today we face a similar issue: Can A.I.-generated images be considered photography? And do they threaten photographers and other artists?
One thing is already clear: The art world cannot ignore artificial intelligence.
Last month, an image depicting two women (see below) took the top prize in the creative category of the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards, only for the winning artist to make clear he produced the work with an A.I. tool, not a camera.
Berlin-based artist Boris Eldagsen explained on his website that he applied to the contest “as cheeky monkey” to find out whether photography competitions “are prepared for A.I. images to enter.”
“They are not,” he concluded. “We, the photo world, need an open discussion. A discussion about what we want to consider photography and what not.”
Eldagsen produced the image—entitled “Pseudomnesia: The Electrician”—using DALL-E 2, made by OpenAI, the same Microsoft-backed venture behind the A.I. chatbot ChatGPT and its successor GPT-4.
His enthusiasm for A.I. image generators—others include Midjourney and Stable Diffusion—comes through in a Scientific American interview published Friday: “When A.I. generators started, I was hooked from the very beginning. For me, as an artist, A.I. generators are absolute freedom. It’s like the tool I have always wanted.”
But he sees the tools as being distinct from photography. In rejecting his prize, he wrote: “A.I. images and photography should not compete with each other in an award like this. They are different entities. A.I. is not photography. Therefore I will not accept the award.”
Eldagsen said in the Scientific American interview that it’s time for some new terminology.
“One thing I propose is to clean up the terminology and not call realistic A.I. art ‘A.I. photography’ anymore, because it’s not photography. And one suggestion that came out of the community was ‘promptography,’ and I just love it. It is large enough to encompass that the result can look like a drawing, like a painting, like a photo.”
Last year, a work entitled “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial,” created with Midjourney, controversially took home the blue ribbon in the Colorado State Fair’s contest for emerging digital artists. The creator, Jason M. Allen, defended his win, even as purists said he cheated and argued not enough skill was involved.
“Promptography” would seem suitable for the winning entries of both Eldagsen and Allen. Each artist spent considerable time and effort experimenting with the A.I. image generators and finding just the right prompts to create their art.
Eldagsen told Scientific American, “The only thing I can say is that the easy answers on both sides—those who want to go back to analog times and those who say promptography is photography—are nonsense. We need to think deeper than that.”
Do photography and promptography belong in the same museum, festival, gallery, or competition? “It’s very complex,” he said. “I don’t have any answer for that.”
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
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I have three acres of oaks planted on my small farm and I often see two or three ladybirds together hibernating on the trees. I came across this lovely bunch of seven last week. Interesting that they nearly always use the south-facing side of the trees. Kevin McDonnell, Co Cork
Seven seven-spot ladybirds on the south-facing side of the tree. As they spend the winter in hibernation as adults, they seek out sheltered spots. Naturally, they choose the south-facing side of the tree as this must be the most suitable in your woodland. These are one of our most common and widespread native ladybird species. They will wake up and breed soon with both the adults and their subsequent larvae feeding on a wide variety of aphids, thus lessening the burden on the leaves of your oak trees.
Scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) is common on buried twigs of birch and willow at this time of year and earlier. Photograph: Paddy Demery
This fungus was seen on a log in Westport House, Co Mayo. What is it? Paddy Demery, Co Wicklow
The same fungus has caught the attention of two other eagle-eyed readers as well: John Byrne while on his morning walk in Laraghbryan, Maynooth, and Cornelius Delahunty in his garden near Naas. It is the scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca), which is common on buried twigs of birch and willow at this time of year and earlier.
The dreaded lily beetle, which eats the leaves, stem, buds and flowers of lilies. Photograph: Danann and Ruadh Butler
This insect was found in our house this week and was gently evicted (twice). We think it might be some sort of beetle. Could you help please? Danann and Ruadh Butler, Co Dublin
It is indeed a beetle – the dreaded lily beetle, which eats the leaves, stem, buds and flowers of lilies. This invasive species was first recorded here in 2009 and has now spread through east Munster and Leinster. I hope you or your neighbours are not growing lilies in the garden.
[ Eye on Nature: What are these strange mauve-coloured mushrooms growing on my shed? ]
Perhaps this was the final resting place of Fungi. Or, perhaps not – Fungi was a male bottle-nose dolphin
During lockdown in January 2021, we came across this fish (?) on the river estuary on Lahinch beach in Co Clare. Can you identify for us? Anonymous, Co Clare
Kevin Flannery of Dingle Aquarium tells me that it is not a fish at all but a dolphin. He does not specify the species. Perhaps this was the final resting place of Fungi, who has been missing since October 2020. Or, perhaps not – Fungi was a male bottlenose dolphin.
This spider is called the White Death as it can kill creatures much larger than it. Photograph: Michael McCormack
I found this spider in my car. Wondering what type it is. Michael McCormack, Co Dublin
This is the unmistakable flower crab spider – a female – with a very plump abdomen and two front pairs of legs much larger than the other two. To catch its prey, this spider sits motionless in flowers (usually white or yellow ones) and ambushes insects that visit to feed on nectar. It can even change its colour from white to match the colour of the flower. When the hapless insect sticks in its head, the spider bites it and paralyses it with its venom. It can kill much bigger insects than itself, such as bees and butterflies. Hence its common English name – White Death.
The white-toothed shrew, first recorded here in 2008, is larger than the pygmy shrew. Photograph: Patrick Timmins
This was found just outside the back door in a housing estate. Pygmy shrew? Was it left by a cat or dropped by bird? No obvious signs of cause of death.Patrick Timmins, Co Kildare
It is certainly a shrew – the long pointy snout is the distinguishing characteristic. But, which one? The white-toothed shrew, first recorded here in 2008, is larger than the pygmy shrew, has white teeth (rather than the pygmy’s red-capped ones) and long white hairs on its tail. Having foul-tasting glands, both species are unpalatable to cats but not to birds of prey. So, I suspect it is an offering from a cat.
Please submit your nature query, observation, or photo with a location, via www.irishtimes.com/eyeonnature.
Blackmagic Design has announced the release of DaVinci Resolve 18.5, the latest update to its popular post-production software (Video editor). With over 150 feature upgrades, the new version introduces new AI tools and menus that allow for faster workflows and more creativity.
One of the most significant new features in DaVinci Resolve 18.5 is the addition of four new AI tools. These tools leverage the power of the DaVinci Neural Engine to analyze and sort audio clips based on classification, automatically transcribe speech to text for subtitling and search, and more. With these AI-powered tools, editors can save valuable time and focus more on the creative aspects of their projects.
In addition to the AI tools, DaVinci Resolve 18.5 includes over 150 feature upgrades across the Cut, Color, and Fairlight pages. One of the most notable upgrades is the new Relight FX tool, which allows colourists to add virtual lighting sources to a scene for greater control over lighting and mood. Another major improvement is the ability to transcribe audio within clips to search for media based on narrative content or to quickly generate subtitles for timelines with the automatic speech-to-text feature.
DaVinci Resolve 18.5 introduces new features for audio engineers for group editing and mix automation. Combining related audio tracks or mixer channels into groups allows audio engineers to manage their projects and make editing choices faster. The DaVinci Neural Engine can now classify audio clips based on their content, making locating specific sounds and effects easier.
DaVinci Resolve 18.5 also includes improvements to remote monitoring, with the ability to initiate remote monitoring using just a Blackmagic ID and a session code. Users can stream to multiple computers, iPads, or iPhones simultaneously, making it easier to collaborate with colleagues and clients remotely.
Other new features in DaVinci Resolve 18.5 include support for the Universal Scene Description file format for improved collaboration with VFX artists, the ability to export timelines to the Blackmagic Cloud using the new Presentations feature, and the addition of marker overlays and annotations for timeline and clip markers on the Color page viewer.
“We’re excited to introduce DaVinci Resolve 18.5, which offers our users more creative options and faster workflows,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “The new AI tools, menus, and upgrades across the Cut, Color, and Fairlight pages will help users work more efficiently and spend more time being creative.”
DaVinci Resolve 18.5 is available for download now from the Blackmagic Design website. The software is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems and is available in both the free and paid Studio versions.
With its powerful features and easy-to-use interface, DaVinci Resolve has become one of the most popular post-production software options on the market. The new AI tools and feature upgrades in DaVinci Resolve 18.5 only serve to enhance its already impressive capabilities and make it an even more essential tool for photographers and videographers.
For more information head on over to the Blackmagic Design website
Welcome to the end of a week that has veered from the awe-inspiring (that solar eclipse) to the head-scratching (that strip-club altercation) to the borderline grotesque (see item one below). If you missed the first two events, may I suggest signing up to our Morning Mail and Afternoon Update newsletters? They’ll keep you up to speed on weekdays.
For now, may I suggest finding the new Everything But the Girl LP on your platform of choice, pressing play (or dropping the needle on the record), and diving into some reads to invigorate the old brain noodles (not to be confused with murder noodles).
1. Look at this photograph
German photographer Boris Eldagsen with the prize-winning AI-generated image he submitted, Pseudomnesia: The Electrician. Photograph: Alex Schwander/Reuters
If you somehow slept on it, Pseudomnesia: The Electrician is the photo that took out one of the prizes in the Sony world photography awards. But its creator, Boris Eldagsen, subsequently revealed the image was generated using artificial intelligence and refused to accept the gong.
Whether it was designed to provoke – as its creator suggests – or just a publicity stunt is open for debate. In the meantime, Zoe Williams picks the brain of the photographer with an ever-so-slight Australia connection.
‘Promptography’ or ‘fauxtography’? Eldagsen suggests his craft should go by the former descriptor, but I think the Guardian commenter who offered up the latter may have an early word of the year candidate on their hands.
How long will it take to read: Three minutes.
2. Is Elon Musk creating a utopian city?
The idea of living in a town populated only by colleagues is about as appealing as living in a town with just my family (apologies to all concerned – it’s not you, it’s me).
The Tesla founder, however, is following in the footsteps of Britain’s Cadbury family and big tech contemporaries Google and Meta with Snailbrook, Texas. The company town’s population currently stands at 12. But “if there is a vision for Snailbrook,” writes Steve Rose, “it has yet to emerge.”
Lessons from the past: When the residents of a Colorado coal-mining town owned by John D Rockefeller went on strike over their conditions in 1913, the conflict turned violent. The National Guard attacked the strikers’ tent city on the company’s behalf, killing at least 19 people, including a dozen children.
How long will it take to read: Five minutes.
3. The sometimes difficult path off antidepressants
Antidepressants are a critical intervention for millions of people and can be life-saving. But how well do we manage what comes next? Photograph: Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images
Antidepressants, to borrow a quote from Rick James, are a hell of a drug. About one in seven Australians take them, and countless others have come out the other side in a better place.
Kicking them isn’t always easy, though. About half of those coming off the drugs will experience withdrawal symptoms, from vomiting to insomnia. And one UK-based expert suggests Australia is in the “dark ages” when it comes to providing adequate support.
Notable quote: “I get countless emails now from people in Australia who want help coming off antidepressants,” saysDrMark Horowitz. “The fact that they’re talking to some random research fellow in London for help and not their doctors, I think speaks volumes.”
How long will it take to read: Five minutes.
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4. What we can learn from watching grass grow
Stick with me here, because it turns out the abundance and diversity of grass is a magnificent evolutionary feat. You’ll have to delve into Andreas Wagner’s long read to find out exactly why it took tens of millions of years to thrive, but its story of slow-burn triumph suggests that success depends on the world into which a life form is born.
What’s the point? Wagner is fascinated by the concept of “sleeping beauties” – life forms that remained dormant before succeeding explosively. “A great number of innovations arrive before their time,” he writes, citing technologies like radar (initially ignored). “The sleeping beauties of nature can help us understand why creating may be easy, but creating successfully is beyond hard.”
How long will it take to read: Eight minutes.
5. The incredible expanding city
Melbourne’s growth has been outpacing Sydney’s for much of the past decade. Photograph: Charlie Rogers/Getty Images
Transformers fans of a certain age may remember Unicron, the robotic planet that devours other planets. Melbourne is following in the footsteps of the Orson Welles-voiced monstrosity, absorbing every stray suburb in its orbit to usurp Sydney as Australia’s most populous city.
What if the Victorian capital expanded forever? Would the airport rail link be finished by then? Anna Spargo-Ryan (only semi-seriously) ponders the imponderable.
Why should I care about this? ASR takes the topic on with a whimsical touch, but the city’s rampant, unfettered overdevelopment is never far from her incisive gaze.
How long will it take to read: Two minutes.
Further reading: The counting quirk that saw Sydney lose its title after more than a century.
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