List of the Best of the "Best of 2021" Lists
Hello again! I hope you’ve had a nice few months since last we spoke. I’ve got a lot of links to share, so this one might be a bit long. Enjoy!
As Promised: A List of Lists
2021 was truly a banner year for social media weirdness. I missed some of these happenings, and it was fun to learn about them afterwards:
2021 Best Memes Of The Year | BuzzFeed
Maker jargon and slang from 2021 | Boing Boing
If you’re interested in some more concrete news from 2021, look no further:
Finally, a little something to help you maintain or restart any personal growth goals you may have: 100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying.
Aesthetics
Perhaps, on the other hand, you’d prefer something more ethereal—well look no futher than The Year in Vibes.
See also, this excellent piece about the origins of the words “Vibe, Mood, Energy” ✨
The 25 Most Iconic Book Covers in History ‹ Literary Hub
If you know me well you’ll know I’m a typomaniac, and I’m extremely here for these retro styled ads. The ’80s Are Back, Baby – Eye on Design
Seeking Solarpunk
We Are The Caretakers is an unapologetically Afrofuturist sci-fi squad-management RPG about protecting endangered animals—and your planet—from extinction.
'We Are The Caretakers' Puts Afrofuturism Front and Center | WIRED
Another cool specialized use of bioreactors. One of the common elements in Solarpunk literature is often genetic modification of plants and animals. Using microbes to do the things we need is an area that I expect to see continue to develop.
Solar-powered aircraft flown for nearly three weeks without landing | E&T Magazine
Pretty cool! As materials and battery technology continues to improve, I wonder if they’ll have to land at all…
Why not build a wooden skyscraper?
Technology
I’ve got two wind power related stories for you right here—first, some good news, the Biden administration plans for offshore wind everywhere! Second, unfortunately, Offshore wind projects are outpacing the ships that build them. Big projects require big machines.
Meanwhile, here’s a hot take for you: Stop Telling Kids They’ll Die From Climate Change!
Y’all know I’m a sucker for nostalgic technology… I hope you enjoy the Mobile Phone Museum Catalogue as much as I did!
Culture
Fascinating new discovery about ancient civilizations:
Hundreds of long-lost Maya and Olmec ceremonial centers revealed by LIDAR
World's Most Dangerous Birds Were Raised by People 18,000 Years Ago
I mean, the article title has “World's Most Dangerous Birds” in the title. That should be enough for anyone. Also, ancient people continue to be dope.
A counterpoint to my previous coverage: Tearing Down Highways Won’t Fix American Cities
How do you define, “Real?”
Birds Aren’t Real, or Are They? Inside a Gen Z Conspiracy Theory
I find it amusing that this intentionally fake, ridiculous idea has to be called out as being explicitly fake.
More generally, Are Things Real? Today in Tabs wonders, to humorous effect.
Present:
Hacktivism Fell Out of Fashion—2021 Helped Bring It Back
How the pandemic pulled Nigerian university students into cybercrime
On a completely unrelated note, you might be wondering how you can take the viral TikTok BDSM test and what it all means?
On an unfortunately-related note, you probably were not wondering How the Sexy Grinch Spiced Up Christmas.
Meet skimpflation: A reason inflation is worse than the government says it is
Personally, I feel like I’ve been noticing examples of this often…
Future:
Internet Archive presents the Wayforward Machine • Visit the future of the internet. Warning—it’s not good.
The Future of Psychedelic Medicine Will Be Drugs You’ve Never Heard Of
Interesting look at synthetic psychedelics and how they will likely factor into future treatments.
China:
China Uses YouTube Influencers to Spread Propaganda - The New York Times
A fascinating look at how states can leverage influencers and advance their own aims.
On a lighter (ish?) note, China’s noisy ‘dancing grannies’ silenced by device that disables speakers | The Guardian
A strong argument in favor of increased immigration (with context): China's baby bust is a huge opportunity for America
China to ban video games featuring same-sex relationships, ‘effeminate’ men and moral choices
The last part of that headline stuck out to me, personally.
A fascinating, detailed look at how some cultural issues are progressing in other countries.