Waste coffee grounds make concrete 30% stronger. Researchers have found that concrete can be made 30% stronger by replacing a percentage of sand with spent coffee grounds, an organic waste product produced in huge amounts that usually ends up in landfill. The method also reduces the use of natural resources like sand, further contributing to a greener circular economy approach to construction.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 8:20 PM PST - 56 comments The Inaugural "Please Don't Let Any of These People Become President" Merchandise Awards. Garrett Bucks, writer and founder of The Barnraisers Project, finally throws his hands up in the air and evaluates the current crop of Republican "Presidential candidates" (besides you-know-who) on the only criteria that really matters - the quality of their campaign merchandise. (Main link is for his SubStack, for those who object to SubStack.)
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posted by soundguy99 at 3:20 PM PST - 29 comments A Halloween Carol (SLXKCD)
posted by Quasirandom at 2:43 PM PST - 35 comments "This site is a faithful reproduction and restoration of John Gould¡¯s
A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of Humming-Birds, a magnificent work of ornithological art and science that was published in six volumes between 1848 and 1887."
Scans of the original books were restored by Nicholas Rougeux, who also created the website; the artwork is downloadable and is in the public domain.
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posted by adamrice at 12:13 PM PST - 4 comments Guessing what instrument someone plays... based on photos of their hands. From the comments:
If they¡¯re looking at calluses, maybe I should have sent pics to REALLY confuse them ?. I play flute and piano and just started violin. But my calluses are from climbing and tennis ??? But seriously, this is an exception to the rule that you should never read Youtube comments. Read these! Another comment:
"That is such a waste of big hands" -TwoSet. But also as a pianist I agree [more inside]
posted by spamandkimchi at 11:43 AM PST - 26 comments The Shadow Work Journal has exploded on TikTok as an inexpensive mental-health tool, even as experts question its approach¡ªand the author¡¯s credentials. The rise of The Shadow Work Journal is another reminder of TikTok¡¯s power¡ªto generate conversation, to sell a ton of books, to keep people in an algorithmic loop indefinitely. Though it was first published in the fall of 2021, the journal reached hit status this year, after being listed in TikTok Shop. It has sold 290,000 copies on TikTok alone since April¡ª45 percent of its overall sales, Shaheen says, meaning more than half a million sold in total.
posted by folklore724 at 10:25 AM PST - 18 comments Seasonally appropriate frivolous spending! Looking for seasonally appropriate ways to fritter away your savings? Be a avocado toast monster!
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posted by supermedusa at 9:16 AM PST - 15 comments Happy 20th anniversary to the unofficial British National Anthem (now over 380 weeks on the charts!)
How The Killers made Mr Brightside, one of the most enduring rock songs of all time - The Independent (more links below the cut)
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posted by Pachylad at 8:03 AM PST - 53 comments In America¡¯s overwhelmed downtowns, private security guards like Michael Bock have become the solution of last resort. (gift link)
posted by Kitteh at 7:40 AM PST - 49 comments The pool of podcast listeners is growing, but the flood of shows on various streaming platforms makes it tough to break new hits. Facing competition across genres and formats, Spotify found that exclusive podcasts generally don¡¯t draw subscribers away from its rivals. Podcast costs at the company rose €29 million in the first half of this year. from Spotify¡¯s $1 Billion Podcast Bet Turns Into a Serial Drama [WSJ; ungated]
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posted by chavenet at 6:14 AM PST - 52 comments British Seaside Simulator by Mefi's own malevolent, "so we can endlessly relive the summer that's coming to an end." (info) Best enjoyed with a cup of builder's in a stainless steel travel mug. [via mefi projects]
posted by taz at 1:09 AM PST - 44 comments 