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Recipes for celebration
If you do decide to stick out the Autumn in…

Recipes for celebration
If you do decide to stick out the Autumn in the UK, there are plenty of things to look forward to. Halloween, Harvest Festival and Hogmanay provide the perfect excuse to gather friends, good food and maybe a drink or two.

Not ready to let summer end?
An unseasonably warm September has lulled us into the (sadly…

Not ready to let summer end?
An unseasonably warm September has lulled us into the (sadly false) idea summer might last forever. But it doesn’t have to. If you’re really committed to avoiding the cold, try this year-long circuit of the US, where the temperature never dips below 21 degrees. Our bags are already packed.

Art lovers rejoice!
The good people at Conde Nast Traveller have made it…

Art lovers rejoice!
The good people at Conde Nast Traveller have made it easier than ever to plan a holiday full to the brim of art and culture. They’ve considered gallery concentration, architectural highlights, as well as the number of art schools and festivals to rank their top ten.

Fake it until you make it
Some of our favourite fictional brands have done the impossible….

Fake it until you make it
Some of our favourite fictional brands have done the impossible. Escaping the confines of our screens, they’ve broken into the real world. What is it about them that made viewers want to try them IRL? Brand designers spill their secrets for successful fake brands in this article by It’s Nice That.

Celebrating caff culture
Also known as a greasy spoon, the Great British Caff…

Celebrating caff culture
Also known as a greasy spoon, the Great British Caff is an institution we shouldn’t take for granted. Though they’ve fallen out of favour as younger generations punt for Australian-influenced, TikTok-famous brunch experiences, a few authentic spots remain. This Instagram account documents them all.

Seeing is believing
If we could see the effect climate change has on…

Seeing is believing
If we could see the effect climate change has on our lives, our drive to combat it might become more imperative. NASA’s newest tool, Tempo, continuously measures and maps the air quality above North America – showing regular breakdowns of local air quality.

Something for everyone
Want to get away form the angry comment sections and…

Something for everyone
Want to get away form the angry comment sections and doom and gloom news that seem to dominate the internet? We recommend perusing this Guardian list of digital gems. Our favourites: The Fish Doorbell, Found in a Library Book and Sandwiches of History.

Walk the butterfly trail
Curious client Pixel Artworks has designed an extraordinary (and free!)…

Walk the butterfly trail
Curious client Pixel Artworks has designed an extraordinary (and free!) mixed reality experience for the Outernet on Denmark Street. Visitors travel through Professor Peter Perlgrin’s Botanical Workshop, where they meet the AR butterflies that live there.

Pigeons, but fancier
Applying a formal portrait technique to some of the rarer…

Pigeons, but fancier
Applying a formal portrait technique to some of the rarer and most beautiful breeds of pigeons, photographer Brendan Burden aims to upturn our preconceived notions of the birds most of us consider the “rats of the sky”.

Who lives in Soho?
When we call Soho our home, we mean it in…

Who lives in Soho?
When we call Soho our home, we mean it in a symbolic way. At 6 pm we say our goodbyes and head to homes in Zone 2 and beyond. But, for others, Soho is and always has been where they lay their heads.

The mystery of the missing postcodes
When they were first proposed in 1856, ten postcode districts…

The mystery of the missing postcodes
When they were first proposed in 1856, ten postcode districts divided London. But, as postcode buffs will have already realised, today, only eight remain. What happened to the lost two?

For the love of dog
The Curious Studio is always happier when one of our…

For the love of dog
The Curious Studio is always happier when one of our office dogs makes an appearance. It’s astonishing how much they brighten our mood. To showcase their appreciation for man’s best friends, the Hashimoto Contemporary is exhibiting dog-inspired artworks in a myriad of mediums.

Bastard Amber
No, it’s not an insult, it’s the name of a…

Bastard Amber
No, it’s not an insult, it’s the name of a colour. The warm peachy-pink glow of a theatre spotlight, to be precise. What a fun name! And there are lots more. Drake’s-Neck, Banan-Appeal and Smaragdine are all part of a vast colour vocabulary we dramatically under-employ.

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders
You order dumplings, but a plate of sushi arrives at…

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders
You order dumplings, but a plate of sushi arrives at your table. In any other restaurant, you might complain. But, at the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders, a regular pop-up in Japan, errors are part of the experience, as the restaurant hopes to raise awareness of dementia, which all its servers have.

That’s NEAT
It can be hard to find time (and motivation) to…

That’s NEAT
It can be hard to find time (and motivation) to exercise. Early morning gym sessions and runs in the rain simply aren’t appealing. But keeping fit need not be that hard. Making healthier choices in your day-to-day life to increase your Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (or NEAT) can have a surprisingly big effect.

A hit of nostalgia
Calm weekend mornings before the adults were awake, or as…

A hit of nostalgia
Calm weekend mornings before the adults were awake, or as a treat after school – our favourite childhood shows still hold a place close to our hearts. And, let’s be honest they were better when we were kids! Do the Guardian agree? See what made the list.

A date for your diary
On the 2nd of November, the National Portrait Gallery will…

A date for your diary
On the 2nd of November, the National Portrait Gallery will reopen David Hockney: Drawing from Life. Featuring over 30 new portraits including an excellent rendering of Harry Styles (we also love Joe Lycett’s version): it’s a must-see!

Combating cliff corrosion
Coastal erosion doesn’t just harm human habitats – Britain’s seabird…

Combating cliff corrosion
Coastal erosion doesn’t just harm human habitats – Britain’s seabird population is also affected. In some places, their population has declined by 90% as their cliff homes wear away. Now three mysterious structures on England’s east coast aim to put a stop to this decline.

Free beer here
Well, free beer for one lucky person… Whoever becomes Aldi’s…

Free beer here
Well, free beer for one lucky person… Whoever becomes Aldi’s new Official Beer Taster will be responsible for tasting and reviewing a complementary range of Aldi ales, lagers, and ciders. Great work if you can get it. Applications are open until the 21st of August.

A sensible discovery
Hear, see, smell, taste, and touch. We’re all familiar with…

A sensible discovery
Hear, see, smell, taste, and touch. We’re all familiar with the five senses. But do you know which you’re neglecting? Identifying (and rectifying) your neglected sense, could open up a whole new way of connecting to and enjoying the world around you.

An answer at last?
Ever since his art began to appear on the streets…

An answer at last?
Ever since his art began to appear on the streets of Bristol, people have questioned the identity of Banksy. How did he go from a graffiti kid to a cultural phenomenon? And has he left any clues to his identity? BBC Sounds investigate.

It’s that time again
Yes, the shortlisted entries for the 2023 Comedy Pet Photography…

It’s that time again
Yes, the shortlisted entries for the 2023 Comedy Pet Photography Awards have been unveiled, and they don’t disappoint. This year’s sensations selection includes photobombers, sneak attacks and some unfortunate hair coincidences.

Be more productive
For creatures of habit, humans are surprisingly bad at building…

Be more productive
For creatures of habit, humans are surprisingly bad at building positive routines. But, by adding a desired behavioural change to an existing ritual, it can become one of your daily practices. It really is that simple.

A hidden gem
We have a new favourite show. Full of family conflict,…

A hidden gem
We have a new favourite show. Full of family conflict, backstabbing and power struggles, Chimp Empire has more in common with Game of Thrones or Succession than your usual nature documentary. Nevertheless, the combination of beautiful filmography and dramatic charge has us hooked.

A human lasagne
It’s almost time for the Icon of the Seas to…

A human lasagne
It’s almost time for the Icon of the Seas to take its maiden voyage. 20 decks, the tallest waterslide to sail, 7 swimming pools, 1 ice rink, 8 Neighbourhoods and too many other things to list will make up the world’s largest cruise ship. But, we find ourselves asking, is this design improvement, or just a bit much?

The Super Sewer gardens
Yes, you read that correctly. Until it opens in 2025,…

The Super Sewer gardens
Yes, you read that correctly. Until it opens in 2025, the Thames Tideway Tunnel, built to upgrade London’s Victorian sewage system, has been turned into a garden to showcase the ecological benefits it will bring to the city.

Playing on perspective
Portuguese artist Hugo Suíssas uses angels and scale to make…

Playing on perspective
Portuguese artist Hugo Suíssas uses angels and scale to make playful compositions that insert everyday objects into otherwise ordinary scenes. We loved puzzling out how they were made.

Wimbledon’s dress down
It’s been 146 years since Wimbledon last looked at its…

Wimbledon’s dress down
It’s been 146 years since Wimbledon last looked at its famously strict dress code. Societal pressure may have had a hand in the relaxation of certain rules around women’s wear.

Spoiler alert!
If you’ve ever (and we’re not saying we have) pretended…

Spoiler alert!
If you’ve ever (and we’re not saying we have) pretended to see a film to seem smart or cool, then we’ve got a tool for you. This sneaky website gives you everything you need to know to talk about a movie as if you’ve seen it.

A real life DreamHouse
Whilst Ken and Barbie are adventuring in the real world,…

A real life DreamHouse
Whilst Ken and Barbie are adventuring in the real world, they’ve listed the DreamHouse on Airbnb. And, because Ken couldn’t figure out the pricing, it’s available for free. If you fancy life in plastic (it’s fantastic!) you can book from July 17th.

I feel love
MDMA’s use as a therapeutic agent has a lot of…

I feel love
MDMA’s use as a therapeutic agent has a lot of support in the scientific community – it has the potential to revolutionise how we treat mental health. But, to the surprise of everyone involved, accidentally including a white supremacist in a new trial revealed the extent to which MDMA can change our minds.

Too much information
Every day, it seems, we hear about another mind-bending/life-changing and…

Too much information
Every day, it seems, we hear about another mind-bending/life-changing and very cool AI tool we simply must try. Thankfully, iLib lists the most visited AI sites to keep us on top of the trends.

Puzzling times
Every Monday, The Guardian kicks off the week with a…

Puzzling times
Every Monday, The Guardian kicks off the week with a selection of puzzles to get our heads out of weekend mode and ready for work. This week’s layering challenge, designed as an IQ test for children, made our adult brains ache. Can you solve them?

All of a flutter
Inspired by their effortless movements, French artist Mantra has been…

All of a flutter
Inspired by their effortless movements, French artist Mantra has been blessing buildings with beautiful and bold butterflies. The murals, which are drawn freehand, are the result of a childhood dream of becoming a naturalist and some seriously impressive artistic skills.

Your guide to pride
This weekend is Pride. London will be brighter, busier and…

Your guide to pride
This weekend is Pride. London will be brighter, busier and bustling-er than usual with parades, parties and protests popping up all over the capital. But, it’s more than just a celebration. This year’s theme, Never Walk Alone seeks to increase visibility and unity and equality for the entire LGBT+ community.

A flexible design solution
Ikea’s latest design gives a whole new meaning to fold…

A flexible design solution
Ikea’s latest design gives a whole new meaning to fold out sofa. Working with Space10, they’ve designed a couch light enough and small enough to fit in an envelope – admittedly, it’s not a small envelope, but, nevertheless, impressive!

Tackling AI bias
Over the last few months, we (like many others) have…

Tackling AI bias
Over the last few months, we (like many others) have been busy exploring how AI might enhance our work. But we’ve noticed that the images it generates tend towards a particular gender. MissJourney is an AI determined to restore the balance.

Technological improvements
Isn’t it intriguing how technology influences our lives? If some…

Technological improvements
Isn’t it intriguing how technology influences our lives? If some of Soren Iverson’s app “improvements” were ever implemented, it’d certainly make us think twice about our online behaviour. Thankfully, for now, they’re only ideas.

Step into summer
Now that the weather’s finally picked up, it finally feels…

Step into summer
Now that the weather’s finally picked up, it finally feels like summer. And just in time! The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is on Wednesday. Here are some suggestions for where you can celebrate the sunshine.

All in the mind’s eye
We love anything that makes our brains go “Wait. What?”…

All in the mind’s eye
We love anything that makes our brains go “Wait. What?” – and optical illusions certainly fit that brief! What could be more curious than exploring why our eyes sometimes see things not how they are? Here are some of the best with handy explanations.

The future 100
We’re wrapping up this issue on a positive note. We’re…

The future 100
We’re wrapping up this issue on a positive note. We’re excited to keep sharing all the things that enrich our thinking. Anyone from Dazed’s list of up-and-coming creatives might well end up in Shareables again!

Turning it up to 100
Another impressive achievement is making 100 of anything – especially…

Turning it up to 100
Another impressive achievement is making 100 of anything – especially films (we hear there’s quite a lot of work involved). Only a handful of directors have ever managed it; their creations are delightfully varied.

Centenary celebrations
Turning 100 is a pretty impressive achievement! It deserves to…

Centenary celebrations
Turning 100 is a pretty impressive achievement! It deserves to be properly celebrated. We think Barbados has the right idea. They’ve one-upped our Royal birthday cards and released stamps of their centenarians.

The perfect number
We’re throwing down the mantle. Issuing a challenge. Daring you….

The perfect number
We’re throwing down the mantle. Issuing a challenge. Daring you. Could you live with only 100 items for a whole year? It sounds tough, but there are a whole host of benefits to stripping back your life to what’s truly necessary.

The 100 best…
We could have picked the 100 best of anything, but…

The 100 best…
We could have picked the 100 best of anything, but we’ve opted for books. Often a conversation topic in our studio, we love how they have the power to teach us, open our minds, and take us to new worlds. Some of these are definitely going on our to-read list.

All that jazz
In small pockets across London, Jazz is making a comeback…

All that jazz
In small pockets across London, Jazz is making a comeback – though not how you know it. This new wave is re-examining the music through soul, hip hop and African lenses – reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the artists making it.

Secret code
Our website recommendation this week is Emojiton. Type any film,…

Secret code
Our website recommendation this week is Emojiton. Type any film, book, or TV series into their search, and they’ll translate it into emoji speak. Perfect for quizzing your friends. Can you guess which film we’ve chosen?

A ripe old age
In a curious corner of the internet, a question was…

A ripe old age
In a curious corner of the internet, a question was asked; “Did people in the past look older when they were younger?”. Pictural evidence poured in. It seemed to be true. Younger people did seem to have aged faster. But, as always, there’s a scientific explanation.

Beatles mania forever
No other band has had such an influence on global…

Beatles mania forever
No other band has had such an influence on global culture as The Beatles. To this day, they influence musicians and artists alike – as seen in Leon Edler’s new collection of Beatles-themed artworks.

Are you in control?
Wouldn’t it be great if we could blame our chocolate…

Are you in control?
Wouldn’t it be great if we could blame our chocolate addictions and bad habits on genetics? Well, scientists are increasingly confident it might be the case. Their research shows that everything from our personalities to food preferences and even our ability to maintain relationships might be influenced by our genes.

Getting to know you
Being born royal practically guarantees an unusual upbringing, with the…

Getting to know you
Being born royal practically guarantees an unusual upbringing, with the eyes of the world always upon you. But it also ensures there’ll be enough content for someone to make you a visual biography. See King Charles’ below.

A way to remember
The best part of any state event has got to…

A way to remember
The best part of any state event has got to be the memorabilia made to mark the occasion: Aldi is selling Kevin the king of veg, and The Royal Mint will sell you a commemorative £5 coin for only £14.50. But our favourites come from these independent artists.

A dish fit for a king
The Corrie Quiche, as it will surely be known, is…

A dish fit for a king
The Corrie Quiche, as it will surely be known, is Charles and Camilla’s official coronation recipe. Featuring dill, spinach, and broad beans, it’s been released to mixed reviews. But if you’re curious about what tickles the king’s tastebuds, why not make your own?

Get your Saturday sorted
Wherever you are in the UK this weekend, we predict…

Get your Saturday sorted
Wherever you are in the UK this weekend, we predict you won’t be able to move for street parties, viewing parties, and afternoon teas. But, if you’re looking for a different way to celebrate, we have some suggestions.

Can’t wait for the big day?
With the BBC’s in-depth analysis, you can become a coronation…

Can’t wait for the big day?
With the BBC’s in-depth analysis, you can become a coronation connoisseur. The route, the robes and the regalia are all covered – there’ll be nothing you don’t know about the coronation.

A lesson in clear communication
Phones, fidgeting and short attention spans – with all the…

A lesson in clear communication
Phones, fidgeting and short attention spans – with all the distractions you compete with for an audience’s attention, straightforward communication is more vital than ever. It’s not just down to the words you use: these techniques can also help you get your point across.

The secret to space photography
Whilst we’re on the subject of space, it appears you…

The secret to space photography
Whilst we’re on the subject of space, it appears you don’t have to be an astronaut to take out of this world photographs. With patience, a DSLR and some photo-editing practice, you too can create images worthy of the James Webb Telescope.

What time is it on the moon?
I’ll meet you at the crater at five, said one…

What time is it on the moon?
I’ll meet you at the crater at five, said one astronaut to another. But what time is five when you’re on the moon? UK time? US time? Future time? Or, as the days are longer, do we need a new time altogether?

Happy birthday Aladdin Sane
Can you believe it’s been 50 years since the release…

Happy birthday Aladdin Sane
Can you believe it’s been 50 years since the release of David Bowie’s iconic album? The Southbank is celebrating this brilliant example of musical branding with an exhibition exploring the ‘lightning bolt’ portrait. It’s on now until the 28th of May – we’ll see you there!

Where to?
AI really is awfully clever. Its latest trick is assembling…

Where to?
AI really is awfully clever. Its latest trick is assembling travel itineraries for curious explorers. Whether you’ve got all the details nailed down and are looking for a few extra activities or you’re searching for inspiration, this website takes the pain out of holiday planning.

Where did all the colours go?
Have you noticed things looking a little paler lately? Across…

Where did all the colours go?
Have you noticed things looking a little paler lately? Across brands, architecture, fashion, and interior design, creams, whites, and greys have crept into common use. But what are the causes and consequences of our chromophobia?

Who’s that face?
Spotted by one of our Curious team this week, the…

Who’s that face?
Spotted by one of our Curious team this week, the Acton Giant is the tallest mural in London. Peering over rooftops, he reminds London’s children (and adults, too!) that they should brush their teeth at least three times a day.

A puzzling development
When asked by software developer Daniel Tait to “invent a…

A puzzling development
When asked by software developer Daniel Tait to “invent a logic puzzle similar to Sudoku” – after only a little bit of back and forth – ChatGPT invented Sumplete. We’re impressed and slightly scared.

The planets are aligning
On Tuesday (the 28th of March), stargazers will see Jupiter,…

The planets are aligning
On Tuesday (the 28th of March), stargazers will see Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, and Venus all in a line. If all the rain has finally passed, they might even be visible without the aid of the telescope.

Save me, James!
Have you noticed that all the heroes in action films…

Save me, James!
Have you noticed that all the heroes in action films have J names? James Bond. Jason Borne. Jack Reacher. What is it about these names that makes them prevalent among film protagonists? There are plenty of theories.

Bookworms, you’re welcome
The best use of AI we’ve seen so far is…

Bookworms, you’re welcome
The best use of AI we’ve seen so far is Readow. Tell it the titles of all the books you’ve loved, and Readow will give you a personalised list of what to read next. What are you waiting for?

A lexicography update
The word whizzes at Dictionary.com always have their ears to…

A lexicography update
The word whizzes at Dictionary.com always have their ears to the ground, listening for new phrases that have entered the common vernacular. Recent additions to their dictionary include Cakeage, Nearlywed, and Antifragile – but what on earth do they mean?

Getting taller all the time
In the last hundred years, we humans have had a…

Getting taller all the time
In the last hundred years, we humans have had a bit of a growth spurt. Globally, we shot up 3 inches – and some countries saw average heights soar by an impressive 8 inches. Have we all been eating our greens, or is something else at play here?

A window into nature
It’s no secret: at Curious, we find animal pictures endlessly…

A window into nature
It’s no secret: at Curious, we find animal pictures endlessly fascinating – we love the glimpse into the natural world photography can give us. Our latest fix comes from the World Nature Photography Awards – they’re an eclectic mix of humorous, intimate, and heartbreaking.

Snow problem
When you arrive at a ski resort, you expect to…

Snow problem
When you arrive at a ski resort, you expect to see freshly fallen powder waiting for you on the mountainside. Not grass! But this season, it’s been the reality for many visitors to The Alps. So, what’s the solution? Alternative activities, fake snow, or a shift in ski locations? Could it be the future of snow is up in the air?

Everything’s better when it’s free
Free! Not having to pay! Something for nothing! It’s sooooooo…

Everything’s better when it’s free
Free! Not having to pay! Something for nothing! It’s sooooooo free-ing to find a website that gives you movies, or books, or online courses without expecting you to dip into your digital wallet. Bit like Shareables. More free brain nourishment is as easy as clicking this:

Robots to the rescue
Scientists in Australia believe their coral wreaths may still be…

Robots to the rescue
Scientists in Australia believe their coral wreaths may still be saved – if only they could speed up the rate they propagate and deploy new coral. Enter robots. Two mechanical arms are currently undergoing training in LA, ready to get to work revitalising coastlines worldwide.

That’s wild
Calvin Nicholl’s carefully cut paper sculptures seem to be breaking…

That’s wild
Calvin Nicholl’s carefully cut paper sculptures seem to be breaking free of their frames. With scalpels, scissors, and glue, Nicholls builds up feathers and fur, until wild creatures emerge. His work is so complex, it can take two years to complete a piece.

What on earth
A whole host of weird and wonderful things have been…

What on earth
A whole host of weird and wonderful things have been captured on Google Street View, from people caught unaware to breathtakingly beautiful nature and bizarre architecture. Click below for some of the greatest hits.

How to recycle (almost) everything
We’re all guilty of optimistically popping any empty packaging in…

How to recycle (almost) everything
We’re all guilty of optimistically popping any empty packaging in the recycling – you can recycle anything these days, right? Not according to the Guardian. Luckily they’ve made a guide to tell us all what’s what with recycling.

Easily distracted?
You’re not the only one. Though they coveted concentration, even…

Easily distracted?
You’re not the only one. Though they coveted concentration, even medieval monks sometimes had issues focusing. To keep their minds on track, they developed several methods to encourage singlemindedness.

I’ve never seen that on the tube
It takes something extraordinary to shock a well-seasoned tube traveller….

I’ve never seen that on the tube
It takes something extraordinary to shock a well-seasoned tube traveller. But Matthew Grabelsky’s portraits would give anyone pause for thought. The LA-based artist imagines human-animal hybrids sedately sitting on public transport.

What do your dreams mean?
A big curious question. Dreaming of losing your teeth, missing…

What do your dreams mean?
A big curious question. Dreaming of losing your teeth, missing an exam or leaving the house starkers – do these reveal deep psychological truths about us, or are they completely random? Scientists and philosophers can’t agree. But maybe Artificial Intelligence can tell us what our dreams mean.

One for the un-romantics
San Antonio zoo’s annual anti-Valentine’s fundraiser is back. Patrons have…

One for the un-romantics
San Antonio zoo’s annual anti-Valentine’s fundraiser is back. Patrons have the honour of naming a cockroach, rodent or vegetable after a not-so-special someone. Or upgrade for a video of your cockroach being fed to one of the animals.

Big Headed
The 18th century might have been the most bonkers time…

Big Headed
The 18th century might have been the most bonkers time for hair. Wigs reached dizzying heights as ladies outdid each other’s dos, and anything, even model ships, became accessories. How would you have done yours?

Your art here
When The Girl with a Pearl Earring goes on tour…

Your art here
When The Girl with a Pearl Earring goes on tour next month, Mauritshuis Museum, where she usually lives, won’t leave her spot empty. Instead, they’ve commissioned the public to submit interpretations to display in her place.

What we don’t know
Known unknowns are a curious concept. There are hundreds of…

What we don’t know
Known unknowns are a curious concept. There are hundreds of scientific, academic, and philosophical questions we just don’t have a satisfactory answer for. They’re fun to ponder but impossible to solve. Here are some to try and wrap your head around.

Help yourself
Eat, pray, love. Win friends & influence people. Think fast…

Help yourself
Eat, pray, love. Win friends & influence people. Think fast and slow. When it comes to self-help, the overload of advice can be overwhelming. Thankfully, hundreds of bestsellers have been distilled into this one handy guide. Now there’s no excuse to not be the best version of yourself.

Happy birthday to the tube
Though we grumble about packed carriages, sweltering summer temperatures and…

Happy birthday to the tube
Though we grumble about packed carriages, sweltering summer temperatures and last-minute cancellations, the tube holds a special place in London’s psyche. From steam power, smoking carriages, and injury-inducing brake power, it’s come a long way over its 160 years.

Another happy new year
Chinese New Year began on Sunday, and the festivities will…

Another happy new year
Chinese New Year began on Sunday, and the festivities will continue until the 5th of February. Why not celebrate by trying some of the diverse Chinese cuisine available throughout London. Here’s The Modern House’s definitive guide.

Make your ideas stick
When we want to convince others to adopt new ideas,…

Make your ideas stick
When we want to convince others to adopt new ideas, we tend to focus on all the shiny good things. What we forget is to make change work, we need to remove the barriers to change, not just make it sound attractive.

Good movies as old books
Matt Stevens has been busy imagining films as classic book…

Good movies as old books
Matt Stevens has been busy imagining films as classic book covers for the last two years. He’s built up quite the repertoire. From modern hits like Midsommer to cult classics like Before Sunrise and all-time favourites like Back To The Future – all are incredible.

Happy news to start the year
We all need someone in our corner when we’re in…

Happy news to start the year
We all need someone in our corner when we’re in a pinch. For the planet, that person is ClientEarth, a team of lawyers who challenge companies and governments on their environmental records.

What’s in a name?
Derek. Mary. Gustavo. Nora. Are they your pals or your…

What’s in a name?
Derek. Mary. Gustavo. Nora. Are they your pals or your pets? The trend of giving puppies people names has really taken off over recent years. Thanks to the Washington Post, you can now check if your name is more popular amongst dogs or humans.

New Year. New You?
If you’ve not already picked a new year’s resolution, may…

New Year. New You?
If you’ve not already picked a new year’s resolution, may we be as bold as to suggest you be a little kinder? We’re not trying to say you’re a horrible person (we’re sure you’re lovely), but little acts go a long way. Here are several suggestions for where to start.

Christmas culture
If you have time between turkey servings, why not visit…

Christmas culture
If you have time between turkey servings, why not visit The Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City? Over 100 architects, engineers and designers have baked a whole world out of delicious biscuits – no wicked witches were involved.

Fight the festive brain fog
To stay sharp as a tack over the holidays, challenge…

Fight the festive brain fog
To stay sharp as a tack over the holidays, challenge yourself with GCHQ’s fiendish puzzles. If you get them all right, you might have a calling in the intelligence industry.

It’s a family business
Our story begins in 1900-ish: tasked with making a lightbulb…

It’s a family business
Our story begins in 1900-ish: tasked with making a lightbulb bright enough for surgical theatres, Erwin Perzy accidentally invents a snow globe instead. Fast forward one hundred years and his great-granddaughter is selling his mistake internationally.

A stroll down memory lane
Etch a Sketches, Pet Rocks or Cabbage Patch Kids –…

A stroll down memory lane
Etch a Sketches, Pet Rocks or Cabbage Patch Kids – which toys fill you with nostalgia for your childhood Christmases? Stacker has put together a list of the most popular toys from 1900 to now.

Don’t get stuck in the same old
These days Christmas starts in mid-October – that’s a lot…

Don’t get stuck in the same old
These days Christmas starts in mid-October – that’s a lot of time to spend listening to the same ten songs. Never fear. We’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of alternative hits. It’s our Christmas gift to you and your ears.

Fifteen days to go!
If you’re stuck on what to buy particularly tricky *insert…

Fifteen days to go!
If you’re stuck on what to buy particularly tricky *insert family/friend colleague as appropriate* – it might be time to take a step back and try a new approach. You only need to tick one of three boxes to be considered a thoughtful gift giver.

We’ve all got it wrong
We’ve been told sometimes you have to be nasty to…

We’ve all got it wrong
We’ve been told sometimes you have to be nasty to be nice. But psychology suggests we might have it the wrong way around. Changing how you approach an argument can lead to better results.

In orderly rows
The rainbow lines stretching out across your screen are hundreds…

In orderly rows
The rainbow lines stretching out across your screen are hundreds and hundreds of trees in Kern County, California, captured from above by Mitch Rouse. The precision planting makes the part of our brain that loves straight lines very happy.

This is not a drill
The team at Storekit have done a lot of leg…

This is not a drill
The team at Storekit have done a lot of leg work, calling, and visiting the pub closest to every stop on the tube line all to identify their cheapest pint and put them in a handy guide. We thank them very much for their service.

Colour me intrigued
We’re deep into the annual round-up season (shoutout to you,…

Colour me intrigued
We’re deep into the annual round-up season (shoutout to you, Spotify Wrapped). Pantone, eager beavers as they are, are looking ahead, not back, and have already revealed their colour of 2023.

Tired of Netflix?
When cinema was first introduced, it was considered an art…

Tired of Netflix?
When cinema was first introduced, it was considered an art form. But for many (us included), it’s become a way to unwind and switch off, with familiar tropes and plotlines guiding us into unthinking. This guide has everything you need to shake you out of your film funk.

The rest is history
From the very first Football World Cup in 1930, there…

The rest is history
From the very first Football World Cup in 1930, there have been questionable going-ons. That year the Egyptian team missed their boat, one player lost their lip, and a manager accidentally knocked themself unconscious. Not a great start.

Get your culture on
It’s officially indoor weather – but that doesn’t mean you…

Get your culture on
It’s officially indoor weather – but that doesn’t mean you have to hunker down at home. Secret London has put together an excellent guide to the best exhibitions you can see right now. Don’t miss Strange Clay, Africa Fashion and many more.

Ballpark history
Alliances, arguments, and audacious bids for power: European countries have…

Ballpark history
Alliances, arguments, and audacious bids for power: European countries have long and complicated histories. Get an overview of their relationships from 1500 to now in this handy video. Set to some rousing classical music, it makes for a bizarre yet educational watch.

A daily cloud
Grey days and plenty of rain have defined our weather…

A daily cloud
Grey days and plenty of rain have defined our weather recently. But, to see happier skies, you need only head to Instagram. There you can delight your eyes with Chris Judge’s wonderous cloud art.

A window to the past
This recoloured and sound-added video will transport you straight into…

A window to the past
This recoloured and sound-added video will transport you straight into the central London of the 1930s. The visuals are so vivid you’ll feel like you’re there. Which locations do you recognize?

Are we seeing the whole picture?
Nowadays, we consume a great deal of our culture in…

Are we seeing the whole picture?
Nowadays, we consume a great deal of our culture in snippets. A clip, a soundbite, a headline. But rarely do we sit and absorb content in its long form. Does viewing a fragment removed from its context mean we’re limiting our understanding?

Let your creativity flow
Generating new, creative, or novel ideas can be beyond frustrating….

Let your creativity flow
Generating new, creative, or novel ideas can be beyond frustrating. When nothing you think of seems good enough, you might need to let everything out. From there, you might strike gold.

Past and present collide
We don’t know why people develop unique hobbies – but…

Past and present collide
We don’t know why people develop unique hobbies – but we’re glad they do! Ard Gelinck spends his spare time creating images of celebrities with their former selves. Looking at how they’ve aged is endlessly fascinating.

Can consumer tech ever be sustainable
Going paperless may seem like the eco answer. Think of…

Can consumer tech ever be sustainable
Going paperless may seem like the eco answer. Think of all the trees we’d save. Alas. Nothing in life is ever that simple. Even online, everything we do creates waste. Unread emails, video wormholes and endless upgrades – all of them have a price.

How embarrassing!
Now and then, we’ve all made a faux pas, but…

How embarrassing!
Now and then, we’ve all made a faux pas, but it’s comforting that ours weren’t broadcast live on air. Enjoy some pure schadenfreude with this montage of when it all went wrong for these BBC presenters.

Tune into Tree FM
If you don’t get out of London much and you…

Tune into Tree FM
If you don’t get out of London much and you miss green spaces bigger than Hampstead Heath, this is for you. Tree FM plays sounds of woods and forests recorded all other the world whilst you look at stunning shots of nature. It’s like you’re really there.

The dark side of the moon
When astronauts make their return to the moon in 2025,…

The dark side of the moon
When astronauts make their return to the moon in 2025, they’ll need a safe spot to park their spaceship. Their chosen method to map out such a place will rely on shadows. Using shade to create 3D models of their destination.
Animals do the funniest things
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – no,…
Animals do the funniest things
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – no, not Christmas (though it’s getting closer). The comedy wildlife photo finalists were released last week. Our favourites include a friendly raccoon, a penguin with serious attitude and a real-life Pegasus.

Are you pumpkined for Halloween?
Stay ahead of the carve with a whole ghost of…

Are you pumpkined for Halloween?
Stay ahead of the carve with a whole ghost of clever carving tips, techniques and inspiration and make your neighbours faint with envy. “Dear gourd”, they’ll say, “next door is creeping it real”.

The best independent shops
Last weekend it was small business Saturday. But (and we’re…

The best independent shops
Last weekend it was small business Saturday. But (and we’re not just saying this because we forgot) don’t limit your support to one day. There are brilliant and creative stores all over the UK that will always appreciate your business.

Stand in the corner and cry softley
Go to Yale, get a hunting license, and ask your…

Stand in the corner and cry softley
Go to Yale, get a hunting license, and ask your mother to take in borders. All feature on a 1958 edition of McCall’s Magazines list of ways to get a husband. Some have aged better than others.

Cut it out
Here’s another portion of awe for you. Artist Parth Kothekar…

Cut it out
Here’s another portion of awe for you. Artist Parth Kothekar has been making amazingly intricate papercuts using the maths behind M.C. Escher’s optical illusions. His excellent command of depth and scale makes the designs literally stand out.

Get some awe
Speaking of awe, why not get your daily dose with…

Get some awe
Speaking of awe, why not get your daily dose with this timelapse of a Eurasian blue tit nesting and hatching her eggs. Watching the chicks open their beaks and beg for food is guaranteed to mesmerize.

Are you getting your fix of awe?
Admiration. Wonder. Astonishment. Experiencing awe gives us all the good…

Are you getting your fix of awe?
Admiration. Wonder. Astonishment. Experiencing awe gives us all the good feelings. And science says, on top of improving our well-being, feeling awe actually makes us nicer people. Sounds pretty great. Here are ten ways you can get regularly awed up.

How to have better arguements
Arguments don’t have to end with a feeling of listlessness…

How to have better arguements
Arguments don’t have to end with a feeling of listlessness and frustration. A change in approach may make it possible to have more constructive debates. All it takes is understanding that winning may not be everything. Should be easy. Right?

Solar power
How much sunlight does it take to make a glass…

Solar power
How much sunlight does it take to make a glass of orange juice? More than you think. By showing the amount needed for even a tiny task, Cream on Chrome hope to provoke a discussion about the possibilities and limitations of solar power. Juicy stuff.

Blurred lines
Past and present meet in a National Geographic photography series…

Blurred lines
Past and present meet in a National Geographic photography series that uses modern photographic techniques to show World War Two activity against modern-day back drops.

Feeling deflated?
Quaint and old-fashioned? Not anymore – Ant Hamlyn has bought…

Feeling deflated?
Quaint and old-fashioned? Not anymore – Ant Hamlyn has bought flower pressing into the present. The playful pieces are sewn by Ant by hand, using materials to create a sense of tactility and physicality.

The view from above
Using drones, we can see the world from a whole…

The view from above
Using drones, we can see the world from a whole new angle – above. See the best of a seriously impressive bunch of shots from above in this year’s Drone Photo Awards. Waterlily harvesting, lava filled volcanos and baby blue whales are all included.

Queen Elizabeth II: A timeline
We found ourselves curious to know more about Her Majesty…

Queen Elizabeth II: A timeline
We found ourselves curious to know more about Her Majesty the Queen’s historic, 70-year reign. Here are some key moments from a truly remarkable life.

Wish you weren’t here
Jealously scrolling through friends’ carefully curated holiday snaps, we might…

Wish you weren’t here
Jealously scrolling through friends’ carefully curated holiday snaps, we might forget that we’re not seeing the complete picture. In her new photography series, Natacha de Mahieu explores the reality of Insta-tourism.

Where in the world?
The people map of the UK replaces all the cities,…

Where in the world?
The people map of the UK replaces all the cities, towns and villages with their most famous resident – past or present (but not future, it’s not that clever). Curious to know your most famous neighbour?

How to make noiseless props
It’s a big problem on set when microphones pick up…

How to make noiseless props
It’s a big problem on set when microphones pick up more noise from the props than the actors. To minimize disruption, the props team think up crazy and creative ways to make silent versions of real-life products.

Budget Bytes
With the cost of living set to grow and grow,…

Budget Bytes
With the cost of living set to grow and grow, everyone is looking for ways to be smarter with their pennies. This wonderful website is full of creative ways to cook for less without having to resort to instant noodles and beans on toast.

It’s our birthday!
From Poland Street to Floral Street to Shelton Street to…

It’s our birthday!
From Poland Street to Floral Street to Shelton Street to Dean Street, only a mile radius but we’ve come so far. We’re proud to mark this milestone. Our achievements, our brave clients, our talented people. Doing great work means a lot to us. We’ve put it all in a video.

Happy birthday, TED
We would happily shout about our love of TED-Ed from…

Happy birthday, TED
We would happily shout about our love of TED-Ed from our studio rooftop (if we could figure out how to get up there). Like us, TED love to ask curious, impossible, fascinating questions. Here are some of their best so far.

A film debut
The mysterious Chirodectes maculatus is a slippery fellow. First sighted…

A film debut
The mysterious Chirodectes maculatus is a slippery fellow. First sighted in 1997, it wasn’t until this year it was finally caught on camera off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Now you can watch its distinctive pattern swim across your screen.

A voice from the past
“I like this place and could willingly waste my time…

A voice from the past
“I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it”. Sure, Shakespeare wasn’t talking about Bankside, but it’s somewhere you can waste many hours – including exploring the new Shakespeare art trail that weaves its way through the neighbourhood.

SoundTracks
Sitting on a cross-country train, we’re drawn to the window,…

SoundTracks
Sitting on a cross-country train, we’re drawn to the window, glancing at the trees, mountains, fields, and valleys racing past us. Interrail can provide the perfect soundtrack to these moments of calm with playlists that adapt to the weather, time, and location.

Show us your working
When we present our work to clients, we like to…

Show us your working
When we present our work to clients, we like to show it in its best light. Naturally. But these mockups, or ‘Fockups’ as designer Wytze Hoogslag has christened them, might be a little more true to how they’ll be seen in the wild.

Wave goodbye to your preconceptions
The waving cat, or maneki-neko, is a well-recognised symbol with…

Wave goodbye to your preconceptions
The waving cat, or maneki-neko, is a well-recognised symbol with several intriguing origin stories, all taking place in Japan, not China as commonly thought. Though, one thing’s the same in every tale, they always bring luck.

Holiday like a bond villain
Airbnb’s lovely new UI (that’s User Interface to you and…

Holiday like a bond villain
Airbnb’s lovely new UI (that’s User Interface to you and me) lets us choose our holidays based on the type of stay rather than dates and locations. Lakefront, tiny homes, beachfront – even caves are an option. See what’s available.

It’s come home
After 56 years, the hurt was over last weekend as…

It’s come home
After 56 years, the hurt was over last weekend as England’s Women secured a 2-1 defeat of Germany to win the 2022 European Championship. Why not celebrate by immersing further in the world of football and discover how design has pushed it to new limits.

Curious creatures
Combining birds with pineapples and fish with flowers, artist Beto…

Curious creatures
Combining birds with pineapples and fish with flowers, artist Beto Val has turned vintage illustrations into bizarre compositions. Using digital manipulations to alter original sketches, he has created a whole cast of whimsical characters.

A brief history of the numeric keypad
Without taking a sneaky peak – can you think of…

A brief history of the numeric keypad
Without taking a sneaky peak – can you think of the difference between a phone’s keypad and a calculator’s? Considering their similar functions, it’s strange there’s any difference at all.

Are you saying too much
With attention spans shorter than 30 seconds, it’s unlikely that…

Are you saying too much
With attention spans shorter than 30 seconds, it’s unlikely that anyone is reading more than a tiny fraction of your writing. Journalist Jim VandeHei shares his hard-won advice on how to communicate more effectively.

The power of the casual check-in
When was the last time you checked in on a…

The power of the casual check-in
When was the last time you checked in on a friend ‘just because’? Recent research suggests that we almost always underestimate how much our friends appreciate being checked in on.

Do goats enjoy yoga?
When a farm in Oregon accidentally put on the world’s…

Do goats enjoy yoga?
When a farm in Oregon accidentally put on the world’s first goat yoga class, they couldn’t have predicted its coming popularity. Relaxing animal therapy really appealed to their customers, but what do the goats think?

The great outdoors
Now that we’re back to a cool twentysomething degrees, it’s…

The great outdoors
Now that we’re back to a cool twentysomething degrees, it’s time to take advantage of the best outdoor eating available in London. Here’s a guide to the best pop-up street seating, secret gardens, and shady terraces in the city.

Out of this world imagery
The first-ever images from the James Webb Telescope have been…

Out of this world imagery
The first-ever images from the James Webb Telescope have been revealed. Launched in December, it’s the largest and most powerful telescope ever developed, with the ability to see deeper into the cosmos than ever before.

London Pride
The Soho section of last weekend’s Pride celebrations took place…

London Pride
The Soho section of last weekend’s Pride celebrations took place right outside our quirky Dean Street studio – and, with our design heads on, we wondered how the Pride flag came to be and how it has evolved.

Even more miniatures
We can’t get enough of tiny things. Our latest find…

Even more miniatures
We can’t get enough of tiny things. Our latest find is a miniature menagerie from Hungarian artist Fanni Sandor. She sculpts biologically accurate models of animals so small they fit in the palm of your hand.

Summer reading challenge
The Guardian has reading suggestions for every genre of book…

Summer reading challenge
The Guardian has reading suggestions for every genre of book lover. From fans of true crime to murder mysteries (or false crime – if you will), there’s something for everyone on their list.

Going round in circles
If you’re an adrenaline junky, you might already know that…

Going round in circles
If you’re an adrenaline junky, you might already know that the loop-the-loops on modern roller coasters aren’t perfect circles – and for a good reason! The original circular designs put more G-force on their riders than astronauts experience.

Calling time on Time Out
Time Out has printed its last ever physical issue. To…

Calling time on Time Out
Time Out has printed its last ever physical issue. To celebrate (rather than commiserate), art director Bryan Mayes commissioned four memorable covers on the theme London Rising to celebrate the talent and culture that make up London and Time Out.

Who, what, where, when and why
Curious about other people’s interests? This website will show you…

Who, what, where, when and why
Curious about other people’s interests? This website will show you the most Googled questions on any topic: giving insights on the kind of queries we’d only ever ask our computers.

The lifespan of a TikTok artist
Creating a tune catchy enough to grab the attention of…

The lifespan of a TikTok artist
Creating a tune catchy enough to grab the attention of TikTok can catapult you to overnight fame. But what then? Vox and The Pudding have teamed up to investigate what happens to TikTok musicians after they go viral.

Best in travel
Travel gurus Lonely Planet are here to help us with…

Best in travel
Travel gurus Lonely Planet are here to help us with travel inspiration. Their experts have shortlisted the countries, cities, and regions that should be on your list for 2022. If you can get on a plane, that is!

The happy secret to better work
Shawn Anchor thinks we have it backwards. Instead of working…

The happy secret to better work
Shawn Anchor thinks we have it backwards. Instead of working hard to be successful – and then happy – we should be positive in the present. A sunny approach to life will make us more productive and ultimately more successful. Simple.

Go Green
Search engine Ecosia is planting trees all over the world….

3D design trends
Things are starting to get real in the world of…

3D design trends
Things are starting to get real in the world of design. Visual culture is more detailed, tactile, and textured than ever. It’s Nice That has done a deep dive into which trends we’ll soon be seeing everywhere.

Climate spotlight
Marine Biologist Sylvia Earle wants the world to know the…

Climate spotlight
Marine Biologist Sylvia Earle wants the world to know the importance of the ocean. It governs climate and weather, holds 97% of the water, generates more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere and provides a home for most of life on Earth. In short: no blue, no green.

Get things done
Anyone with a to-do list as long as their arm…

Get things done
Anyone with a to-do list as long as their arm – pay close attention – your life is about to change. The GTD (Getting Things Done) framework makes organizing tasks and projects second nature.

Chimerical creatures
Isabel Reitemeyer is known for her uncanny collages, splicing images…

Chimerical creatures
Isabel Reitemeyer is known for her uncanny collages, splicing images of animals together in unlikely combinations. And, with a beady eye, or the slight cock of a head, the personalities of her franken-creatures shine through.

Lizzie’s been busy
In her 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth has…

Lizzie’s been busy
In her 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth has seen a lot of change: from the first man on the moon and colour TV to private space travel and virtual reality. See just how much the world has changed with this interactive guide.

What we stand to lose
The Crochet Coral Reef was started by sisters Christine and…

What we stand to lose
The Crochet Coral Reef was started by sisters Christine and Margaret Wertheim in response to the environmental issues putting pressure on coral reefs. New patterns, materials, and designs mean, like natural coral reefs, the crochet version is constantly evolving.

The rise of 15-minute meetings
Employees at Asana conducted an experiment. After deleting all the…

The rise of 15-minute meetings
Employees at Asana conducted an experiment. After deleting all the meetings in their calendar, they waited two days before putting any back. And, when they did, there were fewer of them; they were less frequent and much shorter.

Who’s in your wallet?
If you’re curious about what you’d need to do to…

Who’s in your wallet?
If you’re curious about what you’d need to do to make it onto a banknote, check out The Pudding’s latest interactive essay about the famous figures who represent currencies around the world.

60 ways to be a little happier
The Guardian’s list of ways to be happier has something…

60 ways to be a little happier
The Guardian’s list of ways to be happier has something for everyone. Suggestions range from perfecting your front crawl and buying proper bin shoes to inventing new cocktails. A day of country music got mixed reviews from the Curious team.

How to professionally say
There are times at work when all of us have…

How to professionally say
There are times at work when all of us have held our tongues. But no more! This guide rephrases your internal dialogue into office-appropriate work speak: giving you a professional way to say what’s on your mind.

Get lost in nature
Only a short tube ride away is an outstanding array…

Get lost in nature
Only a short tube ride away is an outstanding array of forests and woodland. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and plenty of wildlife: a walk in the woods is the perfect way to help you forget the stresses of the city.

Ideas for the future
Carbon-catching cow muzzles and airborne seed dispersers are two winners…

Ideas for the future
Carbon-catching cow muzzles and airborne seed dispersers are two winners of The Terra Carta Design Lab. These ‘high-impact, low-cost solutions for the climate crisis’ will receive funding and support to take them from prototypes to real-life responses.

One kiss or two?
Is there anything worse than going for a hug when…

One kiss or two?
Is there anything worse than going for a hug when the person you’re meeting has opted for a handshake? Conventions for greeting others have developed over several decades but changing social situations have meant new ways of welcoming have crept into common use.

When art imitates life
Using real-life objects as inspiration means Bernie Kaminski often makes…

When art imitates life
Using real-life objects as inspiration means Bernie Kaminski often makes paper mâché models of the objects lying around his apartment. Self-taught and constantly improving, Bernie creates his art to make himself (and others) happy.

No more distractions
If your mind is prone to wander or your concentration…

No more distractions
If your mind is prone to wander or your concentration span is shorter than a split second, an anti-procrastination café is what you need. For 300 Yen an hour, owner Takuya Kawai will keep you on track.

Could we build better trees?
Almost everyone agrees trees are excellent for the environment. Their…

Could we build better trees?
Almost everyone agrees trees are excellent for the environment. Their carbon-capturing abilities are essential for the planet. Now scientists are wondering if they can design them better.

Design for all
Inclusive design creates experiences and products that everyone can experience…

Design for all
Inclusive design creates experiences and products that everyone can experience – no matter their background. Cards for Humanity is an interactive tool that encourages designers to consider accessibility as they work.

AnonyMouse strikes again
Known only as AnonyMouse, an unidentified group of artists have…

AnonyMouse strikes again
Known only as AnonyMouse, an unidentified group of artists have infiltrated European towns and cities, installing miniature models for mice into unassuming streets. Their latest target: Malmö.

The iPhone Macro Challenge
The abilities of phone cameras are revealed in the winning…

The iPhone Macro Challenge
The abilities of phone cameras are revealed in the winning shots from Apple’s latest photography competition. All shot on iPhone 13 Pros, the images capture details that would escape the most eagle-eyed amongst us.

Why do we name our cars?
We can develop complex and intimate connections with our belongings,…

Why do we name our cars?
We can develop complex and intimate connections with our belongings, even going as far as to give them names and personalities. But why do we do it? And how does it affect our relationships with them?

How curious are you?
Thinking in colour is a quiz that examines how black…

How curious are you?
Thinking in colour is a quiz that examines how black and white your thinking is. Measuring empathy, open-mindedness, flexibility, and intellectual curiosity; it creates a visual representation of what colours your mind.

DIY climate research
Cheaper technology, a fall in trust in governments, and a…

DIY climate research
Cheaper technology, a fall in trust in governments, and a rising number of environmental crises mean that more and more people are beginning to take environmental research into their own hands.

Don’t throw stones in steel houses
For a brief few years after the Second World War,…

Don’t throw stones in steel houses
For a brief few years after the Second World War, steel houses represented the future. Made in a factory in Lustron, Ohio, they could be shipped and assembled anywhere in the US. So, why didn’t houses with magnetic walls catch on?

Be a sustainable fashion lover
Being creative with our clothes is one way we can…

Be a sustainable fashion lover
Being creative with our clothes is one way we can care for the planet. Upcycling, visible mending, and organising give our wardrobes longer lives. Buying less will reduce our environmental impact.

Cut it out
Eiko Ojala has become the illustrator of choice for magazines…

Cut it out
Eiko Ojala has become the illustrator of choice for magazines and newspapers, including the Guardian and New York Times. With his distinctive cut out style, he creates simple yet striking statements.

An unlikely art thief
In 1961 a Goya masterpiece vanished from the National Gallery…

An unlikely art thief
In 1961 a Goya masterpiece vanished from the National Gallery in London. Security saw no intruders. No damage was done. And no trace was left. The thief must have been a criminal mastermind. At least that was the theory.

Speaking candidly
The way we write can create barriers to who can…

Speaking candidly
The way we write can create barriers to who can read it. Plain language, a style of writing that uses straightforward sentences, language, and structure, aims to make text more accessible. Or, put simply. Plain language makes writing easy to read for more people.

Small is beautiful
Miniature art has become a social media fixation. But, at…

Small is beautiful
Miniature art has become a social media fixation. But, at a new exhibition in Brompton, you can see your favourite artists in real life. Doors open 15th of April. Don’t forget your magnifying glass!

How pigeons took over the world
Numerous and noisy: pigeons have been described as the “rats…

How pigeons took over the world
Numerous and noisy: pigeons have been described as the “rats of the sky”. Now one of the most populous species on the planet, their rise to domination was helped by us.

Walk this way
Europe’s hills and mountains are home to some stunning scenery…

Walk this way
Europe’s hills and mountains are home to some stunning scenery only accessible by foot. Brave the blisters, heavy bags and early mornings and you’ll be rewarded with a new appreciation of the great outdoors.

What can we do?
It’s Nice That is curating a list of resources in…

What can we do?
It’s Nice That is curating a list of resources in support of Ukraine. Links to petitions, charities to support, locations of donation points and ways to counteract propaganda are all included.

The war in Ukraine could change everything
It’s too soon to speculate how the war will end….

The war in Ukraine could change everything
It’s too soon to speculate how the war will end. But it will certainly have implications for many years to come. Historian Yuval Noah Harari believes there are already lessons to learn from the conflict.

Designers rally for Ukraine
Art in any form becomes even more meaningful during war….

Designers rally for Ukraine
Art in any form becomes even more meaningful during war. Katerina Korolevsta and fellow Ukrainian designers are using their talent to share with the world what is happening around them.

Events, as they happen
The proliferation of information sources means news comes at us…

Events, as they happen
The proliferation of information sources means news comes at us from every angle. For a concise account of events, the BBC’s Ukrainecast provides daily updates.

The path to war
Ukraine has struggled to maintain its independence since the collapse…

The path to war
Ukraine has struggled to maintain its independence since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In recent years, attempts to curtail Russian domination have resulted in the loss of life and territory. Now, Ukraine finds itself at war.

Here comes the rain again
We have Eunice and Franklin to thank for London’s recent…

Here comes the rain again
We have Eunice and Franklin to thank for London’s recent bout of rotten weather. Though it can be tempting to curl up and power down when the rain starts – unless there’s a literal storm – London still has plenty to offer those wanting to explore.

The icing on the cake
Yvette Mayorga’s latest work is full of nostalgia. At first…

The icing on the cake
Yvette Mayorga’s latest work is full of nostalgia. At first glance, her super sweet rendition of the Polly Pocket mansion is an uncomplicated ode to a 90s childhood. A deeper look reveals a rich critique of excess and overconsumption delicately iced into her surrealist masterpiece.

Hidden image descriptions
‘May be an image of one person and a strawberry’…

Hidden image descriptions
‘May be an image of one person and a strawberry’ is an alt text description for the Mona Lisa. Picked up by screen readers, alt text is an invaluable tool for any user who’s blind or has low vision. When alt text is missing or mislabelled, web pages can be inaccessible for these users.

Why are letters shaped the way they are?
In linguistics, the rule of arbitrariness states there’s no natural…

Why are letters shaped the way they are?
In linguistics, the rule of arbitrariness states there’s no natural or necessary connection between a word’s meaning and its sound or form. A cat is a cat simply because we decided so. But new research suggests that’s not the case.

A familiar face
Energy, creativity, and passion poured out of Maria Bradford when…

A familiar face
Energy, creativity, and passion poured out of Maria Bradford when we worked on her brand back in 2020. Her determination, and some out of this world recipes, meant we weren’t surprised to see her pop up on the Observer’s latest list of things they love in the world of food.

Portraits of a man (not on fire)
The only photo of Vincent Van Gogh shows a young…

Portraits of a man (not on fire)
The only photo of Vincent Van Gogh shows a young 19-year-old, far from the figure he would become. And paintings by his contemporaries depict him as many kinds of men. But, most revealing perhaps are his self-portraits. See them on display at the Courtauld Gallery until the 8th of May.

Good news for bees
Bees have been nesting in crumbling bricks and mortar for…

Good news for bees
Bees have been nesting in crumbling bricks and mortar for hundreds of years. But, the bricks of new builds are too perfect to be suitable habitats. To rectify this, Brighton Council has passed legislation that requires new buildings to include special bee bricks for lone bees to nest in.

The benefits of drawing by hand
The architect, Sir Peter Cook, is (self-professed) not a natural…

The benefits of drawing by hand
The architect, Sir Peter Cook, is (self-professed) not a natural drawer. Yet, since he developed an interest in architecture as a child, he’s designed by hand. His determination to creatively express ideas spurred him on throughout his illustrious career.

Gargoyly McGargoyleface
Westminster Abbey should surely have known better than to trust…

Gargoyly McGargoyleface
Westminster Abbey should surely have known better than to trust Twitter with a naming project. With questionable puns, political commentary, and ‘Tony’ all in contention, their gargoyle is destined to end up with a unique name. #DowntoungueAbbeyForTheWin

Shadowy figures
In the shadows of everyday objects, Vincent Bal creates whimsical…

Shadowy figures
In the shadows of everyday objects, Vincent Bal creates whimsical scenes. Using simple sketching, he inserts wit and humour. Scissors become an angry crocodile, headphones transform into a downcast dog, and a pair of glasses frames a befuddled reader.

All good things must come to an end
Picture the scene. It’s very late, or very, very early….

All good things must come to an end
Picture the scene. It’s very late, or very, very early. You’ve been dancing all night, and you’re on top of the world. The DJ plays one final track, and that song comes to defines your memory. But, how do they know which song will perfectly fit the moment?

Waste not, want not
Former baker Yukiko Morita has found a way of combining…

Waste not, want not
Former baker Yukiko Morita has found a way of combining her love of bread with her art – rescuing unsold bread and pastries from local bakeries and transforming them into lamps. Her novel approach is proving popular.

Flirt like a Victorian
Mixed up in pickle jars or stuck in spiders’ webs,…

Flirt like a Victorian
Mixed up in pickle jars or stuck in spiders’ webs, Victorian ladies spent time inserting pictures of friends and family into delightful and weird scenes. Full of visual puns and inside jokes, they were a way to send coded messages to a secret beau.

Clouds to the rescue
Stuck in a dreary British winter, a spot of sun…

Clouds to the rescue
Stuck in a dreary British winter, a spot of sun sounds like a wonderful thing. But, for the Great Barrier Reef, too much light does more harm than good. To reduce coral bleaching, scientists have looked to the clouds for a way to power down the sun.

Sorry, not sorry
In 2022 it’s hard not to be available. Emails and…

Sorry, not sorry
In 2022 it’s hard not to be available. Emails and alerts can find us at any time, wherever we are. And, if we don’t reply instantly, we feel the need to apologise and explain. But, when ‘Sorry for my late reply’ feels insincere, what alternatives are out there?

Water feature
Drop a raindrop anywhere in the world, and River Runner’s…

Water feature
Drop a raindrop anywhere in the world, and River Runner’s interactive map will transport you through the rivers, streams and mountains it travels along on its route towards the ocean. It’s incredible how far one drop flows.

Everybody loves a comeback story
The creation of eccentric inventor Frederick Walton and long out…

Everybody loves a comeback story
The creation of eccentric inventor Frederick Walton and long out of popular fashion, linoleum is staging a comeback. Eco-friendly and technically edible(!), the material has found favour with a new generation of interior designers.

Effortless improvements
Big resolutions can be daunting. So, if you’re not ready…

Effortless improvements
Big resolutions can be daunting. So, if you’re not ready to run a marathon, cut out sugar or delete your social media, why not start smaller? These mini modifications can make a big difference.

Pack your bags
However you plan to travel; soaking up culture or sunbeams,…

Pack your bags
However you plan to travel; soaking up culture or sunbeams, 2022 is a year for exploration. Get off the beaten track and try craft beer in Oregon, visit The Devil’s Museum in Kaunas or dive through the kelp forests off Stewart Island.

See the future
Big, bold and retro, It’s Nice That has rounded up…

See the future
Big, bold and retro, It’s Nice That has rounded up its predictions of the design trends set to shape 2022. From 90s nostalgia to 3D art, they unpack what we’ll be seeing more of over the next 12 months.

Those Christmas lights keep shining on
Joes Miguel Sokoloff is one of the people responsible for…

Those Christmas lights keep shining on
Joes Miguel Sokoloff is one of the people responsible for a very unusual marketing campaign. Using creativity, welcoming words, and some well-placed Christmas lights, he helped thousands of guerrillas come home.

Out with sprouts
Mince pies. Turkey. Gingerbread houses. Pigs in blankets. Some foods…

Out with sprouts
Mince pies. Turkey. Gingerbread houses. Pigs in blankets. Some foods are Christmas staples. Or maybe not. Recent research reveals several festive favourites might not be favourites after all.

Best of the Bunch
Looking back at a year’s worth of ads, we’re reminded…

Best of the Bunch
Looking back at a year’s worth of ads, we’re reminded of all the twists this year took (cough *Covid* cough). But, in the face of uncertain times, the creativity and innovation of these brands put smiles on our faces.

Make someone’s Christmas
Some children won’t get presents this year. Not because they’re…

Make someone’s Christmas
Some children won’t get presents this year. Not because they’re on the naughty list. You can be a Secret Santa for vulnerable children and bring them food, warmth, and happiness this Christmas.

The most colourful time of the year
For the first time, Pantone has created a new shade…

The most colourful time of the year
For the first time, Pantone has created a new shade for its annual colour pick. The periwinkle blue, with violet-red undertones, represents how colour trends in the digital and physical world influence each other.
Give it a rest
Taking a cheeky power nap might sound very tempting after…
Give it a rest
Taking a cheeky power nap might sound very tempting after a less than perfect night’s sleep, but it might do more harm than good. Sleep scientist Matt Walker shares the pros and cons of an afternoon siesta.
Are you a budding musician?
With Typatone, anyone can be a composer. Type anything into…
Are you a budding musician?
With Typatone, anyone can be a composer. Type anything into their website and listen to it magically transform into a myriad of musical styles. We’ve had lots of fun thinking about what Shareables might sound like.

Behind the scenes at the museum
Only a tiny 1% of the Smithsonian’s collection is on…

Behind the scenes at the museum
Only a tiny 1% of the Smithsonian’s collection is on display across their 20 museums and galleries. That leaves a whole host of treasures tucked away in high-security storage. Want to know what they’re hiding?

Podcasts for curious minds
Wired are speaking our language. Curious podcasts – yes, please!…

Podcasts for curious minds
Wired are speaking our language. Curious podcasts – yes, please! From true crime and chat shows to Dolly Parton documentaries, podcasts soundtrack our day. And we’re always on the lookout for our next listen.

Spilling the tea on Ruby Silvious
Ruby Silvious doesn’t let her teabags go to waste. They…

Spilling the tea on Ruby Silvious
Ruby Silvious doesn’t let her teabags go to waste. They go from a morning brew to a blank canvas as they become the backdrop of her miniature paintings. It’s incredible how much detail fits on one tiny teabag.

Want to live forever?
That science is still a way off! But, living to…

Want to live forever?
That science is still a way off! But, living to 100 – increasingly probable. And staying healthy for as long as possible is key. Here’s what you need to do to get your birthday letter from the Queen.

Unexpected everyday humour
Eric Kogan has an unprecedented ability to find humour in…

Unexpected everyday humour
Eric Kogan has an unprecedented ability to find humour in his surroundings – spotting quirky coincidences as he walks around the streets of New York City. He’s curated a whole archive of unexpected images.

The big calendar
Every year Café Art hands out 100 single-use cameras to…

The big calendar
Every year Café Art hands out 100 single-use cameras to people affected by homelessness then gives them seven days to photograph their city. The diverse people, wildlife, and landmarks they capture make up a Calendar of London.

The art of the cover letter
Applying for any job – even a dream job –…

The art of the cover letter
Applying for any job – even a dream job – is a minefield. But of all the unpleasant elements, the cover letter is the worst. How formal should you be? How enthusiastic? And, how honest? In this essay, Rob Alderson shares our pain.

Can a font be sexist
Prescribing genders to type can be traced back to 1940s…

Can a font be sexist
Prescribing genders to type can be traced back to 1940s America, where retailers used fonts as gender signifiers for their kid’s products. Gendering and personalisation improved their sales – but, long term, has this done more harm than good?

Brilliant bookshops
That feeling when you walk into a bookshop – nothing…

Brilliant bookshops
That feeling when you walk into a bookshop – nothing beats it. The quiet calm. The smell of books, new and old. And, best of all, the thousands of worlds waiting to be explored. Here are some of the best in the world.

A real-life haunted hotel
From the outside, the Skirvin Hotel looks normal. Pretty, even….

A real-life haunted hotel
From the outside, the Skirvin Hotel looks normal. Pretty, even. But, book a room, and its true spirit is revealed. Guests report unexplained creaks, groans and ghostly apparitions. Are you brave enough to spend a night?

Whizz! Bang! Boom!
More than 800,000 fireworks were set off in the largest…

Whizz! Bang! Boom!
More than 800,000 fireworks were set off in the largest ever fireworks display, which lasted for over an hour. Whilst we can’t promise any of the events on this list will break that record, they’re rumoured to be the best in the country.

Feel like you’re in a film
Wes Anderson’s films have a distinctive feel: full of pastel…

Feel like you’re in a film
Wes Anderson’s films have a distinctive feel: full of pastel colours, symmetrical designs and more than a slight nostalgia for retro design. If they’re your cup of tea, why not visit these real-life locations that perfectly capture his aesthetic.

Look a little closer
Now in its third year, the Close-Up Photographer of the…

Look a little closer
Now in its third year, the Close-Up Photographer of the year contest receives all kinds of incredible entries. From salamander silhouettes to ants eating, the images give a glimpse into the delicate details of the natural world.

Why are so many of us casual spider killers?
It’s spider season! As the weather turns colder, spiders, like…

Why are so many of us casual spider killers?
It’s spider season! As the weather turns colder, spiders, like us, want to be warm and cosy in our houses. But, whilst all uninvited guests are a nuisance, what is it about spiders that mean they’re likely to meet an untimely end?

How to be productive
Too much to see. Too much to do. So much…

How to be productive
Too much to see. Too much to do. So much time is taken up doing tedious (but necessary) tasks – they eat into the time we could be rollercoaster riding/dolphin watching/rainbow chasing. But use these handy hints and you’ll have more time for the good stuff.

An exciting opportunity
If you can work from home, why not work from…

An exciting opportunity
If you can work from home, why not work from Spain? Small towns there are attempting to reverse emigration by welcoming workers on ‘digital nomad visas’. Those who apply can expect traditional rural life – with superfast broadband.

Putting black history on the map
London’s iconic tube map has been reimagined in honour of…

Putting black history on the map
London’s iconic tube map has been reimagined in honour of Black History Month. In collaboration with the Black Cultural Archives, TFL has renamed every station to celebrate great black Britons from throughout history.

Spiral Sculptures
Drawing in the air – that’s what Lee Sangsoo considers…

Spiral Sculptures
Drawing in the air – that’s what Lee Sangsoo considers his art. Using long strips of metal, he transforms his 2D illustrations into 3D sculptures. The flows, twists and subtle gradients bring his subjects to life.

Coffee everywhere
Coffee is the lifeblood of our studio. We’re always on…

Coffee everywhere
Coffee is the lifeblood of our studio. We’re always on the lookout for new places to try, so we were delighted to find this handy guide to the best independent shops in locations all over London. A great excuse to drink more coffee! Find your new local.

Photographing Ground Zero
In November 2001, Wim Wenders visited Ground Zero to capture…

Photographing Ground Zero
In November 2001, Wim Wenders visited Ground Zero to capture the devastation caused by 9/11 and document the recovery operation then underway. A new exhibition at the Imperial War Museum reveals the gravity of what he saw. Free until January 9th.

List of lists of lists
There really is a Wikipedia page for everything. The buttered…

List of lists of lists
There really is a Wikipedia page for everything. The buttered cat paradox? Got it. The Twinkie defence? Naturally. George H. W. Bush’s broccoli comments? Covered. They even have a list of lists of lists, which, of course, contains itself.

The guerrilla cyclists of New Mexico
Cycling is part of the solution to climate change. It’s…

The guerrilla cyclists of New Mexico
Cycling is part of the solution to climate change. It’s a greener way to get around that’s sustainable and accessible. Some people are so certain about the role it’ll play that they’re going to extreme lengths to get everyone on their bikes.

The Bond legacy
Gritty and beautiful. Taking inspiration from Bourne, Batman, and Black…

The Bond legacy
Gritty and beautiful. Taking inspiration from Bourne, Batman, and Black Widow – Daniel Craig’s era as James Bond aimed to modernise and rejuvenate a franchise that felt stuck in the past. And, now that his tenure is over, it’s time to evaluate his success.

Overcoming setbacks
After a rough tackle ended in a broken leg, NFL…

Overcoming setbacks
After a rough tackle ended in a broken leg, NFL quarterback Alex Smith was left questioning his future. With time and support, he slowly overcame his self-doubt and anxiety. Now, he shares his hard-won insights for dealing with setbacks.

Breaking boundaries
Since he knew that he was losing his sight, Ian…

Breaking boundaries
Since he knew that he was losing his sight, Ian Treherne has been obsessed with capturing moments on film. And the Paralympics were no exception. In his signature cinematic style, he seized the opportunity to showcase inspiring young athletes.

15-minute neighbourhood
Pandemic restrictions have turned the idea of living, working, shopping,…

15-minute neighbourhood
Pandemic restrictions have turned the idea of living, working, shopping, and socialising within walking distance into something that might actually be possible. But, what are the benefits of living locally?

50 reasons to love the world
With their new feature, BBC Travel hope to share joy…

50 reasons to love the world
With their new feature, BBC Travel hope to share joy and extraordinary stories from around the globe. Spotlighting thriving communities and natural wonders – they challenge you not to fall in love with the world around you.

Solving the earth’s email inbox issue
It can be hard to compute that our digital activities…

Solving the earth’s email inbox issue
It can be hard to compute that our digital activities have a real-world impact. But everything we do, even ignoring our email pile-up, adds up. So, maybe it’s time to clear out your inbox.

Are your plants trying to talk to you?
It’s a proven fact that talking to your plants can…

Are your plants trying to talk to you?
It’s a proven fact that talking to your plants can help them grow. But, have you ever wondered if they could talk back? It turns out there’s a whole team of scientists investigating plant communications. So, one day soon, we might know what plants are saying.

Spitting image
Wilfrid Wood is probably best known for the satirical sculptures…

Spitting image
Wilfrid Wood is probably best known for the satirical sculptures used in Spitting Image. But recently, he’s branched out into portraits, painting all the imperfections and idiosyncrasies of “curious people” who put themselves forward via Instagram. Would you volunteer?

Take a break
At the end of a hectic week, our minds can…

Take a break
At the end of a hectic week, our minds can feel busy and full. To help you relax into the weekend, take a peek at Yuki Kawae’s zen gardens. Watching his beautiful patterns emerge, all your stress will melt away.

Fantastic fungi
Time-lapse photography is an art that requires preparation and patience…

Fantastic fungi
Time-lapse photography is an art that requires preparation and patience – two things Louie Schwartzberg must have in spades. He spent 15 years meticulously capturing stunning footage of a myriad of magical mushrooms for Netflix’s Fantastic Fungi documentary.

How to let your mind wander
Research suggests that people with freely moving thoughts are happier….

How to let your mind wander
Research suggests that people with freely moving thoughts are happier. The kind of thoughts that takes you from dinner deliberations to musings about the view from the Eiffel Tower. It’s easy if you’re in the right mindset.

Size matters
As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists have noticed a…

Size matters
As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists have noticed a strange phenomenon. Birds, fish, and even mammals are shrinking. For now, the changes seem small, but they could eventually push species towards extinction. But why is this happening? And what can we do to stop it?

Ease back into office small talk
All of us were beyond excited to move into our…

Ease back into office small talk
All of us were beyond excited to move into our shiny new office this month. But, after more than a year of remote working, there was something a little curious in the air that first morning as we all tried to remember how to make small talk for longer than it takes everyone to join a Zoom call.

A Great British spraycation
2021 has been the summer of the staycation: even Banksy…

A Great British spraycation
2021 has been the summer of the staycation: even Banksy had one. The artist has been on a tour of East Anglia, leaving souvenirs in all the towns he visited. Though it appears not everyone appreciated his gifts.

Keeping cool
In search of an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic shading…

Keeping cool
In search of an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic shading sitting above their town, the council of Alhaurín de la Torre turned to local crochet teacher Eva Pacheco. With her students, she has produced almost 500 square meters of colourful shade.

A big thumbs up
Thumbs up for good and down for bad. Universal symbols…

A big thumbs up
Thumbs up for good and down for bad. Universal symbols that transcend languages. Or so you might think. Only it turns out, like languages, hand signals don’t always translate. What to you might mean ‘that’s great’ could be interpreted as an offensive gesture or a sign that you’re swimming back to the surface.

A message from the future
From 50 years in the future, sci-fi writer Kim Stanley…

A message from the future
From 50 years in the future, sci-fi writer Kim Stanley Robinson reads a ‘history’ where humans have ended climate change and improved quality of life for all. His words lay out a plan of what we might do to make his past our reality. Will we take his advice?

Slo-mo moths
Dr Adrian Smith has a history of filming insects in…

Slo-mo moths
Dr Adrian Smith has a history of filming insects in incredible slow motion. Recording 6000 frames per second, not even microscopic movement escapes his capture. Now, he’s turned his attention to moths, shooting their flight in stunning slow motion.

A visual history of Rickrolling
Rickrolling has gone from a fringe phenomenon to a universal…

A visual history of Rickrolling
Rickrolling has gone from a fringe phenomenon to a universal pop culture reference: introducing Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up to a whole new generation. To commemorate the video reaching 1,012,897,703 views on YouTube, The Pudding has done a deep dive to chart its history.

See monkey, do monkey
Fossil evidence suggests that early humans spent a lot of…

See monkey, do monkey
Fossil evidence suggests that early humans spent a lot of time in trees. So, climbing is literally in our bones. So much so that Germany’s Olympic climbing coach took inspiration from their movements. Translating their twists and turns into tactics for his competitive climbers.

Very superstitious
Today is the only Friday 13th of 2021. A day…

Very superstitious
Today is the only Friday 13th of 2021. A day so scary, it inspired a hit slasher film and compels the deeply suspicious to avoid leaving the house. Fear of the number 13 even has its own name; triskaidekaphobia. But where did all this superstition come from?

Building sustainably
The Arc is the latest building to be completed on…

Building sustainably
The Arc is the latest building to be completed on the site of the Green School: a private school in Bali promoting sustainability through learning in a natural environment. The intricate design is the most complicated they’ve attempted, but the months of research and planning were undoubtedly worth the spectacular results.

The devil’s in the details
It turns out that making something look simple is actually…

The devil’s in the details
It turns out that making something look simple is actually really, really complicated. Extensive planning goes into every one of Anna Devís and Daniel Rueda’s cheeky compositions. They don’t use any editing software, so everything needs to come together flawlessly. #nofilter

Jelly finds favour
No longer the preserve of children’s parties and hospital meals,…

Jelly finds favour
No longer the preserve of children’s parties and hospital meals, jelly is having a renaissance. Breaking free of its associations as a textureless, tasteless blob, it has become popular with grown-ups seeking a subtle and sophisticated taste sensation. But why is it making a comeback now?

Make better decisions
Like it’s that easy. Except, maybe it is. We put…

Make better decisions
Like it’s that easy. Except, maybe it is. We put too much pressure on ourselves to always pick the perfect option. For a more relaxed approach to decision making, we need to take a leaf out of Jeff Bezos’ book (not something we ever thought we’d recommend!).

Hidden figures
The BBC’s Tokyo trailer is one of the stars of…

Hidden figures
The BBC’s Tokyo trailer is one of the stars of this year’s games. Inspired by Japanese anime and video games, a single shot carries viewers through a myriad of vibrant scenes. Hidden in the intricate details are references to the Olympics and athletes. How many can you spot?

How can a house just disappear
The year is 1994. Onboard a ferry heading for a…

How can a house just disappear
The year is 1994. Onboard a ferry heading for a remote Irish island, Neville Presho scans the shore for the house he hasn’t seen for eight years. It’s one of the oldest and sits right above the harbour – it should be easy to see. But it isn’t there. It isn’t anywhere.

Friendly faces
The quirky characters at Nante’s Jardin des Plantes have three…

Friendly faces
The quirky characters at Nante’s Jardin des Plantes have three new friends. Stroll through the gardens, and you’ll spot Artist Jean Jullien’s colourful sculptures reclining in the grass, floating in the lake and hiding amongst the trees all summer long.

Pockets of nature
Blooming between buildings, sprouting in backyards and taking route in…

Pockets of nature
Blooming between buildings, sprouting in backyards and taking route in abandoned plots, tiny forests the size of tennis courts are growing in cities all over the world. These patches of nature provide shade, attract animals and insects and capture carbon – helping cities adapt to climate change.

Rebuild the world
What you can make with Lego is only limited by…

Rebuild the world
What you can make with Lego is only limited by your imagination. But if you need a hit of inspiration, try Brickit. The AR app scans your pile of pieces and suggests which of Lego’s many sets you can build from what you have on hand. Time to dust off your collection.

Southgate, you’re the one
Great managers inspire teams. And Gareth Southgate inspired his to…

Southgate, you’re the one
Great managers inspire teams. And Gareth Southgate inspired his to their first-ever Euro final. Though it didn’t end with football coming home, England hadn’t played so well in years (55 to be precise). But, what is it about Southgate’s leadership style that brought out the best in England?

Curious says relax
Composers have always seen the link between music and nature,…

Curious says relax
Composers have always seen the link between music and nature, but now scientists have found it too. Like music, natural sounds can influence our mood: make us feel safe, relaxed and reduce our stress levels. Even digital versions can do us some good.

Tropical fruit
Peel back the layers of tropical fruit, and what do…

Tropical fruit
Peel back the layers of tropical fruit, and what do you get? A mesmerizing stop motion video. Toronto-based animator Kevin Parry strips kiwis, mangoes and dragon fruit, revealing their curious insides. But, perhaps even more enrapturing is how he did it.

A photographic tour of the British Isles
Jamie Hawkesworth approaches his subject with no preconceived notions. Instead…

A photographic tour of the British Isles
Jamie Hawkesworth approaches his subject with no preconceived notions. Instead of seeking out pubs, rain and cups of tea, he captures moments as he finds them. His most recent collection, The British Isles, is the culmination of a decade’s worth of observations from around the country.

What to do when climate change feels unstoppable
Combatting climate change can feel like an impossible task. With…

What to do when climate change feels unstoppable
Combatting climate change can feel like an impossible task. With so much to do, what can one person achieve? But, as climate activist Clover Hogan explains, challenging the stories that make you feel powerless can be the first step to taking action.

What is the fluff factor?
Everyone has their rituals – little habits that make them…

What is the fluff factor?
Everyone has their rituals – little habits that make them feel better – and professional athletes are no different. For most tennis players choosing which ball to serve with is one such custom. (Just check out Wimbledon.) But is it all just luck? Or is there some science behind their choices?

Back to nature
Now that summer’s truly underway, you might be in search…

Back to nature
Now that summer’s truly underway, you might be in search of somewhere to cool off. To escape the crowds, forgo London’s lidos and head outside the city. Some of the best wild swimming spots around are only a train ride away. You can thank us later.

A day in the life of a flavour inventor
What makes a pear taste like a pear? And how…

A day in the life of a flavour inventor
What makes a pear taste like a pear? And how can you make something else taste like one? As a flavour inventor, Maria Wright tries to answer questions like this every day. She’s invented over 1,500 flavours – including some you might have tried.

A seven-day working week
It’s time to evolve our working habits. At least according…

A seven-day working week
It’s time to evolve our working habits. At least according to design consultancy Arup, whose employees can work any day of the week. Extending the working week means they can take time off during the week or work extended hours to unlock a longer weekend.

Refreshing recipes
From a fresh glass of lemonade to a classic banana…

Refreshing recipes
From a fresh glass of lemonade to a classic banana split, Andrea Love makes all the summer staples. In her miniature kitchen, Love makes tutorials for recipes that look more than good enough to eat. The catch? They’re made of wool.

Art without walls
East London has been transformed into England’s largest outdoor gallery….

Art without walls
East London has been transformed into England’s largest outdoor gallery. Over 500 works of art from independent galleries are on display from now until the 27th of June. Art appreciators can spend a sunny afternoon winding their way through the numerous displays.

How sound effects are made
Nestled away in rural Ontario, Footsteps Studio makes the sound…

How sound effects are made
Nestled away in rural Ontario, Footsteps Studio makes the sound effects for some of your favourite films. Using their extensive and eclectic collection of props, they can make sounds to fit any film: whether it’s creating the perfect splash or finding the ideal pair of shoes for footsteps.

Sculptural portraits
Creating more nuance and vulnerability than should be possible using…

Sculptural portraits
Creating more nuance and vulnerability than should be possible using unspun wool, Salman Khoshroo sculpts bold faces. The portraits, inspired by his experience in quarantine, have been like therapy for Khoshroo. He finds joy in the juxtaposition of using a traditionally feminine material to interpret the masculine condition.

Love an ugly plant
The preference for aesthetically pleasing plants doesn’t just exist in…

Love an ugly plant
The preference for aesthetically pleasing plants doesn’t just exist in the general population; scientists have it too. Their bias towards pretty plants means less conventionally appealing species are less likely to be studied and could be disappearing without anyone noticing.

Future history
What defined your lockdown? Endless jigsaws, multiple attempts to perfect…

Future history
What defined your lockdown? Endless jigsaws, multiple attempts to perfect banana bread, or maybe a love-hate relationship with your laptop? In Future Archaeology of a Global Lockdown, Paula Zuccotti compiles over 1000 images taken by people from around the world, representing their lockdown story through 15 objects.

50 curious facts
To celebrate the 50th edition of Shareables, we’ve found 50…

50 curious facts
To celebrate the 50th edition of Shareables, we’ve found 50 curious facts to get your brain whirring. Click to discover: the dangerous consequences of sneezing too hard, the world’s most stolen book, and which is the only mammal that can’t jump.

Types of curiosity
Exploring the world through Interest-Curiosity (the kind that makes you…

Types of curiosity
Exploring the world through Interest-Curiosity (the kind that makes you question who built the first snowman or decided to put milk in tea) can help you break bad habits and reduce anxiety. What a great reason to keep reading Shareables!

The return of art and culture
Britain has hundreds of museums, and now that they’re open…

The return of art and culture
Britain has hundreds of museums, and now that they’re open again, it’s time to immerse yourself in all the curiosities they have to offer. Indulge your fascination for farm wagons at The Museum of English Rural Life, or learn the history of Queen Victoria’s stockings in Framework Knitters Museum.

Light up London
For two months, from the 26th of May, Leadenhall Market…

Light up London
For two months, from the 26th of May, Leadenhall Market will be alight with the glow of hundreds of neon signs as God’s Own Junkyard takes over the historic venue. The interactive display will be full of props from famous films like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. How many movies will you spot?

Watch your step
If you’re too busy texting to watch where you’re walking,…

Watch your step
If you’re too busy texting to watch where you’re walking, never fear, Third Eye can do it for you. The eye, which rests on the forehead, can alert you to upcoming obstacles. Pretty clever but, if you think you need one, perhaps it could be time to reassess your relationship with your all-consuming phone!

A creative fix
In cities throughout France, mosaics have crept into public spaces….

A creative fix
In cities throughout France, mosaics have crept into public spaces. Cracks in the pavement and gaps in plaster have been filled with vivid geometric patterns. Boldly contrasting with their grey surroundings, artist Ememem’s mosaics bring colour to everyday life.

Can an algorithm have good taste?
Conrad Withey has designed a new way to find up-and-coming…

Can an algorithm have good taste?
Conrad Withey has designed a new way to find up-and-coming musical talent. His system tracks streaming and social media data to identify artists who already have an audience. But, as he readily admits, what’s popular isn’t always good.

One font to rule them all
Since it dethroned Times New Roman 14 years ago, Calibri…

One font to rule them all
Since it dethroned Times New Roman 14 years ago, Calibri has been Microsoft’s default font. But now, they’re searching for its successor. Five custom fonts have been revealed as potential replacements, and Microsoft is asking the public for feedback. Always a risk!

Swimming with the fishes
When the sun goes down, self-taught photographer Steven Kovacs heads…

Swimming with the fishes
When the sun goes down, self-taught photographer Steven Kovacs heads down to the ocean. It might seem counterintuitive, but this is the best time to capture some of the sea’s more unusual inhabitants. The dark background highlights the most striking features of the life below the water’s surface.

Britain’s ancient rainforest
Nowadays we’re turning our homes into urban jungles. But, once…

Britain’s ancient rainforest
Nowadays we’re turning our homes into urban jungles. But, once upon a time, fairytale-like forests spread over the countryside. Many were lost long ago, but some still survive in secluded and wild pockets of the world, and they need to be protected.

NOW that’s what I call inspiration
The right soundtrack can set up your day. Up-beat, down-tempo,…

NOW that’s what I call inspiration
The right soundtrack can set up your day. Up-beat, down-tempo, old school or new wave: there’s music for every mood. And, for when you need to be inspired, there’s Brainstorm Radio. A collection of tunes curated by the great and the good of the creative industry.

Nothing breaks like an A.I. heart
In search of a better ending, Pamela Mishkin re-examines her…

Nothing breaks like an A.I. heart
In search of a better ending, Pamela Mishkin re-examines her last relationship in the form of an interactive essay. Co-written by GPT-3, a virtual text generator, the essay blurs the lines between artificial and emotional intelligence. Find your own version of this interactive adventure.

How to prepare for a space flight
Just in case you ever find yourself about to take…

How to prepare for a space flight
Just in case you ever find yourself about to take off, Megan McArthur shares her advice on how to prepare to shoot for the stars. Megan has already logged more than 500 million miles in space and so who better to share their experience.

Park life
London’s parks have provided a literal breath of fresh air…

Park life
London’s parks have provided a literal breath of fresh air for many in the past year. For those of us confined to the capital, they’ve become outdoor gyms, places to gather with friends and a welcome connection to nature. It’s no surprise they’re some of the country’s favourites.

What are you afraid of?
The Curious Film Club is proud to recommend Conor Finnegan’s…

What are you afraid of?
The Curious Film Club is proud to recommend Conor Finnegan’s new short film ‘Fear of Flying’. The charming animation follows Dougal as several setbacks scupper his plans to hunker down for the winter. Left with no other options, Dougal confronts his fears and flies south – but not in the way you’d expect.

Creativity on aisle four
The Design Museum’s Supermarket installation is motivated by the idea…

Creativity on aisle four
The Design Museum’s Supermarket installation is motivated by the idea that creativity should be accessible to everyone. The aisles of the ’80s inspired shop will be stocked with essentials from kidney beans to loo roll, all wrapped up in packaging designed by emerging artists. Doors opened on April 21st.

Seaweed saves the world
14.5% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions come from livestock, and…

Seaweed saves the world
14.5% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions come from livestock, and cows make up two-thirds of that figure. But there’s a solution: seaweed. A sprinkle of Asparagopsis taxiformis in a cow’s dinner will reduce their methane production by 85%. Holy cow that’s a lot less methane!

Plastic fantastic
Described by its creator, Pascal Schelbli, as ‘simultaneously stunning and…

Plastic fantastic
Described by its creator, Pascal Schelbli, as ‘simultaneously stunning and filthy’, short film The Beauty imagines the world on the ocean floor is made entirely of plastic. Bubble-wrap pufferfish swim serenely through coral made from plastic straws and cutlery, highlighting the extent to which we have already damaged a delicate ecosystem.

Best friends forever
Coronavirus restrictions have limited our opportunities for social interaction. Dinner…

Best friends forever
Coronavirus restrictions have limited our opportunities for social interaction. Dinner parties? Cancelled. Post-work drinks? Online only. Zoom quiz? Please, not another one. So, it’s not surprising that one year on, certain friendships have fallen by the wayside. But is prioritising who we spend time with actually a bad thing?

Fruit for thought
Have you heard of a medlar? It featured in the…

Fruit for thought
Have you heard of a medlar? It featured in the Canterbury Tales and Romeo and Juliet, but now it’s not available in a single British supermarket. How did one of medieval Europe’s favourite fruits go from a dietary staple to a distant memory in less than a hundred years?

Immerse yourself in art
Art lovers rejoice! The world’s most visited museum has made…

Immerse yourself in art
Art lovers rejoice! The world’s most visited museum has made almost 500,000 works from its collections available online. Now you can wander through the Louvre’s virtual galleries admiring the art while you wait for their doors to reopen IRL. Merci beaucoup le Louvre!

An ode to the overlooked
In the past, mosaics depicted epic tales, gods and objects…

An ode to the overlooked
In the past, mosaics depicted epic tales, gods and objects of value. Ruaidhri Ryan has taken a different approach. His mosaics feature items most would consider mundane, typical of contemporary life. He finds humour in the juxtaposition of his subjects’ perceived value and the time and labour he puts into honouring them.

Inappropriate behaviour
The star of Anna Matzaris’ new stop motion short film…

Inappropriate behaviour
The star of Anna Matzaris’ new stop motion short film displays increasingly improper workplace behaviour from stealing food to cutting someone’s tie off in a meeting – none of which will stand you in good stead for a promotion. But beneath the humour, the film highlights how becoming a mother can actually trump every inappropriate action when it comes to career progression.

Banksy meets Bob Ross
Chemical engineer turned artist Masayoshi Matsumoto creates sculptures from balloons….

Banksy meets Bob Ross
Chemical engineer turned artist Masayoshi Matsumoto creates sculptures from balloons. He can twist and fashion any animal you can imagine, from a hummingbird to a jellyfish. His Instagram feed, where he documents his work, could convince anyone that balloons are not just for children.

Not child’s play
Chemical engineer turned artist Masayoshi Matsumoto creates sculptures from balloons….

Not child’s play
Chemical engineer turned artist Masayoshi Matsumoto creates sculptures from balloons. He can twist and fashion any animal you can imagine, from a hummingbird to a jellyfish. His Instagram feed, where he documents his work, could convince anyone that balloons are not just for children.

Bucket list inspiration
Shake off the lockdown blues by taking a look at…

Bucket list inspiration
Shake off the lockdown blues by taking a look at some of the most colourful destinations from across the world. This is a golden opportunity to start planning a trip that will make your friends green with envy. So, when travelling becomes more than a rose-tinted memory, you can head straight to Rainbow Mountain.

Design your life
‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ An innocent…

Design your life
‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ An innocent question with the power to send you spiralling. Most people don’t have their whole life planned. But, if you’re asking yourself, ‘what’s next?’, Professor of design, Bill Burnett, has five tips for how applying design-based thinking can help you re-envision your life.

Out of this world
If grapes can survive in space, they can survive anywhere….

Out of this world
If grapes can survive in space, they can survive anywhere. That was Space Cargo Unlimited’s thought when they sent 320 grapevines to the International Space Station. They hope the grapes will evolve up there to then be able to grow in harsher conditions on Earth. So, in the case of climate disaster, at least there will be wine.

Through the looking glass
Love it or hate it, working from home has been…

Through the looking glass
Love it or hate it, working from home has been part of the ‘new normal’ for nearly a year. And while we’ve enjoyed the extra half hour in bed, we’ve missed the hustle and bustle of the office. Sam Mellish’s new photography collection holds up a mirror to the reality of working from home.

A curious turn of events
Have you ever wondered how Stockholm Syndrome got its name?…

A curious turn of events
Have you ever wondered how Stockholm Syndrome got its name? The film industry portrays it as romantic (we’re looking at you Beauty and the Beast), but ultimately illogical. Yet, in the original case, defending the kidnappers might have been the most rational course of action…

Art is everywhere
Even your washing has the potential to become a masterpiece….

Art is everywhere
Even your washing has the potential to become a masterpiece. Visual artist Helga Stentzel makes art from the everyday objects around her. Her latest works of ‘household surrealism’ are Pegasus and Smoothie; animals made out of unwanted clothes. More animals coming soon.

You are what you eat
Not literally. But food is an important part of culture….

You are what you eat
Not literally. But food is an important part of culture. In Singapore, the hawker markets are a physical representation of the country’s identity. They sell food from the Chinese, Malay and Indian communities that live there and have grown and changed alongside Singapore. So much so, that they’re now UNESCO recognised.

A New York minute
It’s easy to get lost in big questions. We know,…

A New York minute
It’s easy to get lost in big questions. We know, we ask them all the time. What if we make the wrong decisions? Should we be doing more? Does what we do even matter? This charmingly illustrated short film reminds us all to stop, breathe, and enjoy the moment. No one knows all the answers.

Another way of looking at it
When Christoph Niemann looks at an apple, he sees a…

Another way of looking at it
When Christoph Niemann looks at an apple, he sees a whisk. As part of his Sunday Series on Instagram, Niemann, who is well known for playing with scale and position, incorporates everyday objects into his illustrations. The result is a collection of quirky and clever compositions.

See the world
Experience your travel plans vicariously through the winning entries of…

See the world
Experience your travel plans vicariously through the winning entries of the Sony World Photography Awards 2021. From awe-inducing ariel shots to striking portraits, the images from more than 50 countries capture the earth’s beauty and diversity. So you can explore the world from your own home.

The writing’s on the wall
Graphic artist Anthony Burrill has been busy in lockdown. He’s…

The writing’s on the wall
Graphic artist Anthony Burrill has been busy in lockdown. He’s brought his signature style to a seven-story high mural in central Leeds. In a behind the scenes documentary, Burrill explains how he decided on the design and why it signifies to him “a particular moment and a particular time” during the global crisis.

The view from above
The ‘overview effect’ describes how astronauts’ perspectives change when they…

The view from above
The ‘overview effect’ describes how astronauts’ perspectives change when they look down on Earth from space. Benjamin Grant and Timothy Dougherty want everyone to be able to experience this. Their new book uses satellite and aerial imagery to show readers the world from high above.

Judging a book by a cover
Ladybird’s ‘What to Look for’ series has a new look….

Judging a book by a cover
Ladybird’s ‘What to Look for’ series has a new look. The books, which were published in the 1950s, have been modernised to teach a new generation of children about the world around them. The new illustrations both celebrate nature and warn of the dangers that threaten it.

Setting the scene
With meticulous attention to detail, Thomas Duke has been recreating…

Setting the scene
With meticulous attention to detail, Thomas Duke has been recreating famous film scenes in London and beyond. By matching stills from films to the locations in which they were shot, Duke has brought characters from the distant past and magical worlds to familiar modern-day sites.

Are you the next Picasso?
The Great Big Art Exhibition is open! From now until…

Are you the next Picasso?
The Great Big Art Exhibition is open! From now until April, renowned artists including Ai Weiwei and Sonia Boyce are setting the nation new themes to respond to every fortnight. Everyone is encouraged to draw, sculpt, paint or build their own works of art and display them in their windows. Time to dig out your watercolours.

Happy New Year
No, we’re not a month late – the Chinese New…

Happy New Year
No, we’re not a month late – the Chinese New Year begins next Friday. It will mark the start of the Year of the Ox believed to be a symbol of hard work, intelligence and honesty. Did you know that more than a billion people celebrate Chinese New Year, with more fireworks set off in celebration on this night than any other all year round?

Don’t write it off
In the UK, 60% of wasted food is still safe…

Don’t write it off
In the UK, 60% of wasted food is still safe to consume: Solveiga Pakštaitė created Mimica Touch to combat this problem. While best before dates provide a worst-case scenario, Pakštaitė’s temperature-sensitive labels give a more accurate indication of whether food is safe to eat combined with a fun tactile twist.

All in a day’s work
In partnership with Mailchimp, It’s Nice That presents a new…

All in a day’s work
In partnership with Mailchimp, It’s Nice That presents a new animated series detailing the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life. Brought to life with humour, energy and emotion, the situations the characters find themselves in are easy to relate to, even if you aren’t a business owner.

What was I saying?
It’s curious which things stick in our minds. Why is…

What was I saying?
It’s curious which things stick in our minds. Why is it that you can remember your 5th birthday party but not what you ate for dinner last week? Whatever the reason, if you want to improve your memory, it might be as simple as chewing gum while you work. Try these tips and see what works for you.

The world’s first GIF
Over 150 years before the first animated GIF, Belgian physicist…

The world’s first GIF
Over 150 years before the first animated GIF, Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau invented the phenakistoscope. This device showed users a series of images in rapid succession. To viewers, these appeared to be a single moving picture. Colossal has curated a collection of digitised phenakistoscope images.

Make your house a home
As many of us are spending more time at home…

Make your house a home
As many of us are spending more time at home than ever before, our houses should be somewhere we feel comfortable. The Modern House has put together a list of suggestions for turning your house into a safe haven. While installing a wine tap might seem like a pipe dream, their other ideas are infinitely more doable.

Beauty in everyday things
Tatsuya Tanaka has been crafting scenes from everyday items and…

Beauty in everyday things
Tatsuya Tanaka has been crafting scenes from everyday items and tiny figures for 10 years. His work has featured Oreos as pianos and melons as bridges. Recently his art has featured objects that have become synonymous with coronavirus. Facemasks and toilet rolls have transformed from objects that represent the pandemic to ski slopes and camping grounds.

Want to mouth off?
Complaining about life and society is not a recent development….

Want to mouth off?
Complaining about life and society is not a recent development. Renaissance-era Venetians had a unique system for registering complaints. Instead of taking to Twitter, they could post their rantings in the bocche di leone (or Lion’s mouths) scattered around the city. A great comms channel for getting citizens’ issues directly to their government.

Reasons to be cheerful
There’s no getting around it 2020 was a difficult year…

Reasons to be cheerful
There’s no getting around it 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but small things made it better. With the promise of a vaccine roll out this year, we can begin to think about a time after coronavirus. Planning ahead and having nice things waiting for us is vital for mental health and with that in mind here are 21 things to look forward to in 2021.

The world’s most stolen painting
Over the years the Ghent Altarpiece has been burned, pawned…

The world’s most stolen painting
Over the years the Ghent Altarpiece has been burned, pawned and stolen. To this day, the disappearance of one of its panels is under investigation. Curious to know more, art historian, Noah Charney’s TED video provides a short history of this much-coveted masterpiece.

Looks good enough to eat
Matching festive flavours and designs, Sugar Lab, the LA-based digital…

Looks good enough to eat
Matching festive flavours and designs, Sugar Lab, the LA-based digital bakery, has created a series of 3D candies and ornaments perfect for the holidays. Each design is the result of collaboration between designers and chefs so you can be sure they taste as good as they look.

The show must go online
The Christmas show is a time-honoured tradition. You might not…

The show must go online
The Christmas show is a time-honoured tradition. You might not make it to your local pantomime this year (Oh no you won’t!), but the wonder of technology means the theatre can come to you. Timeout has put together a guide of the best shows available to stream in December. An enjoyable way to support the Arts to make sure your theatre-going days aren’t behind you.

Navigating the boardgame ban
Government advice warns against playing games outside your bubble. But,…

Navigating the boardgame ban
Government advice warns against playing games outside your bubble. But, if a recent Netflix series has awoken your passion for chess, don’t fear; there are plenty of ways to improve without in-person competition. So, this time next year you might be winning opens, regionals, and grudge matches against close family members.

Window shopping
Pressure on big department stores to outdo themselves and each…

Window shopping
Pressure on big department stores to outdo themselves and each other year on year has led to Christmas window displays becoming bigger, brighter and more creative than ever before. Highlights from this year’s offerings include a Santa following government guidelines, a reimagining of Wind in the Willows and some tongue-in-cheek Scrooge spirit.

Patagonia takes a stand
Patagonia is well known for its creative calls to action….

Patagonia takes a stand
Patagonia is well known for its creative calls to action. The company has been challenging consumers to practice smarter shopping habits since their ‘don’t buy this jacket’ advert in 2011. This year’s Black Friday ad uses clever wordplay to challenge attitudes towards climate change. Curious about the content? Here’s a hint. meop elbasrever.

Awkward!
Life is full of cringe moments that make you want…

Awkward!
Life is full of cringe moments that make you want to disappear into thin air. Like waving back at someone who is waving to the person behind you. Or forgetting the name of someone you’re talking to. It’s what makes us endearingly human. As this award-winning animation by Nata Metlukh shows.

Paving the way
Los Angeles is literally paving the way to a greener…

Paving the way
Los Angeles is literally paving the way to a greener future. Using plastic waste, otherwise destined for landfill, to replace the oily sludge called bitumen that is normally used to hold roads together. While there’s some doubt about long term effects, it’s encouraging to see governments looking for environmentally friendly solutions.

Guinea pigs are the future
Previous editions of Daniel Gebhart Koekkoek’s annual calendar have focused…

Guinea pigs are the future
Previous editions of Daniel Gebhart Koekkoek’s annual calendar have focused on leaping cats and llamas in unexpected places. This year it’s guinea pigs that have captured his attention. Elevated from nostalgic childhood pets to pin-up stars, Glynis, Belissa, and friends will put a smile on your face in 2021. Curious about his inspiration, find out more below.

Think before you thank
‘Did you see this?’ Brits send 64 million pointless emails…

Think before you thank
‘Did you see this?’ Brits send 64 million pointless emails every day. And every one requires electricity consumption from devices, networks and data centres. Sending fewer emails could reduce carbon emissions by 16,433 tonnes a year. So, be an eco-hero and think before you send that email. Cheers.

Battle of the brands
‘Tis the season for Christmas ad competition. We’re curious to…

Battle of the brands
‘Tis the season for Christmas ad competition. We’re curious to see how 2020 has shaped this year’s festive offerings. After a difficult year for retail, these ads have provided some Christmas cheer. From a determined carrot to a reimagining of Singing in the Rain and an invitation to spread some kindness, here’s a selection of this year’s best ads.

What does music look like?
Not an easy question, but one that Clemens Wenger has…

What does music look like?
Not an easy question, but one that Clemens Wenger has tried to answer. With live music and events cancelled for the foreseeable future, Wenger has looked for alternative ways to present his new album. His solution is an interactive website where the audience can interact with graphics inspired by his love of physics. Have a play.

Working hard but not improving?
How do you get better and better at the things…

Working hard but not improving?
How do you get better and better at the things you love to do? It’s hard to keep motivated if improvement isn’t driving you forward. We found this TED Talk from Eduardo Briceño really inspiring. Especially the bit about ‘Zones’ – the learning zone and the performance zone. Discover more about his helpful techniques.

Lockdown 2
What we all need to do is stay curious –…

Lockdown 2
What we all need to do is stay curious – there’s never a dull moment when you do. So, follow the link to step back in time, head off on safari, join Nasa in space, dive into fiction or simply learn something new. From insightful podcasts to livestreams, we love a bit of lockdown fun.

Constraints inspire creativity
‘Tis true! Give yourself a constraint – time, money, word…

Constraints inspire creativity
‘Tis true! Give yourself a constraint – time, money, word count – and your brain leaps into action; becoming more inventive than ever before. Look at Dr. Seuss who was challenged to write a children’s book using only 50 different words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham – say no more!

Life amongst the stars
The International Space Station is easy to see if you…

Life amongst the stars
The International Space Station is easy to see if you know where to look. (It orbits our planet 16 times a day.) It’s hard to believe humans have lived onboard for 20 years. What on earth must life be like? We were curious to explore the extraordinary detail of the interior space.

Once in a blue moon
Halloween and astrology lovers are about to get very excited….

Once in a blue moon
Halloween and astrology lovers are about to get very excited. A full moon on Halloween only happens once in a blue moon – every 18 to 19 years, to be exact. Needless to say, you won’t want to miss this tomorrow. The next blue moon on Halloween is in 2039! Happy pumpkin day.

Test run for future concerts
Would you enclose yourself in a huge plastic bubble to…

Test run for future concerts
Would you enclose yourself in a huge plastic bubble to see your favourite band? You can sing along safely. Everyone is protected. What’s not to love. This is exactly what American rock band Flaming Lips has been testing out for future concerts. It could catch on.

Work email clichés
From “I hope this email finds you well” to “thanks…

Work email clichés
From “I hope this email finds you well” to “thanks in advance”, the same well-worn phrases, “I’m just reaching out”, there’s another, are plain insincere. Why have we got ourselves into such a clichéd way of communicating? Is it easier? What can we do about it? For starters, let’s be aware.

The diabolical ironclad beetle
Hello, little one. Tell us what’s so amazing about you….

The diabolical ironclad beetle
Hello, little one. Tell us what’s so amazing about you. Found in wooded areas of the US west coast, this beetle can survive loads of about 39,000 times its body weight. Close examination revealed an interlocking exoskeleton and inspiration for next-generation materials.

Stop interrupting
We seem born to do it. Words are flowing, then…

Stop interrupting
We seem born to do it. Words are flowing, then whoa! Eleven seconds in – seems to be the average time – our colleagues interrupt. Just as solutions are forming, apologising as they do it! The world would be so different if only we had the luxury of finishing our sentences. What can we do?

Procrastination
If you’re someone who takes ages to change a light…

Procrastination
If you’re someone who takes ages to change a light bulb, refill the windscreen wiper fluid, or oil a squeaky door, may we point you in the direction of this highly illuminating article. Great news! Procrastination doesn’t have to plague your life. It just needs looking at differently.

The UK’s first Pride train
Avanti West Coast want to shout loud and proud about…

The UK’s first Pride train
Avanti West Coast want to shout loud and proud about the launch of their new Pride train. Now a permanent part of the fleet and wonderfully displaying all the colours of the Pride flag, this represents a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. And the new nameplate for the train? Progress.

Unseen ruins of Chernobyl
On 26th April 1986 at 1:23 am in Control Room…

Unseen ruins of Chernobyl
On 26th April 1986 at 1:23 am in Control Room 4, a malfunction occurred, causing the worst nuclear disaster in world history. Thousands abandoned their homes, leaving the area desolate to this day. Writer and photographer Darmon Richter ventures into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Let’s talk crap
Product design seems to have overlooked the humble toilet roll…

Let’s talk crap
Product design seems to have overlooked the humble toilet roll holder. The Marta Gallery in LA put out a great brief to raise its stature in the bathroom while drawing attention to the impact of tree-derived products. Here, the curators present some re-imaginings from the functional to the conceptual.

The Zoom of tomorrow
In this work-from-home era, Zoom has kept us connected so…