theplaidzebra.com

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A mindful blog for mindful people.

A Simple Workout Tracker That Actually Makes You Want to Keep Going

17 October 2025 @ 1:33 pm

Most fitness apps today feel like they’re trying to do too much. They ask for your email, require a subscription, track your steps, and flood you with features that sound nice but rarely help you stay consistent. That’s why a tool like this browser-based workout tracker feels refreshing. It’s a lightweight, no-login, no-data-collection kind of… The post A Simple Workout Tracker That Actually Makes You Want to Keep Going appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

The 5 Best Unbreakable Wine Glasses for 2025 (That Look Way Too Good to Be Plastic)

15 October 2025 @ 2:21 pm

The 5 Best Unbreakable Wine Glasses for 2025 (That Look Way Too Good to Be Plastic) If you love a glass of wine on the patio, at a picnic, or by the pool, you’ve probably learned the hard way that glass and gravity don’t mix. The best unbreakable wine glasses combine the elegance of real… The post The 5 Best Unbreakable Wine Glasses for 2025 (That Look Way Too Good to Be Plastic) appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

Materials Used in Roof Replacement: What You Should Know

21 August 2025 @ 7:50 pm

Replacing your roof is a big deal. It’s one of those home projects you don’t do often, but when it’s time, the choices can feel overwhelming. The biggest question? Which roofing material should you go with. Each option has its own style, lifespan, and price tag. Let’s break down the most common materials so you… The post Materials Used in Roof Replacement: What You Should Know appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

Preparing for a Las Vegas Red Carpet Event

9 August 2025 @ 12:30 am

Las Vegas thrives on spectacle—where glittering lights, unforgettable experiences, and high-profile gatherings are part of the city’s DNA. Whether it’s a film premiere, corporate gala, product launch, or charity fundraiser, a red carpet event here can elevate your brand, impress your guests, and generate media buzz that lasts long after the night ends. But creating… The post Preparing for a Las Vegas Red Carpet Event appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

Why Health Insurance Costs So Much in New York – And What You Can Do About It

8 August 2025 @ 11:47 pm

For many New Yorkers, health insurance premiums can feel like paying a second mortgage. The question of why health insurance is so expensive in the state has no single answer; factors such as higher medical costs, state regulations, and limited provider networks all contribute to the issue. In our years helping New York families navigate… The post Why Health Insurance Costs So Much in New York – And What You Can Do About It appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

5 Best Sparkling Wine Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

10 June 2025 @ 3:49 pm

When people think of Napa Valley, bold Cabernet Sauvignon often steals the spotlight. But tucked among the iconic vineyards are some incredible sparkling wine producers that rival anything you’ll find in Champagne, France. While U.S. winemakers can’t legally label their bottles “Champagne” unless grandfathered in, the traditional method—AKA méthode traditionnelle—is alive and well in Napa,… The post 5 Best Sparkling Wine Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

“She Was My Sister”: Emily Coupe on Grief, Growth, and the Ghost of Red Wreckage

20 May 2025 @ 3:10 pm

It’s late afternoon in Silver Lake when Emily Coupe opens the door to her sunlit apartment, guitar case still open from a morning writing session. The Australian-American indie pop artist greets me barefoot, her long curls piled into a loose bun. She’s preparing for her next solo EP—what she calls her “most honest music yet”—but… The post “She Was My Sister”: Emily Coupe on Grief, Growth, and the Ghost of Red Wreckage appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

Behind the Curtain: Music Manager Cassidy Sanders on Protecting Artists, Managing Ego, and Keeping the Chaos Offstage

4 April 2025 @ 12:58 pm

In a world where fame is curated and chaos is constant, Cassidy Sanders has built a reputation as one of indie music’s most dynamic artist managers. Known for her calm presence and fierce loyalty to the creatives she represents, Sanders doesn’t just manage schedules—she manages energy, boundaries, and the emotional weight of the spotlight. I… The post Behind the Curtain: Music Manager Cassidy Sanders on Protecting Artists, Managing Ego, and Keeping the Chaos Offstage appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

How Is Earth Day Celebrated Around the World​?

20 March 2025 @ 6:28 pm

Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a global reminder that small actions can lead to lasting change. Around the world, people celebrate by planting trees, cleaning up local communities, and pushing for stronger environmental policies. But not every country observes it the same way.  Curious about how Earth Day is… The post How Is Earth Day Celebrated Around the World​? appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

Prisoners write letters of advice to their younger selves and the result is striking

15 February 2025 @ 6:34 pm

The factors that make up the horror that is the American prison system includes the ineptitude of the poorly underfunded public defenders. It is estimated that public defenders take on 1000 clients per year (more than 3 per day, every day), when they should have no more than 150 per year. This leads to underprepared… The post Prisoners write letters of advice to their younger selves and the result is striking appeared first on The Plaid Zebra.

Desertec-Iran.org

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Iran’s Desert Solar Power

TreeHugger.com

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TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream.

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inhabitat.com

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weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design

How to Manage Subcontractors More Efficiently in Complex Builds

29 April 2025 @ 5:02 am

Managing subcontractors is often one of the trickiest parts of a build. As projects grow more complex, with overlapping tasks, tight timelines and increasing client expectations, keeping trades coordinated and on schedule becomes more of a juggling act. When done well, subcontractor management keeps everything moving smoothly. When it falls apart, delays, miscommunication and cost overruns can quickly take hold.[...]

A Deep Dive into the OptiSolex 400W Portable SolarBag Kit.

28 April 2025 @ 6:26 am

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of energy consumption and sustainability, the push toward renewable energy alternatives continues to gain momentum. Among these alternatives, solar power has become one of the most accessible and popular options, especially in portable energy solutions. From emergency preparedness to off-grid adventures, portable solar kits redefine how people access electricity when traditional power sources are unavailable or unreliable.[...]

From the urban tapestry of Los Angeles to a sustainable city

23 November 2023 @ 12:27 pm

Los Angeles, often hailed as the entertainment capital of the world, is not only a hub for the film and music industries but also a fascinating canvas of urban design. The city's architectural landscape reflects a rich tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and innovation. As one navigates the vast expanse of Los Angeles, it becomes apparent that the city's design is a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity.[...]

A Connecticut home with a green roof and minimal site impact

15 August 2023 @ 6:30 pm

Meeting the challenge to gently place a home into a valley below the access road and adjacent to a scenic river, Weston Residence is both a primary residence and an award-winning example of minimal site impact architectural design. [...]

Rivian R1T is the best glamping truck on the market

15 August 2023 @ 5:30 pm

The new Rivian R1T pickup is the fabulous EV glamping truck you didn’t know you needed. This unique EV truck has all kinds of features you need, plus a few you never even thought of. Come along on our test drive of the Rivian R1T and decide for yourself if this is your next daily driver. [...]

Here are the latest sustainable construction materials

14 August 2023 @ 5:30 pm

According to the U.N. Environmental Program, the construction industry is not making enough efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. While all sectors are making efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the construction sector is still to get an organized strategy. Today, up to 50% of the world's climate change is caused by the construction sector. The same industry is responsible for up to 40% of the pollution in water bodies. These figures just go to show, how significant the construction industry is in regards to environmental impact.[...]

Best cut flower varieties for a sustainable home garden

14 August 2023 @ 4:30 pm

Cut flowers sounded easy when I started gardening. Just plant some flowers and then cut them, right? Well, there is a lot more to it than that. Cut flowers are often grown from specific varieties that tend to have long, sturdy stems and big, beautiful blooms, and each variety has its own tips to keep them healthy. It also can be hard to find the right varieties in sustainable versions. [...]

University Mass Timber Pavilion was designed by students

11 August 2023 @ 5:30 pm

Nestled on the Rice University campus, amid multiple microhabitats and surrounded by green, you will see a small pavilion that looks a bit like an ancient Greek temple. But this pavilion was carefully crafted to have a modern design. It's sustainable, beautiful and an example that might just inspire campuses around the world.[...]

Travel to the ancient beauty of Machu Picchu, Peru

11 August 2023 @ 3:30 pm

Our group sat in a circle at a 15th century Inca site. We each held three coca leaves glued together with llama fat and concentrated on protection, prosperity and a balanced life. A young shaman named Lucas alternately prayed in Quechua and explained things to us in Spanish, both translated by our guide Wilfredo Huillca. The shaman added quinoa, corn, confetti and other symbolic items to Pachamama, the Andean earth mother. Fortunately, modern rituals substitute animal cookies for alpaca sacrifices.[...]

Biophilic building enhances biodiversity in the neighborhood

10 August 2023 @ 6:30 pm

Kaiserstraße is a new residential building currently under construction in Blumenau, Brazil. The project is designed by Alencar Arquitetura and aims to harness connections between residents and the natural world.[...]

Bustler.net

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Architecture Competitions, Events & News.

SciAm.com

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Scientific American – Politicised Science News, Articles and Misinformation.

First Proof is AI's toughest math test yet. The results are mixed

14 February 2026 @ 4:00 pm

Experts gave AI 10 math problems to solve in a week. OpenAI, researchers and amateurs all gave it their best shot

How often do people fall passionately in love? The answer may be less than you think

14 February 2026 @ 1:00 pm

A large survey of U.S. singles reveals the different ways people experience passionate romantic love

Axolotls can regenerate their thymus, a complex immune system organ

14 February 2026 @ 12:00 pm

Axolotls can completely rebuild their thymus, a key immune organ

How roses evolved to become the flower of Valentine’s Day

14 February 2026 @ 11:00 am

Roses are red—but their ancestors looked rather different

8 romance novels for readers who love science, too

13 February 2026 @ 10:15 pm

Scientific American’s staff recommends eight books that are as full of science as they are of love

Let these nine romantic animals inspire you on Valentine’s Day

13 February 2026 @ 8:50 pm

These amorous creatures could put Casanova to shame—from beguiling dancing seahorses to peacocking spiders

Following one of these five diets may be the key to living longer

13 February 2026 @ 7:00 pm

It’s no surprise that eating fruits and vegetables is good for you, but diets that are rich in these foods could boost longevity, too, according to a new study

Why an Army antidrone laser grounded flights at El Paso International Airport

13 February 2026 @ 5:40 pm

Sources say an Army antidrone laser near Fort Bliss prompted a brief FAA airspace closure—spotlighting the hazards of battlefield technology in civilian skies

How a year of RFK, Jr., has changed American science

13 February 2026 @ 1:00 pm

After a year of RFK, Jr., heading the Department of Health and Human Services, the “Make America Healthy Again” movement has upended science and medicine

How much energy is released when supermassive black holes collide?

13 February 2026 @ 11:45 am

The collision of supermassive black holes shakes the entire cosmos, hard