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.

Why Hurricane Melissa Was One of the Most Powerful Atlantic Storms in History

3 November 2025 @ 10:00 am

Hurricane Melissa’s rare intensity and lasting impact reveal how storms are evolving in a warming world.

Orcas Repeatedly Attack Young Great White Sharks, Drone Footage Reveals

3 November 2025 @ 4:00 am

An orca pod has been spotted for the first time repeatedly targeting and flipping young great white sharks onto their backs to paralyze and dismember them

Can AI Music Ever Feel Human? The Answer Goes beyond the Sound

2 November 2025 @ 10:00 am

A personal experiment with the artificial intelligence music platform Suno’s latest model echoes a new preprint study. Most listeners can’t tell AI music from the real thing, but emotional resonance still demands a human story

COVID During Pregnancy May Raise Autism Risk, Study Suggests

1 November 2025 @ 2:35 pm

A new study adds to the evidence that viral infections during pregnancy might contribute to a child’s likelihood of having autism

The End of the International Space Station Will Begin a New Era of Commercial Outposts

1 November 2025 @ 12:00 pm

Humans have been in space onboard the ISS continuously for 25 years. As the station nears its end, new commercial habitats are lining up to take its place

How Childhood Relationships Affect Your Adult Attachment Style, according to Large New Study

1 November 2025 @ 11:00 am

A large new study reveals how early relationships with parents and friends influence how we relate to those closest to us in adulthood

How Composers Make Horror Movie Music Sound Terrifying

31 October 2025 @ 12:00 pm

Horror movie composers use musical tricks to hijack your nervous system and put you on edge

The Interplanetary Race to Study Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

31 October 2025 @ 11:00 am

Astronomers are hustling to use interplanetary spacecraft to study the interstellar comet dubbed 3I/ATLAS while the sun is hiding it from Earth

How Supermassive Black Holes Can Become Cosmic Nightmares

31 October 2025 @ 10:45 am

Huge eruptions from the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole in the distant past may have sterilized much of the inner galaxy

How One Mom Used Vibe Coding to Build an AI Tutor for Her Dyslexic Son

31 October 2025 @ 10:30 am

Faced with her son’s struggle with dyslexia, one mom built an AI platform to help kids learn their own way