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Engaged Reading Time - Issue #84

Engaged Reading Time
Hello, there,
It’s summer holiday time in the northern hemisphere, and for the first time in a couple of years, I’ve actually been on holiday. We’ve been camping in a coastal valley with no WiFi and the merest sniff of 3G connection (if you climb part the way up a hill, and balance on a gate).
It was bliss.
I’ve been reading actual books and magazines while I’ve been away. And it felt good. A much-needed reminder of how stressful our always-on, constant distraction culture is.
But I’m back, and catching up on what I missed while I was away (and before I went away, if I’m honest). Here’s a first selection of things I found interesting.
I hope you will, too.

Climate Crisis
I am thinking of replacing my electric car with a petrol car and have some questions.
This is a neat reversal of the normal arguments against an electric car, written from the perspective of someone driving one, but contemplating a switch to petrol…
www.reddit.com
Monks Wood Wilderness: 60 years ago, scientists let a farm field rewild – here's what happened
Monks Wood Wilderness: 60 years ago, scientists let a farm field rewild – here's what happened
There’s been much talk of rewilding over the last few years — even on The Archers — so it’s useful and interesting to read about how a long-term rewilding project worked out.
theconversation.com
This is an award-winning short film. Just watch it. You'll see why.
This is an award-winning short film. Just watch it. You'll see why.
Post-pandemic working
Do Chance Meetings at the Office Boost Innovation? There’s No Evidence of It.
Do Chance Meetings at the Office Boost Innovation? There’s No Evidence of It.
Random encounters create innovation is one of the defining myths of the workplace. It’s been a decade since I last worked in an office full time, but I never saw any evidence of this. And now this NYT piece effectively drives a hole in one of the arguments that many are making for a full-time return to the office.
www.nytimes.com
What if Remote Work Didn’t Mean Working from Home?
What if Remote Work Didn’t Mean Working from Home?
I’ve been “working from home” for nearly a decade. And that often means working from a coffee shop, from a train, from a client’s office, from a nature reserve… Hybrid working models could involve more creative places to work.
www.newyorker.com
Politics
The ejection of a Member of Parliament for pointing out the lies of the Prime Minister is a practical example of the function-failure of the UK constitution
David Allen Green has been doing a fine job of highlighting the problems with the British system, especially when we have people in power who are ill-disposed to play by the unwritten rules.
davidallengreen.com
Children's Culture
Classic Disney Princess Trope Isn't Damaging to Children, Study Finds
Classic Disney Princess Trope Isn't Damaging to Children, Study Finds
Surprise: a recent study suggests that Disney princess culture actually has a positive impact on the attitudes of young children. (The more recent crop of “Princesses” are better models, though. Moana is an excellent film.)
www.cbr.com
Peppa Pig, a Pandemic Favorite, Has American Children Acting British
Peppa Pig, a Pandemic Favorite, Has American Children Acting British
My daughters have out-grown Peppa Pig, but I found it a surprisingly agreeable watch. Many of the later episode are clearly written with a nod and a wink towards the adults watching. Interesting to see the culture infection going this way across the Atlantic…
(Hey, Duggee is better, though.)
www.wsj.com
Me
Twitter Social Distancing
Twitter Social Distancing
Oh, and if you’re wondering why I’ve been absent from Twitter, this is why…
onemanandhisblog.com
Don’t miss out on the other issues by Adam Tinworth
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Adam Tinworth
Adam Tinworth @adders

A handful of interesting articles a day. None of them about Covid-19.

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