Category: Culture

Impact Lab > Culture
Analysis, Art, Breakthrough Thinking, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Historical Perspectives, Human Behavior

Why QR Codes are here to stay

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Scan that code for  a shortcut to information.

If you raise the subject of QR codes among tech early adopters, you are likely to elicit a passionate response. Some people think QR codes, those scanable black and white squares on everything from billboards to product packaging, are on an unstoppable growth trajectory, while skeptics are quick to dismiss them as a fad.

This reaction is common whenever new technology formats or standards are being decided upon. Pundits want to exhibit their knack for predicting the future and stakeholders (of which I am undeniably one) want to make sure their format wins out. The general public, meanwhile, tends to lay in wait for a particular format to show dominance…

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Analysis, Big Problems, Culture, Global Warming, Globalism, Health & Fitness, Historical Perspectives, Hot Issues, Human Behavior, Latest News, New Discoveries

Growth of cities endangers global environment

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Manhattan at sunset.

The explosive growth of cities worldwide over the next two decades poses significant risks to people and the global environment, according to a meta-analysis published August 19 in PLoS ONE.

Researchers from Yale, Arizona State, Texas A&M and Stanford predict that by 2030 urban areas will expand by 590,000 square miles — nearly the size of Mongolia — to accommodate the needs of 1.47 billion more people living in urban areas…

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Breakthrough Thinking, Crazy Stuff, Culture, Historical Perspectives, Money Talk

How fake money saved Brazil

real

Brazil has faced hyperinflation in the past.

Twenty years ago, Brazil found itself in the grips of hyperinflation. Its inflation rate hit 80% a month, and the country was in financial free fall.

Economists at the Catholic University in Rio came up with an unlikely – but ultimately successful – plan to rescue the country. And would you believe it, the plan calls for fake money..

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Breakthrough Thinking, Crazy Stuff, Culture, Education, Historical Perspectives, Internet

90 percent of US net users don’t know about ‘crtl-F’

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Did you know about using Control-F?

Dan Russell, one of Google’s anthropologists, conducted a largeish survey of user behavior and discovered that 90 percent of American Internet users don’t know that crtl-F will let them search documents including Web pages. I recently discovered that a smart and technologically literate friend had never heard of alt-tab for application switching; alt-tab being my single most used key combo!

It strikes me that we could probable come up with a list of ten (or even three) things you could teach to the people around you the next time you sit down to help them with a technology problem, “three things every technology user should know.”

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Culture, Current Events, Green Friendly, Historical Perspectives

Renewable Energy consumption tops nuclear for first time

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According to a new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the consumption of engery from renewable sources recently topped both the current and the historical consumption levels for nuclear energy. The shift was immediately caused by nuclear outages that coincided with the high-water season for hydropower generation.

But there’s a long-term upward trend in renewables which can be seen here, too, thanks to the increased consumption of biofuels and wind capacity additions…

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Analysis, Culture, Latest Trend

China’s one-child policy a boon for Chinese girls

Girls in China

Two girls practice handstands before a diving training session at the centre of China’s State Physical Training Administration.

Mia Wang, a freshman at Tsinghua University has confidence to spare.  Asked what her home city of Benxi in China’s far northeastern tip is famous for, she flashes a cool smile and says: “Producing excellence. Like me.”

 

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Crazy Stuff, Culture, Current Events, Health & Fitness, Historical Perspectives, Human Behavior, Latest News, Latest Trend

Restaurant forces customers to sign no cellphone contract before dining

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I promise not to use my cell phone while eating…

A shout of OHHH MY GODDDD ARE YOU SERIOUS? SHE DID? The LED flash of someone Instagramming their entree, followed by look of smug gratification. Some jerk waving his phone around trying to get a cell signal Foursquare. Not anymore!

Buzzing DC eatery Rogue24 wants hype to be the only thing in the air, making patrons ink a contract that prohibits the use of phones and cameras during meals. What! Creeping fascism!

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Business, Culture, Food, Health & Fitness

Five best web-based food delivery services

take me out thanks

Food on the web?

Depending on where you live, a delicious meal can be yours just by opening your web browser. There are a number of web services that let you log in, choose a restaurant in your area, and order delivery with a couple of clicks. Here’s a look at the top five.
Earlier in the week we asked you which web services you used when you want to order food from restaurants in your area. With most, you don’t even have to speak to someone: all you have to do is open your browser, pick the restaurant you want, and a few minutes later your food arrives. Here’s the top 5…

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Discover the Hidden Patterns of Tomorrow with Futurist Thomas Frey
Unlock Your Potential, Ignite Your Success.

By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.

Learn More about this exciting program.