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From The Atlantic: Could the self-paralysis of American national governance somehow usher in a rebirth—our own Dark Ages, but in a good way? Examples include a state university running a local K-12 school system, free community college in more than a dozen states, and mayor and governors stepping up to the plate on climate change after Trump the USA out of the Paris climate accord. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 9:08 PM PST - 28 comments

"Georgetown is now at a crossroads that will shape its future. While winning last year's Big East tournament title provided a boost of optimism, it did not solve the program's woes. Ewing, handpicked by Thompson, has not yet proved that he can lead the Hoyas into a brighter chapter. With Georgetown a heavy underdog heading into Tuesday's matchup with longtime Big East rival UConn, Ewing, it seems, is running out of time to restore the program he helped build."
posted by 47WaysToLeaveYourLover at 3:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Question: What is the maximum speed of a fart? What causes barking spider plumes? Need a bespoke air biscuit? Or maybe you want to turn that text into Morse toots? And what on earth is the reason for the Invisible College of Experimental Flatology? [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 12:07 PM PST - 23 comments

@jnack (John Nack): *.@Pixar has shared the full “Art of Luca” book digitally. Happy Friday.
posted by Going To Maine at 11:56 AM PST - 5 comments

Neil Young Demands Spotify Remove His Music Over ‘False Information About Vaccines’ ... Joni Mitchell Plans to Follow Neil Young Off Spotify, Citing ‘Lies’ ... James Blunt jokes he will release new music on Spotify in Rogan protest [more inside]
posted by chavenet at 8:55 AM PST - 291 comments

“Back in the sixteenth century, kestrels were known as windfuckers and fuckwinds.”
posted by oulipian at 8:30 AM PST - 18 comments

If you've been to a temple or shrine in Japan, chances are you've seen people lining up with small, colorful books. These goshuincho (御朱印帳) are for collecting goshuin (御朱印) - red stamps with calligraphy written over the top as a record of your visit. Goshuin should not be confused with stamp rallies or commemorative stamps found at many train stations and tourist sites - while they are increasingly popular for their variety and beauty, originally goshuin were given as proof that a religious pilgrim had copied sutras. But it's still considered polite to follow a few protocols before you receive one. [more inside]
posted by emmling at 6:33 AM PST - 13 comments

Vínill vikunnar is a weekly radio program on Iceland’s state broadcaster RÚV. The idea is simple, the play a whole vinyl album from start to finish. Each album is introduced in Icelandic, before playing side A, and the presenter speaks in the middle while they turn the record around and play side B. The picks range from canonical albums from the 20th Century ( Billy Holiday, David Bowie and Lauryn Hill), to world music (Osibisa, Umm Kulthum and Mulata Astake), to indie classics ( Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees, P. J. Harvey and The Pixies), to the overlooked (Alberta Hunter, Alice Coltrane and Maki Asakawa), and of course Icelandic music (Einsöngvarakvartettinn, Björk and Ellý Vilhjálms). There’s lots more to choose from, and shows are streamable for a whole year.
posted by Kattullus at 5:55 AM PST - 5 comments

Historical costumer Bernadette Banner unboxes a Wilcox & Gibbs chainstitch sewing machine from 1876.
posted by metaquarry at 4:32 AM PST - 25 comments