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What are we reading? December 23, 2020

Each week, BIV staff will share with you some of the interesting stories we have found from around the web Kirk LaPointe, publisher and editor-in-chief: What is death? This wonderfully written essay by a hospice worker gives us much to think about as
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Each week, BIV staff will share with you some of the interesting stories we have found from around the web

Kirk LaPointe, publisher and editor-in-chief:

What is death? This wonderfully written essay by a hospice worker gives us much to think about as the pandemic coaxes us to confront mortality and its meaning. No, it’s not too morbid for the holiday season. - The New York TImes

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/18/opinion/sunday/coronavirus-death.html

Why does America distrust science? A good question. More worrisome is what we need to consider about that. - The Boston Review

http://bostonreview.net/science-nature/andrew-jewett-how-americans-came-distrust-science

It’s been an odd year for culture, but this list of 16 albums demonstrates how even eclectic artistry finds its way in a pandemic. - The Atlantic

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/12/16-best-albums-2020/617409/

Timothy Renshaw, managing editor:

Are you ready for a 5G world? The U.S., Asia and Europe appear to be. Not sure about Canada and not sure how beneficial overall 5G will be in making Earth a better place to live considering the state of a planet already armed with an arsenal of communication and other high-tech tools. Anyway, here is an update on the 5G numbers, current and projected, from Bankr

https://bankr.nl/global-5g-coverage-to-grow-253-by-2025-and-reach-53-of-population/

More good news on the solar power technology front. – Popular Mechanics

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a34980102/solar-cell-efficiency-record-perovskite-silicon/

Emma Crawford Hampel, online editor:

The pandemic is still raging. But “floating coronavirus superspreader events” in the form of cruises are still a thing in parts of Europe. Are the fog machines that spray antiviral disinfectant and socially distant seating adequate? The cruise lines think so. – National Geographic

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/2020/12/how-cruise-ships-are-sailing-again-during-coronavirus/


 

Glen Korstrom, reporter:

The humorous and engaging dispute between billionaire bond-fund founder Bill Gross, and his neighbour, which included Gross blasting the theme song to Gilligan’s Island on a loop late at night has a long way to go, including a jury verdict.

A  judge, however, just issued a restraining order against Gross, and a demand that he not harass his neighbour with blaring music. The case also contains some lessons, such as not buying million-dollar glass art and deciding to place it outside, under a tree, so it needs protective netting that could obstruct a neighbour’s view. – New York Post

https://nypost.com/2020/12/23/bill-gross-ordered-to-stop-tormenting-neighbor-with-music/

Mark Falkenberg, deputy managing editor

After years of stop-and-go planning, Apple is revving up its quasi-secret plans to manufacture self-driving cars, according to reports. The iPhone maker is building on a battery design that “radically” reduces costs and extends the range of the vehicle. – Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-apple-autos-exclusive/exclusive-apple-targets-car-production-by-2024-and-eyes-next-level-battery-technology-sources-idUSKBN28V2PU

Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson has released a peek at his Beatles documentary that’s slated to be released next year. If The Beatles: Get Back is anywhere near as good as They Shall Not Grow Old, his stunning First World War doc, this new project will definitely be worth looking at. – Georgia Straight

https://www.straight.com/music/get-back-director-peter-jackson-unveils-montage-of-unseen-beatles-images-in-advance-of