Spark Edition 041: Sleep tips, plant finder and illustrations
Image Credit: Vincentiu Solomon
Hi there,
How’s things?
If you didn’t already know, the site for this newsletter also shows all the previous editions, so you can look at all the links shared. I’m currently figuring out a way to ‘categorise’ all the links so that they can become searchable. I often get asked about something and know that I had shared a link about it before - so would like to find a way so the resources can be found easier. I think it might mean going back to the first edition and creating a page for every link - a lot of work. I’ll let you know how I get on!
Enjoy the links…
brain food
Sleep is a weird thing, we put on a special outfit, lie down and go half unconscious. Apparently, top scientists don't completely understand sleep and why we need it. This 5-minute film TED talk from Matt Walker helps explain how we can tweak a few things to help get better sleep. Good Night!
Ideas and terms explained with sketches
Each week this site publishes a new sketch explaining a concept or word. A really simple idea done nicely. If you are more of a visual learner this helps you see and understand things. For example, the difference between a maze and a labyrinth. Plus, you can scroll down and see all the previous posts!
clever tools
Find any location with 3 words
A very handy site (and app) if you need to locate a very specific location. Started in 2013 by two concert organisers who struggled to get audio equipment delivered to fields for festivals. The idea is really simple - the whole map of the world is divided into a grid, 3 meters by 3 meters, and each square can be identified by 3 words. So for example, the Eiffel Tower is lifts.drive.prance. Lots of companies and organisations are adopting it, including search and rescue, and even the Mongolian Government is using it for its postal service.
If like me you are getting into having more plants, this site is a great resource. You can find out what type of plant might suit you. You can search and filter by 'easy', what kind of light and more. Also, the cursor is a really cute little watering can! Plus, it has a care guide for plants.
fun stuff
This is great fun. You put in your location (or let it find you), then it will show you in real-time what satellites are visible. The coolest bit is it also shows you in street view where can see them. I honestly didn't realise how many Star link satellites there are. Have fun!
Hand drawn illustrations of cities
I said a few editions ago that I would like to get some more art in the newsletter. So here you are! These illustrations are done with a pen and are so detailed, there is something really timeless about them. They would look fantastic on a wall. I've linked to the artist's site above, but here's an Instragam link, and here's a time-lapse. Enjoy!