This shot from Google Earth shows an Ethiopian "Church Forest"—one of the symbolic reconstructions of the Garden of Eden that surround most Christian churches in the Northern part of the country. In fact, these sacred forests make up a large chunk of the tiny remnant of natural woodland left in Ethiopia. As a result, Church Forests have started to attract attention as pockets of biodiversity, as well as cultural curiosities. A fascinating guest post on the PLoS blog network puts the history, ecology, and culture surrounding these forests into context. Key lesson: If natural forests are going to survive in Ethiopia, then the Ethiopian people need better ways to grow more food on less land.
In the "Church Forests" of Ethiopia
- COMMENTS
- Culture
- Science
Mindless drawing is good for your mind
Don't let your inability to draw well hold you back from drawing. The activity of drawing can "reduce anxiety, elevate mood, improve quality of life and promote general creativity," says Darren C Fisher, Lecturer… READ THE REST
Orcas are wearing salmon as hats – again
In 1987, a female orca near Puget Sound began wearing a dead salmon on her head. Other whales in her pod, along with two other pods, joined in on the… READ THE REST
This "sketch book" helps you understand complex ideas
As a longtime fan of Jono Hey's Sketchplanations newsletter, I was happy to get his new book, Big Ideas, Little Pictures. This collection brings Hey's unique style of visual explanation… READ THE REST
Fly high this holiday: 4K drone bundle cuts price to $99.97
TL;DR: Gift the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle Pro 4K and Blade K drone bundle for $99.97 until December 8 and take festive fun to new heights with crisp 4K video and easy-to-use controls.… READ THE REST
Unwrap a surprise PC: $119.99 desktop bundle that delivers big results
TL;DR: The Mystery Desktop and Accessories Bundle is a fun way to get a no-frills desktop for $119.99 (reg. $152). Computers make for great gifts, but the idea of obsessing over brand names… READ THE REST
Catch peeping toms with this all-purpose hidden camera detector
TL;DR: Fight back against peeping toms and grab this hidden camera detector that can also pick up GPS trackers and audio bugs—now over 40% off for one more day. While the hidden cameras… READ THE REST