In this year's Reporters Without Borders international press freedom index, the U.S. slumped to 47th place, a fall of 27 places, largely due to arrests of journalists covering protests. The full report is available in PDF format. [RSF]
US slumps in press freedom rankings
LEGO announces biggest set ever, a world map with 11,695 pieces
The new LEGO Art World Map contains the most pieces ever in a set: 11,695. The completed piece is 25.5" x 40.5". Available June 1, the set will go for $249.99. From LEGO: Customisable brick-built pins can be placed to mark out destinations already visited or highlight those still on the builder's bucket list to give this… READ THE REST
Lovely tool that displays street maps like watercolor paintings acquired by Smithsonian
Our hypertalented data viz friends at Stamen Design are known for their interactive cartographical experiments based on open source mapping data. One of my favorite projects is their classic Watercolor Maptiles that presents OpenStreetMap data in the style of watercolor paintings. Yesterday, Stamen announced that Watercolor Maptiles was acquired by the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design… READ THE REST
Do you live in a UFO hotspot? Check out this UFO sightings map
The UFO Sightings Map lists over 80,000 records of UFO sightings in the United States from 1910–2014. Historic UFO sightings are marked in yellow on the map and contain detailed reports about the incident. Just click on the spot you're curious about, and you can learn more about the UFO sighting. Here are some examples… READ THE REST
Take the guesswork out of cooking with 20% off a MeatStick X wireless thermometer
You've probably manned a grill or two in your day. You've stood over enough burning coals and seared enough animal flesh to have a pretty good idea of whether a slab of meat is properly cooked or needs some more time over the fire. But … do you really? E. coli contamination in ground beef makes… READ THE REST
Save an extra 20% off on five Dad-approved tents this Father's Day
If you really want to make Dad happy for Father's Day, give him the means to get away from it all. The job, the responsibilities, the family … maybe even you! Dad might even be so touched by the gift that he'll forget his natural inclinations for peace and solitude and let you come along.… READ THE REST
This dot grid journal is a brilliant way to give bullet journaling a try
Sometimes, the world can bring back something that might have been headed for the dustbin of history if fate hadn't intervened. Case in point: journaling. While the art of chronicling your life and activities hadn't disappeared, it was definitely waning before last year. Then, COVID hit — and many of those who faced anxiety and new… READ THE REST