memory palace: a mnemonic device – often a place or spatial arrangement imagined by an individual – for use as a familiar memory aide in ordering and recalling specific words, images, numbers, or ideas. Also known as: the method of loci; mind palace; memory journey; memory theater. Credited to fifth century B.C. Greek poet, Simonides of [...]
gleaning: the practice of gathering unharvested produce that farmers or other landowners either neglected or intentionally left behind but is then available to feed the hungry. Referenced in several Old Testament passages. *** TROVELOG *** Two dozen gleaners—not to be confused with foragers or dumpster divers—showed up for the second annual International Gleaners Symposium, held recently at the [...]
active commuting: cycling, walking, or running to and from work; such a daily routine provides a worker with the health benefits of physical exercise and lower transportation costs while benefiting the environment. *** TROVELOG *** Barely 3 percent of the American work force bikes or walks to work with any frequency, despite the obvious virtues: decreased risks [...]
elder concierge: a range of non-medical services for older people who are living independently; includes providing: companionship; transportation to recreation or medical appointments; and help with household tasks, travel plans. May also be referred to as "senior concierge" or "elder-to-elder peer care" services. *** TROVELOG *** AgeWell Global, based in Washington, D.C., is pioneering a model of elder-to-elder [...]
third places: neutral, convenient, and comfortable public venues (e.g., coffee shops, bars, hair salons, bookstores, parks) where people regularly gather for conversation and companionship (i.e., "first place" is home; "second place" is work). The term was coined by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book, The Great Good Place. *** TROVELOG *** At issue, in essence, is whether [...]
biohackers: people who try to modify a biological system – a plant, another animal, or their own body. Includes: DIY genetic self-testing; novel diet or sleep regimens; or device implantation. *** TROVELOG *** biohacking: The activity of exploiting genetic material experimentally without regard to accepted ethical standards, or for criminal purposes. See definition at: Oxford Dictionaries: biohacking [...]
glamping: "glamorous" + "camping"; upscale or luxury outdoor camping, including comforts, amenities, and facilities (e.g., pre-pitched tents, beds, electricity, meal service), that are not associated with traditional camping. *** TROVELOG *** It isn’t much more than a dirt lot with wood platforms right now, but in less than a month’s time Governors Island will host guests willing [...]
range anxiety: the concern that the limited cruising distance of current electric cars -- and the lack of a charging infrastructure -- leaves drivers and passengers at risk of being stranded. *** TROVELOG *** The Bolt can travel nearly 240 miles on a single charge, according to General Motors. The company claims some drivers have traveled 300 [...]
Dunbar's number: the idea that human beings have a cognitive limit to the number of close relationships (about 150) they can maintain; theory proposed by evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar of the University of Oxford. *** TROVELOG *** It also turns out there’s a maximum number of people you can maintain relationships with at any given time. That [...]
smart glass/ electrochromatic glass: windows with technology sandwiched between two plates of glass with electrical power and Internet connections that can be programmed to adjust sunlight conditions to reduce heat and glare. *** TROVELOG *** The tinted world of tomorrow is coming, and airports—mini-cities of steel, concrete and lots and lots of glass—are interested. In a test last fall, Dallas-Fort Worth International [...]
