The Daily Om: 02.01.2022

One day somebody will explain to me why it is that, at a time when science has never been wiser, or the truth more stark, or human knowledge more available, populists and liars are in such pressing demand.— John Le Carre

Did You Know?

Only “11% of companies are able to fully meet California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requirements” or that 44% of companies do not provide any mechanism for consumers to exercise their data rights? Just because there are rules doesn’t mean anyone is following them. Source: Cytrio

Future Proof 

• What does the web look like in 2036? A fantastic read from one of my favorite bloggers/web-technologists, Jim Nielsen. [Also, how the web was destroyed one blue link at a time.]
• Five books about science fiction and philosophy, recommended by Eric Schwitzgebel is a professor of philosophy at the University of California, Riverside. Admittedly, I read only one of the five  — Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and thoroughly enjoyed it. I find science fiction hard to read, as much of it is eats into the optimism you need for the future. 
• The future of clothing is smart, and for that, we need new kinds of sensors. Scientists have developed a soft, stretchable, self-powered thermometer that can be “that can be integrated into stretchable electronics and soft robots.”It will likely open up “new possibilities to create new human–machine interfaces and soft robots in healthcare, engineering and entertainment,” said Zhigang Suo, one of the paper’s authors. 

Write-On

There are 1.3 billion ballpoint pens shipped every year in Japan. And while it might not seem a lot, that’s still a lot of plastic. So Japanese pen makers have decided to do **something about it** — their pens will have 30 percent less plastic. And their refills will replace 30 percent less plastic with more ink. I am glad that the pen makers are trying — Japan produces 8 million tons of plastic waste every year— so every 30 percent cut helps. Or be like me: use a fountain pen. 😉