Future Housing & Living: Off-Grid “Ecocapsule” – “Spectacular Innovation”

The Ecocapsule is an egg-shaped, mobile dwelling that utilises solar and wind energy. Sona Pohlova and Tomáš Žáček created the original design in 2014 for an American client “who had a big ranch where he didn’t have any infrastructure and he needed some living units for visitors”.

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They didn’t win the project, but were published worldwide and received requests from people to buy it. They weren’t prepared for the reaction, but they spent 5 years turning their plans into a prototype.

Today they are selling their EcoCapsule – complete with shower and toilet, sleeping area for two, and kitchenette – to anyone looking to “stay in the nature for long time, for example scientists, photographers, rangers or extreme tourists” or someone interested in installing one on a city rooftop.

The pods are highly mobile: they can easily be pulled by a pickup truck or even airlifted by helicopter (for those rooftop needs). The units capture sun energy (PV) as well as their own rainwater (and grey and blackwater). There’s even an app-controlled smart-home system and sensors that help you monitor your energy and water use.

Video Profiles: 73-Year Old American Singer Jimmy Buffett – “Summer Songs”

The “Margaritaville” singer who’s provided a summer soundtrack for decades, and who has a new album out (“Life on the Flip Side”), has canceled his annual summer tour because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But despite the dour news and shuttered concert scene, Jimmy Buffett is one to turn lemons into lemonade, by performing online concerts for first responders. Correspondent Tracy Smith catches up with the singer about making music that meets the challenge of the times.

James William Buffett is an American singer, songwriter, musician, author, actor, and businessman. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an “island escapism” lifestyle. Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffett has recorded hit songs including “Margaritaville” and “Come Monday”.

New Photography Books: “Quiet Light” By Adam Gibbs

Photography is all about light. Light is the key to creating mood, dimension, and often is the main subject of the photograph itself.

“Quiet Light” is my homage to the main ingredient that makes an image, light.

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In this book, I share over two decades of my nature photography from around the globe. For me, the enjoyment of photography doesn’t necessarily come from the final image; the joy comes from discovery, exploration and ultimately chasing the light. I hope you enjoy these images as much as I have experienced in creating them.

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Sunday Morning Podcast: News From Switzerland, London And Tokyo

Monocle on Sunday PodcastMonocle’s Markus Hippi is joined by a line-up of guests from Switzerland, London and Tokyo for the weekend’s liveliest discussion.

Top New Travel Videos: “Colors Of Sri Lanka” By Moderne Films (2020)

Filmed and Edited by: Moderne Films

Sri lanka is a beautiful, chaotic and mind-blowing melting pot of culture and history. Located between India and southeast Asia. This land offers everything that makes your escape a memorable one! From the lush green tea fields of the hill country through to the beautiful beaches of the south.

We spent just over two weeks in Sri Lanka, staying in six different parts of the island.

Music: Marcel Brozio – “Gore” and Adrian Disch – “Our legacy”

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Global News Podcast: States File More Lawsuits, Spain’s New Lockdown

NPR News NowNPR News Now discusses continued criticism of federal agents in states, Spain’s new lockdown measures and other international news.

Political News: “Shields & Brooks” Discuss The 2020 Presidential Election (PBS)

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week in politics, including how declining support for President Trump is shifting the momentum in several key Senate races toward Democrats, Trump’s decision to send federal forces into cities experiencing protests, Republican inaction on the pandemic and the legacy of John Lewis.

News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious