Michael Bilow

Organic Maps is Ideal for Cyclists: Free, open-source, offline maps, fully searchable

Among apps for bicycling, OrganicMaps — organicmaps.app — stands head and shoulders above all others. Its main feature is turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance, optimized for cycling routes although supporting hiking, walking, and even driving. Navigation data is derived from the crowd-sourced OpenStreetMap project, so it includes paths that are often missing from other apps, […]

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Virus Subvariant EG.5 in New England: Not likely any greater threat than previous SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants

A new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is increasing in prevalence with initial US detection primarily in the New England area. Labeled EG.5, it was discovered outside the US on Feb 17 and is a minor mutation from the XBB.1.9.2 subvariant. The entire lineage, including XBB.1.9.2, EG.5, and a further subvariant EG.5.1, […]

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Dangerous Heat Index 103°F: Heat Advisory Thu 11am – Fri 8pm, over 90°F Wed ­– Sat

At Providence, a Heat Advisory is in effect Thu 11am – Fri 8pm for a dangerous heat index peaking to 103°F on Fri 12pm, with only slightly less oppressive heat indices 90°F Wed, 97°F Thu, and 94°F Sat. Similar conditions will affect much of southern New England with peaks to 105°F in Hartford, CT, and […]

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Continue Victory Day in RI: Legitimate historical commemoration or triumphalist celebration?

As our world inches closer to nuclear war than it has in decades, we prepare to observe the anniversary of the Allied victory over Japan ending World War II, finally brought about by the first (and, so far, only) use of atomic weapons in combat. Rhode Island is the sole state where this once widely-recognized […]

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Air Quality from Canadian Fires, Mon – Tue: Moderate, possibly Unhealthy

At Providence, air pollution from particulate matter at least 2.5µm (PM2.5) is expected to reach “moderate” levels (51-100) Mon and Tue as a result of continuing wildfires in Canada, possibly reaching “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (101-150) or even “unhealthy” (151-200) levels. This is a return of conditions seen a few weeks ago that resulted in […]

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