Signs & Portents

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Pagan News Beagle: Earthy Thursday, April 2

Are the old ways underrated? Today's Pagan News Beagle looks at the many ways in which modern society is relearning some of the ancient wisdom of our ancestors, much of which has been unfairly disregarded until very recently. Which isn't to say that new discoveries and technology aren't great as well (after all, you're reading this on a personal computer, an invention that was only made possible in the last half century), but sometimes it's a great idea to take a second look at what worked in the past.

First up, a recipe from Anglo-Saxon England proves surprisingly effective in combating MRSA, a notoriously virulent bacterial infection that's proven resistant to most modern antibiotics. Of course, part of the reason such antibiotics are ineffective is because of their overuse, so don't expect this to necessarily be a cure-all.

Next, Doug Bierend at Motherboard discusses the many and varied ways that fungi, which are often misidentified as plants, could prove a crucial ally in modern and near-future ecology. Possible uses mentioned include reducing pollutants in the environment as well as providing new forms of medicine.

Meanwhile, NPR memorializes German architect Frei Otto, who was among the earliest advocates for sustainable architecture. Listen to Melissa Brock, Mendalit del Braco, and Richard Rogers discuss how Otto influenced the modern sustainability movement.

Could your front lawn be more than just an ornament? Mother Nature Network looks at how Luke Keegan, an Oakland-based photographer, has transformed his into a beautiful (and productive) vegetable garden.

Lastly, bringing our news full circle, The Idealist Revolution talks about some of the skills that were once common throughout our society but which have gradually been lost over time. Follow the link to read more about some of the formerly vital skills that our ancestors once knew but we've largely forgotten.

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Aryós Héngwis (or the more modest Héngwis for short) is a native of the Pontic-Caspian steppe, born some 5000 years ago, near the village of Dereivka. In his youth he stood out from the other snakes for his love of learning and culture, eventually coming into the service of the local reǵs before moving westward toward Europe. Most recently, Aryós Héngwis left his home to pursue a new life in America, where he has come under the employ of BBI Media as an internet watchdog (or watchsnake, if you will), ever poised to strike the unwary troll.

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