5 Things To Know Friday ('13th' Version)

Catastrophic floods across Europe have caused death and destruction in recent months, including in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania in September and the Spanish region of Valencia in October, where they claimed more than 220 lives. Experts say floods like these could have been less disastrous if the region counted on more nature-based solutions such as floodable parks or green roofs to absorb and slow down the large masses of water.

Ben Stiller isn’t a fan of puzzle box shows. “I never watched all of Lost, I’m sorry to say,” he admits. “I sometimes get frustrated because I’m not really good at figuring stuff out.” So he’s an odd fit for director, executive producer, and creative force behind the buzziest show of that genre to emerge in recent years, Severance, the second season of which premieres Jan.

Nearly 25 years after the year 2000 began without the much-hyped possible computer catastrophe, Y2K is enjoying a resurgence as Americans become nostalgic for the late ’90s and early ’00s. The computer cataclysm that never happened is now enjoying a cultural moment, whether as a sight gag in Abbott Elementary, a plot device in The Righteous Gemstones, or as the theme of a new apocalyptic comedy aptly named Y2K.

Although cardiomyopathy might sound like a shorthand synonym for cardiovascular disease, there are important distinctions you should know about if you or a loved one is experiencing any issues with the heart. Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for many different conditions affecting heart function—including diseases of the valves or vessels—while cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle specifically.

Much like the items they sell, second-hand shops are nothing new. Since the Salvation Army first opened its doors in 1865, savvy buyers have scoured through thrift stores, hoping to find cheaper versions of expensive goods. But as the fashion industry faces mounting pressure to decrease its environmental impact and reduce the glut of items in the marketplace, luxury and outdoor brands are also embracing “re-commerce.” [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Many top companies are turning to resale, repair, and rental models to extend the life of garments, reduce waste, and lower their carbon footprint.

For Petra Berschin, a bookstore owner in Heidelberg, Germany, the fight against climate change begins at her doorstep—literally. Berschin lives in Heidelberg’s Bahnstadt district, one of the world’s largest carbon-neutral neighborhoods. Home to 6,500 residents, Bahnstadt is a model for sustainable urban living, with every building—public and private—designed to strict energy efficiency standards.