From: Fast Company Compass - Friday Sep 18, 2020 01:29 pm
Fast Company Compass
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Heat ray. It sounds like some weapon out of a 1950s alien invasion flick. But after a new report came out this week, revealing that military police attempted to source a heat ray to be deployed against American protesters in Washington D.C., we found ourselves wondering: What the heck is a heat ray, anyway?

After digging through Department of Defense papers and first-hand news reports, we discovered more. It’s a less lethal military weapon that’s arguably safer to use than rubber bullets. But a heat ray also makes it feel like scalding hot water has been tossed onto your entire body—no matter how many layers of clothing you might have on to protect yourself. So it’s still quite scary to imagine U.S. authorities using it against any citizen. Read my story here.

Mark Wilson
 
co.design
This isn’t science fiction: The military considered using heat rays on protesters

We break down what they are—and why they’re not (quite) as scary as they seem.

 
creativity
Why Hollywood isn’t worried about TikTok being banned by Trump

Amid the political controversy surrounding TikTok, the platform’s stars are seeking to build their followings on YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and elsewhere.

 
impact
Tom Steyer: The climate crisis is now threatening the health and safety of every American

The former Democratic presidential candidate argues that we can solve the climate crisis if we act now—but we must do it in a way that counters the racial injustices of our past policies.

 
 
a message from app in the air
This app will help you navigate travel in the ‘new normal’
App in the Air makes it easy to search travel restrictions, filter by ‘travel safety’ measures and more. Take-off in the know and learn more today!
 
 
How to intentionally build break times into your workday

 

From lunch hours to afternoon breathers, here’s how to make space for some mind-clearing downtime.

 
 
 
The high-level goal for us is can we build a platform where more people want to play more games more often?”
Phil Spencer, executive vice president of gaming at Microsoft
READ MORE
 
 
impact
U.S. billionaires got $845 billion richer since the start of the pandemic

Since March, the surging stock market has seen the U.S.’s 643 billionaires gain an average of $4.7 billion a day.

 
recommender
Ready to invest in a high-quality air purifier? Dyson’s eliminate 99.97% of air particles

These multi-tasking air purifiers are approved by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America—and also heat, cool, and humidify your space.

 
work life
Will COVID-19 set working moms back? No, that’s not how our story goes

Companies need to ensure that working mothers aren’t set back generations during this crisis. It’s a moral imperative, as well as a business one.

 
impact
Shifting to plant-based plastic is a start—but it can’t be the only solution to plastic waste

It would take a major reshaping of global agriculture to generate enough material to replace petroleum-based plastic with plant-based ones. Circularity has to be the end goal.

 
co.design
Patagonia sells out of shorts with tags that read ‘Vote the Assholes Out’

It was the fashion equivalent of an Easter egg.

 
innovation festival
Compass Newsletter Subscribers attend #FCFestival for free!

Claim your complimentary keynote pass for access to sessions with Janelle Monáe, Susan & Robert Downey Jr., and Chip & Joanna Gaines. Claim your free pass now.

 
NEWS
Walmart is giving 165,000 employees a pay raise: What you need to know
Walmart, America’s largest employer with over 1.5 million U.S.-based workers, has announced it is giving 165,000 employees a pay raise. 
The pay raises for many will increase their current hourly wage from $11 to $15 per hour, while some select positions can see pay raises up to as much as $30 per hour.
Employees in hourly team leadership roles can expect to see their new minimum wage start at between $18 to $21 an hour—but that wage can go all the way up to $30 per hour if they’re in a team leadership role at a Supercenter store.
Walmart’s business has thrived during the pandemic, particularly online. Its e-commerce sales grew 97% last quarter.
 
 
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