I really liked Adam Silvera's first novel, More Happy Than Not, so I was excited to read History Is All You Left Me as soon as it came out this month, and if anything, I liked it more. It's again a young adult novel but without the sci-fi element of the first; it's the story of a teen boy looking back at his first relationship and subsequent actions after his ex-boyfriend dies in an accident after their breakup.
Except that description makes the book sound boring, and it isn't, at all. It's very emotionally affecting - I highly recommend it, but make sure you read it at a time when you're ready to deal with lots of feelings - but what really got me was the technical excellence of the writing. This isn't a mystery, but main character Griffin is hiding lots of things from the people around him and refusing to think about them himself, and Silvera does a brilliant job of constructing the narrative so that the reader finds out what's going on gradually, as Griffin makes himself confront it and tell others. At one point I thought I knew where things were going, and they sort of went there, but then wound up somewhere completely different but completely perfect; nothing is more satisfying than a plot development that makes me say "WHAT?" but then immediately "Oh, of course."
It's not all about the construction, though - the characters also feel extremely real, from their hobbies and their friendships and relationships to the handling of Griffin's OCD. Silvera does a great job of treating their feelings as real love without implying a permanence that often seems age-inappropriate in YA novels. There were many basically decent-but-not-perfect parents (and a great little sister) who were truly involved in their children's lives and in the plot, which I'd love to see in more YA novels - teens don't live in a vacuum.
And, of course, there were the aforementioned feelings - it's impressive when a novel manages to be heartbreaking and life-affirming at the same time, while not feeling emotionally manipulative. You don't want to miss this one.
(If you'd like to read more of my thoughts about books, sign up for my free newsletter and/or join me on Patreon!)
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/31/17)
This isn't surprising or anything, but obviously terrible: Trump Fires Acting Attorney General Who Defied Him
THIS is surprising: Hill staffers secretly worked on Trump's immigration order: Several House Judiciary Committee aides helped craft the controversial directive without telling Republican leaders. (I am not a big "I hope their bosses fire them for that one mistake" person but... I hope their bosses fire them. REGARDLESS of the issue, Congressional staffers should not be doing secret work hidden from their bosses!)
‘You Have Let Us Down, Trump’: Iraqis See U.S. Relations Recast
Keep protesting: How Two Angry Brooklynites Helped Chuck Schumer Find His Spine
Radicalizing American Politics Is Part of the Game Plan for Team Trump
This whole piece about whether Jared Kushner is losing influence is interesting but the detail about Trump doing his craziest things on Friday nights and Saturdays when Jared and Ivanka can't intervene because of the Sabbath is FASCINATING.
Trump's global abortion gag rule goes much further than any previous administration
A bit of good news: The Boy Scouts Just Announced They Will Allow Transgender Boys To Join
Time to buy some Starbucks.
Good Atticus, Bad Atticus
Scans Unveil Secrets of the World's Oldest Mummies
Portugal's Unexpectedly Heroic Custard Tarts
THIS is surprising: Hill staffers secretly worked on Trump's immigration order: Several House Judiciary Committee aides helped craft the controversial directive without telling Republican leaders. (I am not a big "I hope their bosses fire them for that one mistake" person but... I hope their bosses fire them. REGARDLESS of the issue, Congressional staffers should not be doing secret work hidden from their bosses!)
‘You Have Let Us Down, Trump’: Iraqis See U.S. Relations Recast
Keep protesting: How Two Angry Brooklynites Helped Chuck Schumer Find His Spine
Radicalizing American Politics Is Part of the Game Plan for Team Trump
This whole piece about whether Jared Kushner is losing influence is interesting but the detail about Trump doing his craziest things on Friday nights and Saturdays when Jared and Ivanka can't intervene because of the Sabbath is FASCINATING.
Trump's global abortion gag rule goes much further than any previous administration
A bit of good news: The Boy Scouts Just Announced They Will Allow Transgender Boys To Join
Time to buy some Starbucks.
Good Atticus, Bad Atticus
Scans Unveil Secrets of the World's Oldest Mummies
Portugal's Unexpectedly Heroic Custard Tarts
Monday, January 30, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/30/17)
Me elsewhere: TV news, if you need a distraction.
Also, I wrote some tips on getting involved with your local Democrats for awesome newsletter One Small Thing. You can read my piece at that link but I recommend subscribing in general!
This is terrifying: Bannon Seizes a Security Role From Generals
As is the phrase "voters who did not look as if they should be allowed to vote, Mr. Trump said."
Historically unpopular Pres. Trump’s approval rating soars to 70 percent — in Russia
Putin's throwback propaganda playbook
Make America Gagged Again
Donald Trump Wants An Army Of Jeff Gannon Shills In The White House Press Briefing Room
I wish this were surprising: 6-Year-Old Girls Already Have Gendered Beliefs About Intelligence
Why a Fake Patron Named 'Chuck Finley' Checked Out 2,361 Books at This Florida Library Last Year
The Good Place's truly shocking season finale twist took guts, and a whole lot of skill
Finding North America’s lost medieval city
Also, I wrote some tips on getting involved with your local Democrats for awesome newsletter One Small Thing. You can read my piece at that link but I recommend subscribing in general!
This is terrifying: Bannon Seizes a Security Role From Generals
As is the phrase "voters who did not look as if they should be allowed to vote, Mr. Trump said."
Historically unpopular Pres. Trump’s approval rating soars to 70 percent — in Russia
Putin's throwback propaganda playbook
Make America Gagged Again
Donald Trump Wants An Army Of Jeff Gannon Shills In The White House Press Briefing Room
I wish this were surprising: 6-Year-Old Girls Already Have Gendered Beliefs About Intelligence
Why a Fake Patron Named 'Chuck Finley' Checked Out 2,361 Books at This Florida Library Last Year
The Good Place's truly shocking season finale twist took guts, and a whole lot of skill
Finding North America’s lost medieval city
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/29/17)
Trump's ban on some U.S. entries sparks confusion and protest worldwide, and legal rebukes at home
Judge Blocks Trump Order on Refugees Amid Chaos and Outcry Worldwide
Uh... Mystery death of ex-KGB chief linked to MI6 spy's dossier on Donald Trump
Also: Russians Charged With Treason Worked in Office Linked to Election Hacking
Trump pressured Park Service to find proof for his claims about inauguration crowd
We Are Running Out of Ways to Say That President Trump Is a Dangerous, Delusional Lunatic
The Media Failed to Prepare Americans for the Trump Whiplash
Meanwhile: Hundreds of neo-Nazis have 'gone underground' in Germany — and experts are worried they're creating new right-wing terrorist groups
I really need to read this already: The Handmaid’s Tale is a handbook for surviving oppressive systems
Identity Issues Don’t Distract From Economic Issues — They Are Economic Issues
The Milky Way's Most Distant Stars May Be Stolen Goods
In 1562 Map-Makers Thought America Was Full of Mermaids, Giants, and Dragons
Judge Blocks Trump Order on Refugees Amid Chaos and Outcry Worldwide
Uh... Mystery death of ex-KGB chief linked to MI6 spy's dossier on Donald Trump
Also: Russians Charged With Treason Worked in Office Linked to Election Hacking
Trump pressured Park Service to find proof for his claims about inauguration crowd
We Are Running Out of Ways to Say That President Trump Is a Dangerous, Delusional Lunatic
The Media Failed to Prepare Americans for the Trump Whiplash
Meanwhile: Hundreds of neo-Nazis have 'gone underground' in Germany — and experts are worried they're creating new right-wing terrorist groups
I really need to read this already: The Handmaid’s Tale is a handbook for surviving oppressive systems
Identity Issues Don’t Distract From Economic Issues — They Are Economic Issues
The Milky Way's Most Distant Stars May Be Stolen Goods
In 1562 Map-Makers Thought America Was Full of Mermaids, Giants, and Dragons
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/28/17)
So evil: Trump Bars Refugees and Citizens of 7 Muslim Countries (And prioritizing Christians. Because of course.)
But of course: Trump’s Immigration Ban Excludes Countries With Business Ties (Business ties TO HIM, that is.)
Trump says Syrian refugees aren’t vetted. We are. Here’s what we went through.
Speaking of horrifying and un-American: Trump Strategist Stephen Bannon Says Media Should ‘Keep Its Mouth Shut’
Clinics for World’s Vulnerable Brace for Trump’s Anti-Abortion Cuts
Where would we be without Masha Gessen? The Styrofoam Presidency
The End of Democracy in Turkey
Sad news: John Hurt has died.
Marissa Mayer and the Failure of Trickle-Down Empowerment
The First Moments of Hitler's Final Solution
Huh: Nazi doctor Josef Mengele's bones used in Brazil forensic medicine courses
This sounds fascinating: The First Kurdish Novel Ever Translated Into English Bridges Politics, Poetry, and Johnny Depp Movies
But of course: Trump’s Immigration Ban Excludes Countries With Business Ties (Business ties TO HIM, that is.)
Trump says Syrian refugees aren’t vetted. We are. Here’s what we went through.
Speaking of horrifying and un-American: Trump Strategist Stephen Bannon Says Media Should ‘Keep Its Mouth Shut’
Clinics for World’s Vulnerable Brace for Trump’s Anti-Abortion Cuts
Where would we be without Masha Gessen? The Styrofoam Presidency
The End of Democracy in Turkey
Sad news: John Hurt has died.
Marissa Mayer and the Failure of Trickle-Down Empowerment
The First Moments of Hitler's Final Solution
Huh: Nazi doctor Josef Mengele's bones used in Brazil forensic medicine courses
This sounds fascinating: The First Kurdish Novel Ever Translated Into English Bridges Politics, Poetry, and Johnny Depp Movies
Friday, January 27, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/27/17)
I can't believe it's only been a week. Ready for some Friday happy links?
Rick Steves, Civil Liberties Hero
Pretty sure many of us need this this week: I Stand With This Pic of Joshua Jackson
The Magicians, Syfy's whimsical drama, is 2017's answer to Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I finally watched the first episode of The Young Pope, which is somehow a real TV show, and you probably want to be reading Nicole Cliffe's recaps.
I'm also quite enjoying Taboo, and the British Library has an interesting related post about the East India Company headquarters.
Hero dictionary Merriam-Webster is exploring knitting terminology here and here.
Ooh, 28 Bookish Mugs for Readers. (I have so many mugs. I do not possibly need more. I want ALL THE MUGS.)
Whoa: This Ice Festival in China Is a Rainbow-colored Dream
Useful! How to Pack a Carry-On
Let's make Anglo-Saxon bread.
What Romance Fiction Can Accomplish
How the Victorian Fern-Hunting Craze Led To Adventure, Romance, and Crime
Rick Steves, Civil Liberties Hero
Pretty sure many of us need this this week: I Stand With This Pic of Joshua Jackson
The Magicians, Syfy's whimsical drama, is 2017's answer to Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I finally watched the first episode of The Young Pope, which is somehow a real TV show, and you probably want to be reading Nicole Cliffe's recaps.
I'm also quite enjoying Taboo, and the British Library has an interesting related post about the East India Company headquarters.
Hero dictionary Merriam-Webster is exploring knitting terminology here and here.
Ooh, 28 Bookish Mugs for Readers. (I have so many mugs. I do not possibly need more. I want ALL THE MUGS.)
Whoa: This Ice Festival in China Is a Rainbow-colored Dream
Useful! How to Pack a Carry-On
Let's make Anglo-Saxon bread.
What Romance Fiction Can Accomplish
How the Victorian Fern-Hunting Craze Led To Adventure, Romance, and Crime
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/26/17)
Read leaked drafts of 4 White House executive orders on Muslim ban, end to DREAMer program, and more (I appreciate how Vox explains their process and decision to report on this unconfirmed information.)
OK, Now Can We Start Taking Donald Trump Literally?
The Shocking Affront of Donald Trump’s C.I.A. Stunt
It’s official: Trump is taking his voter fraud myth to the White House — with real consequences
Whoa: 'Resist': Activists Unfurl Massive Banner On Crane Behind White House
In some ways it feels like the least important thing, but imagine how outraged we'd be by this at any other time: Mar-a-Lago membership fee doubles to $200,000. And Report: Trump Hotels CEO Pledges Huge U.S. Expansion
This is useful: How to #StayOutraged Without Losing Your Mind
I'm sure this timing is completely coincidental: Germany will abolish law against insulting foreign heads of state
Something good: Bessie Coleman has a Google Doodle!
Completely fascinating: Who Decides Who Counts as Native American?
Ancient DNA reveals genetic legacy of pandemics in the Americas
The Highbrow Struggles of Translating Modern Children's Books Into Latin
OK, Now Can We Start Taking Donald Trump Literally?
The Shocking Affront of Donald Trump’s C.I.A. Stunt
It’s official: Trump is taking his voter fraud myth to the White House — with real consequences
Whoa: 'Resist': Activists Unfurl Massive Banner On Crane Behind White House
In some ways it feels like the least important thing, but imagine how outraged we'd be by this at any other time: Mar-a-Lago membership fee doubles to $200,000. And Report: Trump Hotels CEO Pledges Huge U.S. Expansion
This is useful: How to #StayOutraged Without Losing Your Mind
I'm sure this timing is completely coincidental: Germany will abolish law against insulting foreign heads of state
Something good: Bessie Coleman has a Google Doodle!
Completely fascinating: Who Decides Who Counts as Native American?
Ancient DNA reveals genetic legacy of pandemics in the Americas
The Highbrow Struggles of Translating Modern Children's Books Into Latin
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/25/17)
Malnutrition Wiping Out Children in Northern Nigeria, Aid Workers Say
Here we go: Trump expected to order temporary ban on refugees
Trump’s National Security Nominees Rejected His Most Extreme Positions. Don’t Be Reassured.
Trump Aides Keep Leaking Embarrassing Stories About How He Can’t Handle Embarrassment
Donald Trump is getting ready to hammer the EPA
Donald Trump Is Apparently Debating Whether to Throw the Insurance Market Into Chaos
Trump Repeats Lie About Popular Vote in Meeting With Lawmakers (Good for the Times for finally saying "lie.")
Okay. Something else. Oscar nominations! (Since a few of you have asked: I'm taking a break from my full Oscar project this year, as there are other ways I want to use my time and energy and money, but I'm going to see what I can and I'll post my picks before the ceremony.)
Whoa: Bernie Ecclestone Ends 40-Year Reign as Formula One Boss
Publishers Encounter Political Storms in Turn to Right
Betsy DeVos’ Big Education Idea Doesn’t Work
Let's take a break and look at the British Library's digitized Greek manuscripts.
Here we go: Trump expected to order temporary ban on refugees
Trump’s National Security Nominees Rejected His Most Extreme Positions. Don’t Be Reassured.
Trump Aides Keep Leaking Embarrassing Stories About How He Can’t Handle Embarrassment
Donald Trump is getting ready to hammer the EPA
Donald Trump Is Apparently Debating Whether to Throw the Insurance Market Into Chaos
Trump Repeats Lie About Popular Vote in Meeting With Lawmakers (Good for the Times for finally saying "lie.")
Okay. Something else. Oscar nominations! (Since a few of you have asked: I'm taking a break from my full Oscar project this year, as there are other ways I want to use my time and energy and money, but I'm going to see what I can and I'll post my picks before the ceremony.)
Whoa: Bernie Ecclestone Ends 40-Year Reign as Formula One Boss
Publishers Encounter Political Storms in Turn to Right
Betsy DeVos’ Big Education Idea Doesn’t Work
Let's take a break and look at the British Library's digitized Greek manuscripts.
Tags:
Academy Awards,
current events,
Donald Trump,
education,
environment,
Formula One,
government,
health care,
history,
international,
libraries,
movies,
politics,
publishing stuff,
refugees,
sports
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/24/17)
Donald Trump Is Being Sued for Violating the Constitution. Here’s What You Need to Know.
National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's Ties to Russia Are Under Investigation
Trump Presidency Is Already Altering Israeli-Palestinian Politics
The White House Press Secretary Just Declared War On Reality And The Press
Trump Strikes at Abortion With a Revived Foreign-Aid Rule
Kellyanne Conway finally admits the audit was just an excuse
Czech Republic to fight 'fake news' with specialist unit
Onto something more pleasant: The ALA Youth Media Awards! The theme this year seems to have been "Just give John Lewis everything," because librarians are great.
Why the Allegations Against Casey Affleck Should Stand Alone
This was interesting and made me very hungry: Much of the Cuisine We Now Know, and Think of as Ours, Came to Us by War
The Many-Moons Theory
170-Year-Old Thumbnail Sheds Light on Doomed Arctic Expedition
National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's Ties to Russia Are Under Investigation
Trump Presidency Is Already Altering Israeli-Palestinian Politics
The White House Press Secretary Just Declared War On Reality And The Press
Trump Strikes at Abortion With a Revived Foreign-Aid Rule
Kellyanne Conway finally admits the audit was just an excuse
Czech Republic to fight 'fake news' with specialist unit
Onto something more pleasant: The ALA Youth Media Awards! The theme this year seems to have been "Just give John Lewis everything," because librarians are great.
Why the Allegations Against Casey Affleck Should Stand Alone
This was interesting and made me very hungry: Much of the Cuisine We Now Know, and Think of as Ours, Came to Us by War
The Many-Moons Theory
170-Year-Old Thumbnail Sheds Light on Doomed Arctic Expedition
Monday, January 23, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/23/17)
Me elsewhere: TV news for the week.
Preserve, Protect, and Defend
Today belongs to Trump, but Obama's vision will win in the end
Welcome to Donald Trump's Ignorant America
Trump made a lot of promises about what he will do as president. We’ve documented 663 of them.
New poll shows Obamacare is more popular than Donald Trump
And so: Paul Ryan promises to replace key Obamacare policy with that same policy
Rogue Scientists Race to Save Climate Data from Trump
Americans are losing a first lady who told men to “be better” and a president who listened
President Xi’s Great Chinese Soccer Dream
Ooh: Previously unpublished Mark Twain children's story to be released
Forme of Cury: A Medieval English Cookbook
Preserve, Protect, and Defend
Today belongs to Trump, but Obama's vision will win in the end
Welcome to Donald Trump's Ignorant America
Trump made a lot of promises about what he will do as president. We’ve documented 663 of them.
New poll shows Obamacare is more popular than Donald Trump
And so: Paul Ryan promises to replace key Obamacare policy with that same policy
Rogue Scientists Race to Save Climate Data from Trump
Americans are losing a first lady who told men to “be better” and a president who listened
President Xi’s Great Chinese Soccer Dream
Ooh: Previously unpublished Mark Twain children's story to be released
Forme of Cury: A Medieval English Cookbook
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/22/17)
This was quite the first day: "President Trump used his first full day in office on Saturday to unleash a remarkably bitter attack on the news media, falsely accusing journalists of both inventing a rift between him and intelligence agencies and deliberately understating the size of his inauguration crowd."
Related: Headlines Matter When Your President Lies All the Time
More than two million people are in the streets resisting Trump
Anita Hill: Trump’s election is disappointing for feminism. But it’s not the final word.
Just... Trump’s inaugural cake was commissioned to look exactly like Obama’s, baker says
Targeting the arts is the laziest, stupidest way to pretend to cut the budget
The campaign to impeach President Trump has begun
Palestine: The End of the Bedouins?
Ooh: Paul McCartney Sues Sony to Regain Rights to Beatles Songs
A 17th-Century Child Mummy Just Rewrote the History of Smallpox
The World's 12 Most Amazing Rail Journeys
I need to read more Dickens.
Related: Headlines Matter When Your President Lies All the Time
More than two million people are in the streets resisting Trump
Anita Hill: Trump’s election is disappointing for feminism. But it’s not the final word.
Just... Trump’s inaugural cake was commissioned to look exactly like Obama’s, baker says
Targeting the arts is the laziest, stupidest way to pretend to cut the budget
The campaign to impeach President Trump has begun
Palestine: The End of the Bedouins?
Ooh: Paul McCartney Sues Sony to Regain Rights to Beatles Songs
A 17th-Century Child Mummy Just Rewrote the History of Smallpox
The World's 12 Most Amazing Rail Journeys
I need to read more Dickens.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/21/17)
(I assume this goes without saying in general, but it feels worth reiterating: I'm not going to try to give you a comprehensive view of all important news. There's just no way. This is a sampling of interesting and/or important pieces I've come across. Current events stuff will stay at the top; skip to the bottom if you want distractions.)
This is horrifying: N.H. Senate Passes Concealed Carry Gun Bill
Intercepted Russian Communications Part of Inquiry Into Trump Associates
Trump’s claim of ‘America first’ during his acceptance speech is terrifying
In First of Many, ACLU FOIA Request Seeks Information About the New President’s Conflicts of Interests
"At one point, he wanted to halt the planning altogether, out of superstition, the person said." That sure sounds like someone confident in his legitimate election!
This sounds normal: "a member of Trump’s transition team floated the idea of including tanks and missile launchers in the inaugural parade, a source involved in inaugural planning told The Huffington Post. 'They were legit thinking Red Square/North Korea-style parade,' the source said."
In Hong Kong's book industry, 'everybody is scared'
This is long but worth it, and good if you need a distraction: Neanderthals Were People, Too
Oh hey, we've got Edgar nominees. I'll admit I said "Wait, really?" several times as I read them. But not in a bad way, just a... surprised way.
Interesting: Bill Gates Wants to Patent a Concussion-Sensing Football Helmet
This reflection on what color clothes we put babies in is lovely and thought-provoking.
Fascinating: Law, Settler Colonialism, and "the Forgotten Space" of Maritime Worlds
This is horrifying: N.H. Senate Passes Concealed Carry Gun Bill
Intercepted Russian Communications Part of Inquiry Into Trump Associates
Trump’s claim of ‘America first’ during his acceptance speech is terrifying
In First of Many, ACLU FOIA Request Seeks Information About the New President’s Conflicts of Interests
"At one point, he wanted to halt the planning altogether, out of superstition, the person said." That sure sounds like someone confident in his legitimate election!
This sounds normal: "a member of Trump’s transition team floated the idea of including tanks and missile launchers in the inaugural parade, a source involved in inaugural planning told The Huffington Post. 'They were legit thinking Red Square/North Korea-style parade,' the source said."
In Hong Kong's book industry, 'everybody is scared'
This is long but worth it, and good if you need a distraction: Neanderthals Were People, Too
Oh hey, we've got Edgar nominees. I'll admit I said "Wait, really?" several times as I read them. But not in a bad way, just a... surprised way.
Interesting: Bill Gates Wants to Patent a Concussion-Sensing Football Helmet
This reflection on what color clothes we put babies in is lovely and thought-provoking.
Fascinating: Law, Settler Colonialism, and "the Forgotten Space" of Maritime Worlds
Tags:
archaeology,
awards,
books,
current events,
Donald Trump,
football,
gender,
government,
gun control,
history,
international,
mysteries,
New Hampshire,
politics,
publishing stuff,
Russia,
science,
sports,
tech stuff
Friday, January 20, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/20/17)
Well, here we are. I continue resolutely with your normal Happy Friday links today, in case you need them. Don't worry, I'll have plenty of awful stuff for you tomorrow.
President Obama's thank you note to the people is just lovely, and there's a place at the bottom to sign up for his future updates.
My friend Jordan Edwards made awesome fandom protest signs if you're headed out tomorrow (or whenever).
This reading list will keep you distracted for a while: Every book Barack Obama has recommended during his presidency
Awwwwww: The Obamas Visited Malia and Sasha’s Old Swing Set at Its New Home at a D.C. Shelter
!!!! Lisa Frank Live-Action, Animation Hybrid Movie in Development
We could probably all use a cocktail tonight: 10 Cold Weather Cocktails Guaranteed to Warm Up Your Winter
Introducing Daliyah, the 4-year-old girl who has read more than 1,000 books
I'm so happy the Fug Girls are recapping Victoria (which I quite like so far).
This is sweet: The Queen to take in gamekeeper’s dogs after his death
I want to go there! There's now a Harry Potter-themed pasta restaurant in Brooklyn
Charming Portraits of Hong Kong’s Shop Cats
Whoa: 2Cellos Conquer King’s Landing With Epic ‘Game Of Thrones’ Theme Rendition
President Obama's thank you note to the people is just lovely, and there's a place at the bottom to sign up for his future updates.
My friend Jordan Edwards made awesome fandom protest signs if you're headed out tomorrow (or whenever).
This reading list will keep you distracted for a while: Every book Barack Obama has recommended during his presidency
Awwwwww: The Obamas Visited Malia and Sasha’s Old Swing Set at Its New Home at a D.C. Shelter
!!!! Lisa Frank Live-Action, Animation Hybrid Movie in Development
We could probably all use a cocktail tonight: 10 Cold Weather Cocktails Guaranteed to Warm Up Your Winter
Introducing Daliyah, the 4-year-old girl who has read more than 1,000 books
I'm so happy the Fug Girls are recapping Victoria (which I quite like so far).
This is sweet: The Queen to take in gamekeeper’s dogs after his death
I want to go there! There's now a Harry Potter-themed pasta restaurant in Brooklyn
Charming Portraits of Hong Kong’s Shop Cats
Whoa: 2Cellos Conquer King’s Landing With Epic ‘Game Of Thrones’ Theme Rendition
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/19/17)
This is terrifying: Texas women who get abortions would lose voting rights if Republican lawmaker has his way
Rick Perry did not know what the energy secretary did when he took the job.
Um: "That military may come marching down Pennsylvania Avenue. That military may be flying over New York City and Washington, D.C., for parades. I mean, we’re going to be showing our military."
‘He Has This Deep Fear That He Is Not a Legitimate President’
This Republican strategy sounds scarily plausible: Obamacare Just Had a Very Good Week. That Doesn’t Mean the Law Is Any Safer.
New Trump Adviser Being Sued for Hiring White Men to Attack Black Patrons
"Trent Lott, a lobbyist close to several people on the transition, said the transition team was relying on lobbyists and others for lists of potential hires and policy recommendations." Drain the... swamp?
Donald Trump Likes Books, He Can't Say Exactly Which But He Definitely Does
Svan Song: A remote region of Georgia is hoping tourism can save a vanishing culture.
Let's look back at how people reported on Pearl Harbor. No reason.
This, about translation, is fascinating: A No-Nonsense Machiavelli
Mysteries Hidden Deep Inside Orion Star Factory Have Been Laid Bare
Rick Perry did not know what the energy secretary did when he took the job.
Um: "That military may come marching down Pennsylvania Avenue. That military may be flying over New York City and Washington, D.C., for parades. I mean, we’re going to be showing our military."
‘He Has This Deep Fear That He Is Not a Legitimate President’
This Republican strategy sounds scarily plausible: Obamacare Just Had a Very Good Week. That Doesn’t Mean the Law Is Any Safer.
New Trump Adviser Being Sued for Hiring White Men to Attack Black Patrons
"Trent Lott, a lobbyist close to several people on the transition, said the transition team was relying on lobbyists and others for lists of potential hires and policy recommendations." Drain the... swamp?
Donald Trump Likes Books, He Can't Say Exactly Which But He Definitely Does
Svan Song: A remote region of Georgia is hoping tourism can save a vanishing culture.
Let's look back at how people reported on Pearl Harbor. No reason.
This, about translation, is fascinating: A No-Nonsense Machiavelli
Mysteries Hidden Deep Inside Orion Star Factory Have Been Laid Bare
Tags:
abortion,
books,
current events,
Donald Trump,
government,
health care,
history,
international,
media,
military,
politics,
racism,
science,
space,
women's rights,
writing,
WWII
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/18/17)
This is TERRIBLE, New Hampshire: State Considers Requiring Corroboration in Sex Assault Cases
Betsy DeVos's confirmation hearing yesterday was terrible and confirmed that she knows nothing about education or federal law but is very concerned about grizzly bears in classrooms.
Tom Price Is the Walking Definition of an Appearance of Corruption
I'm going to miss him so much: Joe Biden: ‘I Wish to Hell I’d Just Kept Saying the Exact Same Thing’
John Lewis, Donald Trump, and the Meaning of Legitimacy
TV writer Sarah Treem wrote a great essay about abortion and women's rights.
Here are the National Book Critics Circle Award finalists.
The Libertarian Utopia That’s Just a Bunch of White Guys on a Tiny Island (What... else would it be?)
How Stable Are Democracies? ‘Warning Signs Are Flashing Red’
I would like a novel based on this scientist, please: The Woman Who Might Find Us Another Earth
There is no way this doesn't end stupidly: Monopoly Will Let the Internet Vote to Replace All of the Board Game's Classic Tokens
Queen Elizabeth I’s Vast Spy Network Was The First Surveillance State
Betsy DeVos's confirmation hearing yesterday was terrible and confirmed that she knows nothing about education or federal law but is very concerned about grizzly bears in classrooms.
Tom Price Is the Walking Definition of an Appearance of Corruption
I'm going to miss him so much: Joe Biden: ‘I Wish to Hell I’d Just Kept Saying the Exact Same Thing’
John Lewis, Donald Trump, and the Meaning of Legitimacy
TV writer Sarah Treem wrote a great essay about abortion and women's rights.
Here are the National Book Critics Circle Award finalists.
The Libertarian Utopia That’s Just a Bunch of White Guys on a Tiny Island (What... else would it be?)
How Stable Are Democracies? ‘Warning Signs Are Flashing Red’
I would like a novel based on this scientist, please: The Woman Who Might Find Us Another Earth
There is no way this doesn't end stupidly: Monopoly Will Let the Internet Vote to Replace All of the Board Game's Classic Tokens
Queen Elizabeth I’s Vast Spy Network Was The First Surveillance State
Tags:
abortion,
awards,
board games,
books,
crime,
current events,
Donald Trump,
education,
government,
gun control,
history,
international,
Joe Biden,
law,
New Hampshire,
politics,
science,
space,
spies,
women's rights
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/17/17)
An important read about the challenges facing young veterans: The Fighter
Obama’s Secret to Surviving the White House Years: Books
Uh: “You don't have to think of The New York Times or CNN or any of these people as news organizations,” [Gingrich] explained.
Related: Donald Trump is a media organization
What Was the Nerd? The myth of the bullied white outcast loner is helping fuel a fascist resurgence
The Frankfurt School Knew Trump Was Coming
I'd never thought much about the international hair industry until I read this: Black Gold
Sigh: Pinterest lowers its goal for female engineer hires
On Writing Darkness and Violence in the Lives of Teenagers
This is wild: The Untold Story of Napoleon Hill, the Greatest Self-Help Scammer of All Time
9 famous scientists and their PhD theses
Heh: Who Did More to Win World War II, Brad Pitt or Tom Hanks?
Obama’s Secret to Surviving the White House Years: Books
Uh: “You don't have to think of The New York Times or CNN or any of these people as news organizations,” [Gingrich] explained.
Related: Donald Trump is a media organization
What Was the Nerd? The myth of the bullied white outcast loner is helping fuel a fascist resurgence
The Frankfurt School Knew Trump Was Coming
I'd never thought much about the international hair industry until I read this: Black Gold
Sigh: Pinterest lowers its goal for female engineer hires
On Writing Darkness and Violence in the Lives of Teenagers
This is wild: The Untold Story of Napoleon Hill, the Greatest Self-Help Scammer of All Time
9 famous scientists and their PhD theses
Heh: Who Did More to Win World War II, Brad Pitt or Tom Hanks?
Tags:
Barack Obama,
books,
current events,
Donald Trump,
feminism,
funny things,
history,
international,
media,
military,
movies,
politics,
Robin Wasserman,
science,
tech stuff,
writing
Monday, January 16, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/16/17)
Me elsewhere: TV news for the week.
Assad linked to Syrian chemical attacks for first time
Inside the Secret Rescue of Yazidi Sex Slaves From ISIS Captors
WARNING: Abortion’s Deadly DIY Past Could Soon Become Its Future
Here's a running list of Democrats boycotting the inauguration.
Uh... Head of D.C. National Guard to be removed from post in middle of inauguration
Who’s the Illegitimate President Now, Mr. Birtherism?
What Jeff Sessions Doesn’t Understand About Racism
Inside The Alt-Right’s Campaign To Smear Trump Protesters As Anarchists
Ooh, Marlon James has announced the fantasy trilogy he'd previously hinted at.
This was a fascinating profile: The Evangelical Scion Who Stopped Believing
One of the First Hollywood Heartthrobs Was a Smoldering Japanese Actor. What Happened?
Assad linked to Syrian chemical attacks for first time
Inside the Secret Rescue of Yazidi Sex Slaves From ISIS Captors
WARNING: Abortion’s Deadly DIY Past Could Soon Become Its Future
Here's a running list of Democrats boycotting the inauguration.
Uh... Head of D.C. National Guard to be removed from post in middle of inauguration
Who’s the Illegitimate President Now, Mr. Birtherism?
What Jeff Sessions Doesn’t Understand About Racism
Inside The Alt-Right’s Campaign To Smear Trump Protesters As Anarchists
Ooh, Marlon James has announced the fantasy trilogy he'd previously hinted at.
This was a fascinating profile: The Evangelical Scion Who Stopped Believing
One of the First Hollywood Heartthrobs Was a Smoldering Japanese Actor. What Happened?
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/15/17)
Liberals, Don’t Let Donald Trump Tarnish L.L. Bean’s Sterling Brand Reputation
Trump, Kennedy, and the real science of vaccines
Paul LePage is such an evil man: Maine Forfeits $1.4 Million After Insisting on Photo IDs for Infant Nutrition Program
This situation is fascinating, though I'm not sure how much it will MATTER: The Mattis confirmation hearing is happening in an alternate world where Trump lost
Sen. Jeff Merkley patiently exposed Rex Tillerson on climate change
An existential moment for the Euro-American alliance
Wow, Norway is getting rid of FM radio.
This is fascinating: Talking to In-laws Can Be Hard. In Some Languages, It’s Impossible.
How to Find Your Perfect Comfort Read
Now I want bread: Rye, a Grain With Ancient Roots, Is Rising Again
'Vampire' Burials Have Been Uncovered in Poland (I love vampire burials. I will post about ALL OF THEM.)
Sure, why not? An Iron Hell River Is Flowing Beneath The Earth
Trump, Kennedy, and the real science of vaccines
Paul LePage is such an evil man: Maine Forfeits $1.4 Million After Insisting on Photo IDs for Infant Nutrition Program
This situation is fascinating, though I'm not sure how much it will MATTER: The Mattis confirmation hearing is happening in an alternate world where Trump lost
Sen. Jeff Merkley patiently exposed Rex Tillerson on climate change
An existential moment for the Euro-American alliance
Wow, Norway is getting rid of FM radio.
This is fascinating: Talking to In-laws Can Be Hard. In Some Languages, It’s Impossible.
How to Find Your Perfect Comfort Read
Now I want bread: Rye, a Grain With Ancient Roots, Is Rising Again
'Vampire' Burials Have Been Uncovered in Poland (I love vampire burials. I will post about ALL OF THEM.)
Sure, why not? An Iron Hell River Is Flowing Beneath The Earth
Tags:
archaeology,
books,
climate change,
current events,
Donald Trump,
food,
government,
health care,
history,
international,
L.L. Bean,
language,
Maine,
military,
Paul LePage,
politics,
science
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/14/17)
New Hampshire! Lawmaker drops loaded gun on floor near children at hearing
GOOD: Comey Letter on Clinton Email Is Subject of Justice Dept. Inquiry
Related: 4 pieces of evidence showing FBI Director James Comey cost Clinton the election
Uh... C-Span Online Broadcast Interrupted by Russian Network (Realistically, I believe them that this was probably just a technical glitch, but geez, the timing.)
In One Day, 17 Signs Of How Bad Press Treatment Will Be Under Trump
Trump Is Exactly the Monster We Feared, and Republicans Are Enabling Him
Researchers may have ‘found’ many of China’s 30 million missing girls
Gluten-free baby: When parents ignore science
3-D Printing the Young Universe as a Lumpy Softball
Whoa: This Language-Teaching Device Constantly Whispers Lessons In Your Ear
Michael Lewis and the Narrative Nonfiction Formula
Why Catholics Built Secret Astronomical Features Into Churches to Help Save Souls
GOOD: Comey Letter on Clinton Email Is Subject of Justice Dept. Inquiry
Related: 4 pieces of evidence showing FBI Director James Comey cost Clinton the election
Uh... C-Span Online Broadcast Interrupted by Russian Network (Realistically, I believe them that this was probably just a technical glitch, but geez, the timing.)
In One Day, 17 Signs Of How Bad Press Treatment Will Be Under Trump
Trump Is Exactly the Monster We Feared, and Republicans Are Enabling Him
Researchers may have ‘found’ many of China’s 30 million missing girls
Gluten-free baby: When parents ignore science
3-D Printing the Young Universe as a Lumpy Softball
Whoa: This Language-Teaching Device Constantly Whispers Lessons In Your Ear
Michael Lewis and the Narrative Nonfiction Formula
Why Catholics Built Secret Astronomical Features Into Churches to Help Save Souls
Tags:
books,
current events,
Donald Trump,
government,
gun control,
Hillary Clinton,
history,
international,
language,
media,
New Hampshire,
politics,
religion,
Russia,
space,
tech stuff
Friday, January 13, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/13/16)
Current events aren't getting into Happy Friday posts much these days, but THIS ONE DOES: Obama surprises Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom
YAY: For the First Time, Lady Liberty Depicted as a Woman of Color on U.S. Currency
Daveed Diggs did "Rubber Duckie" and it is amazing.
Heeeee: A guide to giving your cats their annual performance review
Whoa: Europe's first underwater museum opens off Lanzarote
Jane Smiley Explores Ancient Ireland’s Mysterious Tombs
I am very much enjoying this Winter Classical Playlist.
I want to go there: A Restaurant That Only Serves Pickles Is on the Way
9 Rich and Silky Vegetarian Soups to Help You Weather the Winter
Let's look at some ice castles.
I enjoy when actors do interviews solely about their cats.
Your Friday probably needs the Best Beards of the Golden Globes.
YAY: For the First Time, Lady Liberty Depicted as a Woman of Color on U.S. Currency
Daveed Diggs did "Rubber Duckie" and it is amazing.
Heeeee: A guide to giving your cats their annual performance review
Whoa: Europe's first underwater museum opens off Lanzarote
Jane Smiley Explores Ancient Ireland’s Mysterious Tombs
I am very much enjoying this Winter Classical Playlist.
I want to go there: A Restaurant That Only Serves Pickles Is on the Way
9 Rich and Silky Vegetarian Soups to Help You Weather the Winter
Let's look at some ice castles.
I enjoy when actors do interviews solely about their cats.
Your Friday probably needs the Best Beards of the Golden Globes.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/12/17)
Well, this happened while we were asleep: Senate Takes Major Step Toward Repealing Health Care Law
Russian Parliament Passes Law Decriminalizing Domestic Violence Through First Round of Votes
Trump Just Shot Jim Acosta In The Middle Of Fifth Avenue And The Press Didn’t Blink
Trump’s bogus plan to avoid conflicts of interest, explained
How the Trump dossier came to light: secret sources, a retired spy and John McCain
The BBC also has some additional information on the Trump/Russia story, what actually exists, and how it came to light.
Donald Trump’s Twitter Account Is A Security Disaster Waiting To Happen
Whoa: High Art, Wall Street Money, and Forgery Claims Collide in Quiet Corner of N.H.
Good for Glamour: The February Issue, Brought to You by Women
Here's an interesting look at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
A Rapidly Spinning Black Hole Was Seen Killing a Distant Star
Bibliomania, the Dark Desire For Books That Infected Europe in the 1800s
Russian Parliament Passes Law Decriminalizing Domestic Violence Through First Round of Votes
Trump Just Shot Jim Acosta In The Middle Of Fifth Avenue And The Press Didn’t Blink
Trump’s bogus plan to avoid conflicts of interest, explained
How the Trump dossier came to light: secret sources, a retired spy and John McCain
The BBC also has some additional information on the Trump/Russia story, what actually exists, and how it came to light.
Donald Trump’s Twitter Account Is A Security Disaster Waiting To Happen
Whoa: High Art, Wall Street Money, and Forgery Claims Collide in Quiet Corner of N.H.
Good for Glamour: The February Issue, Brought to You by Women
Here's an interesting look at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
A Rapidly Spinning Black Hole Was Seen Killing a Distant Star
Bibliomania, the Dark Desire For Books That Infected Europe in the 1800s
Tags:
art,
books,
crime,
current events,
Donald Trump,
feminism,
government,
health care,
history,
intelligence,
international,
media,
politics,
publishing stuff,
Russia,
space,
spies,
tech stuff,
Twitter
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/11/17)
President Obama gave a great farewell address last night. Here's the transcript.
Meanwhile: Intel chiefs presented Trump with claims of Russian efforts to compromise him
"The Guardian has learned that the FBI applied for a warrant from the foreign intelligence surveillance (Fisa) court over the summer in order to monitor four members of the Trump team suspected of irregular contacts with Russian officials."
BuzzFeed posted the purported dossier, and there's a lot of debate about whether they should have. (I think that debate is legitimate but also question it coming from outlets who didn't bat an eye at breathlessly covering every suggestion from Wikileaks.)
In other terrible things: Jeff Sessions Doesn’t Commit To Not Jailing Journalists For Doing Their Jobs
And: Anti-Vaccine Activist Says Trump Asked Him to Head Commission on Vaccine Safety
Did you know that the start of the second world war was first reported by a young woman new at her job? Her name was Clare Hollingworth and she passed away this week at 105.
Okay, here's a good thing: Singin' in the Rain returning to theaters this month. I'm going on Sunday with my mom and I can't wait.
The Feminist Legacy of the Baby-Sitters Club
The Crazy Story of the Professor Who Came to Stay—and Wouldn't Leave
This is wild: How an Early Hollywood Family Became the Original Kardashians
The Trouble with Quantum Mechanics
Meanwhile: Intel chiefs presented Trump with claims of Russian efforts to compromise him
"The Guardian has learned that the FBI applied for a warrant from the foreign intelligence surveillance (Fisa) court over the summer in order to monitor four members of the Trump team suspected of irregular contacts with Russian officials."
BuzzFeed posted the purported dossier, and there's a lot of debate about whether they should have. (I think that debate is legitimate but also question it coming from outlets who didn't bat an eye at breathlessly covering every suggestion from Wikileaks.)
In other terrible things: Jeff Sessions Doesn’t Commit To Not Jailing Journalists For Doing Their Jobs
And: Anti-Vaccine Activist Says Trump Asked Him to Head Commission on Vaccine Safety
Did you know that the start of the second world war was first reported by a young woman new at her job? Her name was Clare Hollingworth and she passed away this week at 105.
Okay, here's a good thing: Singin' in the Rain returning to theaters this month. I'm going on Sunday with my mom and I can't wait.
The Feminist Legacy of the Baby-Sitters Club
The Crazy Story of the Professor Who Came to Stay—and Wouldn't Leave
This is wild: How an Early Hollywood Family Became the Original Kardashians
The Trouble with Quantum Mechanics
Tags:
academia,
Barack Obama,
books,
celeb stuff,
crime,
current events,
Donald Trump,
feminism,
government,
health care,
history,
kidlit,
media,
movies,
politics,
Russia,
science,
WWII
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/10/16)
"He hasn’t taken office yet, but Donald Trump is lost, wandering in a labyrinth of lies and trying to drag the country in with him."
Good for him (and this is the first time a senator has done this): Cory Booker to Testify Against Fellow Senator Jeff Sessions at Attorney General Hearing
Jeff Sessions Has a History of Blocking Black Judges
It's Official: Kushner To Serve As Unpaid Senior Adviser To Trump What nepotism rules? Also, I believe the "unpaid" part means he won't be subject to financial disclosure.
Drought worsens deadly battle between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria
This is great: Kerry Apologizes For Past LGBT Discrimination At State Department
Teachers unions mount campaign against Betsy DeVos, Trump’s education pick
!!! Queen Elizabeth I’s long-lost skirt to go on display after being found in a Herefordshire church
Whoa, drama: Inside The Million-Dollar Get-Rich Doula Clique
Fifty Years of Disquietude
Earth's day lengthens by two milliseconds a century, astronomers find
Found: A Map of the Entire Internet, As of 1973
Good for him (and this is the first time a senator has done this): Cory Booker to Testify Against Fellow Senator Jeff Sessions at Attorney General Hearing
Jeff Sessions Has a History of Blocking Black Judges
It's Official: Kushner To Serve As Unpaid Senior Adviser To Trump What nepotism rules? Also, I believe the "unpaid" part means he won't be subject to financial disclosure.
Drought worsens deadly battle between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria
This is great: Kerry Apologizes For Past LGBT Discrimination At State Department
Teachers unions mount campaign against Betsy DeVos, Trump’s education pick
!!! Queen Elizabeth I’s long-lost skirt to go on display after being found in a Herefordshire church
Whoa, drama: Inside The Million-Dollar Get-Rich Doula Clique
Fifty Years of Disquietude
Earth's day lengthens by two milliseconds a century, astronomers find
Found: A Map of the Entire Internet, As of 1973
Monday, January 9, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/9/16)
Me elsewhere: Catching up on TV news.
As Donald Trump Denies Climate Change, These Kids Die of It
Trump said he had $315 million in debt. He left out $1.5 billion.
How to Overwhelm the Media
The Unraveling of Julian Assange
Murder in the Bayou
Chris Christie Can't Even Get a Book Deal
These Are the First Glorious Images From Cassini's Ring-Grazing Orbits
This is perfect: Did Inadequate Women’s Healthcare Destroy Star Wars’ Old Republic?
How Suzy Ruled Society Gossip for Five Decades, as Told by Aileen Mehle
The Sweet, Savage Sexual Revolution That Set the Romance Novel Free
The bibliophilia of Anglo-Saxon England
As Donald Trump Denies Climate Change, These Kids Die of It
Trump said he had $315 million in debt. He left out $1.5 billion.
How to Overwhelm the Media
The Unraveling of Julian Assange
Murder in the Bayou
Chris Christie Can't Even Get a Book Deal
These Are the First Glorious Images From Cassini's Ring-Grazing Orbits
This is perfect: Did Inadequate Women’s Healthcare Destroy Star Wars’ Old Republic?
How Suzy Ruled Society Gossip for Five Decades, as Told by Aileen Mehle
The Sweet, Savage Sexual Revolution That Set the Romance Novel Free
The bibliophilia of Anglo-Saxon England
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/8/17)
Putin Ordered ‘Influence Campaign’ Aimed at U.S. Election, Report Says
"Such is his influence in the geopolitical realm that transition officials have told the Obama White House that foreign policy matters that need to be brought to Mr. Trump’s attention should be relayed through his son-in-law."
Trump has been slamming US intel agencies. They just fired back.
Heh: The Most Interesting Intelligence Briefing in the World
Ultra-rare Jane Austen £5 note found in Christmas card in Scottish Borders
This is great: Food stamps can now be used for online grocery shopping
The Conjunction Fallacy Explains Why People Believe Fake News
Democrats neither can nor should ditch “identity politics”
SO BOSTON: This thief is being tracked through his Dunkin' Donuts cup.
NASA Is Building a $127 Million Space Mechanic
Fascinating: Banned Books and Blockbusters
Here's an interesting look at historians consulting on TV shows.
"Such is his influence in the geopolitical realm that transition officials have told the Obama White House that foreign policy matters that need to be brought to Mr. Trump’s attention should be relayed through his son-in-law."
Trump has been slamming US intel agencies. They just fired back.
Heh: The Most Interesting Intelligence Briefing in the World
Ultra-rare Jane Austen £5 note found in Christmas card in Scottish Borders
This is great: Food stamps can now be used for online grocery shopping
The Conjunction Fallacy Explains Why People Believe Fake News
Democrats neither can nor should ditch “identity politics”
SO BOSTON: This thief is being tracked through his Dunkin' Donuts cup.
NASA Is Building a $127 Million Space Mechanic
Fascinating: Banned Books and Blockbusters
Here's an interesting look at historians consulting on TV shows.
Tags:
books,
Boston,
crime,
current events,
Donald Trump,
food,
funny things,
government,
history,
international,
Jane Austen,
media,
politics,
publishing stuff,
Putin,
Russia,
space,
TV
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/7/17)
In One Of Latin America’s Poorest Countries, Boosting The Economy Is Women’s Work
Republicans Want Revenge for Obamacare and It’s Making Them Do Stupid Things
Mattis clashing with Trump transition team over Pentagon staffing
Well this is worrisome: The GOP Just Gave Congress the Power to Cut the Salaries of Individual Civil Servants to $1 (Not that EVERYTHING isn't worrisome these days, but.)
Memo to the Media: Stop Giving Trump the Headlines He Wants
Why Vera Rubin Deserved a Nobel
!! A Brand-New Human Organ Has Been Identified
Explaining My Multiracial Identity (So Others Don’t Do It For Me)
This about Charlotte Bronte's juvenilia is interesting: Little Books, Big Books
How Maps Shaped Shakespeare
A Peek Inside the Strange World of Fake Academia
Whoa: The blue screen of death is going green for Windows testers
Republicans Want Revenge for Obamacare and It’s Making Them Do Stupid Things
Mattis clashing with Trump transition team over Pentagon staffing
Well this is worrisome: The GOP Just Gave Congress the Power to Cut the Salaries of Individual Civil Servants to $1 (Not that EVERYTHING isn't worrisome these days, but.)
Memo to the Media: Stop Giving Trump the Headlines He Wants
Why Vera Rubin Deserved a Nobel
!! A Brand-New Human Organ Has Been Identified
Explaining My Multiracial Identity (So Others Don’t Do It For Me)
This about Charlotte Bronte's juvenilia is interesting: Little Books, Big Books
How Maps Shaped Shakespeare
A Peek Inside the Strange World of Fake Academia
Whoa: The blue screen of death is going green for Windows testers
Tags:
academia,
books,
Brontes,
current events,
Donald Trump,
economics,
feminism,
government,
health care,
history,
international,
media,
military,
politics,
race,
science,
Shakespeare,
tech stuff
Friday, January 6, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/6/17)
Time for some happy Friday links. It's been a weird week, huh? Remember, if you'd like to receive my thoughts on books in your email inbox, sign up here.
Ooooh: J.K. Rowling Says This Painting Is A Clue To Her Future Projects
I jumped up in the middle of writing this to try the Bookout app because it says it's like a workout tracker for your reading. SOUNDS GOOD.
Yeah, I absolutely want lip color that looks like Crayola crayons.
I don't often read actor interviews, but this one with Matthew Daddario of Shadowhunters is a COMPLETE JOY.
Aaah, look at this Hamilton hat knitting pattern.
Whoa: P.E.I. Lego aficionado recreates Anne of Green Gables out of iconic toy
Speaking of, let's have an Anne of Green Gables party.
I LOVED this stuff: Remembering Pepsi Holiday Spice, the Winter Tradition That Could Have Been
The Onion, BARELY: Man Not Accepting Any More Television Recommendations At This Time
The Ice-Skating Dandies of 18th-Century Paris
Striking New Maps Show the Beauty of Earth's Shadows
18 Book Bags (And Totes) You’ll Want To Spend Your Holiday Loot On
Ooooh: J.K. Rowling Says This Painting Is A Clue To Her Future Projects
I jumped up in the middle of writing this to try the Bookout app because it says it's like a workout tracker for your reading. SOUNDS GOOD.
Yeah, I absolutely want lip color that looks like Crayola crayons.
I don't often read actor interviews, but this one with Matthew Daddario of Shadowhunters is a COMPLETE JOY.
Aaah, look at this Hamilton hat knitting pattern.
Whoa: P.E.I. Lego aficionado recreates Anne of Green Gables out of iconic toy
Speaking of, let's have an Anne of Green Gables party.
I LOVED this stuff: Remembering Pepsi Holiday Spice, the Winter Tradition That Could Have Been
The Onion, BARELY: Man Not Accepting Any More Television Recommendations At This Time
The Ice-Skating Dandies of 18th-Century Paris
Striking New Maps Show the Beauty of Earth's Shadows
18 Book Bags (And Totes) You’ll Want To Spend Your Holiday Loot On
Tags:
Anne of Green Gables,
books,
celeb stuff,
figure skating,
food,
funny things,
Hamilton,
history,
holidays,
J.K. Rowling,
knitting,
Lego,
makeup,
maps,
Shadowhunters,
tech stuff,
TV
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/5/17)
Well, this is terrible: Trump transition seeks info about undocumented immigrants
Cyberwar for Sale
The Russian billionaire carrying out Putin’s will across Europe
Hmm: California Hires Eric Holder as Legal Bulwark Against Donald Trump
Why do Republicans want to repeal Obamacare so much? Because it would be a big tax cut for the rich.
A Convicted Felon Registered A Bunch Of Trump-Related Domains In Asia (And he has links to Trump, it's not just... some random felon.)
Meet the Press: The hustlers, hucksters, hacks, and cowards who helped elect Donald Trump
Pilgrim’s Progress: Inside the American Nuclear-Waste Crisis
In 2017, publishing really needs a blockbuster
Obviously this is terrible but it also sounds like it should be a movie: Thieves steal $6M in jewels while ball drops on New Year’s Eve
Chief Justice, Not President, Was William Howard Taft’s Dream Job
Not My Sherlock
Cyberwar for Sale
The Russian billionaire carrying out Putin’s will across Europe
Hmm: California Hires Eric Holder as Legal Bulwark Against Donald Trump
Why do Republicans want to repeal Obamacare so much? Because it would be a big tax cut for the rich.
A Convicted Felon Registered A Bunch Of Trump-Related Domains In Asia (And he has links to Trump, it's not just... some random felon.)
Meet the Press: The hustlers, hucksters, hacks, and cowards who helped elect Donald Trump
Pilgrim’s Progress: Inside the American Nuclear-Waste Crisis
In 2017, publishing really needs a blockbuster
Obviously this is terrible but it also sounds like it should be a movie: Thieves steal $6M in jewels while ball drops on New Year’s Eve
Chief Justice, Not President, Was William Howard Taft’s Dream Job
Not My Sherlock
Tags:
crime,
current events,
Donald Trump,
government,
health care,
history,
immigration,
international,
law,
media,
politics,
publishing stuff,
Russia,
science,
Sherlock,
Sherlock Holmes,
Supreme Court,
tech stuff,
TV
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/4/17)
This story was amazing and made me tear up: David Fahrenthold tells the behind-the-scenes story of his year covering Trump
How Russia Recruited Elite Hackers for Its Cyberwar
Something good: Flooded with phone calls from voters, House GOP drops effort to gut ethics panel
But: Senate Republicans just introduced an Obamacare repeal plan Democrats can’t stop
Donald Trump is for sale
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Donald Trump appears alongside convicted felon with mobster ties at New Year's Eve party
Trump Kicked His Old Biographer Off His Golf Course
New Congress, same massive gender disparity
Val McDermid: ‘It Doesn’t Get Easier, It Gets Harder!’
The surprising racial and gender bias in ‘Law and Order’
Heh: Disastrous Cheese Festival Turns Londoners Into a Bunch of Munsters
Here's the Medieval Manuscripts Blog's calendar for January.
How Russia Recruited Elite Hackers for Its Cyberwar
Something good: Flooded with phone calls from voters, House GOP drops effort to gut ethics panel
But: Senate Republicans just introduced an Obamacare repeal plan Democrats can’t stop
Donald Trump is for sale
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Donald Trump appears alongside convicted felon with mobster ties at New Year's Eve party
Trump Kicked His Old Biographer Off His Golf Course
New Congress, same massive gender disparity
Val McDermid: ‘It Doesn’t Get Easier, It Gets Harder!’
The surprising racial and gender bias in ‘Law and Order’
Heh: Disastrous Cheese Festival Turns Londoners Into a Bunch of Munsters
Here's the Medieval Manuscripts Blog's calendar for January.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/3/17)
With No Warning, House Republicans Vote to Gut Independent Ethics Office
The neo-Nazi murder trial revealing Germany's darkest secrets
Stop Calling Everything “Fake News”
Thomas Schelling has died. His ideas shaped the Cold War and the world.
Friday Night Lights Out: The Case for Abolishing High School Football
This is great: This Women's Refuge Launched a Hidden, Untrackable Site for Women Experiencing Abuse
I can't believe we're still finding things in Egypt! Newly Uncovered Ruins Reveal 7,000-Year-Old City in Egypt
9 Awards Season Movies You Can Binge from the Comfort of Your Couch
The Brilliance of a Stradivari Violin Might Rest Within Its Wood
!! New Spider Species Is Named After 'Harry Potter' Sorting Hat
Ask the Publicists: An Author’s Survival Kit for Dark Times
The neo-Nazi murder trial revealing Germany's darkest secrets
Stop Calling Everything “Fake News”
Thomas Schelling has died. His ideas shaped the Cold War and the world.
Friday Night Lights Out: The Case for Abolishing High School Football
This is great: This Women's Refuge Launched a Hidden, Untrackable Site for Women Experiencing Abuse
I can't believe we're still finding things in Egypt! Newly Uncovered Ruins Reveal 7,000-Year-Old City in Egypt
9 Awards Season Movies You Can Binge from the Comfort of Your Couch
The Brilliance of a Stradivari Violin Might Rest Within Its Wood
!! New Spider Species Is Named After 'Harry Potter' Sorting Hat
Ask the Publicists: An Author’s Survival Kit for Dark Times
Tags:
archaeology,
Cold War,
crime,
current events,
football,
government,
Harry Potter,
history,
international,
media,
movies,
music,
publishing stuff,
science,
sports,
tech stuff
Monday, January 2, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/2/17)
ICYMI, I have a new email newsletter about what I'm reading. Sign up here!
Nixon's Vietnam Treachery
‘Putin’s Rasputin’ has lauded Donald Trump as a ‘sensation’
While we're at it: The Murder of Rasputin, 100 Years Later
Documentary filmmakers fear more legal challenges in Trump era
Sigh: Poll: Republicans less supportive of Obamacare repeal since election
I want to go there: Universal CityWalk's AMC Theater redesign: No concession lines, a total black box auditorium and a social lounge
Wow, this cult story: Thirty Years in Captivity
!! 'Mythical' Sea Blob Finally Spotted a Century After Its Discovery
Wow: BMW remotely locks a thief inside a car
It's not your grandma's Book of the Month Club
A leaf from Mozart's grave: curiosities from British Library Music Collections
Nixon's Vietnam Treachery
‘Putin’s Rasputin’ has lauded Donald Trump as a ‘sensation’
While we're at it: The Murder of Rasputin, 100 Years Later
Documentary filmmakers fear more legal challenges in Trump era
Sigh: Poll: Republicans less supportive of Obamacare repeal since election
I want to go there: Universal CityWalk's AMC Theater redesign: No concession lines, a total black box auditorium and a social lounge
Wow, this cult story: Thirty Years in Captivity
!! 'Mythical' Sea Blob Finally Spotted a Century After Its Discovery
Wow: BMW remotely locks a thief inside a car
It's not your grandma's Book of the Month Club
A leaf from Mozart's grave: curiosities from British Library Music Collections
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Morning Coffee (1/1/17)
Happy New Year! Thanks so much for reading.
NEWS: If you'd like to hear more from me about the books I'm reading, come subscribe to my newsletter! It's basically a little diary I'm sending out a few times a week about reading and life.
How to survive 2017: believe in protest, barricade your uterus and tax yourself
Of course they did: Mar-a-Lago sold tickets to New Year’s Eve party with Trump
Oh yay, the American Girl doll of the year is an African-American girl named Gabriela, the first non-white Girl of the Year in several years.
How Russians Pay to Play in Other Countries
I think this gets a lot right about the discussion around Milo Yiannopolous's book deal.
A Majority Agreed She Was Raped by a Stanford Football Player. That Wasn’t Enough.
The most dangerous thing about fake news sites is not what they say, but how they say it
I contributed to this roundup of the Best Female Performances on TV in 2016
What Happened To This Cult Leader's Lost Treasure?
Huh: Scottish spirits are soaring (but it’s gin, not whisky)
I'm going to join the Book Riot 2017 Read Harder Challenge. Join me!
NEWS: If you'd like to hear more from me about the books I'm reading, come subscribe to my newsletter! It's basically a little diary I'm sending out a few times a week about reading and life.
How to survive 2017: believe in protest, barricade your uterus and tax yourself
Of course they did: Mar-a-Lago sold tickets to New Year’s Eve party with Trump
Oh yay, the American Girl doll of the year is an African-American girl named Gabriela, the first non-white Girl of the Year in several years.
How Russians Pay to Play in Other Countries
I think this gets a lot right about the discussion around Milo Yiannopolous's book deal.
A Majority Agreed She Was Raped by a Stanford Football Player. That Wasn’t Enough.
The most dangerous thing about fake news sites is not what they say, but how they say it
I contributed to this roundup of the Best Female Performances on TV in 2016
What Happened To This Cult Leader's Lost Treasure?
Huh: Scottish spirits are soaring (but it’s gin, not whisky)
I'm going to join the Book Riot 2017 Read Harder Challenge. Join me!
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