(I'm traveling, so this post was written in advance. So if it doesn't seem to take recent news or events into account... that's why.)
I don't mean to ruin your weekend, but Rick Perlstein on Trump is a must-read.
The Man Card: An American Tradition Of Presidents Using Their Gender To Get Ahead
Bernie Sanders Knows He Can’t Win the Nomination Now
Russian Enclave Seen as a Fault Line of East-West Tensions
The Daily News’ Shaun King Was Accused of Plagiarism. Here’s How He Got Vindication.
Pinterest Reinvents Itself to Prove It's Really Worth Billions
On Money, Anxiety, and Marriage
I partially just love this headline: Pluto's Dwarf Planet Friend Makemake Has a Cute Little Moon. Don't you want to watch a cartoon about their adorable adventures?
CASTLE RESTORATION DRAMA: Spanish Castle’s Restoration, Called ‘Disaster’ by Some, Wins Prize
Men Praying Bitchily In Western Art History
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Morning Coffee (4/29/16)
(I'm traveling, so this post was written in advance. So if it doesn't seem to take recent news or events into account... that's why.)
Happy Friday! As usual, we'll skip current events for some lighter links today. We're heavy on the Cambridges this week for some reason. Sorry. I don't make the rules. (I do make the rules; you're lucky it's not all royalty all the time around here.)
I mean, how could I not show you the princes' lightsaber battle?
Or the Obamas having a thoroughly adorable visit with the Cambridges (including George!!) and Harry?
Those pictures gave us our first real look at William and Kate's apartment. (Can we ID any of the books in their bookcase??)
Good Housekeeping tracked down those boots Kate has had FOREVER. They call the $675 price tag "whopping," which - a. that doesn't really seem like THAT much for fancy boots? And b. I first saw this article rerun on the Town and Country site and that line is what made me realize it was taken from GH, because Town and Country doesn't recommend anything other than, like, lip balm that costs as little as $675. (Seriously, they had $75 lip balm in the May issue.)
Moving away from royalty gradually (he was at Eton with Prince William, after all): This Tom Hiddleston profile is charming.
Ooh: Explore the Cosmos with This Bonkers Interactive Model
Perhaps your Friday needs 35 photos of Taylor Kitsch.
I have no need for a retro Star Trek playset but I LOVE IT.
Can you imagine finding out the planter in your back yard is actually an ancient Roman coffin?
PERFECT: Resentments I Have Formed Against Characters From “The Face On The Milk Carton” By Caroline B. Cooney
Happy Friday! As usual, we'll skip current events for some lighter links today. We're heavy on the Cambridges this week for some reason. Sorry. I don't make the rules. (I do make the rules; you're lucky it's not all royalty all the time around here.)
I mean, how could I not show you the princes' lightsaber battle?
Or the Obamas having a thoroughly adorable visit with the Cambridges (including George!!) and Harry?
Those pictures gave us our first real look at William and Kate's apartment. (Can we ID any of the books in their bookcase??)
Good Housekeeping tracked down those boots Kate has had FOREVER. They call the $675 price tag "whopping," which - a. that doesn't really seem like THAT much for fancy boots? And b. I first saw this article rerun on the Town and Country site and that line is what made me realize it was taken from GH, because Town and Country doesn't recommend anything other than, like, lip balm that costs as little as $675. (Seriously, they had $75 lip balm in the May issue.)
Moving away from royalty gradually (he was at Eton with Prince William, after all): This Tom Hiddleston profile is charming.
Ooh: Explore the Cosmos with This Bonkers Interactive Model
Perhaps your Friday needs 35 photos of Taylor Kitsch.
I have no need for a retro Star Trek playset but I LOVE IT.
Can you imagine finding out the planter in your back yard is actually an ancient Roman coffin?
PERFECT: Resentments I Have Formed Against Characters From “The Face On The Milk Carton” By Caroline B. Cooney
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Morning Coffee (4/28/16)
(I'm traveling, so this post was written in advance. So if it doesn't seem to take recent news or events into account... that's why.)
This should be the biggest story in the country right now: former U.S. House speaker Dennis Hastert admitted under oath to sexually abusing children when he was their coach.
The Mixed Signals Coming Out of Trump’s Campaign Are the Message
Files Suggest Honduran Police Leaders Ordered Killing of Antidrug Officials
Head of British Spying Agency Apologizes for Its Treatment of Gays
It's time for Hillary to stop talking about Bernie and start talking about Trump
Ugh: Last Year's Hugo Award Drama Is Not Going Away Any Time Soon
This piece about Rand Paul's return to the Senate is interesting but mostly made me wish he'd waited until 2020 (or runs again, I guess) so we can make a million eye doctor jokes.
This this this: Economic Fundamentals That Indie Authors Sometimes Misunderstand
"For those who have never had fortunes deposited into their personal bank accounts with no obligations attached, this may sound suspicious."
"Ma’am, the library is CLOSED. You do not get special library hours just because you go to college. This security guard is doing his JOB and his shift is probably ending and he wants to go home and you can’t even use your words to tell him 'I’m just wrapping up, thanks'?"
This should be the biggest story in the country right now: former U.S. House speaker Dennis Hastert admitted under oath to sexually abusing children when he was their coach.
The Mixed Signals Coming Out of Trump’s Campaign Are the Message
Files Suggest Honduran Police Leaders Ordered Killing of Antidrug Officials
Head of British Spying Agency Apologizes for Its Treatment of Gays
It's time for Hillary to stop talking about Bernie and start talking about Trump
Ugh: Last Year's Hugo Award Drama Is Not Going Away Any Time Soon
This piece about Rand Paul's return to the Senate is interesting but mostly made me wish he'd waited until 2020 (or runs again, I guess) so we can make a million eye doctor jokes.
This this this: Economic Fundamentals That Indie Authors Sometimes Misunderstand
"For those who have never had fortunes deposited into their personal bank accounts with no obligations attached, this may sound suspicious."
"Ma’am, the library is CLOSED. You do not get special library hours just because you go to college. This security guard is doing his JOB and his shift is probably ending and he wants to go home and you can’t even use your words to tell him 'I’m just wrapping up, thanks'?"
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Morning Coffee (4/27/16)
ICYMI: You should watch Rebellion.
Me elsewhere: At Read the Screen I've got the Penny Dreadful season premiere and your Tuesday Daily Read.
Here's what you need to know about yesterday's primaries.
I know most of us don't want to think about Trump at War, but that piece is a very interesting look at how actual military and intelligence professionals might deal with him as commander in chief.
The Guardian has a great, disturbing piece of reporting on the Hillsborough disaster and yesterday's verdict.
Not getting enough attention: Oklahoma's legislature is about to ban abortion by making it a felony for doctors
Oops: 2nd security firm raises concerns about Cruz and Kasich apps
Saudi Arabia Moves to Curb Its Feared Religious Police
Hah: Politico's co-founder wants a Silicon Valley third party. We have many questions. (No, seriously, this is INSANE.)
Lin-Manuel Miranda in Mary Poppins? Sure.
Perfect: Why Bernie Sanders Is Actually Winning
Tiny House Hunters is the best/worst: People In Tiny Houses Can’t Have Sex
Me elsewhere: At Read the Screen I've got the Penny Dreadful season premiere and your Tuesday Daily Read.
Here's what you need to know about yesterday's primaries.
I know most of us don't want to think about Trump at War, but that piece is a very interesting look at how actual military and intelligence professionals might deal with him as commander in chief.
The Guardian has a great, disturbing piece of reporting on the Hillsborough disaster and yesterday's verdict.
Not getting enough attention: Oklahoma's legislature is about to ban abortion by making it a felony for doctors
Oops: 2nd security firm raises concerns about Cruz and Kasich apps
Saudi Arabia Moves to Curb Its Feared Religious Police
Hah: Politico's co-founder wants a Silicon Valley third party. We have many questions. (No, seriously, this is INSANE.)
Lin-Manuel Miranda in Mary Poppins? Sure.
Perfect: Why Bernie Sanders Is Actually Winning
Tiny House Hunters is the best/worst: People In Tiny Houses Can’t Have Sex
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
TV Recommendation: Rebellion
A quick, somewhat belated note: RTE One drama Rebellion has been airing on Sundance TV this week in the U.S., and if you're interested in history it's definitely worth a look. I've only seen the first two of five hours so far, so I can't promise it resolves satisfactorily, but I'm riveted so far.
Rebellion is about a group of people from various social strata and walks of life who get caught up in the Easter Rising and outbreak of hostilities between the Irish republicans and the British in 1916. The main characters are (so far as I can tell) fictional, with historical figures like Patrick Pearse popping up regularly. The young female characters at the center of the show are particularly fascinating, and demonstrate a lot about how the rebellion intersected with challenges to traditional gender roles. I also like how firmly the show places the events in the context of World War I and the anxieties that came with it. And, of course, this has the usual strengths of a big-budget historical show, with gorgeous costumes, elaborate sets, and lots of family and romantic drama happening among the events of war.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Sundance has reruns on the schedule right now, but! My cable provider, at least, is putting the show on demand for anyone who has Sundance as part of their channel lineup, so check there.
Rebellion is about a group of people from various social strata and walks of life who get caught up in the Easter Rising and outbreak of hostilities between the Irish republicans and the British in 1916. The main characters are (so far as I can tell) fictional, with historical figures like Patrick Pearse popping up regularly. The young female characters at the center of the show are particularly fascinating, and demonstrate a lot about how the rebellion intersected with challenges to traditional gender roles. I also like how firmly the show places the events in the context of World War I and the anxieties that came with it. And, of course, this has the usual strengths of a big-budget historical show, with gorgeous costumes, elaborate sets, and lots of family and romantic drama happening among the events of war.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Sundance has reruns on the schedule right now, but! My cable provider, at least, is putting the show on demand for anyone who has Sundance as part of their channel lineup, so check there.
Morning Coffee (4/26/16)
ICYMI, I recommended two recent documentaries.
Me elsewhere: Monday's Daily Read.
‘He apparently had no fears’: The steep, unexpected downfall of Dennis Hastert (I can/can't believe how little everyone seems to care about this, honestly.)
"Syria is gradually becoming another more secretive, hybrid war of the sort that fits into Mr. Putin’s comfort zone, they said." It's good to know your strengths, I guess.
16-Year-Old Trans Boy Is Forcibly Removed From a Ted Cruz Rally
Why Americans Want a Military General in the White House (I was just talking about this with my brother, who's in the Army, and my position remains that Mattis just doesn't have enough name recognition to make any headway at this point. As to the general question, though, it strikes me that the fact that military officers have to pass history tests at least ensures a baseline understanding of the world, which would put them ahead of... several candidates this year.)
This investigation into Christian counseling residences Mercy Ministries is important and compelling.
Ooh, this is fascinating: 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, a Milestone of Foreign Reporting
Forget Too Much TV. It’s Too Big TV We Should Worry About
Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy is GREAT casting.
If you're wondering who's going to be in Twin Peaks, the answer is apparently everyone. (I should try to watch the original before this comes out, huh?)
Positions I Am Ready to Fill in Your Charming Beach Town
Me elsewhere: Monday's Daily Read.
‘He apparently had no fears’: The steep, unexpected downfall of Dennis Hastert (I can/can't believe how little everyone seems to care about this, honestly.)
"Syria is gradually becoming another more secretive, hybrid war of the sort that fits into Mr. Putin’s comfort zone, they said." It's good to know your strengths, I guess.
16-Year-Old Trans Boy Is Forcibly Removed From a Ted Cruz Rally
Why Americans Want a Military General in the White House (I was just talking about this with my brother, who's in the Army, and my position remains that Mattis just doesn't have enough name recognition to make any headway at this point. As to the general question, though, it strikes me that the fact that military officers have to pass history tests at least ensures a baseline understanding of the world, which would put them ahead of... several candidates this year.)
This investigation into Christian counseling residences Mercy Ministries is important and compelling.
Ooh, this is fascinating: 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, a Milestone of Foreign Reporting
Forget Too Much TV. It’s Too Big TV We Should Worry About
Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy is GREAT casting.
If you're wondering who's going to be in Twin Peaks, the answer is apparently everyone. (I should try to watch the original before this comes out, huh?)
Positions I Am Ready to Fill in Your Charming Beach Town
Monday, April 25, 2016
TV Recommendations: Shakespeare's Tomb & Vikings Unearthed
I don't pay as much attention to non-Sunday night PBS programming as I should - I love documentaries, so I don't know what my problem is - but recently two shows caught my eye and I'm very glad they did. They're both documentaries that combine traditional history and archaeology with new investigative methods made possible by SCIENCE!, and they're very well done.
Shakespeare's Tomb, hosted by the great Helen Castor, investigates, well, Shakespeare's tomb, and along with it the circumstances surrounding his death, his will, later rumors and myths about his skull, and more. They do some really incredible 3D scanning of a skull so that they can try to figure out whether it's Shakespeare's without disturbing the site where it was found, as well as tracing air pockets below the Shakespeare family's gravestones in the church floor to determine the configuration of their graves. You can watch it online here or check on demand or local listings - PBS varies a lot by local affiliate.
The second, Vikings Unearthed, was a BBC production aired as an episode of Nova, and it features historian Dan Snow, who you should be following on Twitter/Instagram, along with a bunch of other very interesting historians and archaeologists. They trace Viking expansion west, and specifically use satellite imaging to try to find undiscovered, buried Viking sites - including in North America. It's completely fascinating. Watch here or, again, check on demand or local listings for reruns.
Shakespeare's Tomb, hosted by the great Helen Castor, investigates, well, Shakespeare's tomb, and along with it the circumstances surrounding his death, his will, later rumors and myths about his skull, and more. They do some really incredible 3D scanning of a skull so that they can try to figure out whether it's Shakespeare's without disturbing the site where it was found, as well as tracing air pockets below the Shakespeare family's gravestones in the church floor to determine the configuration of their graves. You can watch it online here or check on demand or local listings - PBS varies a lot by local affiliate.
The second, Vikings Unearthed, was a BBC production aired as an episode of Nova, and it features historian Dan Snow, who you should be following on Twitter/Instagram, along with a bunch of other very interesting historians and archaeologists. They trace Viking expansion west, and specifically use satellite imaging to try to find undiscovered, buried Viking sites - including in North America. It's completely fascinating. Watch here or, again, check on demand or local listings for reruns.
Morning Coffee (4/25/16)
Ireland Seeks Peaceful Path to Marking 1916 Easter Rising
Nothing to see here, I'm sure: Russia’s New Human Rights Ombudsman Is Former Police General
Hmmmm: The U.S. government just withdrew its iPhone-unlocking case against Apple in New York
Heh: An Incomplete List of Topics J.K. Rowling and President Obama May Have Discussed
Ooh, fascinating: Triangles in the Sky Tell the Story of the Universe's Birth
This is what I'd expect from Bernie Ecclestone, but I'd hoped for better from Mario Andretti. For... some reason.
Meet the Association Upholding the Integrity of Instant Noodles
Researchers Discover Ancient Observations of a 1006 AD Supernova
Confession: I gave up keeping track of the current name of Lockhart Gardner etc. etc. years ago.
Amazing: Audubon Made Up At Least 28 Fake Species To Prank A Rival
Nothing to see here, I'm sure: Russia’s New Human Rights Ombudsman Is Former Police General
Hmmmm: The U.S. government just withdrew its iPhone-unlocking case against Apple in New York
Heh: An Incomplete List of Topics J.K. Rowling and President Obama May Have Discussed
Ooh, fascinating: Triangles in the Sky Tell the Story of the Universe's Birth
This is what I'd expect from Bernie Ecclestone, but I'd hoped for better from Mario Andretti. For... some reason.
Meet the Association Upholding the Integrity of Instant Noodles
Researchers Discover Ancient Observations of a 1006 AD Supernova
Confession: I gave up keeping track of the current name of Lockhart Gardner etc. etc. years ago.
Amazing: Audubon Made Up At Least 28 Fake Species To Prank A Rival
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Morning Coffee (4/24/16)
Trump Has Much in Common With Crazy-Haired Racist With Populist Appeal, Wants to Keep Him on the $20
Oh. John Kasich says DC residents can't vote because they vote for Democrats
A good thing to keep in mind: Google's ad business continues to prop up its experimental ventures
This Report on the Number of Upcoming Films Directed By Women Is Depressing as Hell
FASCINATING: The Making of a Hollywood Princess
Ooh, Scientology drama: How Lisa Marie Presley became Scientology leader David Miscavige’s worst nightmare
"Those who would call the Mormon transhumanists a cult face a major hurdle, which is that none of them ever seem to agree on anything."
A Two Million Year Old Explosion Is Raining Debris On Our Planet
This is great: I am Alex St. John’s Daughter, and He is Wrong About Women in Tech
Yay Target!
Oh. John Kasich says DC residents can't vote because they vote for Democrats
A good thing to keep in mind: Google's ad business continues to prop up its experimental ventures
This Report on the Number of Upcoming Films Directed By Women Is Depressing as Hell
FASCINATING: The Making of a Hollywood Princess
Ooh, Scientology drama: How Lisa Marie Presley became Scientology leader David Miscavige’s worst nightmare
"Those who would call the Mormon transhumanists a cult face a major hurdle, which is that none of them ever seem to agree on anything."
A Two Million Year Old Explosion Is Raining Debris On Our Planet
This is great: I am Alex St. John’s Daughter, and He is Wrong About Women in Tech
Yay Target!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Morning Coffee (4/23/16)
Surprise: New York Democrats Like the Democratic Party!
Everyone’s Reading Way Too Much Into Clinton’s Nonsexist VP Long List
What Is Sanders's Endgame?
Librarian of Congress: More than 140 Library, Non-Profits, and Others Send Letter to Congress Supporting Nomination of Dr. Carla Hayden
Awesome: Restaurant Promises to Rescue Female Diners on Bad Tinder Dates
"Women self-censor, edit, apologize for speaking. Men expound."
As someone endlessly fascinated by all sorts of planning and list-making strategies, I'm intrigued by Google Goals, and I love that their video explanation features a gay protagonist without making a huge point of it.
I am also intrigued by MightyTV - I'm downloading it as I type this - though less for the recommendations than for the way it searches across streaming services and finds things you and friends ALL want to watch.
I'm saving this to read when I'm caught up on The Americans but I hear it's really good and you should read it if you watch the show!
"Everything I’ve accomplished that I’m actually proud of was born of initial terror."
Everyone’s Reading Way Too Much Into Clinton’s Nonsexist VP Long List
What Is Sanders's Endgame?
Librarian of Congress: More than 140 Library, Non-Profits, and Others Send Letter to Congress Supporting Nomination of Dr. Carla Hayden
Awesome: Restaurant Promises to Rescue Female Diners on Bad Tinder Dates
"Women self-censor, edit, apologize for speaking. Men expound."
As someone endlessly fascinated by all sorts of planning and list-making strategies, I'm intrigued by Google Goals, and I love that their video explanation features a gay protagonist without making a huge point of it.
I am also intrigued by MightyTV - I'm downloading it as I type this - though less for the recommendations than for the way it searches across streaming services and finds things you and friends ALL want to watch.
I'm saving this to read when I'm caught up on The Americans but I hear it's really good and you should read it if you watch the show!
"Everything I’ve accomplished that I’m actually proud of was born of initial terror."
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