What if this week I shared everything I have lingering on my “to-read” list? And by “list” I mean the many open tabs on my work and personal browsers.
In a perfect world I would read all these (or finish them beyond the headline, subhead or intro graf), but here we are. Between the Jewish high holidays (happy new year!) and planning for a monthlong Brasil trip (Oi! Tudo bem?) these are staying unread for now.
A lot of these are meatier pieces (some look fun, don’t be discouraged!) that I want to dedicate time to reading and thoughtfully processing. Maybe you have that time! There’s also some videos for the more visual among us.
Education
The Instagram Account That Shattered a California High School (New York Times Magazine)
Dashka Slater is an incredible journalist/storyteller from her reporting on a scary incident on the 57 bus in Oakland.
Charts show UC admissions rates for every high school in California (SF Chronicle)
A data dump.
I Secretly Let ChatGPT Take My Final Exam (Slate via Apple News)
This one I read every word from a Vanderbilt computer science professor. Because what if most of us humans are unnecessary soon? (We aren’t, but getting there!)
Culture
My So-Called #TradWife Life (Elle)
I really enjoy Anne Helen Petersen’s newsletter so of course I want to read an experiential magazine article from her! She lived like a “stay-at-home girlfriend” for a week and these were the results.
’Search Engine’ Is the Spiritual Successor to ‘Reply All’ (Vulture)
I miss “Reply All” and PJ Vogt’s “Search Engine” somewhat does the trick, but not fully.
The Frothy Saga of the Jacuzzi Family (New York Times)
Jacuzzi as in the hot pool! Immigrant family drama! I love it. I want to read it.
Switched at Birth, Two Canadians Discover Their Roots at 67 (New York Times)
You know I love a good switched at birth/genetics discovery story.
Lost Illusions: The Untold Story of the Hit Show’s Poisonous Culture (Vanity Fair)
So long, but I started this piece because just like “Lost” I loved the show at first but then lost interest!
Self Improvement
100 Tips for a Better Life (LessWrong)
Self explanatory why I want to really go through this list. What a promise!
How to Clean Your Fan or Air Conditioner (Wirecutter)
Seems like a good life skill.
🍿 Video Intermission 🍿
A Mix of Intensities In Descending Order
What People Misunderstand About Rape (New York Times Magazine)
Filthy pets. An amputated leg. Inside alleged ‘absolute neglect’ at Wag Hotels (SF Chronicle)
We can’t afford to be climate doomers (Guardian)
An opinion piece on the climate crisis from my UC Berkeley J-school graduation speaker, Rebecca Solnit.
The Death Cult of the American Car (American Prospect)
How Podcaster Andrew Huberman Got America to Care About Science (Time)
Next week we’ll be back with the usual links that I’ve read. Keep it up!