April 5, 2017

Seattle starts to dismantle its NIMBY power structure, and old neighborhood groups are right to feel threatened. / The C Is for Crank

“It is tragic that the US is so dangerous, but it’s not the fault of the healthcare system; indeed, it’s an extra burden that US healthcare spending must bear.” When we ignore America’s propensity for violent and accidental death, the US goes right to the top of global life expectancy rankings. / Adam Smith Institute

From 2016, Stephen Wiltshire, the renowned architectural artist, draws a Mexico City mural from memory. / stephenwiltshire.co.uk

See also: Wiltshire draws New York City after a 20-minute helicopter ride. / The New York Times

High school principal resigns after students at the school paper uncover inconsistencies in her credentials. / The Kansas City Star

Your midweek white paper: The research on whether smartphones make us dumber is inconclusive for now. / Frontiers in Psychology

“The true merit of post-truthism is its narrative coherence—an easy consistency that the behemoth of data spouted at us by the mainstream media frustratingly lacks.” The “post-factual” turn noted and lamented by Western media is natural, explains an economist who grew up in Chavista Venezeula. / Politico

Welsh artist Cerith Wyn Evans hangs over a mile of bright neon inside the Tate Britain. / This Is Colossal

The risk of a Russia-NATO war is going down mostly because Moscow has shifted tactics on several fronts. / The Interpreter

Oldie but goodie: The reason British pop singers sound American when they record is the Beatles. / Slate

Get your time-lapse photography of brilliantly colored coral while you still can. / The New York Times

“This could be my last will and testament in language.” Why Charles Johnson writes as if he’s about to die. / New England Review

“The economic successes of China and some other countries may have helped create an underlying crisis of confidence in liberal ideas and values.” An op-ed argues that China’s rise is making authoritarianism look more attractive. See: “If I look back at the 20th century, I am struck by the pull exerted by powerful governing ideologies, even when those systems were evil or failing.” / Bloomberg

Escalator travel is more efficient when people stand, not walk—but good luck teaching America differently. / New York Times