July 11, 2017
Amazon disputes a domestic violence news story that claims Alexa called 911, saying its device can’t do that. / BuzzFeed
Based on your age, find out how many solar eclipses you have a shot at seeing in your lifetime. / The Washington Post
A close read of Trump Jr.’s words and actions so far don’t reveal overt collusion—but do show a willingness for it. / The Atlantic
A timeline of events, tweets—and a Russian pop music video—covering the Trump-Moscow relationship to date. / The Washington Post
“There is no need to overstate the evidence, particularly when it feeds a paralyzing narrative of doom and hopelessness.” One of the scientists interviewed for that terrifying climate-change article rebuts some of its claims. / Facebook
Reports of UFO sightings decreased with the proliferation of cameraphones—or maybe no one’s looking up anymore. / Inverse
China to crack down on the VPNs its people have been using to access blocked websites and social media. / The Verge
The CDC wants movies depicting cigarettes to receive an “R” rating, citing evidence it increases smoking rates. / The New York Times
Recalling the social and political uproar in the late ’70s over the discovery that some seagulls are lesbians. / Quartz
Defense Secretary James Mattis talks history and diplomacy with his high-school newspaper. / Mercer Island High School Islander
Apple’s bounties for ultra-rare security bugs go unclaimed—it can’t match what hackers get on the black market. / Motherboard
“The box is pink, but the cards are exactly the same as the original Cards Against Humanity. Sooo random.” Cards Against Humanity—For Her! (It costs $5 more.) / Cards Against Humanity
“The paths taken by Apple and Google manifest alternative answers to one of the main questions facing capitalism today: What should public companies do with all of the money that they’re making?” Apple sends cash to shareholders, while Google hoards it. Recirculating cash is good, but pushing companies to max short-term profits can be bad. / The Atlantic
Happy #primeday! When you buy books from indies, you’re investing in the future of ideas. / The Morning News
Fearing their safety, female astronomers of color skip professional events, but their concerns fall on deaf ears. / BuzzFeed
Causing dismay among celiac Catholics—both priests and parishioners—the Vatican passes on gluten-free communion. / The New York Times
“Pride and Prejudice is a classic human-merger story about rich people overcoming a series of terrible obstacles to triumph in the end by marrying their own kind. This book was written by a girl.” Donald Trump, Jr., reviews famous works of literature. / McSweeney’s Internet Tendency