July 24, 2017
“When people teach you about the things they really care about, there is usually a lot to learn.” Perri Klauss explains why it’s beneficial for children to enjoy adult entertainment, as long as it’s properly and joyfully explained. The basic lesson being: don’t dumb down Shakespeare for your children—smarten them up to enjoy it properly. / The New York Times
The history of avocado toast, from 1930s coffee shops in Los Angeles to Australia, to today’s era of “peak toast.” / Bon Appétit
Major effects found when students are taught with “adaptive learning” software in the classroom. / The Economist
A surprisingly effective—and cost-effective—way to curb deforestation: pay people to not cut down their trees. / The Atlantic
Some scary stuff here. How many deaths does it take to make a natural disaster newsworthy for TV networks? / Our World in Data
“I feel like we all wear the same shoes... of course, I went through a huge Dansko phase... They’re a classic hippie-ceramist studio shoe.” What you need to own and wear to pass as a nouveau hippie ceramist. / The Strategist
Children in Cameroon are much better than German kids at self-control, likely because of parenting styles. / Goats and Soda
“American servicemembers are defending a nation of laws, not of men. Their obligation to obey the orders of their superiors does not include orders that are palpably illegal.” A thoughtful look at a tricky question: When can an American soldier legally disobey an order? / War on the Rocks
An Australian surf magazine tows a 100-foot dock and six professional surfers into the middle of a Balinese lineup. / stabmag.com
Despite its alleged “contagious sex scenes,” Lipstick Under My Burkha wins the war against India’s censors. / The Guardian
Word of the day: “Brosectomy,” a vasectomy with friends, couches, snacks, big-screen TV, and liquor. / The Wall Street Journal
In case you missed it last week, here’s a video of the selfie that knocked over $200,000 worth of art—in this case crowns, part of Simon Birch’s Hypercaine. / Creators