June 29, 2017
Trump can’t get enough textbook paternalistic sexism: this time calling out an Irish reporter for her looks. / Twitter/Caitriona Perry
“Serena Williams competes in women’s tennis and is the best there ever was. End of discussion. She would not beat Nadal. She would also lose a race to Usain Bolt, a fight to Ronda Rousey, and regatta in the America’s Cup. And so what?” John McEnroe’s recent dumb remarks about Serena Williams ignore the idea that athletes can compete in different classes—boxers, for example—but may be part of a larger desire to play her sometime. / Sports Illustrated
Brief profile of Sydney Ireland, a 16-year-old girl who’s been an off-the-books Boy Scout since she was four. / Outside Magazine
In praise of technology that never quite caught on: the “pedestrian catcher,” a 1930s invention, intended to cut down on traffic deaths. / Atlas Obscura, CityLab
After 160 days in office, Trump throws a fundraiser—and raises about $10 million—for his 2020 reelection campaign. / Politico
Trump’s travel ban goes into effect, allowing visitors from six countries to be denied without “bona fide” US ties. / Bloomberg
Your Thursday history lesson: Remembering the 1840s unrest known as “the Rebecca riots,” with farmers in drag. / The Wales Arts Review
Recent cyberattacks were perpetrated with hacking tools stolen from the NSA, which has been silent about it all. / The New York Times
Atul Gawande on the Senate GOP’s health-care bill: “The trade-offs here are indefensible.” / The New Yorker
“I don’t have tools for silence and never thought to make them.” Ten minutes in silence with Paul Ford. / Track Changes
Western States, the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race, has started drug testing athletes. / The New York Times
The history behind the short-lived Wrigley Ocean Marathon is a tale of hucksterism, hyperbole, and brown-nosing. / Sports Illustrated
Californians will no longer face losing their driver’s licenses because of unpaid traffic fines. / Associated Press
“I’m sure you’ll agree with me,’ Debussy wrote to Durand, ‘that there’s no need to make technical exercises over-somber just to appear more serious; a little charm never spoiled anything.” A profile of Claude Debussy’s final piano masterpiece doles out creative advice for almost anybody. / The American Scholar
The record for hottest day is 129 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s also how hot it was in Ahvaz, Iran today. / Washington Post
A publicity stunt of sorts, but interesting nevertheless: A tatami-style Starbucks opens in Kyoto. / Spoon & Tamago