Resting ranch face

Israel has reportedly killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza since the alleged ceasefire in October. / The New Arab

For the first time in 110 days, ships are crossing the Strait of Hormuz after being marooned. / The Associated Press

The biggest short-term variable in the agreement between Iran and the White House? The conflict in Lebanon. / Foreign Exchanges

Gold prices are so high that luxury watches are being melted for their metal—especially Omegas and TAG Heuers, apparently. / Reuters

On almost every issue in the US, a supermajority of the country “appears to coalesce around one stance or the other.” / Wake Up to Politics

Fifa doesn’t want people to know that it was easy to attend the England match in Dallas sans thousand-dollar tickets. / The Guardian

Related: “I Could've Rickrolled the Entire FIFA World Cup. All I Needed Was My ID.” / bobdahacker

Some social-media examples of World Cup visitors discovering ranch dressing and Waffle House. / Instagram

Oren Weisfeld: When athletes get little to no privacy on or off the court, it’s no wonder they shrink away from the media. / Poynter

See also: A walking tour through New York City’s privately owned public spaces. / Ridgeline

Who knew? Blaise Pascal started the world’s first “true” bus service with fixed routes, regular service, and fares. / Works in Progress

Photographs and tips from a hiker’s guide to a new long-distance walk in Japan. / Field Mag

Collages made from thousands of odd images found on Wikipedia. Also, an illustrated guide to chili peppers. / Wiki Spy, Notes From the Road

An oral history of the music scene in Athens, Ga. / Garden & Gun