We need social warming
Twelve experts offer thoughts on how to avoid war with China over Taiwan, or anywhere else. / Foreign Policy
Related: What we know on day 317 of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. / The Guardian
An online black market for Covid-19 drugs is said to be thriving in China. / rest of world
David Wallace-Wells: The United States never had Covid lockdowns, and other pandemic misunderstandings. / The New York Times
While a handful of Republicans continue to deny McCarthy's House speakership, the Jan. 6 panel releases a detailed picture of their part in Trump's scheme. / Politico
Fifty-something GOP representatives have appeared on CNN this week, anxious to get their messages out. / Reliable Sources
Many people think Chicago is in a spiral of decline; instead, it may offer a model for other American cities to follow. / The Economist
A large study finds drinking two or more coffees daily may double the risk of heart death in people with severe hypertension. / American Heart Association
See also: Almost everything with a "truffle" label available in stores or served in restaurants is probably a fraud. / Taste Atlas
From October, the argument and data for saying we're in a "social recession"—fewer friendships, less sex, delayed adulthood, etc. / Novum
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, teenage stars of 1968's Romeo & Juliet, are suing Paramount for sexual exploitation. / Variety
Ted Gioia on the successful return of Barnes & Noble: "At first glance, this makes no sense." / The Honest Broker
Author James Patterson, who has no interest in retiring, has 30-something books going at any given time. / GQ
Report from a budding surf scene in Southeast Alaska. And a report on the attractiveness of doors at Antarctica's McMurdo Station. / The Cleanest Line, brr
See also: A diary about what it's like to live for six months at a wolf sanctuary. / Catapult
And now a brief chat with a new supporter, Alison M.!
Alison, you found us through the Tournament of Books (our other big project besides this newsletter), is that right? I think I idly followed some of the ToB reviews starting a couple of years ago, but this year I wanted to read more new books as they come out, rather than at the end of the year when everyone publishes the "best of" lists. I like the ToB's curated list, and having a (somewhat arbitrary) deadline helps since I'm a serial procrastinator, even on things I enjoy. Now I'm working through some of this year's shortlist in the hopes of having finished many of them by March so I can swear loudly when the reviewer picks the wrong book for any given round.
Terrific! Swearing loudly is very much in the Rooster spirit. If you don't mind us asking, any particular reason you decided to become a Sustaining Member today? I saw the message on the shortlist page about how TMN and the ToB take time and money to run, and I figured it was time for me to pony up some cash. I'm glad I stumbled on the ToB and hope that it continues to exist.
Thanks so much, Alison! 🐎
And if you've got a minute, please consider supporting TMN by becoming a Sustaining Member or donating via PayPal, crypto, or Venmo (open in app).
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Your headlines are sourced and written by Andrew Womack and Rosecrans Baldwin, Monday through Saturday. View this edition and the latest headlines at TMN.