The Age of Instagram Face
A look at how at the strange phenomenon whereby “social media, FaceTune, and plastic surgery” has resulted in “a single, cyborgian look” becoming predominant in fashion, entertainment, and media. https://bit.ly/ny-cyborgian
Icebound: The climate-change secrets of 19th century ship’s logbooks
A story looking at what we can learn from historical climate records, in this case the log books of 19th-century vessels.
The False Romance of Russia
A story about American right’s somewhat surprising love affair with Russia.
We spent 10 years talking to people. Here’s what it taught us about Britain
A review of a decade of vox pops across Britain, asking ordinary people what they think about politics and more.
Chaos at the Top of the World
The story of a tragic day on Mount Everest, and the factors that contributed to it.
I Worked for Alex Jones. I Regret It.
A conflicted former staffer reports from ringside seats with the far-right controversialist Alex Jones.
Reading in the Age of Constant Distraction
A meditative piece on the value of reading books, in comparison with our digital lives – “the internet, is a nowhere space, a shallow time. It is a flat and impenetrable surface. But with a book, we dive in; we are sucked in; we are immersed, body and soul.”
Libra’s biggest problem? Facebook
A look at the travails at Facebook’s proposed alternative financial system.
The bonkers, bristly story of how big toothbrush took over the world
This article on the banal topic of toothbrushes proves illuminating on the subject of consumer goods pricing, socio-economic factors in public health outcomes, and the sometimes blurry lines between scientific research and PR.
Big Tech’s Big Defector
The story of a Silicon Valley cheerleader, and significant investor, turned vocal critic.