This week’s stories include techno, New Zealand, relationships, background music and doodles.
The Atlantic
Posted inEditor's Pick
What 100 Million Volts Do to the Body and Mind
“The odds of being struck by lightning in America in a given year are one in 1.2 million. How does the experience reorient a person’s sense of chance, of fate?”
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Weather-Changing Conspiracy Theory That Will Never End
“Why are some people convinced that nefarious experiments are happening in the distant Alaskan wilderness?”
Posted inTop 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
In this edition: Lost soul, copy that, missing beats, muzzled watchdogs, and a ramblin’ man.
Posted inEditor's Pick
California’s Deadliest Avalanche Turned on One Choice
“Why did a group of 15 skiers take a risky route on a dangerous day?”
Posted inEditor's Pick
America Isn’t Ready for What AI Will Do to Jobs
“Does anyone have a plan for what happens next?”
Posted inTop 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
In this edition: Bezos, paper, scissors; feast or famine; one reason to stay here; any way you slice it; the real Winter Olympics, and more.
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Murder of ‘The Washington Post’
“Today’s layoffs are the latest attempt to kill what makes the paper special.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
I Tried to Be the Government. It Did Not Go Well.
“My five-month quest to monitor the weather, track inflation, and inspect milk for harmful microorganisms.”