In this edition: the jaws of history; war and piece(s); the last day of camp; stay a while; picture me rollin’.
The Guardian
‘They’re Gonna Make Me Cry’: I Competed at a Speed Puzzling Championship
“You might think of puzzling as leisurely, but it’s now a sport. I entered a national competition and discovered a passionate community.”
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
In this edition: a father’s grief; a commuter’s concern; a decision’s consequences; a teen’s hobby; and a sports fan’s hidden haven.
AI Got the Blame for the Iran School Bombing. The Truth is Far More Worrying
“LLMs-gone-rogue dominated coverage, but had nothing to do with the targeting. Instead, it was choices made by human beings, over many years, that gave us this atrocity.”
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Showcasing stories from Megan O’Grady, Alexander Sammon, Alaina Demopoulos, Blair Braverman, and Jack Crosbie.
Women Are Being Abandoned by Their Partners on Hiking Trails. What’s Behind ‘Alpine Divorce’?
“As stories of men leaving their dates in ‘sketchy situations’ go viral, experts say these incidents could stem from big egos and poor communication.”
Where Duolingo Falls Down: How I Learned to Speak Welsh With My Mother
“Once violently defended from extinction, Welsh is still a part of daily life. By learning my family’s language, I hoped to join their conversation.”
My Dad Made the Biggest Jewelled Egg in the World. The Obsession Would Destroy his Marriage, Family and Fortune
“The mad venture – which my mother nicknamed ‘your father’s ego’ – would swallow my childhood.”
Teacher v Chatbot: My Journey Into the Classroom in the Age Of AI
“Throwing AI into the mix felt like downing a coffee in the middle of a panic attack.”
Inside Voice: What Can Our Thoughts Reveal About the Nature of Consciousness?
“Scientists and philosophers studying the mind have discovered how little we know about our inner experiences.”
