13 Great Stories That Have Nothing to Do With Politics - New York Times
Welcome to Our Picks, a guide to the best stuff to read, watch and listen to from around the internet. Check this space for the must-read long-form article, the next great podcast for your commute, the news-making tweetstorm. And yes, we’re also tooting our own horn here. We’ll share can’t-miss Times stories from the week and reveal some gems you might have overlooked.
We want to hear from you! Send us feedback about our selections to ourpicks@nytimes.com.
Weekend Long Reads
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Todd Heisler/The New York Times
• There is a $2-million chest of treasures hidden somewhere in the Rockies. To find it, you’ll have to decipher a cryptic poem, outwit a legion of online sleuths, and carry a very large can of bear spray. [Vox]
• You can rent a car, you can rent a dress, and now, you can rent a dog. One company is even cornering the market on financing purebred leases. [Bloomberg]
• The town of Whiteclay, Neb., has a population of 12 people, a total of four liquor stores and a massive impact on a neighboring Indian reservation where alcohol is illegal. An ambitious reporting project by the students of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications tells the full story. [Wounds of Whiteclay]
• On the internet, anything is possible. Including getting thousands of people to watch grass grow. Literally. [Southwest Magazine]
Quick Reads
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Mike Blake/Reuters
• Our Sunday Review section has argued that it’s likely you’ll marry the wrong person. However, if you refuse to give up on the search for true love, you’ll want to brush up on your math skills. One mathematician explains how the “optimal stopping formula” can help you decide when it’s time to stop dating and settle down. [Ted]
• In the tumult of the Oscars fiasco, “Moonlight” writer-director Barry Jenkins didn’t get to make the speech he planned on. Here’s what he would have said. [The Hollywood Reporter]
From The New York Times
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David J. Phillip/Associated Press
• Ban the mound visits, kill the kiss cam, silence “Sweet Caroline,” forbid the tugging of nether regions. Our sports desk invited reporters and readers to propose how Major League Baseball could fix America’s favorite pastime; here are the best of the nearly 3,000 responses, and the best of the rest.
• Airlines are working on making food and beer that taste better at 30,000 feet, compensating for the changes that affect your sense of taste in the air. (In the meantime, at high altitudes, stick with a Bloody Mary.)
• Two new books explore why a walk in the park makes us happier, healthier and more creative, and the history of women enjoying an aimless city stroll. (Maybe now is a good time for you to take a walk?)
• “Is this your grandson?” “No, honey. He’s my friend.” If you haven’t yet read last week’s Modern Love, which readers have called “sweet,” “gorgeous” and “a dose of lovely,” don’t miss your chance. (Oh, and read this just-published one, too — grab the tissues.)
What We’re Watching
• One intrepid YouTuber has tried scores of old food from military rations and uploaded his reviews for our viewing pleasure. But it’s not just a gross stunt. Steve1989 serves up a side of fascinating military history with each vacuum-sealed meal. We recommend starting with this review of a ration meant for U.S. soldiers fighting in Vietnam. Just don’t watch it during your lunch break. [YouTube]
• A 99-year-old man just beat out his 92-year-old opponent in a 60-meter race. In our book, they’re both winners. [New York Post]
What We’re Listening To
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David Ramos/Getty Images
• Subtitles for foreign-language podcasts? It can be done! Radio Atlas collects outstanding audio from around the world and produces simple, English-text videos to accompany the content. We recommend starting with this award-winning radio feature about Argentina’s 2001 economic crisis. It weaves together songs, street sounds and interviews to deliver a sonic collage of a country in turmoil. [“Robbery”: Radio Atlas]
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