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55My Year as a Degenerate Sports Gambler
This *Atlantic* article details the author's year-long journey into online sports gambling, charting his wins, losses, and descent into addiction. The piece explores the predatory nature of sports betting apps and their impact on individuals and society.
The People Who Shun Super-Popular Pop Culture
The author describes a personal aversion to engaging with pop culture that is excessively hyped. This resistance is framed as a deliberate choice to seek out more niche or less mainstream forms of entertainment and media.
The Blurry Line Between Protein Bar and Candy Bar
The Atlantic article explores the blurred lines between protein bars and candy bars, highlighting how many protein bars are essentially candy bars in disguise. It suggests Americans are consuming these bars under the illusion of health, despite their often high sugar and processed ingredient content.
Robyn Is Still Dancing on Her Own
In this profile, *The Atlantic* explores the evolving artistry of Swedish pop musician Robyn, highlighting her first album in eight years as she grapples with themes of motherhood and desire in midlife. The article delves into Robyn's career, her approach to music, and her personal reflections on the passage of time.
AI Isn't Coming for Everyone's Job
Referencing the history of the player piano, this Atlantic article argues that artificial intelligence will not replace human workers as the economy will likely continue to value labor machines cannot provide. The author contends that human work involves interpersonal connection and judgment, which AI cannot replicate.
Imagine Losing Your Job to the Mere Possibility of AI
The Atlantic reports on companies preemptively laying off employees based on the *possibility* of future AI capabilities, even when current AI technology isn't yet ready to replace those workers. This trend is driven by executives eager to appear innovative and cut costs, despite the lack of tangible AI-driven productivity gains.
Work is Four Letters
The author reflects on the negative connotations of "work" and its association with drudgery and lack of freedom, despite it being central to many people's lives. The essay touches on topics from productivity to identity, while weaving in mentions of literature, film, and fashion.
The Atlantic’s Elizabeth Bruenig on her “hypothetical,” heavily reported measles essay
Nieman Journalism Lab interviews Elizabeth Bruenig of *The Atlantic* about her in-progress, heavily reported essay on measles. Bruenig discusses the challenges of writing about a disease progression in detail, aiming for a granular play-by-play account.
Insider Trading Is Going to Get People Killed
An article in The Atlantic argues that prediction markets, particularly those related to war and national security, present a significant threat. The author contends that insider trading on platforms like Polymarket could lead to dangerous real-world consequences, potentially costing lives.
Pete Hegseth Treats Fallen American Soldiers as a PR Problem
The Atlantic criticizes Pete Hegseth for using the deaths of American soldiers in Iran to attack the media. Hegseth's approach is deemed disgraceful, turning tragedy into a public relations opportunity.
The Sickening Fairy Tale of Yasmin Hanani
The Atlantic reviews the season four finale of HBO's *Industry*, focusing on Yasmin Hanani's arc and the show's depiction of interconnected crime and power dynamics within the financial world. The review emphasizes how *Industry* makes a point about how power works.
Alden Global Capital, the Hedge Fund Killing Newspapers
The article profiles Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund known for acquiring and drastically cutting costs at newspapers, often leading to their decline. It details their business practices and impact on local journalism, arguing that their approach is detrimental to the industry and communities they serve.
Boredom Is the Price We Pay for Meaning
The author reflects on the boredom experienced as a new father and concludes that boredom is the price one pays for meaning. Parenthood involves monotonous tasks, but those tasks contribute to a life rich in love and purpose.
Inside Anthropic’s Killer-Robot Dispute With the Pentagon
The Atlantic reports on Anthropic's disagreement with the Pentagon over the use of its AI technology, Claude, in military applications. Anthropic drew a line at allowing Claude to be used in autonomous weapons systems, leading to a dispute over where to draw ethical boundaries in AI development for defense.
The Edge of Mathematics
In an interview with *The Atlantic*, mathematician Terence Tao discusses the potential of generative AI to assist in mathematical research, particularly in areas like hypothesis generation and problem-solving. He acknowledges potential risks, such as the spread of misinformation and the deskilling of human mathematicians, but ultimately views AI as a valuable tool if used responsibly and ethically.
The Blurry Line Between Protein Bar and Candy Bar
Many protein bars on the market today are essentially candy bars in disguise. They share similar ingredients and nutritional profiles, leading consumers to eat highly processed foods while thinking they are making a healthy choice.
Young Men Aren’t the Only Ones Struggling
An Atlantic piece argues that young women are experiencing a harder time than young men due to societal pressures and the performative nature of social media. They face competing expectations around career success, motherhood, and traditional gender roles, leading to an identity crisis.
The Trump Administration’s Complicated Love for Animals
During the Trump administration, some animal species were used to embody nationalist fervor, while others were targeted by policies that damaged their populations and habitats. Domestic pets like dogs and cats found favor, though.
Young Men Aren’t the Only Ones Struggling
The Atlantic article explores the identity struggles of young women, particularly within the context of social media pressures, societal expectations, and evolving gender roles. It suggests that young women may be facing even greater challenges than young men in defining their identities and navigating modern life.
The Accidental Winners of the War on Higher Ed
The article posits that small liberal arts colleges are surprisingly well-positioned to thrive despite challenges facing higher education. These institutions offer personalized instruction and close-knit communities, attracting students seeking alternatives to large universities or vocational programs.
How Bad Bunny Did It
This article in *The Atlantic* examines Bad Bunny's cultural significance as a Super Bowl headliner who doesn't cater to English-speaking audiences. It explores his impact on mainstream culture and the music industry.
The Growing Belief in ‘Love at First Sight’
The Atlantic explores the apparent resurgence of belief in "love at first sight," positing it may be a reaction to current dating trends. The article touches on how ideas around destiny and romance are changing.
This Is How a Child Dies of Measles
The article recounts the story of a child in Romania who died of measles in 2016. It underscores the preventable nature of measles deaths through vaccination and how misinformation impacts parents' decisions regarding their children's health.
The Longevity Scam
The article criticizes the increasing commercialization of "longevity medicine," arguing that many of its promises are overblown and that the science behind it is often weak. It highlights the financial incentives driving the industry and raises concerns about the potential for exploitation of consumers.
The KD Files
KDFiles.com provides a curated list of links to long-form articles across various topics. It functions as a case file tracker organizing stories from publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Stratechery.
Hitler’s Greenland Obsession
In an excerpt from her book, *Hitler's Winter,* Caroline Fraser details Adolf Hitler's fascination with Greenland during World War II. Hitler's interest in Greenland was driven by its strategic location and potential resources, and he envisioned exploiting the territory after creating economic trouble with tariffs.
Unsung - Waxy.org
This blog post from Waxy.org provides a collection of various news, cultural observations, and internet ephemera from the past week. It covers a wide range of topics, including AI, sports, media, business, and various cultural trends.
American Kids Used to Eat Everything
An Atlantic article explores the historical shift in American children's eating habits, contrasting their current pickiness with the diverse diets of their 19th-century counterparts who consumed wild plants and organ meats. The piece delves into the factors contributing to this change, including the industrialization of food production and evolving cultural preferences.
Why Europe Is Talking About Nuclear Weapons
The article discusses the increasing conversation around nuclear weapons in Europe due to declining confidence in American protection. It highlights the need for Europe to consider its own deterrence capabilities as a collective.
How YouTube Ate Podcasts and TV
This Atlantic podcast episode, "How YouTube Ate Podcasts and TV," explores the dominance of short-form video content, particularly on YouTube, and its impact on traditional media like podcasts and television. It suggests short-form video is even affecting reading habits.
The Epstein Emails Show How the Powerful Talk About Race
Recently released emails from Jeffrey Epstein reveal his interest in "race science" and how influential figures discussed race. The emails include correspondence with individuals such as Steven Pinker, Noam Chomsky, and Elon Musk.
Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong
The Atlantic article discusses how Minnesota has resisted certain anti-immigrant policies, specifically those pushed by ICE, and highlights the pushback against these policies. It argues that Minnesota's experience challenges assumptions about immigration enforcement and community resistance.
Siri, Cortana, Alexa: Why Do So Many Digital Assistants Have Feminine Names?
The Atlantic article explores why digital assistants like Siri, Cortana, and Alexa are given feminine names. The author suggests it reflects societal biases that associate women with subservient roles.
David Zipper
David Zipper is a technology and urban policy expert. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Taubman Center and a contributing writer at *The Atlantic*.
Ideas
The Atlantic's Ideas section features articles and essays that delve into a variety of topics, including politics, technology, and culture. The content aims to provide in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives on current events and societal trends.
The Atlantic’s Sarah Zhang on covering the science and emotion of being human
This Nieman Lab article features an interview with Sarah Zhang of The Atlantic, discussing her approach to science journalism and how she incorporates both scientific facts and human emotions in her reporting. Zhang emphasizes the impact of physical condition on our thinking, bridging the gap between science and the human experience.
This Is How a Child Dies of Measles
The Atlantic details the harrowing course of a measles infection in an unvaccinated child, emphasizing how individual choices can contribute to outbreaks. The piece underscores the dangers of misinformation surrounding vaccines and the tragic consequences of opting out of immunization.
This Is How a Child Dies of Measles
The article recounts the tragic story of a child who died from measles, framing it within the context of broader discussions about vaccine hesitancy and public health. It highlights the vulnerability of unvaccinated individuals and the potential consequences of outbreaks.
America Isn’t Ready for What AI Will Do to Jobs
The Atlantic article analyzes the potential impact of AI on the labor market, questioning whether America is prepared for the widespread job displacement that may occur. It urges policymakers and businesses to proactively plan for the coming changes to mitigate negative consequences.
How America Got So Sick
The article in The Atlantic discusses how the health of a nation is connected to the health of its democracy. It explores the complex relationship between public health and societal structures in America.
Galaxy Brain: The Manosphere Breaks Containment
The Atlantic's podcast, Galaxy Brain, discusses the rise of extremist content within the 'manosphere' and its exploitation of algorithms. The episode explores how these communities are becoming increasingly uncontained and influential online.
Should You Buy a Newspaper or a Yacht?
This edition of *The Atlantic*'s newsletter satirically advises Jeff Bezos on whether to invest in The Washington Post or purchase a yacht, referencing recent layoffs at the newspaper. It also covers diverse topics such as AI models, generative AI ethics, and cultural trends, including fashion, sports, and social media.
The Sports Section With Swagger
The *Atlantic* reflects on the recent gutting of *The Washington Post*'s sports section, lamenting the loss of a training ground for many talented journalists. The author reminisces about the section's unique culture and its legacy of producing top-tier talent.
The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books
An Atlantic article explores the declining ability of elite college students to deeply read and comprehend books. It posits that a lack of consistent reading in high school contributes to this deficiency, impacting their college-level academic performance.
Stop Meeting Students Where They Are
An Atlantic article discusses the author's experience as a professor and the positive impact of re-introducing challenging reading materials to students. The piece advocates for holding students to higher academic standards rather than lowering expectations.
Is Trump’s TV Lying to Him?
This edition of The Atlantic's newsletter delves into the potential echo chamber surrounding Donald Trump, suggesting that biased media consumption could lead to distorted perceptions and policy decisions. It explores the implications of Trump's reliance on specific television networks for information and how this might affect his understanding of reality.
Has Trump Lost the Physical Stamina for the Presidency?
The Atlantic's newsletter questions whether Donald Trump possesses the physical stamina required for the presidency. The newsletter highlights observable signs suggesting a decline in his physical capacity.
Charles Fain Lehman, The Atlantic
This is an author page for Charles Fain Lehman at The Atlantic. He is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a senior editor of City Journal.
Catherine O’Hara Found the Eccentric in Anyone
This article from The Atlantic is an obituary for actress Catherine O'Hara, focusing on her comedic talent and ability to find the eccentric in any role. It specifically mentions her performance in the film *Home Alone*.
The Accidental Winners of the War on Higher Ed
The article argues that small liberal arts colleges are surprisingly well-positioned to weather the challenges facing higher education, while larger, more prestigious universities may face greater difficulties. It highlights their strong alumni networks and personalized learning environments as key advantages in a changing educational landscape.
The Murder of The Washington Post
The Atlantic article "The Murder of The Washington Post" discusses the recent layoffs at The Washington Post and their impact on the newspaper's identity and quality. The piece criticizes the decisions made under Jeff Bezos' ownership, suggesting they are detrimental to the paper's core values.
The Unsettling Rise of AI Real-Estate Slop
The Atlantic article discusses the growing trend of using AI to generate images for real estate listings, highlighting the unsettling and sometimes disturbing results. It explores how these AI-generated images can feel scam-like and contribute to a sense of unease in the market.
Donald Trump Has Built a Clicktatorship
Donald Trump's communication style has transformed political discourse into a constant stream of viral-ready content, a phenomenon the author calls a 'clicktatorship'. This approach has blurred the lines between governance and social media engagement, as even official budget proposals now resemble Truth Social posts.
The Longevity Influencer Who Went Into ‘Withdrawal’ Without Jeffrey Epstein
The Atlantic reports on Peter Attia, a longevity influencer, and his connection to the Jeffrey Epstein files. The article explores Attia's public presence and the impact of the Epstein association on his brand.
How Jeff Bezos Brought Down the Washington Post
Ruth Marcus analyzes the impact of Jeff Bezos's 2013 acquisition of The Washington Post and the recent layoffs at the newspaper. The article explores the changes, challenges, and overall effect of Bezos's ownership on the Post's staff and operations.