Pocket Future

Pocket-Worthy Reads

Stories to fuel your mind

Truly*Adventurous

Maria Quiteria, the Revolutionary

The secret fight of Brazil’s first female war hero.

Romper

Wackadoo! Bluey’s Hometown Has a Really Cute Nickname

And it’s a for real life place.

Outdoor Life

7 Sneaky Ways Landowners Block Access to Public Lands

And what to do when you run into it.

Fast Company

Four Ways to Build Influence at Work, No Matter Your Job Title

Even if you’re an entry-level employee, you can create a powerful presence.

The Atlantic

The Struggle and Triumph of America’s First Black Doctors

African American physicians have dealt with distrust and misperceptions for more than a century.

Smithsonian Magazine

The Texas City Where Mermaids Inspire River Conservation

“Aquamaids” were once the stars at an amusement park in San Marcos. Now, they are making a comeback to help the environment.

MEL Magazine

What Happens to Spelling Bee Champions When They Grow Old?

Spelling contests have remained a feature in American life since the Puritans landed on Plymouth Rock — but is peaking at 12 years old all it’s cracked up to be?

The Conversation

How to Help Dogs and Cats Manage Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is difficult for both you and your pet, but a few simple changes can make a huge difference if you’re expecting to be away for a longer amount of time during the day.

Bloomberg Businessweek

The Surprisingly Lucrative Business of Recycled E-Waste

In Nigeria and elsewhere, entrepreneurs are making money by dismantling electronics—and sending valuable metals back to the developed world.

Bustle

Why Self-Care Hasn’t Cured Your Burnout

The way out isn’t endless leisure. It’s finding meaningful work, outside of your career.

Smithsonian Magazine

How Museums in Central and Eastern Europe Tell the Story of Life Behind the Iron Curtain

Grassroots exhibitions popping up in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Poland provide a window into ordinary lives during the communist era.

Atlas Obscura

Medieval Africans Had a Unique Process for Purifying Gold With Glass

And scientists in Illinois have recreated it.

Popular Collections

Curated guides to the best reads on the web

Pocket Collections

The Art of Navigating Thorny Office Politics

From bad bosses to gossipy colleagues and, of course, office refrigerator drama.

Today’s Pocket Hits

Tuesday, August 12

Food & Wine

Every Chef We Spoke to Said You’re Meal Prepping Wrong — These Are Their Best Tricks

We asked six chefs for advice on meal prep. Their favorite food storage containers, prep tools, and more start at just $10.

The Atlantic

The Giant Asterisk to MAHA’s Food-Dye Crackdown

Food companies aren’t giving up the chemical that turns products white.

Food52

Why Everyone Swears by San Marzano Tomatoes

We looked into what makes them the gold standard. Spoiler: It’s not just the Italian sunshine.

The Independent

The Surreal Rise of the Supermarket Food Stunt

They might look fun on social media, but do they actually taste any good?

The New York Times

Seven Ticks Hitched Very Long Rides to Connecticut

Ticks from distant countries are turning up in the United States after hitching rides on international travelers.

BBC

The Lost Art of Hitchhiking: What We Can Still Learn From Travel’s Most Radical Mode?

Long dismissed as dangerous, hitchhiking is being rediscovered by a new generation of travellers seeking connection, adventure and a low-carbon way to see the world.

Nautilus

A Brief History of MRNA Vaccines

Five years ago, a medical breakthrough saved an estimated 14 million to 20 million lives in just one year. At its core is a miniscule piece of harmless genetic code that can help train the body to fight off pathogens.

ProPublica

Trump’s War on Big Law Means It’s Harder to Challenge the Administration

Some of America’s largest law firms are refusing to take pro bono and paid legal work from groups that seek to hold the government to account on issues like environmental protection, LGBTQ+ rights and police accountability.

How to Break Free From the ‘One More Year’ Trap and Actually Retire

Despite having more than enough money to retire, some people simply cannot leave their jobs.

Mental Floss

15 Most Popular Baby Names From Disney

These names show up in Disney movies and shows, and they also happen to be some of the most popular baby names today.

The Spruce

4 Cleaning Tasks I Immediately Tackle After Getting Back From a Trip That Save Me Time Later

After coming back from an overnight trip or long vacation, I immediately tackle these four cleaning tasks to set myself up for success during the upcoming week.

Mental Floss

This Lemon Meringue Tart Uses a Secret Ingredient From Your Herb Garden

One ingredient normally reserved for savory dishes makes all the difference in this recipe.

Smithsonian Magazine

This Groundbreaking Initiative Ushers the Rich Tapestry of Mayan Languages Into the Digital Age

Millions of Maya still call Mesoamerica home. The Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project promotes tools designed by and for Indigenous communities, like online glossaries and special phone keyboards.

NPR

What’s the Deal With Claims That Birth Control Is Dangerous?

Social media is full of videos saying hormonal contraception can hurt you and promoting natural alternatives. How did the treatments get such a bad reputation and do alternatives work?

Big Think

How Dell’s Membrane Paved the Way for “Headless Agents”

In the post-AI startup landscape, the role of the entrepreneur will evolve from operator to orchestrator. Are you ready?

Outside

How Canicross Saved My Relationship with My Unruly Rescue Dog

I couldn’t fix my dog’s behavior until we started running toward a shared goal—literally.

The Associated Press

Pete Carroll, Aaron Rodgers Head a List of Familiar Faces in New Places This NFL Season

Aaron Rodgers joined Pittsburgh. Davante Adams went to Hollywood. Cooper Kupp is in Seattle. Russell Wilson’s latest stop is the Big Apple.

CNBC

Travel Card Benefits Are ‘Getting Harder to Maximize,’ Analyst Says. What to Know Before You Apply

Travel credit cards may be worth the cost as long as it fits your lifestyle. Otherwise, it may not make sense to have an expensive credit card in your wallet.