Pocket Future

Pocket-Worthy Reads

Stories to fuel your mind

Aeon

This Ancient Mnemonic Technique Builds a Palace of Memory

If you’re seeking better memory, this could be the secret.

Apartment Therapy

2 Cast Iron Skillet Tips for Beginners

I wish I knew these simple yet game-changing tips before I bought my cast iron skillet.

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.

Romper

I Did Everything Right… And Ended Up With A Picky Eater Anyway

You can’t control it, so don’t sweat it.

Outdoor Life

Camping Hacks: 51 Tips and Tricks for Your Next Camping Trip

These hacks and tips will make for an even more successful season outside.

Popular Science

Understanding Your Emotions Can Help You Manage Your Anxiety

The book “Good Anxiety” uses new and established neuroscience to help readers harness their fears in order to feel better.

Scientific American

The Neuroscience of Taking Turns in a Conversation

Research in birds suggests that when one partner speaks, the other partner’s brain is inhibited from talking over them.

Nautilus

The Girl Who Smelled Pink

A mother wonders if we are all born with synesthesia.

Literary Hub

Ray Bradbury’s Greatest Writing Advice

“I’ve had a sign over my typewriter for over 25 years now: Don’t think!”

Outside

Are You an Elk Parent or a Bison Parent?

The fine line between holding on and letting go.

Mental Floss

Why Is Row 13 Missing on So Many Airplanes?

United is one of several airlines that avoids including a row 13 on their flights, but not just for the reason you probably think.

Bloomberg Businessweek

The Case Against Crowdfunding in the Work Chat

Meta employees lost big on real estate investments touted by a colleague.

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

Thursday, August 14

Condé Nast Traveler

Inside the Leather Workshops of Andalusia

With a history dating back almost 1,000 years, leatherwork remains at the heart of Andalusian life—thanks to the modern-day artisans working diligently to preserve the craft.

The Dial

The Future of Climate Change Is on Mauritius

Freak tornadoes, “explosions” of jellyfish, flash floods and dried up pumps.

The New York Times

Chatbots Can Go Into a Delusional Spiral. Here’s How It Happens.

Over 21 days of talking with ChatGPT, an otherwise perfectly sane man became convinced that he was a real-life superhero. We analyzed the conversation.

Psyche

Why Do We Hesitate to Talk About Our Own Good Deeds?

Disclosing acts of kindness could encourage even more altruism – if we can find a way around the awkwardness.

The Guardian

Why Do I Feel So Much Worse After a Nap – and How Can I Avoid It?

Waking up from a nap feeling groggy, tired or ill? Experts say it’s common. Here’s what could be going wrong.

Food & Wine

I Tracked a Wild Salmon From Sea to Plate — What I Learned Surprised Me

Wild salmon is abundant in Alaska and coveted by chefs — but most Americans eat the cheaper, milder farmed kind. Journalist Kim Cross set out to learn why — and how to cook the real thing right.

BBC

How Kentucky Bourbon Went From Boom to Bust

Tariffs, oversupply and teetotaling Gen-Zs have all contributed to the downfall of one of America’s most iconic liquors.

BBC

A Dating App, a Niqab and a 9mm Gun: How a US Woman Was Hired to End a UK Family Feud

The investigation into the Wisconsin native revealed her to be “fairly unexceptional” with virtually no “criminal footprint”. And it remains unclear why she became a would-be contract killer.

Second-Year Breakout Candidates in College Football for 2025

These super sophomores could make a significant impact, including on the College Football Playoff race.

The Verge

The Xbox App for Windows on Arm Will Soon Let You Download Games

More Arm-compatible games are on the way.

Eater

The Salad Recipe That Changed Kale As We Know It

When chef Joshua McFadden made this kale salad in the mid-aughts, he didn’t realize that he was jump-starting a delicious cruciferous craze.

Nautilus

Can Humanity Stem the Plastic Tide?

Tracking the health and environmental damage of plastic as a UN treaty takes shape

CNET

The 20 Best PS4 Games

Sony’s eighth-gen console is just as relevant as ever. These are the all-time best games on the PS4.

The Ringer

The Biggest Question Facing Every 202 : 6 Premier League Team

It’s that time of year again: new hopes, new stars, and plenty of unanswered questions. Here’s what to look out for.

The Conversation

Antarctic Leopard Seal ‘Songs’ Are Surprisingly Similar to Nursery Rhymes

The fact that animals don’t use words makes it hard to decode their communication. But technology is starting to make it easier.

Rest of World

Dubai’s Robotaxi Dreams Are Coming for Human Drivers

The UAE plans to become the world’s testing ground for autonomous vehicles and upend the lives of 30,000 cabbies in the process.

Grist

A Hidden Fuel Source Beneath the Midwest? Scientists Are Investigating.

Natural hydrogen could transform the clean energy sector — if we can find enough of it.

Fast Company

How to Create an Out of Office Plan So You Can Go on Vacation Guilt-Free

Experts offer tips on how to make sure your responsibilities are covered and set yourself up for a smooth return.

Esquire

There’s a Reason Everybody Loves Chris Cooper

The 74-year-old actor has built his career as a skilled craftsman who brings methodical preparation and total commitment to every project he takes on. But there’s another rare quality about Cooper that resonates with both filmmakers and audiences.