Pocket-Worthy Reads

Stories to fuel your mind

Atlas Obscura

Why Scientists Fall for Precariously Balanced Rocks

“They’re nature’s hilarious accidents.”

The Guardian

You Used to Be Close – But Are You a ‘Fringe Friend’ Now?

It’s not fun to realize you may be an ‘always welcome but never invited’ pal. But experts say it’s not all bad.

Mental Floss

13 Supposedly Haunted Castles Around the World

The grisly details of these castles’ pasts paint a horrific story—and lend themselves to contemporary hauntings.

Apartment Therapy

7 Sneaky Things to Check for in Every Airbnb Listing

Here’s what to look for in every Airbnb listing, according to hosts and frequent guests.

Inc.

Why Laziness Is Not Why You Procrastinate (Your Emotions Are)

Overcoming procrastination isn't so much about completing tasks. In reality, it's about something much more personal.

Afar

11 Lost Cities You Can Actually Visit

Rediscover these abandoned cities by traveling to see their ruins, where you can readily imagine their lost-to-time structures and civilizations.

Aeon

Think Everyone Died Young in Ancient Societies? Think Again

People in the past were not all dead by 30. Ancient documents confirm this.

MIT Press Reader

How the FBI Destroyed the Careers of 41 Women in TV and Radio

At the dawn of the Cold War era, dozens of progressive women working in radio and television were placed on a media blacklist and forced from their industry. Carol Stabile explores this shameful period in American history.

BBC Worklife

Why Overly Kind and Moral People Can Rub You up the Wrong Way

‘Do-gooders’ are often judged harshly. Why do we resent their acts of altruism or question their motives?

The Guardian

The Dead Hang Delight: How This Quick, Surprisingly Simple Exercise Can Change Your Life

Would you like to strengthen your upper body and core muscles, while improving your flexibility and breathing? Here’s how to do it.

The Kitchn

The Best Way to Cook Salmon

After trying 5 different methods for cooking salmon, the winner is clear.

MEL Magazine

Why Is It So Much Harder to Be Nice to Ourselves Than to Other People?

Psychologists have the answer — and, for once, a fairly straightforward solution.

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

Vogue

The Weird and Wonderful World of Emma Stone

In an acrimonious era during which it’s near impossible to achieve critical unity on any being or concept, the 36-year-old actress and producer has reached a rare altitude of public goodwill.

The Dial

The Future of Climate Change Is on Mauritius

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

New York Magazine

The Crypto Maniacs and the Torture Townhouse

How two men charged with an outrageous kidnapping scheme introduced a new kind of crime to the city.

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 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.

Slate

Rise of the “Marinade Truthers”

The time has come to accept that marinades are a scam. But don’t worry: There’s an alternative seasoning source that will actually work—if you’re bold enough to try.

The Conversation

Can Air Conditioning Really Make You Sick? A Microbiologist Explains.

Air conditioning can feel heaven-sent on hot summer days. It keeps temperatures comfortable and controls humidity, making indoor environments tolerable even on the most brutally warm days.

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.

Recommended Reads

Curated by Pocket

Knowable Magazine

How the Cavefish Lost Its Eyes — Again and Again

Mexican tetras that got swept into pitch-black caverns had no use for the energetically costly organs. They lost their eyes in multiple ways — and gained some nifty traits too.

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

China’s Vision for a Driverless Future Is Miles Ahead of Everyone Else’s

Strong government backing and strict regulatory oversight of the Chinese autonomous vehicle industry contrasts sharply with the piecemeal laws and slower adoption in the U.S.

Axios

Why Ford Is Doubling Down on Electric Vehicles

The company aims to launch its new platform with a $30,000 pickup in 2027.

Vulture

‘You’re Only As Good As Your Last Film’

Ron Howard has worked with everyone from Bette Davis to J.D. Vance. He has stories about all of them.

Harper's Bazaar

How Close Is Beyoncé to Reaching EGOT Status?

Here’s how her odds are shaping up

The Verge

A Veteran Toy Racing Company Is Trading Slots for Smartphone-Controlled RC Cars

Is this the future of slot car racing?

Polygon

Julia Garner Says Silver Surfer and Her Weapons Character Have Nothing in Common — but It’s Complicated

The Ozark actor is having a huge summer and finding inspiration in unlikely places

Real Simple

10 Lessons I Learned in Culinary School That I Use Every Day—and You Should Too

REAL SIMPLE’s food director shares the cooking tips she learned in culinary school that can help home cooks be more efficient and turn out more delicious food.

Outside

I Sold My Old Boat and It Broke. Should I Offer a Refund?

A reader wrestles with the morale quandary of selling old gear on Craigslist or Facebook. What happens if your stuff immediately falls apart?

Context

Bangladesh Struggles to Keep Energy Transition on Track

Bangladesh’s transitional government set new ambitions for renewable energy growth, but sees little action on the ground

Los Angeles Times

There’s One ‘SNL’ Impression Bowen Yang Tried to Talk His Way Out Of. (It Didn’t Work.)

Yang has emerged as a fan favorite on the venerable NBC sketch show, for which he just received his fourth Emmy nomination, by creating unexpected viral moments.

Life Hacks

Tips for better living

Harvard Business Review

Leading Is Emotionally Draining. Here’s How to Recover.

You have to lay off a team member, deliver hard feedback in a tense meeting, or end the day absorbing the resignation of a top performer. No crisis. Just another Tuesday.

USA TODAY

These Are the Wealthiest Suburbs of America’s Biggest Cities

New York’s wealthiest suburb is Scarsdale, a name long linked to affluence. Wellesley, the most well-heeled Boston suburb, is known for academia. McLean, a high-earner enclave outside the nation’s capital, houses diplomats and spies. 

Scientific American

Why ChatGPT Shouldn’t Be Your Therapist

Using AI chatbots for “therapy” is dangerous, mental health experts say. Here’s why.

CNBC

Nearly 1 in 5 Older Student Loan Borrowers Are Seriously Delinquent As Trump Steps up Collections

More older student loan borrowers are struggling to pay their monthly bill, as the Trump administration ramps up its collection efforts.

CBS News

Staffing Shortages at VA Health Systems Are on the Rise, Watchdog Finds

The VA’s Office of Inspector General found facilities reported 4,434 staffing shortages this fiscal year, which is a 50% increase from fiscal year 2024.

USA TODAY

Can You Afford Your Friends? That Active Social Life Can Come at a Steep Price

Maria Stevens’ credit cards are maxed out, in part because she relied on them when she was laid off, but she thinks it’s also largely because she struggles to say no to invites from her friends.

CNBC

The Top 10 Colleges for Financial Aid, According to the Princeton Review

The Princeton Review ranked colleges by how generous their financial aid awards are and how satisfied students are with their packages.

CBS News

Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment Could Be 2.7% in 2026, According to New Estimate

One advocacy group estimates that Social Security recipients will get a 2.7% cost-of-living increase in 2026.

NBC News

These Are Smart Moves for Required Withdrawals in Retirement When You Don’t Need the Money

Social Security was the most common source of retirement income last year. But 81% of retirees had one or more types of private income.

Culture Study

The Unexpected Benefits of Starting a Small-Scale Dahlia Operation

No, it’s not infinite bouquets.

Axios

Companies Embrace in-Person Interviews to Dodge the Chatbots

If you’re a knowledge worker on the job hunt, you might want to upgrade your interview wardrobe to include pants.

USA TODAY

Gas Prices Are Down From Last Year. Here’s Where They Could Head Next.

July gas prices were down 2.2% from June and 9.5% from the year prior, according to the latest CPI report from the Labor Department. Why prices at the pump could continue to slip in the months ahead.