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

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 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.

Travis Kelce on His Upcoming Season, Post-NFL Ambitions, and Life With Taylor Swift

After a grueling Super Bowl loss, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end spent his summer vacation focused on coming back stronger than ever.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.