Pocket-Worthy Reads

Stories to fuel your mind

BBC Future

Do We Really Live Longer Than Our Ancestors?

The wonders of modern medicine and nutrition make it easy to believe we enjoy longer lives than at any time in human history, but we may not be that special after all.

The Guardian

I Clock up to 20,000 Steps a Night: My Life With Restless Legs Syndrome

I spent years desperate for help and exhausted from lack of sleep. But the condition is badly misunderstood – even by doctors.

Epicurious

These Soft-Boiled Tea Eggs Are the Perfect Anytime Snack

These salty, jammy, marinated eggs hit the spot over rice with braised pork or with a slice of toast.

The Conversation

How to Protect Your Eyes in the Digital Age

Digital eye strain isn’t just a matter of discomfort, it can significantly affect your quality of life.

The Conversation

Are Our Thoughts ‘Real’? Here’s What Philosophy Says

René Descartes said the only thing we can be certain about is that we think. But what is the nature of thoughts? Philosophers have pondered this for centuries.

MEL Magazine

The Forgotten Tiger King of Harlem

Antoine Yates spent three years living peacefully inside his NYC apartment with his ‘roommate’ — a Siberian tiger named Ming. Until, that is, Ming’s animal instincts kicked in.

Delish

Are The Rusty Spots On Lettuce Safe To Eat?

Read this before you throw away the whole head.

The Kitchn

What Coffee-Brewing Method Makes the Best-Tasting Cup?

I tried 5 methods to make Italian-style coffee at home. The winner was clear and surprising.

Inverse

The Sound of ‘The Birds’

How Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece revolutionized sound design and film scoring.

BBC News

The Tip-Off From a Nazi That Saved My Grandparents

It has often been described as a “miracle” that most of Denmark’s Jews escaped the Holocaust. Now it seems that the country’s Nazi rulers deliberately sabotaged their own operation.

Fatherly

How to Make Better Joint Decisions With Your Partner

This is how to sidestep the most common — and frustrating — parts of decision-making and come together as a unit.

BBC Worklife

How a ‘Beginners’ Mindset’ Can Help You Learn Anything

Although our ability to easily pick up a new skill declines with age, harnessing a specific type of mindset can help you learn effectively as an adult.

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, July 22

The New York Times

The Trouble With Wanting Men

Women are so fed up with men that the phenomenon even has a name: heterofatalism. So what do we do with our desire?

NBC News

A Cross Between a Nicotine Pouch and an Energy Drink: What to Know About Caffeine Pouches

Teen-friendly promotion of the product is spreading on social media. Adding to the concerns is a caffeine pouch startup from a former Juul marketing executive.

Longreads

Bread and Honey

Sometimes, marriage is about learning how to braid the bitter with the sweet.

The Walrus

Can Office Tools Help Couples Optimize for Domestic Bliss?

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the colour-coded Google Calendar.

BBC

How a Fatal Accident Ended Ted Kennedy’s Presidential Hopes

In July 1969, Senator Edward Kennedy pleaded guilty to fleeing the scene of an accident where a young aide died. But many questions about the ‘Chappaquiddick incident’ went unanswered.

The Guardian

Where the Wild Things Are: How to Immerse Your Kids in the Great Outdoors This Summer

Some of the most priceless holiday memories cost next to nothing – as my four-year-old son and I have found on our forays into nature.

New Lines Magazine

Waiting for Justice in South Africa

Families of those killed and tortured for political reasons under apartheid are searching for the truth about why the perpetrators have gone unpunished.

Olive

I’m a Gut Health Dietitian – These Are the Questions People Are Too Embarrassed to Ask Me

From sudden attacks of diarrhoea to problematic wind, our expert answers all the questions you were too embarrassed to ask.

Recommended Reads

Curated by Pocket

The Associated Press

Why the Gates Foundation and Other Funders Are Spending $1 Billion on AI for Frontline Workers

Their new entity, NextLadder Ventures, will offer grants to develop AI for public defenders, parole officers, and social workers.

CNET

I Get 5G on My Phone at Home, So Why Can’t I Get 5G Home Internet? Here’s What I Learned

Even if your shiny new phone gets stellar 5G service, you’re not guaranteed 5G home internet service. Insiders tell me why.

Fast Company

Why Ambition Is Misunderstood—and How to Reclaim It

Stepping into purposeful ambition might feel like meeting yourself for the first time.

The Spruce

6 Things You Can Find in Every Stylish Room, According to Interior Designers

Designers say these six items are found in every stylish room; learn what they are to make the most out of your decor choices.

Real Simple

“Cloud Curls” Is the Ethereal Summer Hair Trend That Celebrates Frizz

This summer’s dreamiest hair trend celebrates natural texture, volume, and even frizz. Learn how to get “cloud curls,” the ethereal look that embraces your hair just as it is.

Food & Wine

These 8 Under-the-Radar Destinations Are America’s Next Great Food Cities

Pack your bags and an appetite.

National Geographic

For Icelandic Vibes Without the Crowds, Head to This Canadian Destination

The Yukon Territory glows—but not with city lights. “Everywhere you look is like a painting” here, with auroras that last for hours, hot springs, and volcanic canyons.

Axios

Altman Plans D.C. Push to “Democratize” AI Economic Benefits

Altman wants to continue driving debate over the effect AI will have on jobs.

Dwell

How They Pulled It Off: A House That Sits in—Yes, in—the Water

To build a new home on an old pier in Seattle, the team at E. Cobb Architects fared a spatter of challenges: “There’s nothing that’s even come close to this level of difficulty.”

ESPN

Ranking 2025 NFL Rosters: Best Projected Starting Lineups

We ranked every NFL roster ahead of the season, then picked strengths, weaknesses, X factors and underrated players to know.

Essence

Tracee Ellis Ross Has a Strong ‘Inner Compass’ for Joy, Now She’s Sharing It on Her New Travel Show

The multi-hyphenate mogul is bringing her talents and passion for travel to television with her new show, Solo Traveling, on Roku.

Axios

Chatbots’ New Job: Minding Tots

As chatbots enter children’s lives, pediatricians warn that not interactions could alter their development.

Life Hacks

Tips for better living

Time

10 Questions to Help You Plan for the End of Life

Talking about death is often life-affirming.

CBS News

COVID-19 Cases Are Rising in These States Amid Summer Wave, CDC Data Shows

The data, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also showed a significant increase in COVID-related emergency room visits for young children.

CNBC

Student Loan Bills Could Double for Some Borrowers As Biden-Era Relief Expires

Many student loan borrowers could see their monthly bills more than double now that the Biden-era SAVE plan is defunct.

Stylist

Managers, Here’s How to Have an Effective 1-to-1, According to Career Experts

How to help your team members get the most from your meetings.

The Walrus

Before You Share That Health Tip, Read This

Misinformation is everywhere. And yes, some of it has probably gotten to you.

CNBC

What a Trump, Powell Faceoff Means for Your Money

Tensions are escalating between the White House and the Federal Reserve, with consumers caught in the middle.

Fast Company

I’m a Two-Time Tech Founder. but Restaurants Are Where I Learned to Lead

The surprising lessons the conveyor belt sushi business taught me. Sudden equipment failures. Supply chain surprises. Retaining staff as the goalposts move in real time. These aren’t challenges I’ve faced as a tech founder—but I have faced them running restaurants.

The Week

How Can You Get the Maximum Social Security Retirement Benefit?

For many, Social Security benefits are a key part of their retirement plan. So it makes sense that you would want to get the most possible from this monthly source of income.

Money.com

Why You Probably Need Flood Insurance — Even if You Don't Live Near Water

Over the Fourth of July weekend, parts of central Texas were devastated by flash floods after the region was hit with the equivalent of four months' worth of rain in just a few hours. At least 134 people were killed, and more than 100 are still missing as of press time.

Yahoo

What Is ‘Revenge Saving,’ and Should You Hop on the Trend?

“Revenge saving” emphasizes making up for poor financial habits by being aggressively frugal or restrictive with your current spending.

GQ

What to Wear to a Job Interview, According to Hiring Experts

Make sure your suit fits, don’t dress too sexy, and other essential advice from professionals in law, tech, finance, and marketing.

Kiplinger

I Want to Buy an Annuity, but I’m Scared I’ll Get Ripped Off. Should I Get One Anyway?

An annuity is a way to achieve lifetime income in retirement, but you need to understand how this product works before making a purchase.