The New Yorker

How M.B.S. Won Back Washington

President Trump welcomed Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman, marking a significant shift in their relationship since the Khashoggi incident. This visit underscores the complexities of U.S.-Saudi ties amid geopolitical changes.

How the Conflict in Sudan Became a Humanitarian Catastrophe

Sudan's military and the Rapid Support Forces are engaged in a brutal conflict, leading to a humanitarian disaster with hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. The war has drawn in regional powers, complicating the situation further.

The Art of the Impersonal Essay, by Zadie Smith

The author reflects on their journey of essay writing from school to university, highlighting the impact of personal experiences and influences on their writing style.

What It’s Like to Get Really, Really High

The author recounts an expedition to Ojos del Salado, the world's tallest volcano, exploring the challenges and camaraderie experienced during the climb.

Charlie Kirk and Tyler Robinson Came from the Same Warped Online Worlds

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk highlights the troubling intersection of online radicalization and political violence in today's polarized climate.

Can You Really Live One Day at a Time?

The article explores 'time surfing,' a method of managing tasks intuitively rather than through rigid planning, promoting a more relaxed approach to daily life.

What I Wanted, What I Got

The author recounts childhood memories of clothing, family struggles, and social dynamics in Eugene, Oregon during the 1970s. Through anecdotes about hand-me-downs, school bullying, and the desire for fashionable items, the narrative explores themes of identity, class disparity, and the longing for acceptance. The author reflects on how these experiences shaped their understanding of self-worth and societal expectations.

Social Media Is Navigating Its Sectarian Phase

Nate Silver's recent commentary on X critiques 'Blueskyism,' a term he coined for the perceived ideological shortcomings of the decentralized social network Bluesky. He argues that its culture of insularity and aggressive dissent policing mirrors the issues facing the Democratic Party. Silver contrasts Bluesky with X, highlighting the latter's chaotic engagement style and political polarization. As users migrate between platforms, the dynamics of social media politics become increasingly complex, reflecting broader societal trends in political discourse.

The Emergence of Humor in Children

The article explores how humor develops in children, highlighting the stages from infancy to early childhood. It discusses the role of humor in social bonding and cognitive development, emphasizing that humor is fundamental to human nature. The Early Humor Survey provides insights into children's comedic abilities, suggesting that humor fosters creativity and understanding of social dynamics. The piece also contrasts child humor with adult humor, proposing a hypothetical 'Alice test' for AI to measure its humanness through humor.

The Perils of Nuclear Deterrence

The article discusses the enduring threat of nuclear war, highlighting Roger Fisher's 1981 proposal to implant nuclear launch codes in a volunteer's body to emphasize the gravity of such decisions. Despite advancements in nuclear arsenals and strategies, the normalization of nuclear competition raises concerns about irrational decision-making among leaders. Experts advocate for renewed dialogue and protocols to mitigate risks, emphasizing the need for human oversight in nuclear command. The piece reflects on historical perspectives and the current state of nuclear policy amidst rising tensions.

The Influence of Language on Thought

This article explores the intricate relationship between language and thought, delving into how the language we speak can shape our perception of the world and our cognitive processes. It examines various studies and theories that suggest language influences how we categorize and interpret experiences.

A New Era in Robotic Learning Techniques

The article explores the latest advancements in how robots are being taught to learn, focusing on innovative approaches that differ from traditional programming methods. It highlights significant progress in machine learning, where robots can now acquire skills through observation and experience, similar to humans.

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