This Week in Reading
As spring continues to deny its presence in the UP, I’ve decided to look for more quality reading material on the internet. There is a lot out there, and it’s much more satisfying than the “fast-foods” of online media—Reddit, Buzzfeed, Twitter, and Facebook. I’ve found enough good content that I’m going to start putting together collections so that other people can enjoy it as well.
Here’s what I’ve been digging recently:
###BBC
US Supreme Court strikes down overall donor limits
I don’t know if this is good news for freedom of expression, or basically the legalization of unlimited bribes. Campaign funding is a really grey area for me. I think political freedom is extremely important, but elections should be won through merit rather than based on who can be bought most easily.
Viewpoint: Escape from the 'sink' estate"
An interesting counterpoint to the idea that people are poor because they’re lazy and irresponsible.
American Dream breeds shame and blame for job seekers
If you can’t get a job, that might not be your fault, but that’s not what American ideals tell us.
How the secret police tracked my childhood
A fascinating and surreal insight into living in a totalitarian political system.
###Al Jazeera America
Debunking the pathology of poverty
Another argument against the “tough love” approach to solving poverty.
As coal fades in West Virginia, drugs fill void
I think the question of what happens to people when the industry they rely on dies out is going to become even more important in the near future.
###Adventure Journal
I can’t get enough of this website, especially the essays. They’re all fantastic.
National Parks Head Blocked Grand Canyon Bottle Ban After Meeting with Coca-Cola
This is old, but still. Sellouts.
A Conversation With an Environmentalist Oil Industry Worker
I don’t think I could do it. There is too much moral conflict in supporting an industry as environmentally destructive as the petroleum industry.
An Adventure Life Essay: The Joys of Chopping Firewood
Chop some firewood. It’s good for you.
The Contrails of the Western Sky
Great essay on perspectives.
Happiness Is in the Little Things
Enjoy where you are and the fun things you can do on a daily basis. It sounds cliche, but they actually make you happier than big trips/occasions.
The Partner Gap and the Risks of Unsolicited Advice
Discussion of relationships between people of differing abilities.
In Focus - The Atlantic
A Trip to Lesotho, the 'Kingdom of the Sky'
Not exactly heavy on reading, but I had no idea Lesotho was this beautiful. This photography blog is very much worth following.
###Pinkbike
East Bound and Down: Brevard Calling
I can’t wait to get back on my mountain bike this spring, even if I won’t be riding in North Carolina.
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