What a week! Last presidential debate! Internet melted down, thanks to a devices-based bot-net. AT&T planning to buy Time Warner for about $85 billion. I mean, things are anything but boring these days. Except, to be honest, one needs to step away from the river of news, sit down and read some good stuff. And that is why I am here – to share some of the top stories I have read in recent days and are worth your time and attention.
If you need to find peace and quiet, I highly recommend the Bose QC35 headphones — which are amazing. I speak personally and I made my decision to buy them after reading this fantastic review. And if you need a place to sit down, find a great coffee shop. Who knows, your city might be in this list of best US cities for coffee addicts.
All set? Here we go with some recommendations:
Double Solitude: A poignant story by Donald Hall, who talks about the fine line between solitude and loneliness, especially as one gets older. It is his story – not too long, but beautiful in its theme and simplicity. [The New Yorker]
The absence of mastery in the age of “Instabrand”: Since the death of a very respected artisanal shoemaker earlier this week, I have been thinking about the lack of mastery in our fast changing world. This piece by George Hahn, captures some of what goes through my mind. I am not against progress, fast growth or new channels. I just like people mastering their art and craft. [George Hahn]
Still Ticking: The Improbable survival of the luxury watch business: Simon Garfield explores why people spend so much money on analog watches. I read the piece and as a fan (and collector) of analog watches, I couldn’t find myself agreeing with him more. Well done piece. [The Guardian]
Massimo Bottura, the chef being world’s best restaurant: The New York Times profiles this wonderful man, who I had a chance to meet in 2014. I ate at his restaurant, enjoyed his company and knew that he was someone really really special. The profile captures him well. [The New York Times Style Magazine]
A conversation with Nike’s CEO Mark Parker on imagination, art and shoes: No comment required. Just read this interview. [AnOther Magazine]
The crisis of Conservative Intellectual: The current election cycle is something that abhors all intellectuals, regardless of your politics. How did Republican Party saw populism replace conservatism. [The Washington Free Beacon]
and last but not the least:
How free web content traps people in an abyss of Ads and Clickbait: I enjoyed this conversation between Terrry Gross and author Tim Wu. [NPR]
In addition to these fine pieces, you should read my latest in The New Yorker:
- Apple, Samsung and good design — Inside and Out. [The New Yorker]
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