Category Archives: Food

2025.04.08

Chris Riemenschneider at the Star Tribune reports: “The co-founder of one of Minneapolis’ most reputable breweries, Falling Knife, (Tom) Berg died unexpectedly over the weekend. The cause of death is believed to be heart failure, the brewery’s representatives said. He was 46.” Via MinnPost

The White Lotus season three finale review – the show’s least satisfying ending ever
The most interesting character was sidelined, the deaths were riddled with lazy logic and it all felt frustratingly middling. Season four will have some redeeming to do
Stuart Heritage

The creators of The White Lotus tried to avoid stereotypes of Thailand. They didn’t succeed
Rachel Harrison

Five nurses from same unit in Boston hospital diagnosed with brain tumors
Newton-Wellesley hospital says it ruled out environmental risk as staff members diagnosed with benign growths
Anna Betts

US supreme court allows deportations under 18th-century law with limits
In 5-4 ruling, court laid down terms for invoking Alien Enemies Act, stating challenges must take place in Texas
Cecilia Nowell and agencies

Rightwing group backed by Koch and Leo sues to stop Trump tariffs
New Civil Liberties Alliance says president’s invocation of emergency powers to impose tariffs is unlawful
Robert Tait in Washington

‘What if we didn’t suck?’: the leftist influencer who wants to campaign for Congress differently
Kat Abughazaleh has been critical of what she describes as Democrats’ lack of vision and says the party has lost touch with many of its voters, especially young people
Lauren Gambino

How ‘liberation day’ rout compares with other notorious stock market crises
Richard Partington Senior economics correspondent

Sweet, sticky and sold out everywhere: why is there such a craze for Dubai chocolate?
The creamy pistachio bar is all over TikTok, but good luck trying to find it in shops. Connoisseurs, market-watchers and the woman who invented it discuss its sudden rush to fame
Emine Saner

The Penguin Lessons is just the latest film that teaches us how animals rescue men from loneliness
The comedy, about a curmudgeon played by Steve Coogan and his waddling new friend, joins a subgenre of movies from King Kong to John Wick – in which men are emotionally and socially rescued by animals
Sophie Monks Kaufman

2025.04.06

Ang Lee’s Film Festival talk highlights local-global movie connections
Filmmaker’s work with ‘Brokeback Mountain’ producer and Minnesota native Bill Pohlad led to this weekend’s Minneapolis appearance.
by Nick Kouhi
https://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/film/2025/04/ang-lees-film-festival-talk-highlights-local-global-movie-connections/

Exclusive: how the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg got added to the White House Signal group chat
Internal investigation cleared the national security adviser Mike Waltz, but the mistake was months in the making
Hugo Lowell in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/06/signal-group-chat-leak-how-it-happened

‘False teacher’: Trump’s pick to head the ‘White House faith office’ roils some fellow Christians
Paula White, a millionaire televangelist who speaks in tongues, was criticized for an alleged cash-for-blessings scheme
Adam Gabbatt
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/paula-white-faith-office-trump

Doge’s attack on social security causing ‘complete, utter chaos’, staff says
Understaffed agency sent into ‘death spiral’ as employees warn Musk-led cuts will lead to structural collapse
Michael Sainato
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/06/musk-doge-social-security

Senate approves Republican plan for trillions in tax breaks and spending cuts
Vote fell mostly along party lines and now goes to the House, where it could be voted on as soon as next week
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/senate-republicans-trillions-tax-breaks-spending-cuts

Second child reportedly dies of measles in Texas amid growing outbreak
US health and human services department confirmed death but insisted the exact cause is under investigation
Ramon Antonio Vargas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/06/texas-measles-death-child

A White Lotus actor’s guide to Thailand
Mayra Peralta
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250225-a-white-lotus-actors-guide-to-thailand

Anti-Trump protests hit cities worldwide – in pictures
Thousands of ‘Hands Off’ protesters – in the US and across major European cities – took to the streets on Saturday in a show of defiance
Diana Ramirez-Simon
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gallery/2025/apr/05/anti-trump-hands-off-worldwide-protests

2025.04.05

Planned construction on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis starts this weekend with a full shutdown of the section between I-35W and Highway 280, reports MPR News. And various disruptions on that section of I-94 will be in place for the next several months. Via MinnPost

A Minneapolis man accused of shooting his neighbor has been found incompetent to stand trial, reports Bring Me The News. Via MinnPost

Space probe to map carbon content of world’s remotest tropical forests Revolutionary scanner to be fired into Earth orbit this month to measure effects of deforestation Robin McKie Science editor https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/05/space-probe-to-map-carbon-content-of-worlds-remotest-tropical-forests

Painkillers without the addiction? The new wave of non-opioid pain relief
Pharma firms are developing drugs that avoid the brain’s opioid receptors to minimise the risks of dependence and overdoses, but not all experts are convinced
Ayisha Sharma
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/05/painkillers-without-the-addiction-the-new-wave-of-non-opioid-pain-relief

‘My father’s death saved my life’: director Steve McQueen on grief, gratitude and getting cancer
After his dad died at 67, the 12 Years a Slave film-maker knew it was only a matter of time before he would get prostate cancer, too. The disease kills 12,000 men a year in the UK – a disproportionate number of them black. Now, in a bid to save lives, he is speaking out about his own diagnosis, alongside the doctors who successfully treated him
Simon Hattenstone
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/apr/05/my-fathers-death-saved-my-life-director-steve-mcqueen-on-grief-gratitude-and-living-with-cancer

Major endometriosis study reveals impact of gluten, coffee, dairy and alcohol
Edinburgh University report authors say dietary changes could benefit women living with the disease
Victoria Allen
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/05/major-endometriosis-study-reveals-impact-of-gluten-coffee-dairy-and-alcohol

Patwa is not ‘broken English’: the African ties that bind US and Caribbean languages
Centuries later, Jamaican Patwa and US Gullah Creole retain many Africanisms adopted from enslaved people
Zakiya McKenzie
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/apr/05/patwa-is-not-broken-english-the-african-ties-that-bind-us-and-caribbean-languages

‘Too sticky. Too saucy. Too weird’: could I persuade my son to eat the food of my heritage? Before she became a mother, Samantha Ellis secretly judged other parents who let their children subsist on white bread and pesto-pasta. And when her son was born she couldn’t wait to share the Iraqi Jewish food of her ancestors. Unfortunately, he had other ideas … Samantha Ellis https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/05/too-sticky-too-saucy-too-weird-could-i-persuade-my-son-to-eat-the-food-of-my-heritagehttps://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/05/too-sticky-too-saucy-too-weird-could-i-persuade-my-son-to-eat-the-food-of-my-heritage

The Christian right has set the US on the road to Gilead. Without a fight, other nations may follow
Deborah Frances-White
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/05/christian-right-us-gilead-roe-v-wade-europe-women-rights-abortion

George Santos prosecutors seek seven-year prison term for campaign fraud
Disgraced Republican congressman ‘made a mockery’ of election system and merits long sentence, US officials say
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/04/george-santos-prosecutors-campaign-fraud

Broken and in the grip of civil war, can Myanmar rebuild after earthquake?
The junta’s poor emergency response leaves people fearing prolonged chaos, despite the relentless propaganda
Rebecca Ratcliffe, Esther J and reporters in Mandalay and Sagaing
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/05/myanmar-earthquake-rebuild-junta-civil-war

Los Angeles agrees to $4bn deal to settle thousands of sexual abuse claims
County’s offer – largest of its kind – would settle lawsuits filed over alleged abuse in juvenile facilities since 1959
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/04/los-angeles-sexual-abuse-claims-settlement

Former Washington archbishop Theodore McCarrick, defrocked over abuse allegations, dies aged 94
Most senior American prelate in Catholic church to face accusations of sexual abuse died in state of Missouri
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/former-washington-archbishop-theodore-mccarrick-defrocked-over-abuse-allegations-dies-aged-94

2025.04.01

New blood test checks for Alzheimer’s and assesses progression, study says
Procedure for patients with thinking and memory problems could help medics decide which drugs are most suitable
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/31/new-blood-test-checks-alzheimers-assesses-progression?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Icelandic town and Blue Lagoon spa evacuated after volcanic eruption
Those who have not already left Grindavík warned nearby eruption could be much bigger than previous 10 since 2021
Miranda Bryant Nordic correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/grindavik-iceland-and-blue-lagoon-thermal-spa-evacuated-after-volcanic-eruption

Rightwing groups across US push new bans to limit ‘obscene’ books in libraries
Critics say bans would hinder rights as proponents would impose their beliefs on others who don’t share their views
Eric Berger
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/new-book-bans-library-schools

A tower topped with a pangolin! The Oxford university building inspired by Tolkien … and the pandemic
A chubby, rhubarb and custard-coloured tower bedecked with anteaters and moles make a fun neighbour to the city’s dreaming spires. It’s left some locals lost for words
Oliver Wainwright
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/apr/01/a-tower-topped-with-a-pangolin-the-oxford-university-building-inspired-by-tolkien-and-the-pandemic

Myanmar earthquake: China and others step into aid gap left by Trump cuts
US president accused of blowing up country’s ability to respond to disasters by removing funding
Kate Lamb, Rebecca Ratcliffe and Joseph Gedeon
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/31/myanmar-earthquake-us-slow-to-act-as-other-countries-step-in

What’s the difference between all the various paprikas?
This versatile spice has long outgrown its Spanish and Hungarian roots to bring richness, warmth, colour and flavour to a host of dishes
Anna Berrill
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/01/whats-the-difference-paprikas-kitchen-aide-anna-berrill

With Indigenous food hub, barbecue spot in works, chef Sean Sherman expands his vision
The chef behind Owamni recently purchased the Co-op Creamery Building on Franklin Avenue where he is working to scale up a kitchen to supply Indigenous foods to schools, hospitals and other institutions.
by Macy-Châu Diễm Trần
https://sahanjournal.com/business-work/sean-sherman-minneapolis-indigenous-barbecue-restaurant/

Hooters restaurant chain files for bankruptcy protection
Founded in 1983, the restaurant known for waitresses in skimpy outfits has run into financial difficulties lately
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/hooters-restaurant-bankruptcy

The Last of Us to Dying for Sex: 11 of the best TV shows to watch this
Caryn James
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250331-11-best-tv-shows-to-watch-in-april

For us, by us: 15 great trans movies made by trans filmmakers
Mey Rude | 03/31/25
https://www.out.com/film/best-trans-films-made-by-trans-filmmakers#rebelltitem1

Coyote vs Acme: $70m Looney Tunes film to be released after being canned by Warner Bros
Live-action animated film starring John Cena and Will Forte will hit cinemas in 2026, after it was controversially shelved in favour of a $30m tax write-down
Sian Cain and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/01/coyote-vs-acme-70m-looney-tunes-film-to-be-released-after-being-canned-by-warner-bros

‘Remarkable’ Bletchley Park code breaker Betty Webb dies aged 101
Veteran lauded for helping preserve history and legacy as well as vital role played during second world war
Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/remarkable-bletchley-park-code-breaker-betty-webb-dies-aged-101

2025.03.29

MinnPost News Quiz
https://www.minnpost.com/news-quiz/

Esme Murphy at WCCO News writes the proposed cut to Medicaid in Minnesota is $1.5 billion a year from an annual budget that, as of 2024, stands at roughly $18 billion. 1.3 million Minnesotans rely on Medicaid for their health care, 40% of Minnesota kids depend on it and, when it comes to nursing homes, 55% of nursing home residents rely entirely on Medicaid. Via MinnPost

Christopher Snowbeck at the Star Tribune is reporting UnitedHealth Group has scrubbed mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion goals from parts of its corporate website, including a page on careers and company culture that formerly included a dedicated section on DEI. Via MinnPost

Ya missed it?
Skygazers gather across northern hemisphere to glimpse partial solar eclipse
Eclipse peaked in London at about 11am on Saturday and was visible in parts of UK between about 10am and noon
Hayden Vernon
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/29/skygazers-gather-northern-hemisphere-glimpse-partial-solar-eclipse

From Greenland to Europe and Senegal: the partial solar eclipse – in pictures
The moon partly obscured the sun during an phenomenon that could be seen across the northern hemisphere
Lizzie Tucker
https://www.theguardian.com/science/gallery/2025/mar/29/from-greenland-to-europe-and-senegal-the-partial-solar-eclipse-in-pictures

Top US vaccine official resigns over RFK Jr’s ‘misinformation and lies’
Dr Peter Marks was seen as a guardrail against any future politicisation of the FDA’s approval of life-saving vaccines
Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/top-us-vaccine-official-resigns-over-rfk-jrs-misinformation-and-lies-dr-peter-marks

Nearly 500 confirmed cases of measles across 19 US states, says CDC
Government reports largest outbreak is in Texas, and 70 people across US needing hospitalization
Guardian staff and agency
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/28/measles-cases-us-cdc

Myanmar earthquake: death toll passes 1,600 as search for survivors continues
Aid agencies warn of ‘extremely difficult’ response amid Myanmar’s continuing civil war with true scale of disaster yet to emerge
Rebecca Ratcliffe in Bangkok, Esther J and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/29/myanmar-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-almost-700-as-search-for-survivors-continues

‘Our town looks like a collapsed city’: Myanmar earthquake – in pictures
The death toll is expected to rise after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated Myanmar and brought down a high rise building in the capital of Thailand. Its epicentre was about 11 miles (17.2km) from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city
Mike Hohnen
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2025/mar/29/our-town-looks-like-a-collapsed-city-myanmar-earthquake-in-pictures

Fears for Bagan’s towering Buddhist temples after Myanmar earthquake
City is close to Sagaing faultline and monuments were significantly damaged after the last earthquake in 2016
Kevin Rushby
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/28/fears-for-fate-of-bagans-towering-buddhist-temples-after-myanmar-earthquake

‘The physics community has never split like this’: row erupts over plans for new Large Hadron Collider
Ambitious project could soak up funding for subatomic physics for decades, say opponents
Robin McKie, Science Editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/29/the-physics-community-has-never-split-like-this-row-erupts-over-plans-for-new-large-hadron-collider

New drug for lower back pain could be ‘a gamechanger’
Exclusive: early stage trials of drug that uses antibiotics finds benefits for people whose pain is caused by infection
Denis Campbell Health policy editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/28/new-drug-for-lower-back-pain-could-be-a-gamechanger

Alarm as Florida Republicans move to fill deported workers’ jobs with children: ‘It’s insane, right?’
Governor Ron DeSantis leads push to loosen child labor laws as immigration crackdown leads to workforce shortage
Richard Luscombe in Miami
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/florida-republicans-immigrant-jobs-child-labor

Gold leaf and Gatsby: Brussels lays claim to birth of art deco with year of celebrations
Throughout 2025, the Belgian capital is marking 100 years of the movement with events, exhibitions and film screenings
Jennifer Rankin in Brussels
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/29/gold-leaf-and-gatsby-brussels-lays-claim-to-birth-of-art-deco-with-year-of-celebrations

Where cider houses rule in Spain: a tour of Asturias
Loved by the Spanish but less known in the UK, the region is recognised by Unesco for its centuries-old cider culture – and has plenty more to offer
Alyssa McMurtry in Oviedo
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/29/where-cider-houses-rule-in-spain-a-tour-of-asturias

Meera Sodha: ‘I’m thrilled to have new ingredients in the kitchen’
Our cook on why she’s changing the way she writes her recipes
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/mar/29/meera-sodha-im-thrilled-to-have-new-ingredients-in-the-kitchen

The return of Sicily’s ancient ‘white gold’
Vittoria Traverso
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250328-the-return-of-sicilys-ancient-white-gold

2025.03.28

I hear the earth moved in Myanmar, a country under a brutal dictatorship even worse than ours.
Thailand and Myanmar earthquake: death toll rises as Bangkok declared disaster area with dozens trapped under skyscraper – live
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/28/myanmar-earthquake-thailand-bangkok-mandalay-latest-news-updates
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlxlxd7882o
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwgmkmgzdo

Cities and developers want state money to convert office buildings to housing, other businesses
By: Madison McVan
https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/03/27/cities-and-developers-want-state-money-convert-office-buildings/

Crowded field emerges to replace former state Sen. Justin Eichorn
Seven Republicans and two Democrats have announced candidacies for the seat left vacant by Eichorn, who resigned after his arrest in a sex sting operation.
by Chelsey Perkins, KAXE/KBXE
https://www.minnpost.com/other-nonprofit-media/2025/03/crowded-field-emerges-to-replace-former-state-sen-justin-eichorn/

Bird flu reinfections at US poultry farms highlight need for vaccines, experts say
Aggressive prevention including wider changes to poultry raising needed after at least 56 US farms doubly infected
Melody Schreiber
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/28/bird-flu-us-poultry-farms-vaccines

Off-season: has The White Lotus become a letdown?
The third season of the buzzy resort-set comedy drama has had its moments, but it’s starting to feel like the show is running out of ideas
Adrian Horton
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/28/the-white-lotus-third-season-letdown

‘At 60, the bulk of your life is lived. What’s left now?’ Ralph Fiennes and Uberto Pasolini on their ripped and radical take on The Odyssey
The actor and director on why The Return took 30 years to make, their joy at persuading Juliette Binoche to join them – and the punishing regime that earned Fiennes his battle-scarred physique
Tom Shone
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/28/at-60-the-bulk-of-your-life-is-lived-whats-left-now-ralph-fiennes-and-uberto-pasolini-on-their-ripped-and-radical-take-on-the-odyssey

Russian scientist working at Harvard detained by Ice at Boston airport
Kseniia Petrova was returning to the US from a trip to France when officials revoked her visa and detained her
Maya Yang and Robert Mackey
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/27/russian-scientist-harvard-medical-school-ice-detention

‘We won’t be deterred or scared’: Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community fights for right to march in Pride
Some want to oppose ban, others are nervous, but all see it as a warning sign under Viktor Orbán’s government
Lili Rutai in Budapest
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/28/we-wont-be-deterred-or-scared-hungarys-lgbtq-community-fights-for-right-to-march-in-pride

Why the weasel testicles? Cambridge show explains medieval medicine
Exhibition aims to help visitors get inside the minds that thought mercury and roasted apples would cure lice
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/28/mercury-weasel-testicles-feature-uk-exhibition-medieval-medicine-curious-cases-cambridge-university-library

Raw, romantic and radical: Joan Baez’s 20 greatest songs – ranked!
With her Diamonds and Rust album turning 50, we rate the standout tracks from the American folk singer and political activist
By Alexis Petridis
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/mar/28/raw-romantic-and-radical-joan-baez-20-greatest-songs-ranked

How to watch Saturday’s partial solar eclipse
Maddie Molloy
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmjdy10rmmo

Is it healthier to use household cleaning products – or not?
Jessica Bradley
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250327-is-it-healthier-to-use-household-cleaning-products-or-not

‘Food is a language everyone understands’: Yotam Ottolenghi on how cuisine connects people
Christopher Luu
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250327-yotam-ottolenghi-interview-influential-katty-kay

New York county clerk blocks Texas abortion telehealth suit
Kayla Epstein
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l13r9dz0go

2025.03.27

Downtown St. Paul Lunds & Byerlys closes, leaving neighborhood without grocery store
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/03/26/downtown-st-paul-lunds-byerlys-closes

Lawmakers consider fixing ‘loophole’ that blocked records for police chief who resigned
Ryan Raiche KSTP
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/lawmakers-consider-fixing-loophole-that-blocked-records-for-police-chief-who-resigned/

Six reported dead after Egypt tourist submarine sinks in Red Sea – latest updates
Incident took place near the popular Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada
Daniel Lavelle (now) and Tom Ambrose (earlier)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/27/tourist-submarine-sinks-red-sea-egypt-hurghada-latest-news-updates

Johnny Mathis, 89, retires from performing due to ‘age and memory issues’
The US crooner, whose career stretches back to 1956, will play four more scheduled concerts but cancels remainder of 2025 run
Ben Beaumont-Thomas
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/mar/27/johnny-mathis-89-retires-from-performing-age-memory-issues

The White Lotus ‘goes too far’: Duke University unhappy over their prominence in show
Two characters in the troubled Ratliff family are Duke alumni, but the association has displeased the US university
Sian Cain
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/27/the-white-lotus-duke-university-complaints-ratliff

Arnold Schwarzenegger reacts to Patrick’s White Lotus incest scenes
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s wild incest storyline on The White Lotus season 3 has gotten a reaction from his dad, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Taylor Henderson
https://www.out.com/celebs/white-lotus-patrick-schwarzenegger-incest-storyline-arnold-schwarzenegger

Kansas babysitter checking for monsters finds man hiding under bed
Police arrest suspect after sitter shocked to encounter man when trying to show child there was nothing under the bed
Guardian staff
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/27/babysitter-man-under-child-bed-kansas

‘I was surprised how common it is’: the director of Sebastian on his controversial film about an author who enters sex work
In Sebastian, a writer sells his body to provide material for his debut novel, then doesn’t give the night job up. Mikko Mäkelä explains what inspired his film – and remembers his cinematic sexual awakening
Ryan Gilbey
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/27/sebastian-author-sex-work-mikko-makela

Let’s put it in language the Signal leakers will understand: what a bunch of pathetic sleazebags
Emma Brockes
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/27/signal-leak-pathetic-sleazebags-maga-fratboy-lexicon

Yale professor who studies fascism fleeing US to work in Canada
Jason Stanley, who says grandmother fled Berlin with his father in 1939, says US may become ‘fascist dictatorship’
Rachel Leingang
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/26/yale-professor-fascism-canada

The simple trick to change other people’s minds
David Robson
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250326-the-mind-changing-method-measured-in-minutes

‘I have terminal cancer and lost my life savings to whisky barrel scammers’
Carla Basu
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2r7enl3d1o

I got ma bathroom window back from Hayes Windows. Two of the panes have been broken since I moved into the house a couple of years ago. 1907 textured window glass — I figured they could never match it, so I wanted them to switch the panes so that they ‘balanced’ rather than matched. (The other company I had bid said it was ‘impossible.’)

2025.03.17

How, err, convenient?
Jeff Wald at FOX 9 reports: “Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management licensing website shut down at 9 p.m. on Friday, leaving business applicants scrambling to complete the process by the 11:59 p.m. deadline.” Via MinnPost
https://www.fox9.com/news/mn-cannabis-licensing-down-hours-before-deadline

Happy trails, Peter Callaghan, your Minnesota legacy lives on
State government reporter Peter Callaghan ended his time at MinnPost on Friday after more than 10 years.
by Elizabeth Dunbar
https://www.minnpost.com/inside-minnpost/2025/03/happy-trails-peter-callaghan-your-minnesota-legacy-lives-on/

Let the heavy avalanche of sternly worded letter begin!
Democrats demand investigation into Musk over possible criminal corruption
Leading figures urge Pam Bondi to examine ‘Mr Musk’s activities at the FAA’ amid conflict-of-interest concerns
Martin Pengelly in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/17/democrats-elon-musk-investigation

A missile here, a missile there, pretty soon we’re talking WWIII.
Japan to deploy long-range missiles able to hit North Korea and China
Planned missiles on Kyushu said to be part of ‘counterstrike capabilities’, as fears grow over US security pact
Gavin Blair in Tokyo
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/17/japan-long-range-missiles-north-korea-china-us-security-pact

From sewage and scum to swimming in ‘blue gold’: how Switzerland transformed its rivers
In the 1960s, the Swiss had some of the dirtiest water in Europe. Now, their cities boast pristine rivers and lakes – and other countries are looking to follow their lead
Phoebe Weston in Geneva
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/17/from-sewage-and-scum-to-swimming-in-blue-gold-how-switzerland-transformed-its-waterways-aoe

‘All the birds returned’: How a Chinese project led the way in water and soil conservation
The Loess plateau was the most eroded place on Earth until China took action and reversed decades of damage from grazing and farming
By Helen Davidson
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/14/how-china-led-way-water-soil-conservation

Bad Art Expert! Bad! Bad! Bad!
The art expert did it: LGG Ramsey revealed as 1951 thief of Van Dyck painting
Exclusive: How one historian’s investigative work led to artwork finally being returned to ‘English Versailles’
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/17/art-expert-did-it-lgg-ramsey-revealed-1951-thief-van-dyck-painting

Avoid the White Lotus effect: Thailand travel without the tourists
The country is no stranger to pop-culture fuelled overtourism. But behind the scenes there are islands, wild places and temples to explore
Eloise Basuki
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/17/white-lotus-filming-location-setting-koh-samui-four-seasons

Ittsa chewing gum and a floor wax!
The explosive potential of custard powder
Veronique Greenwood
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250313-the-explosive-potential-of-custard-powder

May your green beer look half as fine coming up as it did going down:
Dublin goes green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day
Kevin Sharkey
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwygjq5jv93o

2025.03.16

Russell T Davies: gay society in ‘greatest danger I’ve ever seen’ after Trump win
Exclusive: Doctor Who writer says he feels ‘a wave of anger heading towards us’ and hostility in UK as well as US
Hannah Al-Othman North of England correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/16/russell-t-davies-gay-society-greatest-danger-ever-seen-trump

Back to cash: life without money in your pocket is not the utopia Sweden hoped
Miranda Bryant
Nordic countries were early adopters of digital payments. Now, electronic banking is seen as a potential threat to national security
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/16/sweden-cash-digital-payments-electronic-banking-security

Rocks and racism? How geologists created and perpetuated a narrative of prejudice
Kathryn Yusoff sparked a culture war with her latest book, suggesting slavery and white supremacy informed the work of geology’s founding fathers. Here, she and other experts suggest that attitudes have changed little since
Miriam Frankel
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/16/rocks-and-racism-how-geologists-created-and-perpetuated-a-narrative-of-prejudice

Unearthed notebooks shed light on Victorian genius who inspired Einstein
Michael Faraday’s illustrated notes that show how radical scientist began his theories at London’s Royal Institution to go online
Donna Ferguson
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/15/notebooks-michael-faraday-victorian-scientist-einstein

They had a fairytale American childhood – but was radiation slowly killing them?
Sophie Williams
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e7011n03vo

The ancient drink serving the world for 13,000 years
Scientists have found evidence of ancient beer production from different kinds of crops all over the world.
From our modern point of view, beer might just be a mind-altering beverage. But in fact, it has played a significant part in human life since near the dawn of civilisation.
Video by Pierangelo Pirak
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p09h36ld/the-ancient-drink-serving-the-world-for-13-000-years

The fascinating history of the f-word
It’s one of the most versatile words in the English language, but where does it come from? Lexicographer, etymologist and broadcaster Susie Dent activates the f-bomb and takes us on a journey through time.
Animation by Adrian Hartrick and Dominika Ozynska
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p08fy0xs/the-fascinating-history-of-the-f-word

How Covid-19 changed the way we die
The pandemic forced many people in England and Wales to reflect how they might die with dignity, and the numbers of those wanting to die at home is on the rise
Harriet Sherwood, Pamela Duncan and Matthew Pearce with graphics by Tural Ahmedzade
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/16/how-covid-19-changed-way-we-die-england-wales

Demon-child movie wows China – and smashes global box office records
Virtually unknown in the west, Ne Zha 2 is the world’s highest-grossing animation at £1.6bn – outdoing Inside Out 2 – just weeks after its release
Amy Hawkins Beijing
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/16/ne-zha-2-animation-chinese-box-office-inside-out-2

‘I’ve always felt a little neurospicy. But it’s my factory setting!’ Natasha Rothwell on taking The White Lotus by storm
Michael Hogan
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/15/ive-always-felt-a-little-neurospicy-but-its-my-factory-setting-natasha-rothwell-on-taking-the-white-lotus-by-storm

2025.03.15

Minneapolis set a record Friday (75 degrees, fondly Fahrenheit or ~24 C for the rest of you). Of course, snow is forecast, but it ain’t here yet.

‘Brain pacemakers’: implants to be tested to help alcohol and opioid addicts
Trial will determine whether electrical pulses can control and decrease yearnings
Robin McKie, Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/15/brain-implants-alcohol-opioid-addicts-trial

‘Spreadsheets of empire’: red tape goes back 4,000 years, say scientists after Iraq finds
Ancient Mesopotamian stone tablets show extraordinary detail and reach of government in cradle of world civilisations
Dalya Alberge
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/15/stone-tablets-mesopotamia-iraq-red-tape-bureaucracy

‘They’re on. They’re off. We can’t plan’ – bourbon makers dazed by Trump tariffs
The president’s chaotic policy on import duties makes planning impossible, says the CEO of a Kentucky distillery – and state Republicans are unhappy, too
Callum Jones in Louisville, Kentucky
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/15/bourbon-makers-trump-tariffs

Baby wombat-snatching US influencer apologises and says she was ‘concerned’ for Australian animal
Sam Jones, who left Australia on Friday, posted a 900-word statement questioning outrage in country where ‘slaughter of wombats’ is permitted
Nino Bucci
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/15/baby-wombat-snatching-us-influencer-apologises-and-says-she-was-concerned-for-australian-animal-ntwnfb

How a New Zealander working from her mum’s kitchen started a news service read by Madonna
The success of Shit You Should Care About has been down to Lucy Blakiston’s focus on social media at a time where news avoidance is growing
Eva Corlett in Wellington
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/mar/15/shit-you-should-care-about-lucy-blakiston-media

Clothes brand gets 100 complaints a day that models are ‘too fat’
Jennifer Meierhans
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2xjd41g33o

Trump is coming for your poppers: Major producer closes amid FDA crackdown
Several other companies seem to have followed suit.
By Mey Rude
https://www.out.com/news/poppers-fda-crackdown-double-scorpio

U of M Regents Pass Resolution Gagging Faculty
Plus the Wolves basketball boss, weird weed rulings, and don’t drive like a dumbass in today’s Flyover news roundup.
By Racket Staff
https://racketmn.com/university-of-minnesota-regents-pass-resolution-gagging-faculty-speech

Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for Lebanese moussaka with five-garlic-clove sauce
The Lebanese take on moussaka is a simple vegetable stew of aubergines, chickpeas, spices and herbs, here spruced up with a lively garlic sauce
Meera Sodha
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/mar/15/lebanese-moussaka-five-garlic-clove-sauce-recipe-meera-sodha

Wallace and Gromit on the couch:

Animators React to Wallace and Gromit!