Short Fiction for Summer Reading, Experiments with Claude, Tote Bags to Get Excited About
The Tournament of Books is launching a summer pop‑up focused on short fiction, with a community‑curated reading list that runs from mid‑June to late August. Six stories—from Lauren Groff’s “Brawler” to Sigrid Nunez’s “I’ll Come Back to You”—will be discussed in weekly video chats hosted by the organization. The post also spotlights Alex Mill’s “Perfect Weekend Tote,” praised for its comfort, sturdiness, and minimalist style, making it a go‑to bag for short trips and literary outings. Together, the literary program and tote recommendation blend cultural engagement with practical travel gear.
A New Suit for Summer, Nonfiction Books About Breathing, New Music and a Deep Dive Into Cinematic Fashion
The author received a hemp‑linen double‑breasted jacket from Buck Mason and praised its classic fit and sustainable fabric, sparking a discussion on how to style double‑breasted pieces for summer. The post also highlights a friend’s architect‑designed Los Angeles Airbnb that blends...
New Rock Music and (Weird) Guided Meditation, a Watch Mod, Plus a Way to Enjoy "the Small Web" That's Overlooked...
The post spotlights four niche discoveries: a fresh batch of rock tracks highlighted by a standout Springsteen cover, an experimental guided‑meditation experience that blends music with surreal prompts, a DIY watch modification that adds a hidden display, and a lightweight...
Walk-and-Talks
The author champions "walk-and-talk" sessions—90‑minute walking conversations that blend exercise with deep dialogue. By meeting twice or three times weekly, participants experience sustained focus, creative brainstorming, and stronger relational bonds. The piece highlights the ideal duration, the advantage of natural...
Favorite Newsletters for News (Local and International), How to Find New Music (+ New Music), and Three Things to Shop
The author, a longtime contributor to The Morning News, curates a personal list of niche email newsletters that deliver concise, high‑quality news across local and global topics. The recommendations span a Los Angeles‑focused daily, a weekly roundup led by female...
High Ratings for New Cinema, some Recent Recordings of Big Symphonies, the Best From the Week Online
The blog post blends casual music commentary with curated recommendations, covering new pop and indie tracks alongside major classical releases. It highlights Marek Janowski’s 2024 box set of Bruckner symphonies, emphasizing his 2010 recording of the eighth, and recommends Vladimir...
Fresh T-Shirts for Spring, a New Pasta in the Rotation, Transgressive Diary Fiction
A bookseller recommended *So What If I’m a Puta?* by Amara Moira, a translated diary of a Brazilian travesti sex worker. The 44‑crônica collection blends humor, heartbreak, and political insight, exposing Brazil’s alarming trans‑violence statistics. It delves into consent, safe...
Favorite New R&B and Country-Tinged Rock, and some Vibe-Coding for People Scared by Claude Code
Rosecrans Baldwin’s Sunday supplement spotlights a selection of 2026 R&B singles and revisits the LA‑based band The Berries, whose latest self‑titled album blends country influences with rock energy. The post highlights tracks like “Lowest Form of Life” and “Fruit,” and...