All posts by She Seeks Serene

My Journey of Reimagining Life, Love and Education

Country Life Magazine – April 30, 2025 Preview

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COUNTRY LIFE MAGAZINE (April 29, 2025): The latest issue features ‘The renaissance of the country house’ (1975-2025)…

A vibrant era for our country houses

The seeds of a renaissance for the British country house were sown in the mid 20th century, argues John Martin Robinson

Spread from Country Life 30 April 2025

Bringing ‘beauty’ back

Lord Deben assesses his 1997 ‘Gummer’s Law’, conceived to aid the creation of new houses

Radbourne Hall

John Goodall hails the revival of the 1740s Derbyshire house

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A question of technique

Mary Miers meets the experts keeping country houses and their collections in working order

Spread from Country Life 30 April 2025

Chillingham Castle

The Northumberland landmark lives on, discovers John Goodall

1975 and now

What a difference 50 years make

Asleep no more

Tiffany Daneff celebrates the designers bringing our leading country gardens back to life

Knowsley Hall

John Goodall finds the Lancashire home restored to its former glory

And now for something different

Diversification has revived the fortunes of many an estate in the past 50 years, reveals Kate Green

Spread from Country Life 30 April 2025

What’s on at the big house

This year’s country-house events

Stowe

John Goodall charts the survival of this Buckinghamshire gem

Ready for anything

Arabella Youens examines how owners are equipping their houses to thrive for the next 100 years

Wimborne St Giles

John Goodall lauds this award-winning restoration in Dorset

You saw it here first

It’s not all about the gardens — John Hoyland profiles some of the plants that made their name at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Spread from Country Life 30 April 2025

In cloud cuckoo land

The evocative, echoing cuckoo’s call reverberating across the meadows heralds the arrival of spring for John Lewis-Stempel

Today’s pollen account

Hayfever sufferers may not agree, but Ian Morton argues that pollen’s contribution to life on earth is not to be sneezed at

A rainbow of ribbons

The maypole has been the source of merriment and mayhem for centuries, as Deborah Nicholls-Lee reveals

Stuart Procter’s favourite painting

The Beaumont Mayfair hotel CEO chooses an intriguing work with an air of mystery

The legacy

Amie Elizabeth White reveals how Constance Spry revolutionised flower-arranging a century ago

Interiors

Digital printing and panoramic wallpapers offer endless possibilities, learns Arabella Youens

Foraging

Poetry inspires John Wright, as he seeks out the saccharine, aniseed smack of sweet cicely

Arts & antiques

Carla Passino is captivated by the calming 19th-century landscapes of Utagawa Hiroshige, an artist who continues to inspire today

The New York Times – Tuesday, April 29, 2025

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Trump Recasts Mission of Justice Dept.’s Civil Rights Office, Prompting ‘Exodus’

Hundreds of lawyers and other staff members are fleeing the arm of the agency that defends constitutional rights, which appointees intend to reshape to enact President Trump’s agenda.

Inside the Changing White House Briefing Room

The Trump administration has given more time to “new media” and outlets that are more supportive of the president’s policies.

Amid Uncertainty About U.S. Support, Ukraine Pins Its Hopes on Innovation

Ukraine has adapted strategies and weapons during its fight against Russia. It is now banking on expanding the use of domestically produced drones, even though American arms remain crucial.

One Key to a Successful Campaign for Pope? Act Like You’re Not Campaigning.

Crucial meetings will be held this week in which contenders begin jockeying in earnest for the job of leading the Roman Catholic Church.

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The Atlantic Magazine – June 2025 Preview

THE ATLANTIC MAGAZINE (April 28, 2025): The latest issue features “I Run The Country and The World” – Donald Trump explains his victory and his plan…

1. “I run the country and the world”

Asked how his second term so far differed from his first, Trump said: “The first time, I had two things to do — run the country and survive; I had all these crooked guys.”

  • “And the second time, I run the country and the world,” he added.
  • “I’m having a lot of fun, considering what I do … You know, what I do is such serious stuff.”

2. A third term “would be a big shattering”

Of a potential 2028 run, Trump told the magazine it “would be a big shattering.”

  • He continued, “Well, maybe I’m just trying to shatter.” But Trump added, “It’s not something that I’m looking to do. And I think it would be a very hard thing to do.”
  • That follows his comments from last month, when said he is “not joking” about a third term,

Reality check: Trump launching a bid for a third term wouldn’t just shatter norms — it would violate the 22nd amendment.

  • Meanwhile, the Trump Organization has started selling “Trump 2028” hats.

3. The billionaire class’ “higher level of respect”

The billionaire class has largely bowed to Trump in his second term. He described the mega-rich taking a friendlier posture as “just a higher level of respect.”

  • “I don’t know … Maybe they didn’t know me at the beginning, and they know me now,” he continued.

The New Yorker Magazine – May 5, 2025 Preview

The Statue of Liberty sitting in a prison cell with a hundred tallies behind her to count the days.

THE NEW YORKER MAGAZINE (April 28, 2025): The latest issue features Barry Blitt’s “The First Hundred Days” – A beacon extinguished.

A Hundred Days of Ineptitude

Now we know that Donald Trump’s first term, his initial attempt at authoritarian primacy, was amateur hour, a fitful rehearsal. By David Remnick

A Hundred Classics to Get Me Through a Hundred Days of Trump

Each morning, before the day’s decree, I turned to a slim book, hoping for sense, or solace. By Jill Lepore

Is the U.S. Becoming an Autocracy?

Other countries have watched their democracies slip away gradually, without tanks in the streets. That may be where we’re headed—or where we already are. By Andrew Marantz

The New York Times – Monday, April 28, 2025

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Trump’s Tariffs Prompt Wave of Lawsuits as States and Businesses Fight Back

The cases are the latest test of the president’s expansive claims of executive power.

Europe’s Pharma Industry Braces for Pain as Trump Tariff Threat Looms

Medicines and chemicals are huge exports for European Union countries. That makes the sector a weak spot as trade tensions drag on.

With Trump-Zelensky Meeting, Ukrainians See a Glimmer of Hope

The United States has been pushing Ukraine to accept a peace plan that seems in part a gift to Moscow. But the short meeting of the leaders, and subsequent comments, appeared to be a change in tone.

With a Bounty on His Head, a Critic of China Runs in Canada’s Election

After Joe Tay set up a run for Parliament, China issued a warrant for his arrest and coordinated online attacks on his candidacy.

The New York Times Magazine – April 28, 2025

Current cover

THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE: The 4.27.25 Issue features Jason Zengerle on a college volleyball player catapulted to the heart of the debate over trans athletes in women’s sports; Amanda Hess on how the internet comforted and tormented her after her son was diagnosed with a rare illness; and Mitch Moxley on a particularly strange quarter-of-a-billion dollar crypto heist; and more.

They Stole a Quarter-Billion in Crypto and Got Caught Within a Month

How luxury cars, $500,000 bar tabs and a mysterious kidnapping attempt helped investigators unravel the heist of a lifetime.

What the Pope Told Me About Politics

My brief tour with Pope Francis, the diplomat of our times. By John Jeremiah Sullivan

How the War Over Trans Athletes Tore a Volleyball Team Apart

Blaire Fleming was a little-known college player. Then she suddenly became a symbol of injustice — to both sides of the controversy. By Jason Zengerle

The New York Times – Sunday, April 27, 2025

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How Trump Plays Into Putin’s Hands, From Ukraine to Slashing U.S. Institutions

Many of President Trump’s actions have been seen as benefiting Russia either directly or indirectly, so much so that Russian officials have celebrated some of his moves.

Israel’s A.I. Experiments in Gaza War Raise Ethical Concerns

Israel developed new artificial intelligence tools to gain an advantage in the war. The technologies have sometimes led to fatal consequences.

Pope Francis, Who Sought a More Pastoral Church, Laid to Rest in a Majestic Ceremony

The funeral drew world leaders, including President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who had a talk in the Basilica.

Russia Claims to Have Retaken Final Village in Its Kursk Region

Ukraine denied that it had been pushed out of the region and said that its military operations inside Russia were continuing.

Barron’s Magazine ——- April 28, 2025 Preview

Barron's | Financial and Investment News

BARRON’S MAGAZINE (April 26, 2025); The latest issue features ‘Gold Rush’ – Investors are loading up on the metal as a haven in chaotic times. How long can it last?

Stash Some Gold in Your Portfolio—But Not Too Much

Gold is on a historic run, fueled by uncertainty and buying by central banks and individuals. How it fits in a portfolio.

Buffett Is Still at the Top of His Game. Berkshire Faces a Future Without Him.

Questions about succession will be front and center when shareholders convene May 3 in Omaha for the company’s annual meeting.

Tax and Tariff Fears Have Rocked Municipal Bonds. Why They’re Still Appealing.

Many long-term munis now look like bargains. How to get tax-equivalent yields of up to 8%.Long read

The New York Times – Saturday, April 26, 2025

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Voters See Trump’s Use of Power as Overreaching, Times/Siena Poll Finds

Skepticism has grown of his efforts to expand his authority and of his handling of issues long seen as strengths for him, including the economy and immigration.

Trump Budget to Take Ax to ‘Radical’ Safety Net Programs

A draft document outlines steep cuts or the elimination of funding for programs that provide child care, housing assistance, foreign aid and health research.

Hegseth’s Personal Phone Use Created Vulnerabilities

The phone number used in the Signal chat could also be found in a variety of places, including on social media and a fantasy sports site.

Mangione Pleads Not Guilty as U.S. Seeks Death Penalty

The judge warned Attorney General Pam Bondi to temper her statements about Luigi Mangione to ensure a fair trial on charges of killing a health insurance executive.

Reason Magazine – June 2025 Opinion Preview

Reason Magazine - Free Minds and Free Markets

REASON MAGAZINE (April 25, 2025): The latest issue features ‘What If’ – The president doesn’t want to spend money…

What if the President Doesn’t Want to Spend Money?

Impoundment, line-item vetoes, and the tricky problem of cutting spending through the executive branch

What if the President Tries to Annex Greenland and Canada?

Trump’s new imperialism makes neither economic nor geopolitical sense.

Are the News Media in Their Onion Era?

The lessons “America’s Finest News Source” could offer the rest of the press

How Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s Perverse Pardons Undermined the Rule of Law

Biden’s pardons for friends and Trump’s blanket pardons for January 6 participants set terrible precedents.