The New York Times — Tuesday, December 3, 2024

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In Pardoning His Son, Biden Echoes Some of Trump’s Complaints

President Biden complained about selective prosecution and political pressure in a system he has spent his public life defending.

Trump Doubles Down on Defiance After the Collapse of the Matt Gaetz Selection

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s decision to install Kash Patel as F.B.I. director indicates that he remains undaunted by Washington resistance as he appoints ideological warriors, conspiracy theorists and even relatives.

Schumer Presses for F.B.I. Checks and Senate Consideration of Trump Nominees

In a letter, the Democratic leader said members of his party would work with Republicans to consider the president-elect’s nominees — but asserted they should undergo traditional Senate vetting.

Tensions Rise Among Russia’s Elite as Economic Growth Slows

The slowdown is worrying for the Kremlin but not serious enough to significantly hobble its war effort.

Books: Literary Review Magazine – December 2024

Literary Review – December 2, 2024: The latest issue features ‘Mandeville’s Dangerous Idea’

Lines of Insight

“Mondrian: His Life, His Art, His Quest for the Absolute” By Nicholas Fox Weber

Will Someone Think of the Barristers?

“Man-Devil: The Mind and Times of Bernard Mandeville, the Wickedest Man in Europe” By John Callanan

Raising the Flag of Freedom

“Predator of the Seas: A History of the Slaveship That Fought for Emancipation” By Stephen Taylor

Travel Tour: Iceland And Alaska’s Frozen Wonders

TRACKS – Travel Documentaries (December 2, 2024): Outdoor filmmaker Jeff Aiello and his Emmy Award-Winning team embark on a thrilling adventure on Alaska’s Kenai River, where the group fishes for sockeye salmon, hikes through lush temperate forests, and visits the historic seaside town of Homer, including the iconic Salty Dog Saloon.

They also travel to Iceland, exploring breathtaking sites like Diamond Beach, Gullfoss, and the remote highlands, showcasing the raw beauty and untouched wilderness of these extraordinary destinations.

#tracks#iceland#alaska

Literary Arts: The London Magazine – December 2024

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The London Magazine (December 2, 2024): The latest issue features poetry, short fiction and…

Joey Connolly on information overload, syzygy and Liz Truss.

Betty Rose Townley on Hera Lindsay Bird and the texture of bisexuality.

Jen Calleja on writing experimental memoirs.

Aidan Tulloch on walking through England’s World’s Ends. 

Richie Jones on Jack Reacher and headbutts. 

Reviews by Rowland Bagnall, Tommy Gilhooly, Patrick Cash, Tallulah Griffith.

Cover image by Paul Graham.

Preview: The New Yorker Magazine – Dec. 9, 2024

The Knicks players outside Madison Square Garden.

The New Yorker (December 2, 2024): The latest issue features John Cuneo’s “Garden Party” – The Knicks are making a joyful comeback.

Stopping the Press

After spending years painting the media as the “enemy of the people,” Donald Trump is ready to intensify his battle against the journalists who cover him. By David Remnick

R.F.K., Jr., Wants to Eliminate Fluoridated Water. He Used to Bottle and Sell It

Donald Trump’s nominee to lead H.H.S. once started a bottled-water line, Keeper Springs. What was in it? By Charles Bethea

On the Block: Where Jerry Lewis and Buddy Hackett Once Schvitzed

The tummlers have moved on, but the distinctive Friars Club building, in midtown, is going to the highest bidder. By Bruce Handy

News: Rebels Advance In Syria As Russia Steps Up Air Strikes, Iceland Election

Monocle Radio Podcast (December 2, 2024): The latest from Syria as Russia fails to contain a rebel offensive on Aleppo, Icelanders vote after the collapse of a fraught coalition government,

Jamaica’s tourism minister joins us ahead of the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. Then we bring you the global paper review and the latest business news. Plus: Why Santa won’t be coming to France.

The New York Times — Monday, December 2, 2024

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Fighting Rages in Syria as Rebels Advance

Forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad have captured the Aleppo airport and are attacking the western city of Hama, according to local officials and a Britain-based war monitor.

Ukraine’s River of Anguish

Amphibious operations across the Dnipro River at Kherson illustrated the suffering and endurance of Ukrainian forces. A team of Times journalists observed the perilous movements.

Republicans Stand Behind Trump’s Choice of Kash Patel to Lead F.B.I.

Several lawmakers expressed support on Sunday for the president-elect’s plan to install a loyalist who has vowed to use the position to exact revenge on adversaries.

A Second Trump Term Poses a Crucial Test of the Senate’s Independence

President-elect Donald J. Trump is threatening to challenge the institution’s historic role, and the Constitution, with his prospective nominees and threats to push the boundaries of executive authority.

The New York Times Book Review – December 1, 2024

THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW (December 1, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Unfinished Business’ – “The City and Its Uncertain Walls features all of Haruki Murakami’s signature elements — and his singular voice — in a new version of an old story.

100 Notable Books of 2024

Here are the year’s notable fiction, poetry and nonfiction, chosen by the staff of The New York Times Book Review.

How the World’s Largest Democracy Slid Toward Authoritarianism

“The New India,” by Rahul Bhatia, combines personal history and investigative journalism to account for his country’s turn to militant Hindu nationalism.

What Exactly Is Morning Mist? And Other Questions.

In “The Miraculous From the Material,” the best-selling author Alan Lightman examines the science behind the wonder.

Angela Merkel Tells Us What She Really Thinks

In her memoir, the former German chancellor reflects on her political rise and defends her record as the outlook for her country turns grim.

Sunday Morning: Stories From Zürich And Istanbul

Monocle on Sunday (December 1, 2024): Juliet Linley and Gorana Grgić join Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, to discuss the weekend’s hottest topics.

We also speak to Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, and get the latest news from Monocle’s Istanbul correspondent, Hannah Lucinda Smith. Plus: Katja Weber, the organiser of Zürich’s enchanting Christmas market at Bellevue, joins us to share her seasonal insights.

The New York Times — Sunday, December 1, 2024

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Rebels Seize Control Over Most of Syria’s Largest City

The rapid advance on Aleppo came just four days into a surprise opposition offensive that is the most intense escalation in years in the civil war.

Trump Says He Will Nominate Kash Patel to Run F.B.I.

President-elect Donald J. Trump turned to a firebrand loyalist to become director of the bureau, which he sees as part of a ‘deep state’ conspiracy against him.

Kennedy’s Inheritance: How Addiction and Trauma Shaped a Turbulent Life

Donald Trump’s pick to be health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reached a pinnacle of power after a life of fame and addictions and a career intertwined with conspiracy theories.

Mexican Cartels Lure Chemistry Students to Make Fentanyl

Criminals turn college campuses into recruitment hubs, recruiting chemistry students in Mexico with big paydays.

News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious