I felt like this book was the perfect final stop in my unexpected Roald Dahl rabbit hole (it was first mentioned in the podcast). After seeing Giant and binging The Secret World of Roald Dahl, I was left wrestling with the same central question that Claire Dederer explores in Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma: What do we do with artists whose work we love but whose behavior or beliefs we find disturbing?
Read MoreI wasn’t done with the Roald Dahl rabbit hole after seeing Giant. I needed more context and understanding, so my cousin (and fellow Louper) Anne K. sent me this podcast. OMG — it was incredible. The production, writing, and performance are all top-tier, but what towers above everything is the depth and detail of Dahl’s actual life. His unmatched success as a children’s book author may honestly be the least interesting part of his story. There is so much I didn’t know.
Read MoreRoald Dahl was a giant of children’s literature who profoundly shaped my childhood and my family’s. From James and the Giant Peach (I was mistakenly cast as the silkworm in our 4th-grade play) to the 1971 Willy Wonka film with Gene Wilder — which I still watch whenever it’s on — to my daughter Quinn auditioning for Matilda after seeing it in London. His stories were magical.What I didn’t know growing up was that Dahl was also an antisemite. That fact now puts an asterisk next to his name and a lingering question mark in my mind.
Read MoreI mildly recommend these Rekke augmented reality ski goggles as a fun, slightly futuristic upgrade for spring skiing with friends or family.They project a heads-up display showing your speed, altitude, and — most usefully — the location of others on the mountain who are also using Rekke. They sync with your phone so you can glance at messages and control your music without pulling out your device.
Read MoreThere are more excellent restaurants than ever — which is wonderful — but true hidden gems have become rare. Between Michelin, Infatuation, and Eater, the best spots fill up fast, often requiring reservations weeks ahead. The problem? I rarely know my schedule, dining companions, or cravings that far in advance.To solve this, we’ve joined a couple of private clubs for reliable access and stuck with strong local favorites. But when I want to try a buzzy new place, two services have made life much easier.Dorsia lets members secure tables by committing to a higher per-person spend — usually in line with what you’d already pay for a full dinner with drinks anyway.
Read MoreWe all know the feeling — your phone is a constant source of distraction. Tech companies pour billions into keeping us hooked with notifications, videos, and clickbait. No matter how much discipline we think we have, most of us grab the “marshmallow now” instead of waiting for better rewards later.That’s where The Brick comes in. It’s a straightforward device that lets you choose which apps to restrict — for me, it’s Messages, Twitter/X, and TikTok. Tap the Brick, leave your phone in another room (or across the desk), and suddenly you’re free to focus.
Read MoreI’ve recommended plenty of headphones and earbuds over the years, but these stand out as an excellent companion for the VoiceMap app.The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have speakers built into the arms, delivering open-ear audio. This means you get great sound for your tour narration without being completely cut off from the world around you. On a walking tour, that’s a big safety win — you can still hear bicycle bells, car horns, or someone calling your name.
Read Morehe best way to truly get to know a city is through a great tour—but finding one can be hit or miss. That’s why I’ve become a big fan of VoiceMap, an app that delivers location-aware, self-guided audio tours from some of the best local guides around the world.
Read MoreSpot problems early, easier to solve
Read MoreHeal your body after working out, or even after work
Read MoreZocDocs is Hinge for Healthcare
Read MoreBetter than Uber, sometimes
Read MoreThe best stationary store (not in Japan)
Read MoreFind the same furniture, only cheaper!
Read MoreBefore you go visit the D-Day beaches, watch Band of Borthers
Read MoreThe Bird Buddy offers a novel way to connect with this seasonal migration. This device acts as both a bird feeder and a watcher, equipped with the capability to capture images of the various birds that visit.
Read MoreThis Broadway season, the standout for me has been "Suffs," a musical I attended somewhat skeptically at the behest of my sister-in-law and producer, Allison R. Crafted and led by Shaina Taub, whose work draws delightful parallels to Lin-Manuel Miranda, "Suffs" is not just a musical but a resounding triumph that resonates deeply with its audience.
Read MoreExploring Japan's vibrant food culture doesn't require a plane ticket; it can start right at your doorstep with a Bokksu Box subscription. Each month, Bokksu delivers a curated selection of Japanese snacks that showcase an array of inventive flavors far beyond what's typically found outside of Japan.
Read MoreJudy Bags: Essential emergency kits with supplies for warmth, safety, and sustenance. Be prepared, anytime, anywhere.
Read MoreIn the ever-changing tapestry of life, where unpredictability is the only constant, Black Umbrella emerges as a beacon of preparedness and peace of mind.
Read More
