Meaghan

In case you have (somehow!) missed all of the internet hubbub around HBO’s recent miniseries Show Me a Hero, which brings to life the late-1980’s low-income housing debate in Yonkers, NY, here are two articles that delve into this moving and nuanced production. All six episodes are online (though you must have the HBO streaming service—bah) and are ripe to be watched over the long weekend ahead. For those unfamiliar, I should add that “debate” is a very generous way to describe the events as they unfolded in Yonkers for all involved. Appropriately, the title of the miniseries comes from F. Scott Fitzgerald: “Show me a hero, and I’ll write you a tragedy.” The scenes of vitriolic, outraged citizens attending the city council votes were especially tragic, to me.

Serena

How important is good urban design? Important enough that it could impact a city dweller’s mental health. I mean, not that it has to be quite this vibrant, but we can do better than strip malls. Alternatively, you could forsake urban trappings altogether and just go await the apocalypse with these guys… (h/t MR).

Anna

Oops. Probably too late for my kids. But, here’s why depriving your kids of toys is a good idea.

Is Pope Francis the anti-Trump?

Ashley Callingbull, Mrs. Universe 2015—a Canadian and Cree woman—says Prime Stephen Minister Harper has to go!