Author: Michelle Korhonen
In 2017, I spoke with a music historian to understand the trend of flute rap: a boom in rappers rhyming about codeine, cars, and trauma over the soft sound of breath moving through a tube. Ardal Powell, the author of The Flute, told me that nothing surprised him when it came to this instrument. It is possibly the oldest musical device in the world. Neanderthals and 15th-century Swiss mercenaries and 1970s heavy-metal bands found use for it. Why not rappers?The “key thing in the history of the flute, going back thousands of years,” Powell said, is that “it’s the closest…
Not long ago, the idea that a former president—or major-party presidential nominee—would face serious legal jeopardy was nearly unthinkable. Today, merely keeping track of the many cases against Donald Trump requires a law degree, a great deal of attention, or both.In all, Trump faces 91 felony counts across two state courts and two different federal districts, any of which could potentially produce a prison sentence. He’s also dealing with a civil suit in New York that could force drastic changes to his business empire, including closing down its operations in his home state. Meanwhile, he is the leading Republican candidate…
Welcome to Up for Debate. Each week, Conor Friedersdorf rounds up timely conversations and solicits reader responses to one thought-provoking question. Later, he publishes some thoughtful replies. Sign up for the newsletter here.Last week I noted that presidential candidates in the 2024 election will discuss U.S. foreign policy toward China, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, Mexico, and beyond, and asked, “What foreign-policy matters are most important to you and why?”Replies have been edited for length and clarity.Caroline focuses on the movement of people:When I started thinking about this question, my immediate response was: the wars. Gaza and Ukraine. But no. That’s…
People clad in green tracksuits stand nervously in a circle. They’re participating in a “test” on Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix’s new reality competition series based on the streamer’s hit South Korean drama Squid Game, but they’re really just playing a game of chance. Each player must nominate someone to be eliminated, and then roll a dice. If they roll a six, the person they chose is eliminated. And so, over the course of 10 long minutes, they roll and roll and keep on rolling. Some inevitably roll sixes. Relieved players sigh; friends of eliminated players cry. Meanwhile, sitting on…
Study Links Parkinson’s Disease to Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases – In a recent study published in the esteemed journal Scientific Reports, researchers delved into the intricate relationship between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) employing a sophisticated statistical technique known as two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). This study marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the potential causal associations between these two debilitating conditions.Parkinson’s Disease: A Neurodegenerative EnigmaParkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, casts a shadow over the lives of millions worldwide. Characterized by the hallmark symptoms of bradykinesia (slowness of movement), resting tremors, and rigidity, PD disrupts the delicate balance…
I’ve heard of three Thanksgiving plans that got canceled because of disagreements over the Israel-Gaza War. In one case, over the past few weeks, a guy watched as his brother’s wife posted pictures of cease-fire rallies on Facebook. Finally he texted her: “So you love Hamas now?” She was horrified. After doing Thanksgiving together for two decades, they will not be continuing the tradition this year.I could give you more examples of unproductive fights that ended plans, friendships, relationships, but we’ve all been there. In this week’s episode of Radio Atlantic, we focus less on the substance of any of…
New Research Reveals Link Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Head and Neck Cancer Risk – A recent study published in the European Journal of Nutrition has found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is linked to an increased risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and head and neck cancer (HNC).UPFs are foods that have been manufactured using industrial processes and additives to make them more convenient, palatable, and shelf-stable. Examples of UPFs include packaged snacks, soft drinks, and ready-to-eat meals.The study, which was conducted among over 450,000 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort,…
Watch the full episode of Washington Week With The Atlantic, November 24, 2023Courtesy of Washington Week With The AtlanticNovember 25, 2023, 6:15 PM ETEditor’s Note: Washington Week with The Atlantic is a partnership between NewsHour Productions, WETA, and The Atlantic airing every Friday on PBS stations nationwide. Check your local listings or watch full episodes here.Anger and frustration is growing among some members of House Speaker Mike Johnson’s caucus over government spending. Johnson has a long legislative to-do list when the House returns to Washington after Thanksgiving, and with Republicans holding a razor-thin majority, his moves will be scrutinized by…
What Happens To Your Anus After Colostomy? After a colostomy, the anus may still function normally, or it may not. This depends on the type of colostomy that was performed and the reason for the surgery. In a temporary colostomy, the anus is typically left intact and will continue to function normally. This means that you will still be able to pass stool and gas through your anus. However, you may also have some discharge from your anus, which is usually mucus or dead cells from the lining of the bowel.In a permanent colostomy, the anus may be closed off or…
I had to make a decision. Would I take my first leisure trip without my wife in … well, it seems like forever … to see our grandkids 2,000 miles away? Marsha and I have been married over 40 years. We have traveled together to so many places around the world and in the U.S., from bigtime tourist draws like Paris and the Grand Canyon to the teeny tiny island of Simi, Greece. We were a team. We shared blissful moments – I’ll never forget those night stars above the canyon’s North Rim — and conquered obstacles. When one of…