Welcome back to Tidings, our weekly newsletter rounding up interesting links from the Seabird community. Unlike the subject of our first story this week, Seabird is designed without replies. It's a unique feature in today's social media landscape, putting the emphasis on worthwhile reading rather than endless scrolling or trollish debate in the comments. Come check it out!

​The commenters​

While most magazines have eliminated their comment sections, Slate's lives on. A writer reaches out to meet his tormenters.

Slate | Luke Winkie

​45 strangers walk into parliament​

Lessons from Belgium, Ireland, and ancient Greece on doing politics without politicians.

The Dial | Esther King

​I spent three sweltering days shredding the high seas at a jogging pace​

Someone has to crew high-performance sailboats between race locations. For about a thousand bucks, it could be you.

Defector | Chris Thompson

​Where the reindeer roam​

Speaking of bucks: a majestic hiking trail across Swedish Lapland offers reindeer sightings and rustic delights.

The New York Times | Jim O'Grady

​App life in China​

Facial recognition for toilet paper? On the ubiquity of needing apps to do anything in China.

ChinaFile | Jeremy Goldkorn

Join Seabird for more links like these every day

---

​In fighting for every Black child, did I betray my own?​

Reflecting on wrenching choices as a Black parent in New York City public schools. [Gift link.]

The New York Times Magazine | Nikole Hannah-Jones

​The false "white genocide" claims reshaping US-South Africa relations​

On the claims that have led the US to prioritize refugee admissions for white South Africans while closing the door to everyone else.

New Lines | Nick Alexandra

​Alberta separatists forgot to build a culture​

On the alleged emptiness of Albertan identity.

The Walrus | David Berry

​Centrists won't tell you where "moderating" on trans rights ends up​

A UK perspective on what happens when a liberal party gets weak on trans rights.

New Republic | Toby Buckle

​The life and death of the sun​

Need a break from grim news on Earth? Here's a detailed breakdown of how the sun will eventually die.

Scientific American | Phil Plait

If you were forwarded this newsletter or found it recommended online, subscribe to Tidings and never miss an issue

​Our tears can help diagnose cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s​

From paper test strips to smart contact lenses, the emerging science of monitoring human tears.

Chemical and Engineering News | Marta Zaraska

​Losing Beck​

A new book on Beck tells the missing backstory behind Sea Change.

Vulture | Josephine Riesman

​How indigenous restaurants build their drink menus​

On building an indigenous drink menu with native ingredients and sometimes ambivalence about alcohol.

Punch | Diana Spechler

​A new book recounts radicchio's rise to Pacific Northwest fame​

Portland loves radicchio.

Willamette Week | Matthew Trueherz

​Are vagrant birds lost, or pioneers?​

Finally, in bird news... What can scientists learn from vagrant birds showing up where they not supposed to be?

Bay Nature | Jesse Greenspan

Tidings is edited by Jacob Grier. The links in our newsletter were all shared first on Seabird, our minimalist platform simply designed for recommending worthwhile links. Learn more about us here and join to discover and share articles like these every day. Your recommendations may appear in a future edition of Tidings.