Brooklyn Uzbek Community Rattled Months After ISIS Arrest
When federal authorities arrested two young Uzbek men from Midwood for allegedly tying to join ISIS, it left the small, economically vulnerable Uzbek community of southern Brooklyn feeling tainted by association. This New York Magazine piece looks at why the two men might have been seduced by ISIS’s apocalyptic message and how the community has moved forward after their arrest. [NY Magazine]
‘Redskins’ Bring Up Porn, Racist and Sexist Businesses in Defense of Their Name
The "Redskins’" battle to preserve a racial slur as their team name and mascot slumped to a new low this week when lawyers provided a list of racist, sexist and just outright offensive business names that the U.S. patent office had allowed in the past, The Guardian reported. Maury Lane, a spokeswoman for the team said that the government hadn’t before cracked down other “disparaging” business names and doing so would be a “dangerous precedent” and an infringement on free speech. In doing so she admitted her team name was “disparaging.” Way to go, Washington football team. [The Guardian]
Leah Remini Dishes on Scientology and Tom Cruise in Her Tell-All Book 'Toublemaker'
Actress Leah Remini left Scientology in 2013 after 30 years in the church. Now her book telling all about the church and fellow actor and celebrity Scientologist Tom Cruise. Readers will learn that Cruise and Katie Holmes accused Remini of ruining their wedding and that during the reception their daughter Suri Cruise was found crying on the bathroom floor. Remini also reveals that over the years she gave millions of dollars to Scientology. [TV Guide]
Bill Simmons, Malcolm Gladwell on the End of Grantland
If you were a fan of the now defunct sports and culture site Grantland, listen in as founder Bill Simmons — who was fired from ESPN earlier this year — talk about its abrupt demise. Author Malcolm Gladwell commiserates with a fired-up rant. “This is insane,” he says of ESPN pulling the plug on the online sports magazine. [The Bill Simmons Podcast]
The Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed: Morrissey and Charlie Brown
Maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Smiths lyrics fit perfectly in the word-bubbles of Peanuts cartoons, given Charlie’s general agita and angst, Snoopy’s existential pondering and Schroeder and Lucy’s tortured romance. But the “This Charming Charlie” Tumblr by graphic designer Lauren LoPrete is unbelievably perfect. Recording giant Universal has apparently threatened LoPrete over the use of the lyrics, but Morrissey has said he is “delighted and flattered” by the comics and “hopes that the strips remain.” So do we. [Huffington Post]
'Athleisure' Will Soon Be in the Dictionary
The word will be defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “casual clothing designed to be worn both for exercising and for general use,” according to the New York Times. In other words, tights are the new pants. Got that, men? [NYT]
New York is the 35th Fattest State in America
New York ranks a semi-respectable 35th place when it comes to obesity. A new report looked at factors including the percentage of residents who are physically inactive, the percentage of residents with diabetes, and the accessibility of healthy foods. Mississippi residents have the biggest weight problems, while Hawaiians are the healthiest, according to the study. [Boston Magazine]
'Sesame Street' Spreads Autism Awareness with New Muppet
“Sesame Street” has released nine web videos or “interactive storybooks” introducing Julia, its first Muppet with autism. The series also provides “digital cue cards” for parents to help teach their children with autism skills like brushing their teeth and washing their hands, according to the Atlantic, which says that “Sesame Street’s approach to autism education is noteworthy in that it aims to normalize rather than exaggerate the disability.” [The Atlantic]
Animated NYC Etiquette Tips You’ll Wish Were Mandatory Reading For Tourists AND New Yorkers
This is an oldie but a goodie. Through clever animations, illustrator Nathan Pyle shared spot on tips for navigating this crazy, messy city — like how to avoid a “garbage death zone,” why an empty subway car is always suspect, how to avoid canvassers and how long to kiss in public. The animations will have you chuckling as well as nodding your head vigorously in affirmation. If only everyone could follow these simple rules.
This column was compiled by DNAinfo reporters Emily Frost, Gwynne Hogan, Noah Hurowitz, Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, Irene Plagianos, Eddie Small, Danielle Tcholakian, Shaye Weaver and Nikhita Venugopal
