Digital Age Redefines Cruising and Campus Settlements

Sniffies App Maps Real-Time Encounters

The landscape of modern dating has shifted, requiring significant effort in profile curation and endless scrolling. In contrast, the age-old practice of cruising—seeking anonymous sexual encounters in public spaces—is finding new expression through digital platforms. Emily Witt explores this trend, highlighting Sniffies, a web-based service that provides users with an anonymous, real-time sexual map of their surroundings.

Campus Deal Sparks ‘Shakedown’ Concerns

Columbia University has reached a settlement exceeding $200 million with the Trump Administration regarding allegations of discrimination and inadequate protection for Jewish students. This agreement also leads to the unfreezing of some federal funding for the institution.

“Deals between the government and regulated entities, whether universities or companies, to settle legal investigations are common. But this one resembles extortion. It began with the government announcing preëmptive cutoff of funds to Columbia without even pretending to undertake the required legal process to determine whether the university had violated civil-rights statutes. This agreement could set a precedent for regulating universities—and who knows what other entities—not by law but by shakedown.”

—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker contributor and Harvard Law School professor

Critiques of Audiobook Performances Shine

The art of audiobook narration continues to impress, with several recent releases drawing praise for their vocal performances.

Jeremy Irons Captivates with “Brideshead Revisited”

Jeremy Irons lends his distinctive voice to the audiobook of Evelyn Waugh’s “Brideshead Revisited.” His prior portrayal of Charles Ryder in the 1981 television adaptation allows him to infuse the characters with nuanced depth, from Sebastian’s airy presence to Julia’s subtle aloofness. Listeners are drawn in by his smooth and strikingly beautiful narration.

Craig Ferguson’s “Riding the Elephant” Delights

Comedian Craig Ferguson provides a captivating performance of his own memoir, “Riding the Elephant.” His writing, crafted for the ear, combined with a delivery described as “sounds-drunk,” guides listeners through humorous anecdotes. Ferguson’s blend of sharp wit and genuine affection for his subjects makes his own life’s “stampede” a relatable and funny story.

Moira Quirk’s Versatility in “Gideon the Ninth”

The initial entry in Tamsyn Muir’s “Locked Tomb” science-fiction series, “Gideon the Ninth,” is brought to life by narrator Moira Quirk. While the novel immerses listeners with minimal upfront explanation, Quirk’s exceptional ability to differentiate characters makes for a deeply engaging experience. Her skillful vocal work ensures listeners become fully invested in the narrative, even prompting listeners to seek out listening time beyond necessary commutes.

Joe Barrett’s Immersive Narration of “The Bonfire of the Vanities”

For extended journeys, Tom Wolfe’s “The Bonfire of the Vanities” is recommended, with Joe Barrett‘s narration praised as an ideal guide. Barrett masterfully shifts between the omniscient narrator and the distinct voices of New York’s 1980s elite, including the grating Southern accent of Maria Ruskin. His performance makes the twenty-seven-hour audiobook fly by, fully immersing the listener in the story’s gritty urban landscape.

The effectiveness of these audiobooks is underscored by the growing market for audio content. In 2023, the audiobook industry generated approximately $1.5 billion in the US alone, reflecting a sustained interest in this format (Statista, 2023).

“South Park” recently kicked off its twenty-seventh season, following a significant $1.5 billion streaming deal for its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The season’s premiere did not shy away from satirizing the recent settlement involving President Trump. Bill Hader, a writer for the show, has previously discussed the often incendiary joke creation process behind “South Park.”