Checkin Vroman’s Bookstore

Browsing… I promise.

But some early looking to figure out what to buy post-birthday isn’t against the rules though is it? This is some of the more interesting newer stuff I saw for the list:

👓 Owner of Frederick Douglass property incorporates Baltimore history, African-American artwork to continue abolitionist’s legacy | Baltimore Sun

Read Owner of Frederick Douglass property incorporates Baltimore history, African-American artwork to continue abolitionist's legacy by Brittany Britto (Baltimore Sun)
After years of living away from his native Baltimore, Gregory Morton was looking for a hometown haven. Little did he know that his search would lead to a property so filled with history that he would be proud to share it with the world. Today, home for the 35-year-old Morton is 524 S. Dallas St. in Fells Point — one of five alley houses on the street that abolitionist Frederick Douglass had built in the 1890s. Douglass, who was born into slavery on the Eastern Shore and went on to become a world-renowned orator, author and newspaper editor, built the homes as rental properties for African-Americans, according to the Maryland Historical Trust.

📺 The Bridge S1, E6-12 (FX)

Watched The Bridge S1, E6-12 from FX
When a body is found on the bridge connecting El Paso and Juarez, two detectives, one from the United States and one from Mexico, must work together to hunt down a serial killer operating on both sides of the border.
Still not sure quite what to think of this. There are some interesting characters, some quirky plot points, and regular and perverse surprises one wouldn’t have suspected. Things come to head in a hokey manner but then keep moving on without any real thrust. While it might be the idea of cinéma vérité they’re going after, it really just feels like unprofessional and unfocused writing.

There’s only two seasons, so I may press on, but it’s becoming more and more reluctant. Perhaps I’ve just been spoiled by some great stuff lately.

📺 The Bridge S1, E13; S2, E1

Watched The Bridge S1, E13; S2, E1 from FX
When a body is found on the bridge connecting El Paso and Juarez, two detectives, one from the United States and one from Mexico, must work together to hunt down a serial killer operating on both sides of the border.
I feel like season 1 should have ended at episode 10ish with the big showdown on the bridge.

The final few episodes of the season should have just been part of season 2.

👓 How to See What the Internet Knows About You (And How to Stop It) | New York Times

Read How to See What the Internet Knows About You (And How to Stop It) (New York Times)
Welcome to the second edition of the Smarter Living newsletter.

📺 Sinclair Broadcast Group | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Watched Sinclair Broadcast Group from Last Week Tonight (HBO)
Sinclair Broadcast Group is the largest owner of local TV stations in the country. That's alarming considering that they often inject political views into local news.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvtNyOzGogc

📺 Harding | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Watched Harding from Last Week Tonight (HBO)
John Oliver unveils Last Week Tonight's collection of presidential wax statues and brings Warren G. Harding's incredible life story to the big screen.
I’m so excited to see this as I’ve just made an offer on a house in a neighborhood known as “President’s Row” on a street named Harding!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cBV8KFFasY

📺 Brexit II | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Watched Brexit II from Last Week Tonight (HBO)
In the wake of a divisive election, the UK will begin the process of leaving the European Union. John Oliver and an intergalactic space lord propose a plan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyVz5vgqBhE

👓 Meet the Authors of a Mind at Play: How Claude Shannon Invented the Information Age | IEEE Spectrum

Read Meet the Authors of a Mind at Play: How Claude Shannon Invented the Information Age (IEEE Spectrum)
Jimmy Soni and Rob Goodman wrote the first biography of the digital pioneer