Good morning and happy Sunday. I am exploring this new format where I trawl through the news and internet and let you know some of what is up.
BOO
Spain, who currently spends the least of any NATO country on its defense (1.2%), announced in April it is on track to meet its 2% defense spending goal by the end of the year. But that’s where it draws the line: it is the last NATO country to resist Trump’s 5% demand, calling the increased minimum a “mistake.” it seems to me the only mistake is committing to an agreement (2%) and then allocating funds for it toward unsustainable social programs.
Vietnam, strong-armed by the 46% tariffs debuted on “liberation day,” has fast-tracked the necessary paperwork for a $1.5 billion Trump golf complex resort to be opened on farmland outside of Ho Chi Minh City.
YESS
Workers at a California wildlife rehabilitation center are socializing a cub they call Baby Bear, who was just three pounds when he was rescued, by only interacting with him while wearing fur coats and bear masks. Hello, dream job.
MIAM
Today for brunch on the market street I had a café allongé and a platter with three cheeses and a slice of poilâne. I don’t know if it was because I was hungry and ordered right or maybe the terrasse was just so cozy on this drizzly Sunday, but this was the most satisfying start to my day. I was so pleased and am in a wonderful mood on my walk.
LIT
reading through this NYTimes list of the best books of 2025 so far is exciting on its own, but also because it offers a look into what’s resonating with American readers right now: paranoia and careful, slowly-paced rumination.
The New Yorker continues to celebrate its 100th year in print, delving into why people love New York, why the city can’t have nice mayors in its latest issue and recirculating its most iconic stories, like those of the tenants of the Chelsea Hotel online.
SCREENS
La Palme d’Or, the most prestigious prize given at the Cannes Film Festival was awarded to Jafar Panahi for his thriller Un simple accident, which was filmed in secret in Iran.
in other Cannes news, the power outage across southern France last night that disrupted part of the festival is said by officials to be sabotage after they uncovered signs of arson and transmission tower damage.
A spinoff of The Office called The Paper, set in the same universe as the original series will begin streaming on Peacock this fall. The series will star Domhall Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore and Oscar will return as an accountant.
BOP
Barred from competing in Eurovision because of the war in Ukraine, Russia is reviving Intervision this year, its Soviet-era response to the continent’s song contest founded by Brezhnev. I am going to hazard a guess and say the shows’ formats will be the extent of similarities shared by the two contests: there will probably be no nonbinary or drag queen Intervision winners.
have a good day.
Natasha