Morning Meeting

This week, Alessandra Stanley discusses how the Trump administration is turning away Russians seeking asylum. Then John von Sothen reveals how he learned that one of the great masterpieces of Western art has been sequestered inside a convent in remote Canada for 200 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Mark Rozzo remembers Granny Takes a Trip, the clothing store that put the swing in London’s Swinging 60s and outfitted everyone from John Lennon and Lou Reed to Mick Jagger and more. And then, as the White House continues to pressure American universities and colleges to change their policies, Clara Molot asks why more university presidents are not standing up to Donald Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Oscar-winning filmmaker Errol Morris shares his complex feelings about Robert McNamara, discussing their intriguing collaboration on The Fog of War. He reveals insights into McNamara's wartime decisions and explores themes of forgiveness and moral responsibility. Meanwhile, writer Harry Mount reminisces about Jilly Cooper, her journey from journalism to bestselling novels, and her lasting impact on British society. Mount's personal anecdotes highlight Cooper's humor and charm, making for an engaging tribute to a cultural icon.

This week, Eric Wilson, a journalist based in Hong Kong, dives into the chilling Abby Choi murder case, shedding light on the shocking details, suspects, and social implications in the wake of public outrage. In a lighter yet equally astonishing segment, Clara Molot unravels the tale of a determined student who crafted a fake identity to get into Yale, expertly bypassing verification systems and tailoring an impeccable application. Their insights together highlight the extremes people go to in pursuit of success—and the cultural repercussions that follow.

Michael Oreskes, a journalist, dives into how scientists are fighting back against attacks on their work, emphasizing the importance of defending scientific integrity. Gerard deGroot, an emeritus history professor, analyzes the cultural impact of Allen Ginsberg's poem 'Howl' and its relevance to today’s free-speech debates. Joan Juliet Buck, former editor of French Vogue, reviews a biography of Jane Birkin, exploring her influence on fashion and the fascinating story behind the iconic Birkin bag, a symbol of both style and irony.

This week, Jonathan Alter, a renowned journalist, dives into the jaw-dropping tale of Spiro Pavlovich, who posed as a Rockefeller for 40 years, infiltrating elite circles. Alter unpacks how Pavlovich's early frauds set the stage for his grand con, driven by the desire for status rather than wealth. Meanwhile, Christine Muhlke, a food and dining journalist, reflects on the iconic Union Square Cafe and its transformative 40-year journey under Danny Meyer, highlighting its unique hospitality culture and legacy in New York's dining scene.

Join John Moucherie, a musical aficionado, as he dives into the legacies of composers John Williams and Leopold Stokowski, revealing their vastly different public personas. The discussion also shifts to Gen Z's refreshing approach to dating, opting for in-person connections over apps, sometimes even at unconventional venues like funerals. These events have evolved into social spectacles where fashion and status play crucial roles, blending personal loss with a modern twist, all infused with humor and insight.

If you’re a fan of Curb Your Enthusiasm—and who isn’t?—you are surely a fan of Susie Essman, who played Susie Greene on the show. And this week she joins us with a rather Curb-like story about her encounter with Prince Andrew. Then our colleague James Wolcott discusses the return of perhaps the sharpest cultural and social satire going these days: South Park. And finally, Linda Wells remembers Giorgio Armani.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Nick Davies reveals his new findings about the phone-hacking scandal involving Rupert Murdoch that rocked the U.K. in the 2010s, and what it could mean for The Washington Post. Then Gracie Wiener tells us how Diaper Diplomacy has become social media’s new fixation. And finally, Carolina de Armas reports on the obsession of the summer: Bad Bunny’s residence in Puerto Rico.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Clara Molot reveals how Yale has managed to escape the wrath of Trump and his war on America’s universities. Then William D. Cohan has all the dirt and drama about how the 75 billionaires who take over Nantucket each summer are more than living up to expectations with their very bad behavior. And finally, Hayley Peppin joins us in a conversation about the newest trend in home design. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.