Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.

I have been casting about for what to read next, so I was very happy to come across NPR’s staffer’s favorite fiction and nonfiction reads so far in 2025. The lists gave me books I can’t wait to read, books I know I should read, and books by authors I’m not familiar with but want to investigate. A win-win.

Last week The New York Times announced its ranking of the top 100 movies of the 21^st century, based on input from over 500 directors, actors, and Hollywood insiders. These are the best movies that have been released since January 1, 2000. Their process was to ask the filmmakers, stars, and influential film fans to vote for their favorite 10 movies of the past 25 years. They were compiled the responses to create this list of the 100 best movies.

After publishing their official list of the best movies of the 21^st century last week, The New York Times surveyed their readers and have come up with the best 100 movies of the 21^st century based on the 200,000 ballots the readers submitted. The readers supported many of the choices of the filmmakers, actors, and movie-industry professionals, but they elevated others that did not make that list. The readers’ choices.

When you’re taking a break from all the summer reading and movie-watching, try grilling dinner with this recommended meat thermometer. It is small and easy to use. It does not, however, have the recommended temperatures for meats, fish, or chicken. In case you need a refresher course in those, I’ve included those below. $43.00.