5SR - July 21, 2023

Today’s curator is the founder of #5SmartReads, Hitha Palepu. She’s a consummate multihyphenate - CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals, author of WE’RE SPEAKING: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris and How to Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip, and professional speaker. Hitha is an unabashed fan of Taco Bell, Philadelphia sports teams & F1, romance novels, and is a mediocre crafter. She lives in NYC with her husband and two sons.

The morality police in Iran have returned to enforce headscarf rules for women (NPR)

Less than a year after Mahsa Amini’s murder, the morality police are back on the streets to enforce the cleric-led government’s headscarf rule.

I have to wonder if this announcement is because the government believes the world has shifted its attention elsewhere (which, let’s be honest, we have), if they’ve ramped up mobilization to enforce said law, or if it will blow up in their face.

The courage and resilience of the Iranian women has never failed to inspire me, and it continues to be underestimated by the clerics who run the government.

It’s also important for us to consciously keep our focus on the stories long after they stop dominating the news cycle, particularly when it’s a matter of human rights and freedom.

Tom Cruise’s Running Form Is Famous. But Is It Good? (Wall Street Journal)

Every time my husband and I watch a Tom Cruise movie, I break out into laughter every time I see him run.

I can’t help it. But actual runners aren’t laughing - they’re lauding his form as a sprinter and his speed (which is elite PERIOD, and not just for his age).

In honor of the new Mission Impossible (which we’re seeing tonight!), I wanted to share this very random and fun article. I may still crack up when I see Cruise break into his trademark sprint - but I’ll be respecting it even more.

"Oppenheimer" brings painful memories for New Mexico Hispanics (Axios)

History is written by the winners, leaving a singular narrative written to reflect them in the best possible light, and omit anything that could counter said narrative.

It’s a universal truth. And in my opinion, it’s holding us back as a society in critical thinking and empathy.

The forthcoming Oppenheimer film is dominating a lot of the news cycle, and this perspective is one that I previously had never considered - and am ashamed that I didn’t.

If there’s one article you read today, please make it this one. I would also ask you call your reps to support Senator Ben Ray Luján’s bill (to pay reparations to the New Mexican families who have been impacted by Oppenheimer’s tests).

Confessions of a procrastinating perfectionist (The Purse)

I met Lindsey at a breakfast earlier this summer. I’ve been a longtime reader of her reporting in Refinery 29 and Fortune, and couldn’t sign up for her excellent newsletter quickly enough (you should do the same).

I especially empathized with her latest one.

I especially love (and needed to be reminded of) of the power of a 20 minute block to help regain focus, and more importantly do some of the things you want to do (or want to just get done). And while the concept of throwing away a to-do list feels a little scary, it’s one thing I plan to do today as I plan out next week.

Four ways the 2023 Women’s World Cup is breaking new ground (CNN)

Something we all should do - normalize asking “men’s or women’s?” when someone asked if you’re caught a game or a match (something I read from The Gist during the NCAA tournament)

Another thing we all should be doing - watching the World Cup.

The 9th Women’s World Cup is different than its predecessors, and for the better. It’s bigger, more competitive, and pays better than previous tournaments.

And with the NWSL rising in popularity, it’s really exciting to watch the players we’ve gotten to know represent their homes while playing the beautiful game.

I’m personally rooting for the USWNT to make it a three-peat and win this year’s tournament.

It’s going to be a beautiful tournament.