Whatsapptivism, mystery menus and Icelandic basketball: Your long reads round-up
The best in-depth reporting from around the web
Ever ordered a McGangbang? This week’s long reads navigate the secret world of off-menu ordering, the journey of an Icelandic sheep farmer to NBA player and the women changing the world through WhatsApp.
Pop the kettle on, it’s time for some Sunday reading.
These women are using WhatsApp to change the world
Its end-to-end encryption, egalitarianism and the ease of sharing images and documents have elevated WhatsApp from a messenger app to a vital tool for political organisers — here, five women talk about the role group chats play in changing the world.
Facebook doesn’t feel safe. WhatsApp feels safer — it’s simple and straightforward
It’s a long way from an Icelandic sheep farm to the NBA
Iceland has a burgeoning basketball culture, apparently. Here we look in depth at the journey of Tryggvi Hlinason, a young basketball star in the making as he tries to make the jump from farm to court.
He’s still developing his shooting touch, but he is gifted with sheer size and natural instincts and arms like an Airbus
Inside the not-so-secret secret menus
Special ingredients, weird combos, and strange names — going ‘off menu’ is one of fast food fans’ worst kept secrets. We see how it’s done.
“You can order the lower-priced McDouble — hold the ketchup and mustard, add lettuce and Big Mac sauce. Total price, with substitutions = $1.49, $2.40 less than a Big Mac and all you’ll be missing is the third slice of bun, some sesame seeds, and most of your dignity.”
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