A graphic about the Assads, the ruling family in Syria currently led by Bashar al-Assad, who used to be a ophthalmology student of all things.
This was especially interesting since I know absolutely nothing about modern Syrian history.
Alan Jacobs linked to this piece by Brian Phillips about a freed American slave who fought what amounted to England’s unofficial boxing champion in 1810.
Not only is the tale supremely interesting (and, as Jacobs mentioned, powerful), but its glances into how we view sports and players (not to mention the importance of good and thorough sportswriting, although I suppose that goes for all journalism) are definitely worth a closer look. It’s also just a wonderfully well-written and entertaining story.
(via Instapaper)
