A "Fourth" of July open thread for you.

Manisha Aggarwal-Schifellite writes about Mira Nair's "Mississippi Masala" and South Asian representation in film.

Would you like to hear a really awkward gym story? Okay.

Chris Kimball wants to say hello.

"Ever since the collapse of civilization, I feel like you haven't made an effort to fit me into your life, Jenn."

Aimee Nezhukumatathil introduces you to the aye-aye in her latest World of Wonder column for The Butter.

The key is to never use any words ever.

It takes a lot of obsessive work and no real personality to turn your home into a desperately sad McMansion of unfulfilled dreams.

"I cry because now the spring has been ruined for me. There is blood on the leaves": Jamila Osman on grieving for her sister.

I've got a million of 'em.

The Toast presents a selection of delightful information in the form of a link roundup.

The opportunities are endless!

"Every photograph shows you and your sister standing next to each other in the strawberry patch, fruits of labor and longing pinched between your fingers."

Anna Andersen on two literal beach reads, books in which "the human world bumps up against the vast and mysterious ocean."

In his Liner Notes column for The Butter, mensah demary considers marriage equality, the eulogy for Rev. Pinckney, and the brave actions of Bree Newsome.