It’s back!  The CIW programming team has finally recovered from the exhilarating, fast-paced, non-stop week that is October’s Chicago Ideas Week, and we’re here to share with you just a few of our favorite (Internet) things this week.   From viral videos to in-depth news reporting to leaked albums—each week, we look far and wide to put together a lineup of the best the Internet has to offer.

Photo credit: AP.

1. We can’t get enough of the conversation that Richard Sherman’s on-field antics (love ’em or hate ’em) has brought to the forefront of American consciousness.  The Atlantic has been exceptional in its coverage of just how far beyond the realm of sports this dialogue truly goes. 

  

2. Speaking of the “new, true all-American”: “What’s all-American now, in this sixth January of the Obama presidency? What’s all-American in a week when the New York Yankees pin their hopes and their budget on Japan’s best young pitcher? What’s all-American in a season when American Idol is judged by a Latina, an Aussie-Kiwi and a voice of creole New Orleans?” 

3. Finally, an inspiring story about the portrayal of women and femininity in the media.  And if you haven’t watched The Broad Show yet, you should. 

4. This week, Executive Director Jessica Malkin has managed to bring every office conversation full circle to The Square, the Academy Award–nominated documentary on the Egyptian Revolution and the activists behind the ongoing fight for equality, peace and justice. As Jessica subtly reminded us—several times, we might add—you can find this movie via a Netflix subscription near you.  

5. Be honest: Were you one of the people scrambling to buy a new copy of The Catcher in the Rye after watching the PBS premiere of Salinger? (We’ll be honest: We were.) The television version took the original fascinating film a full 15 minutes further and featured more great authors than we can count.  Plus, Joyce Maynard’s appearance inspired us to revisit this heartbreaking and inspiring piece that remains relevant today. 

6. When we bought The Interestings at our neighborhood bookstore, the salesperson warned us that it had the rare distinction of falling into the category where readers either love it or hate it. We fall into the latter category. The book is unique, understated and powerful, and as soon as we finished it, we wanted more. Which category do you fall into?

7. Can’t find time to read? President Obama, Warren Buffett and Howard Schultz manage to keep up with the latest New York Times best-sellers, and we’re guessing they have a little bit more on their plates than the rest of us.  Here’s some inspiration on how to squeeze in a couple extra minutes and start your day off right.   

8. Will you be dining here? We’re not so sure. 

9. Our resident music aficionado Sam Waterbury can’t stop listening to upcoming composer and musician Louis Weeks’ recently dropped EP, available for free download.   

This list was compiled by Brooke Scheyer, the Director of Programming for Chicago Ideas Week