The horrors of modern-day travel
Sep 12, 2025•13 min
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Episode description
Where have all the benches gone? Deputy Opinion Editor Mark Lasswell reflects on the causes and consequences of the “defensive architecture” replacing seating in public spaces. Plus, contributing columnist Rick Reilly shares just how hard it’s become to find an Airbnb or VRBO that doesn’t feel like the inside of a Target.
Additional reading by our columnists:
Mark Lasswell: This punctuation mark is semi-dead. People have thoughts.
Rick Reilly: I have decided never to go outside again
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