The week of August 4, 2014 was: wondering what sumo wrestlers like for their in-flight entertainment; never being able to look at peaches in the same way again; and Warren G reads Warren Harding’s sexy letters. Way sexier than peaches.

Mash-Ups In The News:

Forgetting and Remembering Your First Language

We could not relate more to this! (See: GUILT.) You understand a language perfectly, but you can’t get the words out in conversation. And then you’re traveling and visiting family and embarrassed by your lack of abilities. That being said, having a first language that becomes your third language is still pretty bomb.

via The Atlantic

Why I’d Rather Be Called Black Than African-American

The struggle with being a Mash-Up American is that the American part is pretty darn important, and takes on a life of its own.

via Slate

Watch: Intensely Awkward Congressional Hearing

Oh, this hurts our feelings: Ever hear the story of the U.S. Congressman who talks to two Indian-American State Department officials, and asks questions about “their” country, India, assuming that they are not American?

via MSNBC

Is Race Plastic? A Trip Into the Ethnic Plastic Surgery Minefield

#Longread: Making your eyes more “white”? Easy. Does that make you more white? Confusing. Plus: Getting butt implants!

via NY Mag

Amid Smoking Decline, Look Who’s Still Lighting Up

Lesson: Smoking is bad for everyone. But who’s still smoking? Gays smoke more than straights. Native Americans and “Multiple Race” people smoke way more than Hispanics and Asians. Oh dear.

via NPR

How Asian Families Learn to Welcome a LGBTQ Child’s Partner

A series of portraits that show how intimacy breaks down a lot of prejudice. Sometimes new things just take some getting used to.

via Slate

Diverse Boards Pay More Dividends, Study Finds

Diverse corporate boards do way better than others. DUH.

via Science Daily