@TheScrubSink

Each surgery day starts with a ritual: hands and forearms are meticulously scrubbed, while some "water-cooler" conversation flows among my surgical team. Here are a few thoughts, topics, and trends that were on my mind this week @TheScrubSink.

1. The Crossover, by Kwame Alexander. It seems as though basketball, and reading, are competing for the top spot on my son's list of passions. This book tells the story of a boy who loves basketball, of his relationships with family and friends, all through a hip-hop poetry style that just feels like the culture of basketball. #Weneeddiversebooks, and Mr. Alexander delivers.

2. Today, Explained. The daily news never lacks for dramatic headlines these days, but the folks at Vox pick up where your local networks leave off. In their new daily podcast, the choose just one issue to cover, in detail, in around 20 minutes. You'll leave knowing not just the headline, but knowing the backstory, the various perspectives, and potential future ramifications. Perfect morning commute material.