Brin-Jonathan Butler

Freelance Reporter

Latest

Flaco The Owl Memorial Service

Flaco’s Funeral: New Yorkers Give Tearful Farewells to ‘Absolute Underdog’ Owl

“The story of Flaco is a story of freedom.”

March 4, 2024

March 4, 2024

Flaco’s Funeral: New Yorkers Give Tearful Farewells to ‘Absolute Underdog’ Owl

“The story of Flaco is a story of freedom.”

Flaco The Owl Memorial Service

August 23, 2022

August 23, 2022

A New Biopic on Mike Tyson Plays Patty-Cake With the Past

Ferocious performances aside, Hulu’s Mike misses a chance to add anything new to the fighter’s now-familiar tale.

A New Biopic on Mike Tyson Plays Patty-Cake With the Past

February 17, 2022

February 17, 2022

The Latest Massage Chair Tech Is More Sci-Fi Than Masseuse Table

A test of new models from Korea’s Bodyfriend and New York’s Resonate Labs.

Massage Chairs

January 27, 2022

January 27, 2022

Need a Partner? This $645 Tennis-Ball Launcher Does the Trick

We tested Slinger’s Slingshot T-One Launcher with a couple of experts. Here’s what they said.

Need a Partner? This $645 Tennis-Ball Launcher Does the Trick

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

Two New Films Probe Controversies in the Legend of Muhammad Ali

Netflix’s Blood Brothers and a comprehensive documentary from Ken Burns give yet another look at the boxing legend.

Cassius Clay

August 21, 2021

August 21, 2021

Back in the Ring, Manny Pacquiao Battles the Ghost of Muhammad Ali

Why so many boxers keep getting fighting for so long.

Manny Pacquiao Training Session

July 29, 2021

July 29, 2021

Woman With Only Recording of J.D. Salinger Will Take Tape to Grave

How do you put a price on the voice of an author who wrote one of the seminal works of American literature?

Woman With Only Recording of J.D. Salinger Will Take Tape to Grave

March 18, 2021

March 18, 2021

A New Documentary Recasts Ernest Hemingway as Millennial Avatar

Attuned to gender inequity? Check. Aware of generational trauma? Ditto. Hungry for fame? Oh, yes indeed.

Ernest Hemingway

February 11, 2021

February 11, 2021

Courtship in the Time of Covid Moves at Its Own Warp Speed

Pandemic life has spelled out the joys—and a few limits—of spending time together

Courtship in the Time of Covid Moves at Its Own Warp Speed

January 13, 2021

January 13, 2021

The ‘Peloton of Boxing’ Is a Great Way to Not Get Punched in the Face

Liteboxer is more video game than sweet science—and that’s the point of this new home workout machine.

The ‘Peloton of Boxing’ Is a Great Way to Not Get Punched in the Face

November 27, 2020

November 27, 2020

Mike Tyson Is Still the Biggest Name That Boxing Has To Offer

The 54-year-old fighter will take on the 51-year-old Roy Jones Jr. on Saturday night. No one really knows what to expect.

Mike Tyson v James Tillis

June 24, 2020

June 24, 2020

The Summer Reads That Black Bookstore Owners Are Recommending

Fourteen options that’ll expand your experience.

The Summer Reads That Black Bookstore Owners Are Recommending

May 6, 2019

May 6, 2019

Like the Derby, There’s No Clear Winner in This Kentucky Bourbon Taste Test

A sampling of three bottles held during the 145th Run for the Roses yielded similarly controversial results.

The 143rd Running Of The Kentucky Derby

October 8, 2018

October 8, 2018

If You Thought the McGregor Fight Was a Disaster, His Whiskey Is Worse

Taste-testing a bottle of Proper No. Twelve during the UFC 229 fight.

UFC 229: Weigh-ins

February 14, 2018

February 14, 2018

Instead of Killing Boxing, the UFC Plans to Use It As a Lifeline

Amid a talent exodus and ratings decline, the world’s largest mixed martial arts organization turns to a familiar foe.

Mark Hunt punches Curtis Blaydes in their heavyweight bout during the UFC 221 event Feb. 11 in Perth, Australia.

August 25, 2017

August 25, 2017

No Matter Who Wins Mayweather-McGregor, the Biggest Loser Is HBO

The final bout of Money Mayweather’s career is also his last chance to stick it to the doubters one more time.

No Matter Who Wins Mayweather-McGregor, the Biggest Loser Is HBO