culture porn 4/7
our weekly playlist
screenshot me:
ted lasso (apple tv+)
the gang's all here for the (purportedly) final season, and each of the quirky characters faces a personal obstacle they will undoubtedly surmount. i'm eager to see how the show balances the upbeat tone with the sad subplot about ted's marriage. it will keep me watching til the end!
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unstable (netflix)
rob lowe channels the unbridled optimism of TED LASSO in this light "griefcom." co-starring his real-life son, whose eyes must be tired from rolling them so much, it's self-aware and silly, which pretty much sums up the title character.
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love is blind s4 (netflix)
can't stop, won't stop watching LOVE IS BLIND (someone, please stop me!) but alas, the premise and production is too good. imho, LIB is the dominant dating & relationship show of our era (sorry BACHELOR). yes, the show is premised on the question "is love truly blind?" which is interesting, but even more interesting is seeing how people react after a whirlwind proposal - once they learn quirky habits, share living space, and meet the family. the show is far from perfect - some have even called it "unbearably heterosexual" which isn't inaccurate at all - but if predicting LIB couples is your version of fantasy football, don't be shy. i want to hear your predictions!
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the lightyears: a memoir (chris rush)
when one of my local bookshops was doing their big sale of the year, i purchased this gem. it's a compelling memoir of a teenage boy, coming of age and coming out in the 70s. chris recounts his cross-country travel and experimenting (and addiction) with drugs. it may sound heavy, but the book maintains a strong sense of artistic expression and beauty. this would make a great film or series: putting it out into the universe!
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south park “deep learning” (comedy central)
if you've been obsessively thinking about AI, well - the creators at SOUTH PARK have too! their episode about (and co-written by) ChatGPT is excellent content, smart and funny and a wee bit scary in its implications. seeing the same familiar characters incorporate AI into their high school and texting familiarizes AI tools in a really tangible way.
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the record: boygenius (interscope)
phoebe bridgers’ side-hustle band has put out a loving mix of contradictions. from folksy to frenetic, soaring to screeching, the supergroup's album pretty much screams "indie rock" in the best way possible.
insights & inspo
what is reformer pilates and why is tiktok going mad over it?
in my quest to heal my knee and train in advance of a recent hiking trip, i’ve become a reformer pilates devotee. i believe it’s majorly helped my strength and stability in a safe way. coincidentally, i hadn’t seen any of the recent press until after my trip, but i’m thrilled to see its praises being sung and that it’s being more widely accepted by men as a legit way to work out. hopefully it will become more accessible (the reformer equipment is expensive).
notably, pilates requires correct form: doing mat pilates on my own at home i’ve occasionally overused my back (which caused me a minor muscle spasm). a proper instructor & the reformer machine can be a game changer to reap full benefits.
💪✨
- @sarahjaneunger
more insights here
#LOokforward🌅 with linda ong
like me, are you exhausted and exasperated at the sad drumbeat of mass shootings without congressional action? consider signing the petition (or even making a donation) to EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY. almost 75 children and adults have died in 2023 so far, according to NPR.
the US CENSUS is exploring asking black americans if they are descendants of enslaved ancestors, perhaps in a prelude to reparations. at the same time, it's opening up debates about identity, and how best to move beyond monolithic representation.
i just met justine bateman when she reunited with michael j. fox at the screening of his upcoming documentary, STILL (APPLE TV+). the former FAMILY TIES star is in the news for her defiant anti-anti-aging stance, becoming a public face of the emerging movement to reject fillers and fad treatments in favor of going au naturel.
for linda’s full debrief, head here
our partners over at CIRQUE DU SOLEIL are nominated for not one, but two WEBBY awards for their TIKTOK and livestreams. both in the social category under arts & culture and events & livestreams.
check them out for yourself and cast your vote here and here.