culture porn 8/5
our weekly playlist
screenshot me:
industry s2 (hbo)
was thrilled to see my favorite banking messes back in action set to dreamy synth. the season premiere does not disappoint and even integrates some covid-era remote work drama into the mix amidst the ongoing debauchery & attempted reformation of these moody professionals.
***
beyoncé: renaissance
noted as the first traditional release from queen bey in years, it’s already landed in hot water for appropriation (by not crediting) and for discrimination (against the differently abled, for using the same slur lizzo also just apologized for). still, as a culture pusher, she always knows what you crave right now.
***
billie eilish: guitar songs
with narrative discussions about the overturn of roe v. wade, depp v. heard trials, mental illness, and toxic relationships — to name only a few of many topics — billie eilish perfectly encapsulates gen z's anxieties with the world we live in today.
***
the last movie stars (hbo max)
ethan hawke directed this docuseries about paul newman and joanne woodward's long personal and professional relationship. acting pros like laura linney and george clooney give voice to the couple's thoughts, bringing old-time hollywood to life.
***
tove lo: 2 die 4
tove lo dives into the rising trend of sampling iconic pop bangers with "2 DIE 4" (from hot butter's 1972 hit "popcorn") — a time capsule for modern liberation in an effort to alleviate existential dread... no thoughts, just vibes.
***
licorice pizza
LA movies -- i'm here for you! i love watching LA on screen and having spent more time in the valley lately, i can appreciate seeing it on screen. i missed it in theaters so was happy to get the chance to see the buzzy flick on a recent flight. the age difference in the relationship was a little icky to me, but alana haim is great and i love her family's presence (i also love HAIM the band!)
insights + inspo
whiskey as a potential asset class
having just returned from a scotland visit, including three days of distillery visits, including at ARDBEG, i feel like i really understand single malts and the intentional work that goes into each sip, following centuries of tradition. what's interesting to me is to see this prized spirit emerge as a potential asset class -- similar to how we're seeing wine and art become investments. while there i was able to knock back some very aged drams, and it's a rare experience - the flavor morphs. i think i uttered "each moment is a new century" (likely the scotch speaking!)
read more here
can playing with LEGOs give you peace of mind?
i've been a lifelong LEGO fan, having constructed a myriad of structures and devices based on my own (and others') imagination as a kid. and i was happy to pass the joy onto my son, whose own creations and imaginations rivaled my own. luckily the playtime stalwart is itself an innovative thinker, having tapped pop culture (STAR WARS, SEINFELD) for its trademark sets to breathe life into the almost-75-year old brand. and now it's smartly taking its cues from INSTAGRAM trends like gardening in order to "adultify" its audience – making the danish toy brand (the largest in the world) one of the latest trendspotters to watch.
more here
joni mitchell reclaims her voice
"i've looked at life from both sides now..." is an epic lyric that seems to hit an emotional chord for anyone who listens. when my brother - who knows what music i'll like better than i do - @harringtonplunger, sent me joni's performance i thought it was too good to be true -- a summer of joni mitchell AND kate bush? her performance (alongside the very talented brandi carlile) is different and more lived in, and i am so grateful.
more on joni’s performance here
#LOokforward🌅 with linda ong
the pandemic made me realize how vital travel is to my soul, thanks to its absence. as i‘ve since vowed to see the world and visit friends whenever the opportunity was at hand, i found myself on a tiny greek island to celebrate the 60th birthday of a longtime friend. luckily, my dear friend and digital nomad will kendall joined me on this adventure, making more memories to last a lifetime. #goatcrew
ICYMI, kylie jenner and kim kardashian joined an online movement to “make INSTAGRAM, INSTAGRAM again” - and thanks to even more pressure (i’m talking to you, chrissy teigen), META blinked - with IG head adam mosseri eventually walking back some of the proposed changes to the popular platform.
for linda’s full debrief, head here