About Last Week: What I Heard, Watched, Ate, and Read

Spring quarter is such an abominable time of year. Humidity is at 80%, the wasps have awakened, and my willingness to attend class is at an all-time low. The flowers are spectacular in Chicago though and I can freely wear tank tops again.

This week I have read a bit too much, tried some new shows/podcasts, and listened to my favorite songs over and over (seriously, I should have a limit on how many times I can repeat these)...

For My Ears

Songs

1. Champagne Coast by Blood Orange

2. Gospel For A New Century by Yves Tumor

3. Leader of the Pack by Wunderhorse

Podcast

Monocle on Culture by Monocle Radio

In my ongoing effort to learn from essayists, I listened to the episode with cultural critic and novelist Lauren Oyler. Episodes are a quick 30 minutes and come out once a week.

For My Eyes

TV

WeCrashed on Apple TV+

This limited series focuses on Adam and Rebekah Neumann’s tumultuous experience with WeWork. Played by Jared Leto and Ann Hathaway, the characters took me on a wild journey to “elevate the world’s consciousness” and (irresponsibly) watch the entire series in one day.

Film

Bodies Bodies Bodies by Halina Reijn

I’m officially a horror comedy fan. With a sound bite growing popular on TikTok, I felt (out of fear of spoilers) the need to see this murderous Gen Z A24 film. And it did not disappoint. 

Video Essays

“toxic” femininity: what’s up with girlbloggers, female manipulators, and femcels? by Mina Le

Le has an interesting take on “toxic femininity” that I hadn’t thought of, but as a chronically online woman, it’s always fun to learn about different internet niches. My main takeaway: some Lana Del Ray fans seriously need to touch grass.

Why Cosmic Horror is Hard To Make by Screened

I don’t watch horror she says after just talking about a horror comedy. Nonetheless, it’s fun to think about the mediation of horror and what makes it successful.

chronically online girl explains Grimes lore. (rip grimes) by Nicole Rafiee

“Genesis” has been in my On Repeat playlist for too long and I needed to know more. Oh boy is there lore!

Youtuber

Jenny Bourn

Jenny cinematically vlogs her life making pottery, decorating her apartment, and going on walks. In the wake of my Olivia Rouyre era, I sought out another 20-something calm vlogging woman living in LA. Luckily, I found her.

For My Mouth

Recipes

Asian Cucumber Salad by I Heart Umami

My favorite dumpling restaurant in Paris, Shifu, has an amazing cucumber salad. While this recipe is not my favorite, it fixed my craving. 

Recipe notes: Use a little less vinegar, less sweetener (I used agave), and more chili oil

Loaded Veggie Sandwich by PlantYou

Whenever I make this, my roommates note how good it looks. 

Recipe notes: Instead of pickled onions, I did grilled onions. Also, I didn’t add lettuce because lettuce is the taste of depression. I will elaborate no further. 

For My Mind

Articles

“Sheltering in Place with Sei Shōnagon” by Kyoko Mori (The American Scholar)

I read part of The Pillow Book for my class and Mori’s essay details her interactions with Shōnagon’s work in an emotionally nuanced manner.

“‘This is garbage’: Step aside, influencers — we’re now in the era of de-influencing” by Brianna Scott (NPR)

In the age of endless advertising, who do we trust, what should we buy, and where do de-influencers fit into all of this?

Till next week,

xoxo sarah