People who write paid newsletters or newsletters with a big audience take on an obligation to send them out regularly. Since I’ve only got a couple dozen folks and I’m not trying to make money on this, I have the luxury of making it sporadic. I don’t have anything specific today, but I’ve found a number of quite interesting pieces I thought you might like.
Long(ish) Reads
At the NY Times:The Subversive Joy of Lil Nas X’s Gay Pop Stardom. Read this even, or especially if you’re not a hip-hop/pop/R&B fan. He’s just twenty-two and he is killing it. Obviously when you see a young person thrust into stardom, you worry for them, but right now, in this shining moment, Lil Nas X is a ray of goddamn sunshine, especially for young gay Black people, and they could really use some goddamn sunshine. His new single, Industry Baby, is out now, and he’s using the platform to raise money for bail funds.
At GQ: Jason Sudeikis is Having a Hell of a Year. If you’ve seen and enjoyed Ted Lasso, then definitely read this. But even if you haven’t, it’s a really well-written piece. It profiles the actor, of course, but it also offers interesting thoughts about fame, the intersection of art and real life (both the protagonist and the actor have remarkably similar recent relationship trajectories), and more.
At Capital Daily (Victoria, BC): Penniless: Why a Victoria Man Has Gone Two Decades Without Using Money. This guy is fascinating, eccentric, frustrating, and kind of inspiring.
At Mainer: Proud Boys in Maine Meeting At Portland Dive Bar. Starts off as a completely normal “bartender refuses to serve Nazis” story, but it becomes a WILD ride. If you want a glimpse behind the regular story and a look at some very Maine characters, this is your tale.
Kind of Upsetting Items
- That hippo is not your friend.
- US regulators make cars safer for drivers. They do nothing for the people those drivers run over.
- Seriously, America’s obsession with cars is ruining things for everyone.
Secretly Ironic 