VANCOUVER, B.C. – I spent the better part of this month writing two essays which will probably never see the light of the day. It’s not that they were bad, they just weren’t good, and that lack of goodness made them kinda awful. Usually, if I’ve researched it and started writing, I can push any piece over the finish-line. But this time was different. I was uncertain whether the perspective I was trying to provide was worthwhile, or could even be considered perspective. I debated doubling down, hacking away at the big nothing in hopes of uncovering a big something. But really, who does that help? Sometimes it’s better to pull the plug, to embrace the situation for what it is: a little failure, but one that maybe sparks bigger success down the line.
The power of perseverance proved to be a recurring theme in a lot of what I read this week. Amateur investors hold the line to wage economic war on Wall Street hedge funds. A New Jersey pop star spends thousands of dollars to mix his double album, and finally scores a top 10 single. A kid’s movie about Inca myths is punched up past the point of recognition and becomes a cult phenomenon.
So it goes, one step forward two steps back. Whether this stock market chaos results in actual change I don’t know. In fact, I doubt it. It’s the meme economy, stupid. For now, I’m treating my money the same way I treat unpublished work. Tucked away somewhere safe. Waiting for a rainy day.
Links
"Once the pandemic is over, I hope we travel less.”
(My friend Kate Black turned 27 yesterday. COVID restrictions precluded her from having a real birthday bash – but still, she deserves to be celebrated! To know Kate is to stan Kate. She is an incredible writer and even better friend. Example: when I started Human Pursuits, I planned on doing a lot more interviews. As a test, I asked Kate if I could interview her about her creative process and her thoughts on art. She agreed pretty much without a second thought. She even filled out this rinky-dink word association test I made for her. Where other people might pull away, she leans in. That generosity is frequently reflected in writing, which is equal parts considered, comedic and compassionate. Forever excited to see what she does next.)
The Whole, Messy, Ridiculous GameStop Saga in One Sentence
The GameStop Fiasco Proves We’re in a ‘Meme Stock’ Bubble
(“Maybe the only long-term outcome of the GameStop fiasco is that hedge funds will be more cautious about establishing enormous short positions in cheap brand-name companies, and investors will learn that stock manias, like memes, disappear as quickly as they go viral.”)
Apple's new "Time to Walk" feature for Apple Fitness+ is, basically, uh, podcasts?
(Not only does it sound like podcasts, but it is a podcast hosted by Canadian fitness coach and trainer to stars Harley Pasternak. In early quar he created a show called Walking With Harley. The pilot episode, which was only shared on Instagram, involved him interviewing Jack Black as the two went on a leisurely walk. I know, it sounds like a weird dream. But despite it’s lack of virtual footprint, Harley tells Human Pursuits the show is real, and that more episodes are currently in production.)
“They Were Accidentally Transparent About How Stupid They Were All the Time”
(Olivia is the main reason I subscribe to NY Mag. She’s a great political writer, and approaches tired topics with fresh eyes. Start with her piece on Four Seasons Total Landscaping, and explore from there.)
Proud Boys leader was ‘prolific’ informer for law enforcement
(“I knew that he was a fraudster – but had no reason to know that he was also a domestic terrorist”)
Is There a Secret to Success on Instagram?
(“The platform wants creators who are wholly devoted to being Instagram artists,” she said. “I’m sure that this is a new and viable way of creating a career in the arts, but it’s not my own personal goal.”)
How households navigate the pandemic
(Alex’s opening grafs are a clinic in strong journalistic writing. Pair that with some Ben Nelms pics and you’re cooking with gas.)
‘We’ll Never Make That Kind of Movie Again’ – An oral history of The Emperor’s New Groove
(“Dave Reynolds came in and he was like, ‘I think Kronk should be a great cook! And he should make spinach puffs!’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s what he should do.’ It was that kind of vibe.”)
Books
In progress
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
The Kid Stays In the Picture by Robert Evans
Finished
Beastie Boys Book by Adam Horowitz and Michael Diamond