CODA
Hello!
As I wrote on my LinkedIn lately: It's been more than a month since I deleted the mobile apps of two social media networks I regularly used. And it’s changed so much for me that I’m in a bit of disbelief that adding that much friction to using these apps could lead to so much relief and happiness.
The months-long ache in my neck went away. I found more time to pour myself into some cool side projects that I hope will gain fruition soon! Over time I became happier, lighter, less cynical and more curious, and I started thinking and acting on the possibilities yet to come within my life, than the little fragments that I saw of other people’s lives.
In the spirit of this newsletter’s recommendation focus: I’ve also found myself reading a lot more journalism than usual. Which sounds surprising at first, because you’d think I live, breathe and eat that, but for a bit like others in my profession, I took a break.
Now I am venturing back into this — and where I’m starting is with smart publications that offer a rear view mirror, intellectual, considered perspective of what happened in the news, rather than the blow by blow of what happened by the hour. Which is a long winded way to say that I am reading a lot of The Economist. And the Financial Times, especially on the weekend. (Ironically for no particular reason though, this edition will have no specific recommendations from either publication) I do want to hear from from you: Which news publications make you smarter?
- Yuni
3 Great Reads
The American retiree who teaches Afghan women how to drive
Local lore says that one 82-year-old professor has probably taught more Afghan women drivers in a California town than there are in all Afghanistan. For them, it’s not about empowerment; it’s for groceries.
This and other accounts of the solar eclipse last month are a reminder of the primal awe that nature can evoke. The world goes dark in the span of a minute, birds start circling overhead out of nowhere, dogs start freaking out, then you get a 360-degree sunrise. Small wonder our ancestors went apeshit during an eclipse. - Werty
Are legging sizes getting smaller?
I have heard this for a while, went atheleisure shopping at a non-Lululemon brand, and now I believe this is really happening across the board - Yuni
2 Things to Watch
Traditional Chinese-Appalachian music is pretty awesome. Wait for the yangqin to kick in at the 1-minute mark. If you liked this, the same musicians performed a whole concert. - Werty
I enjoyed these books, or some spinoff/imitator of them, a lot as a kid. Some of the objects on the page were so uncomfortably lifelike. - Werty
1 Recommendation
CODA is a 2021 film from Apple TV about a girl who is the only hearing member of her family (hence the title - CODA is an actual acronym for Child of Deaf Adults). She feels obligated to take care of her family, but also aspires to be a singer. It’s funny, poignant and heartwarming. - Werty
Signing off for now,
Yuni & Werty