Book Review: Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter
Ripe, a 2023 novel by Sarah Rose Etter, is an intense satire set in 2020 Silicon Valley that follows Cassie, a young professional at a unicorn startup in San Francisco. The story details her battle with depression, cocaine use, precarious finances, and a toxic work culture while the COVID‑19 pandemic looms. It also foregrounds stark citywide inequality, using symbols like black holes and pomegranates to explore temptation and despair. The reviewer praises the prose but admits the book is anxiety‑inducing, reflecting real‑world tech industry pressures.
Back to Work!
George Saunders, Pulitzer‑winning author, launched a Story Club inviting readers to dissect his own work. He proposes an experiment that focuses on a lesser‑rated story to uncover the mechanics separating good from great writing. By analyzing a weaker piece, Saunders...
WRITING PROMT/CHALLENGE: WRITE WITH URGENCY
The post introduces a weekly writing challenge that pairs a creative theme with a craft theme to foster consistent practice. This week’s focus, “Clean Cuts,” emphasizes urgency through compression and parataxis, encouraging writers to stack short phrases for a drumbeat...
Jehnny Beth Shares ‘Look At Me’ Featuring Faith No More’s Mike Patton
French artist Jehnny Beth has released the single “Look At Me” with Faith No More frontman Mike Patton, a track that critiques the online self‑help industry by framing personal opinions as objective truths. The song, described as a two‑part narrative,...
True/False Film Fest Dispatch #2: ‘Phenomena,’ ‘Who Moves America,’ ‘Landscapes of Memory’
The 2026 True/False Film Fest in Columbia, Missouri debuted ten world‑premiere documentaries, spotlighting three standouts: *Phenomena*, *Who Moves America* and *Landscapes of Memory*. *Phenomena* follows a father‑son duo turning everyday experiments into visual poetry, earning a C‑ for its repetitive...
My Top 30 Songs for March 8-14, 2026
The March 8‑14, 2026 top‑30 chart places Australian duo Royel Otis at number one with the pop hit “who’s your boyfriend,” while Mumford & Sons climb after a high‑profile SNL performance. English folk rock band Mumford & Sons featuring Hozier moves up to...
Stop Auditioning for Approval
The post warns that many professionals behave like performers, constantly tailoring language and actions to win approval. This habit shifts focus outward, eroding self‑trust and causing decisions to be driven by applause rather than alignment. Over time, reliance on external...
Here Comes the Sunscreen Ingredient the U.S. Has Been Waiting For (Little Darlin')
The FDA has formally proposed adding the modern UV filter bemotrizinol (BEMT) to the United States' list of approved sunscreen ingredients, marking the first potential new filter in decades. Bemotrizinol, already used internationally, provides highly photostable, broad‑spectrum protection without the...
The Cords @ Esquires, Bedford, UK, March 6, 2026
The indie‑pop duo The Cords headlined a sold‑out show at Bedford Esquires, delivering an 18‑song set that blended debut‑album hits with five new tracks. Their self‑titled 2025 album earned widespread critical praise and secured signings with Skep Wax (UK/EU) and...
‘Thank God I'm A Country Boy’
John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” recorded 52 years ago, celebrated its anniversary this week. Written by band member John Martin Sommers in December 1973, the upbeat Texas two‑step topped both the country chart and the Hot 100. The...
Yuketen Wadaken Mil Spec U Tip Oxford Is Up To Snuff
Yuketen’s Wadaden Mil Spec U‑Tip Oxford blends military dress shoes with rugged sport oxfords, featuring full‑grain Tosca Snuff leather from Italy’s Conceria Opera tannery. Hand‑cut, hand‑lasted in a small Italian mountain factory, the shoe uses a Cortina lug sole and...
Favorite New R&B and Country-Tinged Rock, and some Vibe-Coding for People Scared by Claude Code
Rosecrans Baldwin’s Sunday supplement spotlights a selection of 2026 R&B singles and revisits the LA‑based band The Berries, whose latest self‑titled album blends country influences with rock energy. The post highlights tracks like “Lowest Form of Life” and “Fruit,” and...
Feminist Essay Club #5
On International Women’s Day, White Ink’s Feminist Essay Club released a recording discussing Virginia Woolf’s “Shakespeare’s Sister” excerpt from *A Room of One’s Own*. The conversation, prompted by subscriber Joanna Milne, examined historical publishing gaps—women authored only 25% of books...
Weekly Reads: Support Brain Tumor Work, Prasad Is Out (Again), Genetic Conditions, Texas AG, Immunotherapy Paper, SCBEM
The newsletter urges donations to support a lab studying lethal childhood glioma, noting NIH grant success rates of only 4‑5%. It reports FDA biologics chief Vinay Prasad’s second departure, a rare leadership turnover that could affect approval stability. Additional highlights...
Why Lifting the Next Generation of Women Matters
The essay reflects on International Women’s Day as a reminder that the next generation of women thrives on everyday mentorship and genuine encouragement. It recounts a personal story of a senior colleague’s simple lunch invitation that left a lasting impact,...
I.W. Payne and Beatrice Wood at Triangolo, Cremona
The Triangulo gallery in Cremona opened "He Does Not Have a Chance," a joint exhibition of I.W. Payne and Beatrice Wood. Featuring over a dozen works ranging from 1977 to 2026, the show juxtaposes Payne’s coloured‑pencil drawings and sculptural installations...
The Choir – “Cool Black Water”
The Choir, an alt‑rock indie act originally from Los Angeles now based in Nashville, released “Cool Black Water,” a standout track from their ambient instrumental album *Translucent*. The song weaves a dark, sensual atmosphere that evolves into a funky 90s‑style...
The Wild Irises – “Missy”
New York indie rock trio The Wild Irises has dropped “Missy,” the third single off their forthcoming album. The track draws lyrical inspiration from bassist Nate Goldsmith’s cat, Missy, and showcases a shimmering blend of shoegaze and 90s lo‑fi indie...
Tuscany and Umbria at a Slower Pace
The post outlines a leisurely travel itinerary that links Florence, Siena, the Val d’Orcia, Lake Trasimeno, Perugia, and Assisi. It emphasizes shorter driving days, good road conditions, and longer stays to deepen cultural immersion. The route showcases Tuscany and Umbria’s...
POOLHEAD – “Shake ‘N’ Spill”
German surf trio POOLHEAD released their 2023 single “Shake ‘n’ Spill,” blending 60s surf, garage, and psych rock. The track features retro surf twang, slick guitar, and a Tarantino‑esque vibe that feels both vintage and early‑2010s. A music video accompanies...
The Real Jacobite Trail Across Scotland
The post outlines a curated Jacobite Trail that follows the 1745 campaign from Eriskay to Inverness, spotlighting key sites such as Glenfinnan, Blair Castle, Braemar and Culloden Battlefield. It reframes the Jacobite story as a political and dynastic struggle rather...
Queen Anne – “Watch Me Win It”
Los Angeles‑based indie‑pop duo Queen Anne has dropped their latest single, “Watch Me Win It.” The track fuses alt‑rock grit with pop sheen and leans heavily on early‑2000s throwback aesthetics. Lead singer Katie Silverman says the song’s narrative sprang from...
Mansfield – “Too Much to Handle”
Danish indie outfit Mansfield has dropped its latest single, “Too Much to Handle,” as the next chapter after the 2024 album *For All the Right Reasons*. The track pairs a shimmering, echo‑laden production with hypnotic vocals, channeling early‑2000s NME‑style swagger...
Porsche Carrera GT in One-Off Gulf Blue Sells for a Record $6.7 Million
A one‑off Porsche Carrera GT finished in Gulf Blue fetched a record $6.7 million at Broad Arrow Auctions, more than double the typical $3‑3.5 million market value for the model in 2026. The car is one of only 19 Paint‑to‑Sample (PTS) Carrera GTs...
Pearly Drops – “Heaven”
Finnish duo Pearly Drops, comprised of Sandra Tervonen and Juuso Mali, have dropped their latest single “Heaven,” extending the sonic palette introduced on their 2025 album *The Voices Are Coming Back*. The track blends neon‑lit synths with electronic pop, delivering...
Discovering the Power of Nutrition in My Life
A dietitian shares how a simple morning nutrition drink transformed her focus, energy, and mood, especially while managing ADHD medication. By eating breakfast immediately, she reduced brain fog, improved executive function, and sustained productivity throughout her workday. Consistent fueling also...
Heat vs Cancer
Heat therapy, or hyperthermia, has ancient roots from Egyptian papyri to Chinese moxibustion and Greek fever treatments, and modern science revived it in the 20th century. Clinical research shows temperatures between 40 °C and 44 °C can selectively kill cancer cells while...
This Is NOT a Cruise … This Is 8 Nights of Pure Caribbean Luxury On A LUXURY YACHT
SeaDream II is launching an eight‑night luxury yacht cruise to the British Virgin Islands and St. Barths from November 27 to December 5, 2026, limited to just 112 passengers for an exclusive experience. The itinerary promises premium dining, personalized service, and curated shore excursions...
Returning Home — March 8–14
The March 8–14 post “Returning Home” uses tarot symbols to describe a paradox where family fulfillment coexists with a deep sense of not belonging, urging readers toward a spiritual break. It frames the inner quest as surrendering identity, embracing emptiness,...
Red Largo ~ Hotel Neuf
Berlin‑based Red Largo debuted the winter‑themed single Snow in December, using it as a bridge to their upcoming spring album Hotel Neuf. The release pairs Snow with a radio edit of The Diplomat, showcasing unconventional instruments such as lap steel,...
Red Riding - Jennie Kermode - 20231
Red Riding, a Scottish reinterpretation of Little Red Riding Hood, marks actor Craig Conway’s directorial debut. The film follows teen Redele (Victoria Tait) as she navigates grief, family secrets, and class tension on a remote estate. Critics praise the moody atmosphere and Tait’s...
Eye Candy for Today: Henry Farrer Graphite Drawing
The Morgan Library has highlighted Henry Farrer’s 19th‑century graphite drawing “Landscape by a Stream,” a 15 × 22‑inch work that blends meticulous detail with seemingly casual scribbles. The composition is anchored by a dominant V‑shaped tree, while foliage and distant elements are...
30 Imaginative Garden Art Ideas Spotted in Real Backyards
The article showcases 30 real‑world garden art ideas, ranging from moss‑carved women and mythological creatures to recycled bike frames and glass mosaics. Each example is paired with DIY resources, encouraging homeowners to personalize outdoor spaces without professional landscapers. The gallery...
16 Most Expensive Mushrooms in the World: Prices, Seasons & Where to Eat Them
The article ranks the 16 most expensive edible mushrooms, highlighting Yartsa Gunbu as the priciest at up to $138,000 per kilogram. It details price ranges, seasonal availability, and the ecological constraints that keep these fungi wild‑foraged and often uncultivable. The piece...
Indomitable Spirit by Jennie Kermode
Effi O Blaenau, a low‑budget Welsh‑language film adapted from Gary Owen’s play Iphigenia In Splott, premiered at the Glasgow Film Festival. Director Marc Evans and lead Leisa Gwenllian turned the monologue‑heavy stage work into a full‑length drama, shooting on location in...
South Marais Food Tour
Paris’s South Marais Food Tour offers a three‑hour, small‑group culinary immersion that showcases the neighborhood’s historic cheese caves, artisan charcuterie, pastries, and wine. Guests visit up to five curated shops, enjoy a seated tasting in a vaulted cellar, and finish...
Open Letter About Cuts to UK Theoretical Physics Funding
An open letter has been circulated to protest a proposed 30% cut to the UK Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics research budget, which could translate into more than a 50% reduction in postdoctoral positions. The letter highlights the UK's...
Anya Taylor-Joy Wore Dior LVMH Prize
Anya Taylor-Joy stepped onto the LVMH Prize red carpet during Paris Fashion Week wearing a gold brocade wrap jacket from Dior’s Fall 2026 collection, designed by creative director Jonathan Anderson. The piece migrated from runway to red carpet in under...
Menswear End Of The Week Roundup
The weekly roundup spotlights three high‑profile menswear moments: Cillian Murphy’s Zegna overcoat at the Peaky Blinders premiere, Wagner Moura’s custom Valentino micro‑dot jacket at the Producers Guild Awards, and Phil Dunster’s Brunello Cucinelli layered suit on The Today Show. Each...
Purple Stone – I’m The One
Swedish duo Purple Stone released the psychedelic rock single “I’m The One” from their 2026 album Spacetime. The track blends retro‑futuristic tones with modern production, delivering an escapist listening experience. Distributed via Bandcamp, the song targets both niche playlists and...
Good Time Mystery Vision – Ferris Wheel
Good Time Mystery Vision released the new single "Ferris Wheel" as part of their 2026 "Flux Magnetic Sessions" collection. The track merges classic folk sensibilities with contemporary production, creating a soothing, almost medicinal listening experience. It is distributed via Bandcamp...
The Fix: Taipei with Clarissa Wei
Celebrated Taiwanese‑American food writer Clarissa Wei offers a practical cheat sheet for navigating Taipei, challenging the city’s stereotypical image of night markets and cheap eats. Wei highlights the capital’s evolving culinary scene, cultural districts, and modern infrastructure that many travelers overlook....
The Story You Repeat Becomes Your Life
The post explains how the stories we repeatedly tell ourselves become self‑fulfilling identities, shaping perception and behavior. Negative self‑talk solidifies limiting beliefs, while deliberate contradictions can weaken those narratives. By recognizing and rewriting habitual statements, individuals can shift from a...
How I Write
The author reflects on personal writing experiments, noting an early admiration for John Stuart Mill’s structured sentences and a simultaneous desire for mathematical precision. By age twenty‑one, he aimed to convey ideas in the fewest clear words, even if it...
Explore How Solar and Lunar Rhythms Affect Your Health
An emerging perspective connects solar and lunar cycles to human health, treating astrology as a living science of energy rather than symbolic myth. The piece asserts that the Sun functions as a vitality generator while the Moon drives emotional and...
I’m a Mom Who Works From Home Part-Time—How I Transition From Work to Mom Mode
Lizzie Goodman, a part‑time remote mom, describes the jarring shift from focused work to parenting when her preschool‑aged child returns home. She shares a 15‑hour weekly work window and the stress of abrupt transitions. Consulting licensed clinical social worker Sofia...
Most Indie Films Don’t Miss Funding Because They’re Bad
Indie filmmakers often blame poor scripts for funding failures, but the real culprit is a broken financial structure. Investors evaluate risk, recoupment probability, liquidity timeline, and market position within minutes, discarding projects that lack realistic budgets, clear audience targeting, solid...
3.7.26 | 🕊️ Where Do You Go for Comfort?
The Weekend Edit by The Good Trade shares a personal reflection on coping with a heavy week. The editor describes feeling overwhelmed by global news, family challenges, a flu, a hard conversation, a diagnosis, shifting friendships, and a second pregnancy....
Can Ultra-Processed Foods Fit in a Mediterranean Diet? (+ A Grocery Store Guide)
The article argues that ultra‑processed foods are not automatically excluded from a Mediterranean eating pattern, provided they meet key nutrient criteria. It references the PREDIMED trial, which linked a Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil or nuts to a 30 %...
Psychedelic Science and Radical Healing, with Gül Dölen
The episode with neuroscientist Gül Dölen explores how psychedelic‑assisted therapies are delivering dramatic results for complex PTSD, addiction and treatment‑resistant depression. Clinical trials across universities show rapid symptom relief and measurable neuroplastic changes. Dölen highlights the science behind these outcomes,...