Self-Imposed Solitude
Things I've Been Enjoying - February 20, 2025
Howdy!
This past weekend I participated in Big Brother, a reality TV show that’s been on the air since the year 2000 and that I’ve seen exactly zero episodes of. I wasn’t on the actual show, but rather an incredibly condensed weekend-long version that was themed after the show and masterfully organized by one of my friends (s/o Peyton!). It was kind of like taking Big Brother, blending it with a murder mystery party, and condensing it into 50 straight hours.
The experience was so much fun that I’m struggling to put it into words. I met a group of great people who I learned a lot about and genuinely missed when it was over. It kind of felt like a weekend summer camp for adults where you make friends, share experiences, and ultimately betray one another in horrendous ways. Oh the joys of TV!
I don’t want to spoil what happened because it was recorded and will eventually be posted for all to see. But just know this - my decisions are weighing heavily on my conscience. Was it all worth it? Only time will tell. Stay tuned.
Here are some Things I’ve Been Enjoying:
“A fundamental paradox at the core of human life is that we are highly social and made better in every way by being around people. And yet over and over, we have opportunities to connect that we don’t take, or even actively reject, and it is a terrible mistake.” Derek Thompson’s essay, The Anti-Social Century, makes a strong argument as to why humans are now more alone than ever, and lays out the terrifying reality of a future where we don’t mind how alone we are (even if it’s killing us). I know my “job” is making online content, but outside of that I try to be around friends and strangers as often as possible and I would encourage you to make small steps to do the same. We will all be better for it. If you read only one thing this week, make it this article (you can use 12ft.io to bypass the paywall)
Why are we eating pizza rolls at restaurants? A NYC bar sold how many giant goldfish crackers?? Has everyone lost their minds??? This article about our current culinary situation - nicknamed the LOLfood era - explores the comfort x nihilism x nostalgia vibes dominating the restaurant business.
It took me waaaaay too long to watch the 1990 film Ghost, and what a joy it was. No, it’s not scary. No, it’s effects don’t hold up. And no, the “ghost logic” doesn’t make sense (how can they walk through a door but stand on a subway train??), but it’s an incredible love story told in a very unique way. And the entire cast, particularly Whoopi Goldberg, absolutely crushed it. 10/10. No notes. They re-released it at select AMC theaters. Go watch it with a friend!
Meet the real-life man who became the first white samurai and inspired the incredible novel/TV show - Shogun.
I recently discovered the YouTube channel Primal Space, and their blend of history & design is the perfect strain of crack for me. Perhaps you’d be interested in knowing how King Richard III was discovered buried under a parking lot, how the city of Venice made to float on water, or how Spanish architects crafted the world’s most impressive water transportation system that’s still working over 800 years later.
Since planes are in the news right now (for bad reasons), I decided to listen to an interview with Michael O’Leary, the controversial CEO of Ryanair. He seems like a POS, but he’s Irish, so he’s quick on his feet and quicker with a joke. By the end of it, you kinda hate that you like him. And you gotta give it to the guy - he’s crushing it.
Have you ever wondered why your urine smells like movie theater popcorn? No one? Just me? Well it’s not an issue if it only happens occasionally…
Sunfish - the creatures forsaken by God.
In February of 1978, five adult men - some with minor intellectual disabilities - attended a college basketball game in Chico, California. Several days later, their car was found abandoned atop a mountain in Plumas National Forest. We’ll never know for sure what happened, but what investigators found and, notably, what they didn’t find - haunts people to this day. This is the story of the Yuba County Five.
In case you missed it, SNL 50 was actually phenomenal. I’m very glad they pulled it off so well. If you haven’t watched any of it, I recommend Steve Martin’s opening monologue, Tina & Amy doing what they do best, Black Jeopardy, and Scared Straight. Confession: I was not really an Eddie Murphy fan until I watched SNL 50. He was that good.
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