Good morning!
Welcome to Issue 45.5 of Digestable, your daily mouthful of real things happening in the world, minus alarmist pandemic news.
Today’s news, fermented:
It took me four tries to spell ‘February’ correctly in today’s header; I imagine I am not alone in my excitement that it is Friday.
Some weekend reading: why putting Harriet Tubman on money is disrespectful (thanks, DJ M0RO for that one!) and how whiteness shapes narratives about urban decay.
Here’s a purple swamphen, which caught my eye because despite having range across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, also has a small population in one tiny part of South Florida.
(via)
Caro's Advice Corner
Dear Caro,
At this point into the pandemic, I am running out of things to new. I am in desparate need of a new hobby, any suggestions?
Best,
Bored in the house
Dear bored in the house,
I think we are collectively in the same boat here, although I do have a few ideas up my sleeves. Now, I will say, these next suggestions are activities that I have myself done and enjoyed. They are not one size fits all hobbies, but they are ideas nonetheless, so here we go:
Start embroidering! Now I know that sounds hard, and at the beginning it might be. But this is one of those hobbies that you go at every day before you get better. One of the things I love about embroidering is how creative you can eventually get with it. I started by using a circle loom (is that what that thing is called?) and then started embroidering my jeans, then my t shirts, and tbh then things got out of hand...anyways this is great because you can do it while watching your favorite show or chatting with friends. Here is a bit of a head start with a beginner’s video.
Join a bookclub, or start one! Now I did not know how much encouragement I needed to have to read a book these days, until a friend lent me a book and we made the promise to talk to each other about it once I was done. It has been so much more fun to read books knowing I will be able to talk and download all of the details with someone else. Hell, I tell every person that is reading the same book as me that we WILL grab a Zoom coffee to chat about it, it’s been so rewarding! And hearing someone else’s perspective on a book just broadens the horizons of the narrative itself.
Draw or color. Now I know this sounds cheesy, but this has truly helped ease my pandemic anxiety. Look up some drawing tutorials or simply buy an adult coloring book! You will be hooked. Plus, it is never too late to explore an artistic hunch.
I leave you with this, bored at home. I hope you are able to partake in a hobby or activity that brings you a sliver of joy in these dark times.
Sincerely entertained,
Caro
DJ M0RO’s low-key Music Show
On the playlist this snow covered weekend:
Journey to Neosoul Space is the [anti-capitalist] self-care anthem stuck on loop in my head, reminding me to drink water, find my own g*d, be less hard on myself, and stay mindful. Abstract C.I.M. takes us on a trip deep into the mind.
Malamanya’s new single Frío has me dreaming of being snowed in somewhere in Minneapolis. I used to love to go out dancing when they were playing salsa around town, and now I can dream of those days to come while gettin’ down in my apartment solo.
Number One Popstar’s new single I Hate Running has me dancing (and relating, and laughing.) Their niche brand of humor and passion for poking fun at fitness culture really speaks to me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
**featured pod** this week is inspired by my deepening love for *Hot Goss* (thanks, Latifah!) and specifically the Royal Shenanigans in all its problematic/can’t-look-away (anti)glory. I’ve been working my way through the five-part series on what You’re Wrong About when it comes to the story of Princess Diana. I didn’t grow up in the media frenzy and didn’t know many details, and it’s been educational to learn, but mostly I’ve stayed for the commentary that still feels *so relevant* about the use of media as a lens for scrutiny and public discourse. Hot take on hot goss: is the monarchy a human rights violation? (spoiler: prob.)
*Hot Goss*
Brought to you by the superb Latifah Azlan.
On this cold and frigid Friday, I just want to remind everyone who needs to be reminded that ya'll should not, under any circumstances whatsoever, use Gorilla Glue spray as a hair styling product.
And don't just take it from me. Here's TikTok user Im_D_Ollady (Tessica Brown) with a real-life example of just how horrific this seemingly innocent mishap can truly be once you're a whole month in with glued down hair and there seems to be no end in sight.
And just in case you're still thinking this is a prank, here's Tessica proving to you that it is most certainly not.
I have no snark today, just debilitating fear that I will now also turn my head into a bowling ball because I grabbed the wrong spray once. Tessica, I see that the life has drained out of your eyes and I just want to say, it might be time to get the hair buzzer out and start anew. Free yourself from this heartbreak, girl! We're rooting for you!