I’m admitting defeat, it has been a busy few weeks with articles to finish, my promotion and tenure documentation, a summer course to teach, and countless other bits and pieces. I just need to buy myself some time, so I’ve decided to switch a little earlier than usual to the summer micro-issue format that I’ve used these past few years.
Some of you may be unfamiliar with this, so just to explain…
I’ll be taking a break over the next four or five issues, but not deserting you completely. These summer issues will be slightly shorter usual. There’ll still be some news and updates, and I’ll share a selection of links and pics, you’re still free to get in touch, and leave comments. I hope you enjoy the selection, and look forward to catching up again later in the summer.
Here are a few things that caught my attention this week…
I downloaded this beautiful game Hindsight from one of my favorite app developers Annapurna who make these incredible narrative-led games and experiences.
So sad to hear that The Nib is closing down after 10 years of publishing books and comics. I couldn’t help but buy a few things, including this month’s Future Issue.
I wanted to report on the experiment of switching from Apple Music to Spotify, and wanted to let you know that it is pretty good. It really is more about playlists and music recommendations. Mixtapes essentially, like this one I made for the XR Brain Jam, which is coming up in July. This week I’ve been using the built in AI DJ which is weird but fun and knows me moderately well.
I can’t resist films by Aki Kauriskmäki, and this one looks like it will be wonderful, all the usual elements are here, everything has a Soviet feel, the colors, that dark crimson and blue turquoise, the dog, the quiet, the sadness.
A new friend of mine is the manager of this wonderful musician Anna Tivel. She’s currently on tour and played a Tiny Desk Concert. I’ve selected the last song, Royal Blue, which is beautiful and makes your heart flutter.
The last episode of Succession is on Sunday, so, you know, er, um…fuck off.
I had a lovely visit to Matt Dayak’s photography studio, and realised his friend Bill has the room next door. This little community of creators that I’ve been introduced to is incredible, each of them is amazing at what they do.
I had no idea that teachers could get these discounts, often all you need is a .edu email address. The clothes stores discounts are very useful, especially if you need new shorts for the summer…
This Vanniversary story from Misc Adventures Digest is wonderful, go enjoy.
Finally, have I told you already that I’m listening to The Beastie Boys Book (affiliate link) on Libby, on the recommendation of my friend Candace; it is wonderful, don’t want it to end, the genius idea of getting all those different people to read chapters. I hadn’t heard this reunion interview with the Beasties and Rick Rubin, with Spike Jonze helping out with questions.
Notes
I managed to make some notes here and there these past few weeks, and I was pleased with what I wrote about commencement, (or graduation as we more commonly refer to it in the UK).
I’m working in the room today, its Saturday and it has been a busy week, despite teaching having finished, and students heading away. It is commencement weekend and having just attended our Modern Languages ceremony, I’m in my room welcoming visitors. It’s wonderful to see everyone out in their regalia, having pictures taken with family, taking away the warm wishes of their professors and everyone that has supported through their journey.
I love seeing fussing Dads and proud Mums, and hope that we’ll enjoy the same experience one day in the future, sending our kids into the world. It’s a rainy day, unfortunately, but warm and people seem to have such brightly colored umbrellas, with beach ball reds, yellow, blue, or shades of purple and cerise, from the French word cherry.
This weeks’ newsletter will be a bit scattered, I wrote some on Monday morning waiting for the car to be serviced; and some of it while waiting in the car Tuesday evening for my eldest to finish soccer practice. In between I’ve scattered notes into it with my phone, while on the bus or on the phone.
Thank you
It has been a crazy couple of weeks and I haven’t had much time to come up for air. I managed a few early morning bike rides, it’s so lovely being out and the trails are pretty quiet midweek.
I also want to write somewhere, because sometimes this newsletter is a diary, that our kid scored the winning goal in a very close end of season 2-1 game against their bitter rivals. This was the first game they’ve won in about two years, so no surprised that he was carried off the pitch in celebration. Well done lad. Better result than Leeds managed. I’m resigned to the fact that we’re heading to the Championship.
So, there you go. I’m probably a bit rusty with micro issues, but hopefully this will get the ball rolling and I’ll find more bits and pieces that you might like.
Take care, have a good summer and see you soon.
PS: Always lovely to hear what you've been up to!
Thanks for the mention Stephano!