Sidebar: Golden Girls Only Edition
Weekly Entertainment Picks: Must-Watch Shows, Essential Reads, and Top Podcasts
This is my weekly roundup of links and recommendations. If we talked IRL, I’d likely derail our entire conversation with “sidebar, have you read | watched | listened | deep dived on this?”
Special Birthday Note: This week was my birthday (pause to act like I’m lowkey about it). As a gift to you, I am making this week’s Sidebar free to all subscribers. If you’re a free subscriber, consider upgrading to paid to get a sidebar from me each week! (along with other perks).
Note: I have book events coming up in Philly, Long Island, and DC this month! Would love to see you!
Have you watched?
I’m watching a lot of Olympics this week, so just assume I’m learning what handball is actually all about and judging whether I can still try to do BMX someday (Idk why I feel like I can, but it may be a toxic trait).
As someone who grew up loving when Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood went out to learn how peanut butter was made etc., I am vibing on this YouTube Channel that shows how paintings get restored, etc. I love a process story! (Masters of Craft)
aerithgirl on TikTok makes great videos recounting niche gossip in communities you probably haven’t heard of. It scratches the same itch as the podcast, Normal Gossip (aerithgirl)
Have you read?
Why is Flavor Flav a better sponsor of the arts (and athletes) than most municipalities?
In a college film class, I once gave a presentation called “Kenneth Branagh is in love with his own face” (I have always been deep). Needless to say, I loved this post by Emma Thompson’s daughter shading the man who wronged Emma by cheating with Helena Bonham Carter (US Weekly)
Love that these “business partners” who once appeared on Supermarket Sweep went viral this week. (Slate)
This story may not be true, but if I were a couch I’d still sue for defamation (WGTC)
Been thinking a lot about the messaging around Trump and Vance as “weird” and appreciated this article from TeenVogue noting that it’s seductive (and apparently successful) framing, but defangs both of their very real and ugly attempts to dehumanize people who don’t share their narrow view of how society should be. (Teen Vogue)
This profile of Swifties for Harris. Will they save democracy? (Wired)
Have you heard?
This week I’m listening to this playlist I stumbled on of artists who appeared at Newport Folk Festival last week.
Indulge me!
Should I do this?
Internet wins
Love being reminded of a former Olympic event I’d have more of a chance at:
You can read more about this in the Architectural Review and see the full list of Olympic medalists in arts competitions here.
I love Mess
Olympians are people too!
Call Me! (or not!)
I’d love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments to share with the Landline community, or reply to this email to contact me. You can also find me on Instagram, or email me. I don’t have a dedicated phone line yet (just like in my youth), but maybe someday I’ll achieve Claudia status and get a Landline.
Thanks for reading!
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Wait, thank you for that playlist rec! And town planning medals?? I love that. Excited to see if Kayak Cross can live up to it tomorrow.