What I’m listening to: The podcast Vibe Check, which has me equal parts learning things (queer election waves! Dissecting Kanye!) and laughing out loud in public like a lunatic banshee (gay candy!) The guys behind it describe it as your group text thread come to life, which is accurate, because it feels like I’m sitting there with a conversation with people I know (Zach Stafford) even if it’s with people I don’t (Saeed Jones, Sam Sanders). I also feel kind of like a teenie bopper listening to it, like, who do I have a crush on this week? They’re all just so smart and funny I’m like, ready to put their poster on my wall and force alliances among my friends when we replay it. Anyway. It’s funny and enlightening and lots of fun. You should listen to it.
What I’m watching: Somehow* I ended up on giraffe TikTok, so I’m watching this and this over and over again. (*Brad keeps sending me giraffe TikToks.) Watch. Enjoy. And you too will be sucked into the algorithm that is very long-necked creatures acting silly.
What I’m reading: This piece from the New Yorker about a murder that has ripped through the gravel cycling world, which, apparently, is a thing. (I did not know.) I won’t spoil too much, but what I will say is between the made-for-TV-movie details (love triangles, fleeing the country, etc.) what I find most fascinating is the blend of celebrity and influencer-type relationships with companies. I thought it was a unique look at power, where it can seep in and destroy, even within a small, micro-community.
What I ate: I made a chocolate olive oil cake for a dinner at friends (and subscribers!) last night, which was fine, but I sugared cranberries for a topping and omg they were … really good. I don’t think I’ve ever had a real cranberry? Like, not out of a can or juiced or super bitter? I sat in my kitchen and ate two handfuls before I left. I was testing it for Thanksgiving so fast forward to next week where I will surely be eating sugared cranberries again. (The sugared cranberry recipe was from Erin McDowell’s “The Book of Pie”.)
What I can’t stop thinking about: That Nancy Pelosi said that she “enjoyed working with three presidents” (lol). Also, still Twitter. There’s no time to even refill the popcorn yall it just keeps coming.