Issue 42 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. Thoughts on the enduring popularity of a flawed fairy tale, Willie Cole’s upcycled musical instrument sculptures, and research that demonstrates that awards named after men are more likely to go to men (ugh).
Read more "If there is a monster in Goldilocks, it’s Goldilocks herself"
Issue 41 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. A potted history of the monument at Avebury, a 45-foot herb garden that visualises the threat to women’s reproductive rights, and a list of good reasons to make lists.
Read more "Chilled out pre-club vibes"
Issue 40 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. The Museum of Imaginary Musical Instruments, Margaret Atwood’s take on the leaked Alito opinion, and how mindfulness might discourage us from making amends for our mistakes.
Read more "Sockets, trigger implants, and a book for the ears"
Issue 39 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. A close reading of the lyrics and composition of Mr Brightside; making delightful lists; cutout portraits from Rudy Willingham; and wise words from Shirley Jackson.
Read more "It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?"
Issue 38 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. How to write a compelling speaker pitch; an essay in defence of the em dash; and cherry blossoms straight out of a Pixar movie.
Read more "A rebel without a clause"
Issue 37 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. Why our estimates of minority groups are really so skewed; Baobab trees; Ukrainian stamp designs; and how Saturn got its rings.
Read more "Bad at guessing"
Issue 36 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. Song lyrics; fat girls on film; opposites don’t attract; and a visual representation of my personality.
Read more "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end…"
Issue 35 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. An awful lot about the etymology of the word “bear”; the sexist mythology that has been baked into biology; and the vibrant work of Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko.
Read more "Speaking its name will summon it"
Issue 34 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. Insights into how our brains process information, Monterey Bay’s otherworldly creatures, a letter from Vincent van Gogh, and photorealistic portraits of cartoon characters
Read more "Why false information stays stuck in our brains…"
Issue 33 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter. AI-generated Valentine’s cards, stealing William Gibson’s creative process, Hugh Hayden’s art installation,and my brain when writing an email.
Read more "Boop-rah, sexy fried heart!"