Virginity was a half-starved dog you were looking after, wanted to give away as quickly as possible so you could forget it ever existed
~Fen, Daisy Johnson
Musings
The Last da Vinci
“Think more strategically”, they said. But how on earth do you do that? (Issue 43 of the Manufacturing Serendipity newsletter)
Read more "The Last da Vinci"Did a place have to be palatable to white people to be considered civilized?
~Why Are You Stranded? Nicole Zhao
If there is a monster in Goldilocks, it’s Goldilocks herself
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"Delight seems insubstantial; happiness feels more grounded; ecstasy is what I shoot for; satisfaction is hardest to attain.
~The Sentence, Louise Erdrich
Chilled out pre-club vibes
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"
Sockets, trigger implants, and a book for the ears
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"But knowing everything is too much like knowing nothing; without a story, it’s all just information.
~The Candy House, Jennifer Egan
It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?
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?"