First we're gonna make it, then we're gonna break it π¬
Do I spy a smile under that mask?Β
I hope so. As you may have noticed on the ol' Social Channels (if you're into those), this month I started a project called #HeyIMadeThis. Every day I post a quick creative challenge, and I encourage you to join me. So far they've included things like (clockwise from bottom left image) photographing an old item of clothing, constructing a tiny object, tracing your hand and writing a one-sentence story.
It has been very important for me to stay BUSY and CREATIVE during this pandemic. I hope you're taking care of yourself in the best way you can.
11 things I wanna tell you:
1. My daughter and I are way into the newΒ THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB series on Netflix. We spent the weekend watching and, as she would say, feeling all the feels. Rachel Shukert did a phenomenal job adapting and updating it for a modern audience. Claudia Kishi 4Ever.
2. THE BIG FLOWER FIGHT is pretty much like THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW with flowers, and the marvelous Natasia Demetriou (from WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS) is the Noel Fielding of the show! My heart blooms.
3. You must read this incredible obituary for Charles Webb, author of THE GRADUATE. Please excuse me while I go write a screenplay about his life, which was far more interesting than Benjamin Braddock's.
4. If you are a punk band and you release a song called "Mars Attacks," I will listen.Β The Scaners (that's not a typo) have several releases on Bandcamp.
5. Sophie Atkinson writes about how rereading THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANDY WARHOL has helped her during quarantine:Β "The elaborate, playful activities that Warhol espouses throughout the book make the pre-internet inside sound irresistible: ordering a $3.95 pillow and using it for luxurious baths; penning fan letters to the famous writer you admire most or calling him every day until the writerβs mother tells you to knock it off; dying your eyebrows different colors from each other; starting a smell museum, so certain smells wonβt get lost forever; consuming extravagant snacks." Read the first 26 pages of Warhol's charming classic on Google Books.
6. I'm always happy to hear about an R.E.M./comics connection.
7.Β Chad sent this video of the Beach Boys performing on July 4, 1980--40 years ago!--and notes that it's quite a time capsule.
8. On a semi-related note, some friends and I were talking about THEΒ T.A.M.I. SHOW the other night. If you haven't seen this legendary concert, please do yourself a favor and at least watch James Brown's stunning performance. Other artists on the lineup included the Beach Boys, a young Rolling Stones, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Lesley Gore and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.Β
9. Paul H. tells us Vulture has listedΒ "The Best Movies of the Year (So Far)"Β I've only seen one of 'em!
10. The doc JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE just came out and looks great. If you don't own it already, the MARCH trilogy would make for excellent summer reading for the whole family.
11. And finally, as promised, I finally watched REPO MAN! I'm not sure how I lived this long without seeing it, particularly because 15-year-old Whit would've worshipped every scene. What a strange, perfect, high-octane cosmic punk fantasy.
My pockets are empty, so I should motor. Shout anytime at at whitmath@gmail.com, and head to PatreonΒ and Instagram, etc.Β for more. You complete me (especially if that's a sandwich in your backpack).
xoxo
peter gallagher's left brow
βI want to be the first rock band on Mars."
- Kate Pierson
βMotley Crue could be the first band to play on the moon."
- Tommy Lee
Reach out! Find me on Twitter, Instagram and at whitmath@gmail.com.