Thanks to all who sent nice notes about last week’s newsletter. It was uplifting to hear from so many of you who were impacted by Jill Sobule’s life and work! She was the best.
This week, I’ve been busy with pay-the-rent jobs (and maybe go-somewhere-fun-this-summer jobs? Dare I dream?). But here are a few things I’ve been up to around town and in the ol’ apartment …
what i’m reading
I picked up Cynthia Weiner’s A Gorgeous Excitement from the library, but I haven’t had time to start it because I’m trying to finish Frédéric Gros’s A Philosophy of Walking first. It is hard to blaze through a book about contemplative walking. Every time I read a chapter I put my shoes on and leave.
I read New York magazine’s long story about The Telepathy Tapes, and now I don’t need to hear the podcast. I read a 1982 New Yorker story about the first Bojangles restaurant in Manhattan, and I guess it didn’t work out, because now the closest location is 26 miles away in New Jersey. Who kicks biscuits to the curb?
what i’m watching
I’ve come this far with The Handmaid’s Tale so I might as well see how it ends, but maybe I should’ve just put on like three pairs of Spanx instead, because every scene is torture on top of torture. I don’t know what I even want for these women anymore except maybe a town full of independent bookstores and massage chairs, because they’ve certainly been through enough (and so have we).
I’m also watching Hacks, which is fun but sometimes Entourage-y. Last week I watched Patricia Clarkson on Watch What Happens Live (on Peacock), and she was so cool/ funny/smart that I wish she were on Handmaid’s Tale and Hacks and Summer House and every single show.
what i’m doing
It’s “gala season,” and I’m so grateful to Joanna for inviting me to the Ali Forney Center’s annual fundraising gala, which gave me a chance to dress up and support an organization that provides life-changing and -saving support to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. The night was hosted by Peppermint (remember when she was unfairly booted from Traitors?) with guests including Adam Lambert, Harper Steele and Liev Schreiber. I sampled everything on the dessert tray.
On Wednesday I saw a fun double bill of R.E.M. tribute Moral Kiosk & Talking Heads tribute I Get Wild. Congrats to Michael Arthur, who celebrated an exhibit of his work at the show and drew this during I Get Wild’s set:
elsewhere
Items from the archive of the late musician/producer Steve Albini are being sold online every Friday.
Nearly 100 paintings by Bob Dylan are on display in London.
Also exhibiting in London: Wes Anderson’s props and models.
A Lemmy statue was unveiled in the singer’s hometown.
Tessa Hulls, who won the Pulitzer for her graphic memoir, says she won’t be writing any more books: “The two things that I’ve always loved are the wilderness and creativity, and I really want my career to shift into something that fuses those two of those in a way that’s of service.”
Congrats to the 2025 Eisner Award nominees. Winners will be announced at Comic-Con in San Diego.
Music writer Craig Jenkins talks to Sufjan Stevens, who has gone through tough times in recent years.
The Atlantic has a big summer reading guide.
In more Bob Dylan news, he covered The Pogues this week.
Pavement played “Harness Your Hopes” on The Late Show, I’m tingling:
The Lemonheads have a new song featuring J Mascis and Juliana Hatfield:
Time to put on my gala lashes. Eat an exciting breakfast this weekend, and I’ll see you soon. Thanks so much for reading!
in your dreams,
ruth buzzi
