The answer is c) Parker Posey

Also: Links for your phalanges

Apr 11, 2025

The other day I was reading an old New Yorker story about Minnesota Fats, who would say things like this while he played pool:

I can make shots no living creature can make!
I played the North Pole twice this year!
I own land in outer space!

Maybe I should employ this tactic while working to manifest greater success and self-confidence:

I get paid $1,000 a word — $2,000 if it’s hyphenated!
While I’m doing my eyeliner, I just type with my toes!
I never use my oven, because that’s where I keep my Pulitzers!

party, girl, party

Last night my friend Will rented a movie theater for his 50th birthday and screened the 1995 cult classic Party Girl. It was a blast and begs the question, “If you rented a theater, what film would you show?” The answer is Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, and everyone gets popcorn, a bowtie and a all-expenses-paid trip to the Alamo.

On a related note, W magazine recently posted a feature about the film’s iconic fashion: "The Story of Parker Posey’s Party Girl Looks, According to the Costume Designer’s Forgotten Scrapbook.”

Happy 50th, Will!! You’re so dang cool the Dewey Decimal System can’t classify you.

white lotus + dying for sex + mid-century modern
(no spoilers)

Throughout this season of White Lotus, I was convinced a monkey was going to fire a gun, so I was a little disappointed when that didn’t happen. But honestly, that’s my only gripe! I don’t know what’s wrong with these folks saying it was a boring season or a depressing season or click for my scalding take, etc. You have a cast with the best chops ‘n’ chompers on the planet. You have fauna, fatality, floral shirts. What more do you want, a monkey firing a gun?? Cool your jets and savor the ride.

I also watched seven episodes of Dying for Sex, and I’m choosing to skip Episode 8 because the only thing left for Michelle Williams’ character to do is roll over and die, and I’d rather not right now. TV gives us the power to grant immortality, so we might as well play that card from time to time.

And Mid-Century Modern is basically The Golden Girls but gay men and Linda Lavin, and if you don’t wanna swallow that medicine, we aren’t meant to mingle. It also gives great shirt:

Nathan Lane and Linda Lavin (R.I.P.) beguile in button-downs

Now I suppose I’ll start the final hurrah of Handmaid’s Tale, though I can’t remember what happened back in 2022. Did June finally get a parakeet? Did Aunt Lydia reveal an unresolved obsession with Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter? Can’t wait to see who they hurl into the Sarlacc Pit this time around, praise be.

heaven is other people:

David Lynch’s gravestone says “Night Blooming Jasmine.” We will not question it.
Twin Peaks is 35. Vanity Fair and Nerdist look back.
R.I.P., wonderful Blondie drummer Clem Burke.
Our friend/longtime supporter Brett Warnock is doing a crowdfunding campaign for Kitchen Table magazine. Help out and spread the word!
The Cure! The Replacements! BrooklynVegan breaks down the best Record Store Day offerings. (RSD is April 12, which feels early.)
Tilda Swinton is curating a gallery exhibit of portraits of herself.
ARTNews lists the most controversial artworks of the 21st century (so far).
I don’t like it when my beard gets too white — I either shave it off or put some color on it because you can’t have Duran Duran fronted by Father Christmas.
— Simon Le Bon
Thanks to Bobby H. for sending this Bitter Southerner interview with beloved multi-hyphenate Michael Shannon.
Happy 100th to The Great Gatsby! The Empire State Building turns green tonight in its honor. (Wall Street Journal, NPR, LitHub, The Independent)
I grew up across the street from a public library, and it was the only place my mom would let me go on my own. I loved books, but to be able to do anything alone when you’re a kid, you’re going to take that opportunity. It was my second home, and I read everything that I could get.
— Tracy Chapman
Airmail’s Anna Maxted shares tips for getting some sleep.
From The Verge: “The 7 Writing Apps I Used to Start and Finish My Book.”
Pitchfork has a massive list of the most anticipated tours of 2025.

New Wes Anderson:

New Arcade Fire:

New Pulp:

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THANK YOU to Spring and John L. for becoming paid subscribers this week!

“After one month of being a paid subscriber to Whitney’s Substack, I noticed my toenails had turned to gold! Within three months, I had developed the ability to smell the weather. A year in, I can communicate with all flying creatures and read your mind. Yes, I know.”
— You (if you become a paid subscriber)

And A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Will, Amanda, Natasha and Chris! We’re all gettin’ older and rowdier.

he-he-hello,
larry dallas
jumpin’ jack | flash | gasgasgas