Weekly Roundup #33: BDE and IRL
I have to say, it was nice taking a break from the news for a while. I mean, it's impossible not to hear about it at all, but at least for the last two weeks, I didn't open any links or delve further into anything I came across. Sure, I may have been playing the ostrich and burying my head in the sand, but I liked the time out from all the upsetting, depressing news. But here we are. Back again. I've discussed limiting the amount of real news I include here and keeping it to the big pieces, plus all the other entertaining, interesting, fun articles I read throughout the week. As always, sound off in the comments below if you have an opinion. Now, this next week is Fourth of July and I'm going to celebrate a longtime friend's wedding so I'll be taking the first week of July off of my roundups as well. Gotta love the summer holidays!
Reading
Fates and Furies, Lauren Groff.
The Appetites of Girls, Pamela Moses.
You Know He Got That Big Dick Energy, The Cut. Harry Styles = yes, and Zayn = no basically says it all. Also, Rihanna. Duh.
Millennial Wingdings, The New Yorker. What did your name start with? My first letter was a pair of wide-leg jeans...I'll take it.
Read This Story and Get Happier, The Cut. This is a hefty one, so buckle up, peeps. I promise, it's enlightening. But, if you're lazy (I get it, me too), basically the live in the moment, surround yourself with people you love and time is better than money. If you're interested in this topic, might I suggest taking the Authentic Happiness Inventory survey? Yes, you have to create an account, but just don't click the button for receiving emails. I'll be totally candid and tell you what I got: 3.04. The scale is from 0 to 5, so I'm actually feeling pretty good about that number. Most people who took this course, including the professor went up a point over the duration of the class so, hey, if I implement what I learned in the CliffsNotes of it, I can only get happier from here! But, seriously, I recommend everyone do this. We all prioritize money and material things or things that look good on the 'Gram, but those aren't the things that truly make us happy. As a society, we're constantly trying to be better than our peers, rushing around and never just enjoying the present moment we're in. I know this isn't just me. I'm making it a goal to enjoy life just a little more and stop being so hard on myself. We only get one chance after all! Unless you're Buddhist or someone else who believes in multiple lives, then, I don't know, maybe we get more, but we'll only remember the one we're currently in so make it a happy one!
The Top Shelf: Liv Tyler, Into the Gloss. When I found out this stunning, perfect, elfin queen had a Top Shelf piece, I had to read it, no matter how many years ago it was. Honestly, five is more recent than I was thinking!
Here's What 49 Iconic Disney Characters Would Probably Look Like IRL, Buzzfeed. Y'all have probably all seen these articles, but this is the definitive roundup. Typically Flynn Rider is my end-all, be-all, hottest Disney leading man, love me some rugged and scruffy dude, but I don't know, y'all...Eric really came out of nowhere once he was "realified." Those eyes, UGH.
A Sundance documentary about adoption hurls questions at a well-known charity, The Washington Post. After reading about Three Identical Strangers, a documentary that will be in select theaters June 29, I was interested in the story behind it. It's crazy and the gall of those behind the study that started it all is stunning. People do some dark things in the name of science...
How Frosé Became the Drink of the Summer—and How to Make It at Home, MyRecipes. Frosé ain't goin' anywhere, people. Personally, I am overjoyed by that and looking forward to taking on the Elderflower Strawberry Frosé recipe. 🤤 Maybe I'll share...
The Women Who Want To Look Instagram Filtered IRL, Refinery29. I don't get the whole lip plumping thing, or cosmetic surgery to look better on social media, that's mind-blowing to me. However, I'm in that under 34 age bracket and I would totally get Botox right now to help prevent future wrinkles. So, I guess, I can sympathize. Doing anything like that for a better looking Instagram pic seems extremely excessive to me though.
Jonathan Franzen Is Fine With All of It, The New York Times Magazine. How I wish I could just not care what people thought and remove myself from social media, and the Internet as a whole at times.
Cancel Your Plans: Why Staying At Home Is Cool Now, Refinery29. I wouldn't say it's thought of as being cool per se, but I'm definitely fine with staying in. I have no FOMO when it comes to weekend nights out. In fact, Friday nights are my gym, then chill on the couch with a face mask on and maybe some wine nights. And I LIVE FOR THEM.
Study Says Online Shopping Makes People Happier Than Pictures of Puppies, PureWow. I completely agree. Even when I'm just getting my necessary purple conditioner, I get that little "new purchase" tingle. Of course, this would also be why I also have credit card debt sooo it's a work in progress. 🤷🏼
McDonald’s Wants to Win Breakfast by Selling the Best Part of the Muffin, Bloomberg. I do love me a nicely golden muffin top, but I still probably won't be going to Mickey D's anytime soon.
English bulldog named Zsa Zsa wins World's Ugliest Dog title, CBS. THAT TONGUE.
Daniel Kaluuya and Tiffany Haddish join film Academy in fresh diversity push, The Guardian. Well, look at that. Finally some changes being made by the Academy. Maybe we won't need to see #OscarsSoWhite again? Here's hoping. However, women still only account for 31% of the Academy and people of color a shocking 13%. Some of the names on the list of recent inductees also feel just a little late...Dave Chappelle, anyone?
Medical milestone: US OKs marijuana-based drug for seizures, AP. I've discussed this topic before—I think this is a great step forward. A few years ago, the magazine I worked at did a story on children with aggressive seizure conditions and the only thing their parents had found to ease their struggles is cannabis-derived medication. One little girl was having around 500 seizures a day and the medication reduced these to under ten a day. Please don't quote me on these numbers, but I don't think they're too far off if they're not correct. If anything I may have rounded the larger number down. To be clear, this newly approved medication uses a component of marijuana, CBD, which does not get you high or alter your mind. It is a calming ingredient. Anyway, it's encouraging to finally have a drug with this ingredient approved by the FDA because it will now be regulated and parents can rest a little easier knowing the formula should stay consistent.
Joe Jackson, Jackson Family Patriarch, Dies at 89, Variety. I honestly had no idea there was a total of 10 Jackson children. That's a lot of fame between them all. Another legacy, infamous or famous, is gone.
'I downloaded all my Facebook data and it was a nightmare,' BBC. "To tell you the truth, I have never been the kind of person to worry too much about my personal data online. I know it’s concerning, but trying to do anything about it just feels pointless. Where are we even supposed to start?" This is me right here. And, honestly, after reading this, I don't feel much more inclined to download my own data. Not because it'd be terrible, but I've always been pretty good about my privacy and I'm constantly rechecking my setting so I don't think there would be any surprises. Also, your entire message history lives in Messages, so that wouldn't be a surprise either. I don't see any point.
In historic upset, 28-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unseats 4th ranking House Democrat Joe Crowley, ABC. GO GIRL!
Capital Gazette shooting: Suspect charged after 5 killed at Maryland newspaper, NBC. Because the shooter had a fucking grudge. Unbelievable. But, sure, let's not regulate who can get a gun. Everyone should have a gun because then we'll all be so safe! The victims were literally just doing their job. No one should have to fear for their life at their job, particularly an office role.
Germany crash out of World Cup group stage after defeat by South Korea, The Guardian. Defending champions out, Mexico in.
England just destroyed Panama 6-1 in the World Cup, Business Insider. 6 TO 1. In SOCCER. Sorry, football. Hot damn.
Spain to Begin the First Ever Franco-Era 'Stolen Babies' Trial, Time. As many as 300 THOUSAND babies are estimated to have been taken from their mothers during the Franco-era. I can't even fathom the horror for all the families.
Jameis Winston suspended for three games, apologizes for Uber incident, USA Today. I saw he'd been suspended, but hadn't looked into what for...dude...come on.
How Netflix, Atlantic Records, and Meredith stay ahead of an evolving industry, Airtable. Basically the definition of producer has changed, the concept of "telling a story" remains fundamental and the way we do so has drastically evolved in a very short time.
Justice Kennedy to retire; Trump can cement court's conservative majority, NBC. These are the type of articles that made me wish I just didn't care and didn't read anything. I'll just be here trying not to panic and taking deeeeeeep breaths.
EU leaders claim breakthrough deal on migrants, AP. By placing a "virtual wall" in Africa...ok...I'm gonna need more information.
Death sentence quashed for teenager who killed rapist husband in Sudan, The Guardian. I honestly cannot believe her sentence was reduced! Thanks to the protests across the globe. 🙏🏼
East Pittsburgh officer charged with criminal homicide in Antwon Rose shooting, CNN. How many times do we need to have these conversations? I know it's different in the heat of the moment, but it's one thing to incapacitate and another completely to murder.
More than 600 charged in nation’s largest health care fraud investigation, The Washington Post. $2 BILLION in false billings, including for the prescription and distribution of opioids. This 👏🏼 is 👏🏼 why 👏🏼 we 👏🏼 have 👏🏼 an 👏🏼 opiod 👏🏼 crisis 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 eh, at least partly. Also, of the more than 600 charged, 165 were doctors and medical professionals. So let's let that sink in...absolutely despicable.
Days on Earth are getting longer, but don't get too excited, NBC. By about 1.8 milliseconds a century...but, they believe 1.4 billion years ago (around when the first plants showed up), days were only 18 hours long. Intéressant.
Missing boys' soccer team in Thailand believed to be trapped in flooded cave, CBS. I'm really hoping there will be another article I can place above this one in the next couple days discussing the rescue of all missing boys and coach.
Supreme Court upholds travel ban, handing Trump major victory, The Hill. Because prejudice is cool under this presidency.
Supreme Court declines to hear appeal of 'Making a Murderer' subject, ABC. Did you hear that crack? That was the sound of my heart breaking.
Harley-Davidson will move some production out of US after retaliatory tariffs, CNN. Wait. You mean to say Trump starting a tariff war with our allies backfired?? NO!
Noura Hussein: 'Hoping for a miracle to stop our daughter being hanged,' BBC. This is just so tragic and horrible.
Charlottesville driver Alex Fields Jr. faces hate crime charges one year after rally, NBC. Good. Not sure why it took a year though.
Supreme Court poised to rule on Trump travel ban, other cases, Reuters. Travel ban, union fees and abortions...it's. about. to go. doowwwn.
President Trump Calls for Immediate Deportation of Undocumented Immigrants With 'No Judges or Court Cases,' Time. Yes, because that showcases our amazing justice system...immediately throwing possible refugees back to whence they came.
Turkey election: Erdogan wins re-election as president, BBC. With the PM position scrapped, Turkey is one step closer to a dictatorship.
Listening
Hey Look Ma, I Made It, Panic! At The Disco. I mean, I just love this band anyway, but I came across this song on Dillon Francis' IGTV channel as he was showing how he produced the track. As soon as I heard Brandon Urie's vocals on the chorus, I thought, "Yup." The whole song did not disappoint.
Lose It, Kane Brown. Seeing him and Sam Hunt this weekend in AC and I couldn't be more excited. Update: They both KILLED it!
Watching
YouTuber's Dad Compliments His Makeup, Twitter. I'm not crying, you're crying. 🌈❤️
I'm Upset, Drake. Y'all. I'm aware this came out last week so technically I'm past my own deadline to add this in my roundup, but IT'S A DEGRASSI REUNION AND I CAN'T!!!!
Paul McCartney Carpool Karaoke, The Late Late Show with James Corden. Same with this. I cried I think three times? WATCH IT.
What Is Real Beauty Actually? Buzzfeed. This was a video on Buzzfeed's IGTV (so sorry the link is just to their Insta channel, but I can't link to IGTV) and I loved it. It was such a short and simple vid, but so sweet and empowering. A beautiful use of this new feature. It reminded me to stop being so hard on myself and to love myself. #MeCrushMonday
