winter film recs, asexuality, and creative side hustles
Hello.
Alas, it’s Winter.
Here are films to keep you cozy and warm when it’s too cold to go outside:
-phantom thread (2017)
-the shop around the corner (1940)
-charade (1963)
-melancholia (2011)
-lola (1961)
-donnie darko (2001)
-cleo from 5 to 7 (1962)
-blue valentine (2010)
-black swan (2010)
-edward scissorhands (1990)
-carol (2015)
-101 dalmatians (1961)
-coraline (2009)
-the apartment (1960)
-frances ha (2012)
Today’s letter is short and sweet. Let’s get into some interesting articles so you can be on your merry way.
News:
-What To Read If You Want To Reinvent Yourself
These recommended books offer a nuanced perspective on personal transformation, highlighting the emotional challenges and growth that come with reinventing oneself. From philosophical reflections on midlife to practical advice on financial and lifestyle changes, they provide diverse insights into the journey of self-reinvention.
-The Most Fun Way To Learn A LanguageÂ
This article beautifully emphasizes the joy of embracing language learning as a messy and creative endeavor rather than a pursuit of perfection. Slang, with its linguistic inventiveness and cultural relevance, is celebrated as a vibrant and fun way to connect with others and explore one's identity within a heritage language.
-Why We Got So Obsessed With All Things Cute
This delightful article explores the enduring appeal of "cute" aesthetics, which have evolved from being dismissed as childish to becoming a powerful cultural and fashion statement. Designers like Cecilie Bahnsen, Simone Rocha, and Molly Goddard have reimagined cuteness as a subversive and feminist statement, while the explosion of pink and references in pop culture further highlight its resurgence. The rise of cute culture in the digital age is seen as a form of resistance to the slick and colorless aesthetics of Big Tech platforms, offering a retreat to adorable content amidst the constant stream of distressing news. It also reflects a desire for joy and empowerment, with many embracing cuteness as a way to connect with their inner child and express themselves boldly.
-Society Is Losing Interest In Sex
Asexuality, a long-misunderstood sexual orientation, challenges conventional notions of love and attraction. Recent recognition and research are shedding light on this underexplored facet of human sexuality, offering a more inclusive understanding of intimacy and connection.
-Beauty forecast 2024: Girlhood-core evolves into New Romantics 2.0
The forecast for beauty in 2024 suggests a shift from the doll-like, hyper-feminine 'girlhood-core' of 2023 to a more robust and expressive 'New Romantics 2.0.' This evolution embraces the romantic elements of girlhood-core — such as bows and blush — but infuses them with a bold aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the extravagant and politically charged 1980s New Romantics. Expect to see a maximalist approach with oversized opulence, including bold blushes, bright red lips, wavy perms, skinny brows, and graphic liners. This new wave combines the whimsicality of past trends with a deeper engagement in politics and gender, creating a multifaceted and inclusive beauty culture that encourages individual expression and theatricality.
-The Most Creative Side Hustles Of 2023
In 2023, side hustles took innovative forms, from retirees earning thousands monthly by answering internet questions to a couple making $80,000 a year by solving their cats' water-drinking dilemma. The entrepreneurial landscape also saw successes in beat-making, digital downloads, and unique approaches like renting out home amenities and creating a website for curated gifting.
The Enduring Appeal Of The Celebrity Memoir
This article delves into the public's insatiable curiosity and fascination with celebrity lives, tracing the evolution of tell-alls from trailblazers like Tallulah Bankhead to the unabashed oversharing of modern stars. It reflects on how, amidst a culture of rampant oversharing, celebrity memoirs serve as a conduit for both salacious entertainment and genuine human connection, revealing the intricate dance between authenticity and performance in the fabric of contemporary culture.
That’s all for today.
This week was a rough adjustment getting back into reality. Has it been tough for you, too?
See you soon.
Bye <3
