Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
Have you seen the new Sacha Baron Cohen show, Who is America? I was lucky enough to see an advance screening of the first two episodes and I've never watched something that made me laugh out loud at the same time that I was so deeply uncomfortable. The Kinderguardian segment is wholly disturbing, but I think my favorite of his characters is Billy Wayne Ruddick, Jr. The admissions and outrage from people crying that they were duped by Cohen only add to the impact of show.
Trump continues to be a threat and an embarrassment, Republicans continue to do nothing about it, and we could all learn a thing or two about shade from Queen Elizabeth's brooch game. Oh and if that's not enough, the unfolding story of Russian operative Maria Butina is equal parts terrifying and fascinating.
A baby rat crawled out of a sink in a Brooklyn apartment and everything is totally fine.
Things to do in New York this weekend:
Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again comes out in theaters today and I'm definitely going to see it even if Meryl is hardly in it—but I saw the first one 13 times in the theater, so how could I not go?
Saturday is the Mid-Summer Oddities Flea Market at the Brooklyn Bazaar in Greenpoint. I haven't had much luck at past Oddities markets and I'm annoyed by the admission price but it's always fun to look.
On Tuesday, the New York Historical Society is hosting a parlor mind reading by mentalist Kent Axell.
Things I've discovered recently:
Have you watched Sharp Objects on HBO? I read the book so I already know who killed the girls, but you know I love spoilers. The director of Big Little Lies is an executive producer on Sharp Objects, and the soundtrack and production values are just as good—I'm very impatiently awaiting the next six episodes.
I've never wanted anything more than I want the US to adopt a four-day workweek.
I got super excited about two sculptures recently—this enormous statue of Jeff Goldblum and Ron Mueck's skulls—only to discover that they are in England and Australia, respectively. I'm holding out hope that one (or both! 🤞) will come to the US eventually.
David and I are currently on an Amtrak train to Buffalo today for his high school reunion. We'll only be there until Sunday, but I'm always happy to get out of the city in the summer. I already have a few abandoned places on my list, but if you know of any good Buffalo spots, let me know! Hopefully we'll have time for some frozen custard and beef on weck from Anderson's or a Ted's hot dog (too bad we just missed the 91 cent dogs for #nationalhotdogday). Yes, that also means that I'm going to miss opening night of Mamma Mia 2, but fear not—I already have plans to see it Monday after work. Have a great weekend!
