Here’s What I’ve Been Into Lately

Pop culture has been there in a huge way for me over the years, offering some much needed joy and escapism. I haven’t touched on that in a while, so this week, let’s take a break from the tumor talk and focus on the fun stuff!

First, a short and sweet sports detour:

For once, life as a sports fan has actually been... well, enjoyable. I was brought up rooting for the Mets and Jets—a miserable, lowly existence compared to the almost always superior NY Yankees/Giants lifestyle. On the NBA side, cheering for the OKC Thunder (dating back to Kemp, Payton and the Sonics) helped fill the gap, but since Durant left even that hasn’t been pretty.

Fortunately, that’s all seemed to have changed. New owner Steve Cohen and his unlimited funds have re-inspired Mets fans, the Jets just landed pretty boy/Leonardo DiCaprio doppelgänger, Zach Wilson in the draft, and OKC has maneuvered itself nicely into dream-like rebuild scenario. Things are looking up, people!

You still there? Great. OK, here’s we go:

TENET - I finally caught Christopher Nolan’s latest release on HBO Max. And after reading 3 separate plot summaries with detailed explanations, I’m pretty sure I get it — I’m at least 75% there… Regardless, the visuals are insane and John David Washington and Robert Pattinson crushed their performances. If you’re looking to have your mind blown while being highly entertained, this is your movie.

Eat, Drink, Laugh: The Story of the Comic Strip - Came out a few years ago and currently streaming on Prime, this doc brings you behind the scenes of the legendary NYC comedy club with interviews and stories on big names like Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and Adam Sandler. I especially loved the part on Seinfeld— his disciplined work ethic, how he changed the game, and the universal respect he commanded almost immediately from the entire comedian community. Note: first hour was great but I skipped the last 15 minutes about Comic Strip manager, Lucien Hold’s illness.

Fiji Blue (music) - Been listening to these guys for a while now. I dig their low key electronic/RnB production and relaxed lyric delivery. Perfect background music while Kori is whipping up something delicious for us in the kitchen. All you need is a glass of wine, then kick back and enjoy the instant happy hour vibe… Latest album is Reasons You Should Care, although I added these tracks to a Spotify playlist with the rest of their older singles, which are all solid across the board.

Seth Rogen’s new book, Yearbook - I mean, who doesn’t love Rogen? I just started reading so I’m still making my way through the early years, but based on what I’ve heard on podcasts where he’s been promoting, I’m even more excited for the behind the scenes stories from after he’s famous. Written like he’s talking to you, it’s funny and super entertaining… A light read we could all use this year.

Magazine life - Listen, I get it. No one has any attention span left. Digital and digestible or don’t bother. But there’s still something to be said about leisure. I decided to sign back up for Rolling Stone and GQ, and let me tell you—clearing 30 minutes with your favorite tunes on the stereo, a freshly brewed cup of tea by your side and a good read— most importantly, far away from your phone… Well that’s pretty damn luxurious. If you can afford the time, give yourself this moment.

Those are the standouts for now. If you have any good recs, I’d love to hear! Send ‘em my way over social or steve@othercword.com