Odessa’s Oddities & Curiosities | Week of 6/4/2024

Dear friends,

Apologies for the accidental hiatus. I do realize that I’ve been starting with apologies more often than not, and I do intend to quit that habit. In fact, back in the day, I was known for my profuse “sorry!” (s) — especially on the soccer field. I would swing through a group of girls (remember, I was unusually tall from 8-12), and inevitably knock a few over in my quest to remove the ball. I would shout “sorry! sorry!” as I ran down the field.

Anyway, here’s my newsletter for the last two (and a half) weeks!

Let’s start with a quick life update. I’m back in New Haven for the summer, but I was temporarily crashing at Miriam’s (thank you, Miriam!! Grrr! @ landlord who pushed our move in date). I left Mill Valley with a bang! The whole family went to Bottlerock Napa on Sunday (music x wine x food festival for all my readers who are unfamiliar). Blooma ventured to the very front by the stage to hang out with her friends. And my parents and I had a very trippy time. We were astounded by performances from Stephen Sanchez, Dominic Fike and Ed Sheeran. In particular, Mom and I were besotted with Stephen Sanchez, and perhaps equally heartbroken to learn he has a girlfriend — I mean, we felt like he was serenading us specifically. Also, Dad and I had the most wonderful stay at the Flamingo Hotel — think Ace Hotel but more family-oriented.

New Haven highlights: first Shabbat of the summer — escaping the escape room (!!!), Shabbat picnicking on Cross Campus, watching ridiculous reality TV with Miriam, Noah visiting, Tetsu making a delicious dinner, which we ate on the balcony with this insane view from our apartment.

When I was home, I really regressed into a child. Entering back out into the real world is always a bit of a jolt. What do you mean I have to pay for utilities? Figure out WiFi? Plan out meals? I bought a garment steamer!!! I AM AN ADULT NOW.

I had a good cackle this week among other more serious headlines to learn that the same highly controversial flag that flew outside Justice Alito’s vacation home has been flying outside riotously liberal San Francisco’s City Hall for the past 60 years.

There’s a fantastic interview with Leigh Bardugo (author of Shadow & Bone, Ninth House, The Familiar etc) in the New York Times Book Review podcast. My favorite part was when the interview asked Leigh about how she constructs magic systems in her books. Leigh was clearly a little exasperated. She noted the double standard between fantasy authors and “literary fiction” authors — after all, what is magic but power. It’s just a power system, she pushed back.

My mom taught me about this historical blip that could have dramatically (?) diverted US history. Apparently (well, according to William Gifford via Comte de Rochambeau), some Americans wanted to adopt Hebrew as the national language. Some people think it was Ezra Stiles’ idea (former President of Yale). Hebrew would help with the political and linguistic separation from Britain. I’m super curious to see how different Modern Hebrew would be today if it was modernized in the US rather than Israel — definitely less Arabic influence, perhaps more Spanish influence?

I didn’t realize there’s a Kafka-resurgence on TikTok (sadly my Instagram Reels algorithm hasn’t directed me there yet). My favorite line from this NYT article addressing the phenomenon: “Was Kafka the Harry Styles of the Austro-Hungarian Empire?” Speaking of other weird internet phenomenon, have you heard of God’s influencer? No? I hadn’t either. Apparently, God has influencers now. Well, I guess God always has. Carlo Acutis is “set to become the first millennial saint.”

On the topic of religion, when was the last time you thought about the devil? Probably not that recently. I enjoyed this book review of an occult investigation in the devil. I will be downloading this onto my kindle.

This past week, I was thoroughly humbled by this nasty cold that I think I’ve been staving off all semester. My parents have reminded me of something that my grandfather used to say: a cold is an excellent chance to appreciate my (normally) good health. But this cold (combined with a bout of insomnia) has left me tired and congested. So, sitting on a stoop with lots of snot and sniffles, I totally sobbed while reading this animated/illustrated/dynamic (??) essay on pet love. Speaking of sobbing — great essay on food, grief, and Jewish ritual.

Many notable headlines recently — Trump convicted, Jewish president of Mexico, Biden’s peace plan, new President of Yale (she’s not Jewish — in fact, her name is very goyish)! Oh! My cousin Chella’s art performance in the New York Times!

For some inspiration, read here about Benjamin Bolger: “The Man Who Couldn’t Stop Going to College”. Side note: I dislike that they chose “can’t”; it’s more like “The Man Who Never Wanted to Stop Going to College”. And I so relate. Imagine me brandishing my saber — stay away, real world! Let me rot away in educational institutions (partially why I’m motivated to enter academia). I just want to know how he’s financing this whole endeavor. I also want to note that he, Benjamin, named his daughter Benjamina.

I also recommend this comedic short on the word “Fuck” from The New Yorker. So many podcasts for you…

I’ve been binging Articles of Interest recently — a superbly written & produced podcast all about fashion x design x history. Even if fashion is not up your alley, this podcast will be.

Some interesting ones:

Why haven’t we evolved past the pointe shoe? Why have all previous attempts at innovating failed? Super interesting design problem.

Did you know about the paper clothing fad? And how that ushered in the rise of graphic tees? And fast fashion.

A history of mannequins — their shapes & avatars. And how one dresses a mannequin for the Fashion Institute at The MET.

Also, this episode of The Run Up with Kellyanne Conway (who I didn’t realize was a super well-known Republican pollster before her stint in The White House) and Celinda Lake (Democratic pollster extraordinaire) on their reflections on how female voters behave at the ballot now versus their book they wrote in 2005: What Women Really Want.

And this Freakonomics extra. Why are cars all shades of grey now? Super interesting. Also the whole economics of storage units!!! Sounds boring (I know), but it was super interesting!

With extra love & curiosity,

Odessan