every generation thinks it's the end of the world

Austin L. Ray

Austin L. Ray

— 2 min read
every generation thinks it's the end of the world
above: the Edgewood Kudzu Valley during a recent cold spell

Sometimes, you don't have a plan. Sometimes, you just have some things. Here, then, are some things:

  • ICYMI: we're doing an anti-ICE sticker fundraiser. We've sent $2,600 to Minnesota mutual aid funds so far. Our sales have slowed, but the violence and terror in Minnesota haven't. Tell your friends, please.
  • A wonderful Chicago band called Ratboys released their sixth album, Singin' to an Empty Chair, on Friday. They've toured with The Decemberists. They've sold out The EARL. They're great. You should listen to them. RIYL: Rilo Kiley, Death Cab for Cutie, Waxahatchee, Wednesday, things of that nature.
  • Vinny's Mutual Aid Bakery is doing a cannoli and focaccia pop-up at Homegrown this Sunday, Feb. 15, from 11:30am-2:30pm. Get yourself something tasty, help out a good cause, and hell, maybe grab a Comfy Chicken Biscuit while you're there, too. It's Sunday. You deserve a break.
  • I've recently transformed into what my friend Ponce City Marxist calls The Villeneuve Viewer™. Which is to say I've been binging the dark and gorgeous movies of Canadian screenwriter and director Denis Villeneuve. I've watched SICARIO, PRISONERS, and ENEMY in the last week alone. I've got my sights set on INCENDIES next, and probably an ARRIVAL (the only one of his movies I'd seen before) rewatch after that. Folks, I'm Villeneuve-pilled. What's your favorite of his?
  • Here's a wildly informative Bluesky thread about the many historical, economical, and cultural references in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance. It gave me some Feelings.
  • I'm going to Baltimore for the first time in a couple weeks. Please reply to this email with all the things I should see and do and eat and drink.
  • HIFA contributor and longtime pal Rachael Maddux is publishing a book on March 24. It's called Life Expectancy, and you can pre-order the everloving shit out of it right here.
  • That's it! Eight things! That is, if you count this last thing as a thing.

talk soon,
Austin

PS — Oops, one more thing. Maybe you're one of the many parents thinking about where to send your kids to school this fall. Might I suggest considering your neighborhood public option over a charter or private school? I might! But you don't have to take my word for it—read this excellent and persuasive Taylor Cross essay, instead.

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