I really didn’t know what to write about this week, so I did what you do when you’re stuck: I just started typing. This week has been exhausting. Our government is turning its resources, paid for by we, the people, against we, the people. Seemingly every powerful man in this country was emailing things to Jeff Epstein like “hi. whin next partee wit kids.” There’s so much snow on the ground in Philadelphia, and it shows no signs of going away. On the personal side, I decided that weaning off anti-anxiety medication wasn't difficult enough, so I also haven't had a drop of nicotine in 3 weeks. It’s bleak, baby!
So what do we do when it gets bleak? Spencer Hall, one of the best college football writers out there, would say you keep running the ball. Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha would lead us to believe the only path forward is acceptance of what is. Len Chandler would tell us to keep on keeping on.
It can be hard to remember, when everything around you seems to be falling apart, that we’ve still got a life to live. The smile from your partner is still there. Your favorite hobby is waiting for you. Your friends are still across town, ready to grab a drink.
What I'm getting at is that I’ve really got nothing to say this week. I've got a few ideas that will hopefully be more fun than this, but here are my 500 words as promised. If you need me, I’ll be running the ball, accepting things as they come down the river, and keeping on. We’ve got this, friends.
Ja Morant of the Week
Sprained his elbow (bad) while blocking a shot (good) by smashing his elbow into the backboard (kinda sick). If that doesn't sum it all up, I'm not sure what does. The team is now in a full-on tank, and our owner might just be a war criminal. 5 days until the trade deadline.
Movie of the Week
Ran
The snowstorm from hell continues, and with it the opportunity to watch a ton of movies. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, In The Mood for Love, and Glengarry Glenn Ross, all bangers. But let me tell you about Ran.
Akira Kurosawa made a movie while going blind that's more beautiful than anything CGI can create. His take on King Lear set in feudal Japan blew me away with sweeping vistas, beautiful set pieces, and a wardrobe plucked straight from a double rainbow.
6 out of 5 stars.
Jam of the Week
This popped up on a playlist recently, and I thought it was an older country song, gave it a like, and moved on with my day.
Are you telling me this guy recorded this song in 2021 AD? I love everything about it. The simple lyrics, the basic instrumentals, the YEARNING.
Words of the Week
"He was saved by security."
- Ilhan Omar, a true American, referencing the Shrek-like figure that attacked her.