The Trend Report™: Happy Height Academics
Out of time, we survey the top stories of the week.
COP26: 'Moment of truth'
This was major this week and, hopefully, it will help to put us on a path to a better future that’s kinder to the planet.
Against Black Hairstyle Discrimination
A look at the legal efforts to protect Black hair through legal efforts.
Stephen Miller's Trumpist Organization
Did you know that this noted racist goblin has created a right-wing version of the ACLU? It’s called the AFL and it’s bad.
What happened on Jan. 6
I am TIRED of January 6 stories but this one is very well done.
Why Many Police Traffic Stops Turn Deadly
This story is a doozy. You already know this, as more than 5,000 people have been killed by cops since 2016. The most interesting part of this story is that it has to do with negligence and car culture combining to make stupid people with guns do even stupider things. Sad.
Why 'vax' is Oxford's 2021 word of the year
This should be surprising to no one.
Covid Shots for Children, but Parents Are Reluctant
Many Parents Remain Hesitant on Vaccine
Welcome to the new-old variety of anti-vaxxing: parents not vaccinating their children!
"doses for kids age 5-11 in predominantly White neighborhoods"
And, naturally, racism is at play in the roll out. We did it! We fucked it up again.
Twitter Tries Get Users to Be Nice on Social Media
People hate on Twitter but I think it’s the best of the worst (the worst being: all of social media). This story about their efforts to make the world “nicer” — and the PR audacity to blast themselves on main like this — is interesting.
American Air’s Canceled Flights Portend Messy Holiday Travel
I’m getting nervous about holiday travel!!
Here's what 'Let's Go, Brandon' actually means
Speaking of flights, new dog whistle just dropped.
Viral TikTok exposes a weird anatomical truth
Remember that TikTok about people “tasting” things with their balls? Turns out, the science proves that your balls can taste things.
"force us use business casual avatars"
We will not be discussing metaverses but Ryan Broderick’s take is the best. Reminds of the (new) classic piece “Everyone Is Beautiful And No One Is Horny.”
‘In This House’ Yard Signs & Their Curious Power
"in this house… "
"I made us a sign 😂"
I’ve been meaning to write about this! The sign has become a meme and very captures this moment of (Millennial) (liberal) culture.
The day Alec Baldwin shot Halyna Hutchins & Joel Souza
This is easily a top story of the year. Not this specific story but this larger story of the problems on the Rust set.
The (Unfortunate) Rise of the Docucomedy Special
This story is fascinating, in that it bemoans the rise in the personal as unnecessary. I think this is something rising, culturally, as so much personal stuff is being bared by artists, offering little escape. Perhaps this is the start of semi-autobiographical and auto-fictional styles?
Why the Vampire Myth Won't Die
Vampire Veek Will Never Die
I have my doubts that vampires are trending but some publications think vampires are (were) trending.
Kal Penn Reveals He's Engaged to Fiancé Josh
This was a huge story this week! I love it. I also love that there’s no last name mentioned at all for Josh, which is really fucking with my Taurean need for fixed things and details.
A Majority-Black Skyscraper Project
This is a cool design, even if it stresses me out a little bit since it feels almost upside down. The story’s interesting too, positing that this is not exactly the civil rights achievement the PR around the project thinks it to be.
the Windowless UC Santa Barbara Dorm
This went viral last weekend and was talked about all week and, god, this story is wild. Billionaires funding shit then thinking they are kings!! To make matters wilder, this guy is embracing his terrible-ness.
Lady Gaga Is British Vogue’s December Cover Star
I may have brain damage but I am obsessed with this 1980s Gaga giving Patrick Nagel coke monster for Vogue.
Jay-Z's Instagram deleted a day after he joined
Tis is so funny and, as people have said, “he’s not wrong.”
YouTube Star Rolls Out Virtual Food Brand
This is older and apropos of nothing but noting that creators are using “virtual dining brand” to say “ghost kitchen” for their flimsy food efforts.
Trash Parrots Invent New Skill
Another old story about how cockatoos in Australia have learned how to open trashcans. Nature, y’alL!
This Is What Parents Named Their Babies In 2021
I always click on this shit. It’s stupid but fascinating, especially as the name “Eden” is on the rise for boys. End gender!
Come and Learn with Pibby!
I wish this was a real show! And, like Space Ghost, this is a great recycling of IP.
"just for me to suck dick"
This is a funny joke, yes – but the source material? It’s actually so deep and I’ve been thinking about it for a few days. Do something with your life!!
"this drink"
Speaking of academic!
"the evolution of period"
Language is racing because of the kids. This video sums up the absurd speed at which this is taking place!
"Cribs made possible by defunding police"
That Ryan Ken is a genius!!
“why are kids like this? 😂😂😂"
Bless children for their honesty.
"Never killed anyone"
"I'm not dying for an oil company"
I will not spoil what is being referred to but…I agree.
“reading me for filth”
TikTok comments are wild.
“♥️ ok y'all it's suh-wee-tea”
This is not-new but I was thinking about Tracee Ellis Ross saying “Saweetie” earlier this week and I watched it a few times. Enjoy, if you have never seen it.
"this has a better plot than a lot of recent movies"
I support whatever union this bisexual Amazon driver is from.
"i can scan my face"
Obsessed with this “hack.”
And, finally, what I’m making for Thanksgiving.
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