Hello, and happy Monday.
I hope that you all have been doing well! Itās truly baffling to me that we are already in the latter half of February. Here in Massachusetts, there have been flurries of snow from time to time, but nothing has been sticking to the ground recently. Honestly, Iām relieved, because my walk to work features many brick sidewalks that arenāt always shoveled as well as Iād like. š
In honor of the long weekend, I thought that Iād keep this weekās newsletter short and sweet. So much of my own newsletter is inspired by reading the work of others in newsletter form. I thought Iād use this week to share with you five of my favoritesāthe ones that keep me thinking, reading, and writing.
After School
Iām not sure if itās because Iām a milennial or because Iām just nosy, but I love learning about Gen Z culture (or, at least, what journalists think is Gen Z culture). After School brings you daily links on youth culture and trends from reputable news outlets and well-sourced journalists. The most recent issue has a link to an article on TikTokās fear of turning 30. Given that Iām about 2 months away from this milestone, it was quite resonant!!
Malakaās Newsletter
From cartoonist and journalist Malaka Gharib, a list of beautiful things on the internet. It appears every few weeks or so, and whenever I see it in my inbox, I immediately open it. Really lovely links to articles and art and ephemera that I always want to bookmark.
NAZAR
I forgot where I first learned about NAZAR, but I think that it consistently speaks on important conversations at the intersection of surviellance and tech, written by Black Muslim journalist Vanessa Taylor. Whenever I read NAZAR, I leave a piece with more questions than answers, which is a good thing in my book.
Political Junkie
This is a newer read for me, but one that I have enjoyed so far. Claire Potter is a historian working at the New School, and I deeply appreciate her commentary on academia and politics because they are being made accessible to a general audience, rather than experts in the field. Consistently thought-provoking.
Time Spent
Jihii has been a guest writer on tiny driver before, so itās no surprise that Iād recommend her own newsletter to you. Jihii is a journalist and podcast host who is working on a book about news consumption and care work. The newsletter is a space where she thinks through these ideas, while giving tips to her readers about how to read the news with a more critical eye. Iāve truly learned so much from her writing, so itās always surreal to think that we are newsletter buddies! š
š Still consuming.
Bringing two of my current interests together (above).
As someone who takes a lot of notes, I found this article really helpful for thinking through and reflecting on how I use my note management system.
Did anyone else watch last nightās episode of Euphoria?!?!? Thoughts?!?!
Garamond! (Iāve personally taken to drafting in Old Goudy Style. š¤)
š Book club corner.
For Februaryās book club (which is TOMORROW!), we will be reading bell hooksās All About Love: New Visions. I am so excited! Feel free to purchase the book here, and the details are below!
Hereās the event info:
Date & Time: February 22 at 5PM PST/8PM EST
Registration link!
Suggested Donation (for those able to donate): $3-10 through Paypal or Venmo (@idyalz)
If you'd like to learn more about the tiny driver book club,Ā click here!
š¶ A pup-date.
Higgie boy is embarrassed by how cute he looks:
As always, thanks so much for reading through, and I'll see you in the next one!
Warmly,
Ida