Twinks, a Manhattan Con Artist, and the Ford Mustang

Past Present Episode 133

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the rise of the “twink” aesthetic, Manhattan con artist Anna Sorokin/Delvey, and the cultural endurance of the Ford Mustang. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: The New York Times has declared “ the age of the twink .” Neil referred to this ...
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Twinks, a Manhattan Con Artist, and the Ford Mustang

Incels, Mormonism and Race, and Millennials and Personal Finance

Past Present Episode 132

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: In the wake of a Toronto terrorist attack, “incels,” or involuntary celibates, are gaining attention. Niki referred to this New York Times article about Jordan Peterson. Natalia cited Jia Tolentino’s New Yorker article on the origins of incel rage, Ross Douthat’s New York Times op-ed raising the possibility of the redistribution ...
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Incels, Mormonism and Race, and Millennials and Personal Finance

The Israeli Embassy, Tom Wolfe, and Sports Gambling

Past Present Episode 131

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: President Trump officially moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and violence in Gaza ensued. Neil wrote about Trump’s stance in his Huffington Post column this week. Natalia recommended this Tablet article breaking down the context for the violence in Gaza. “New Journalism” pioneer Tom Wolfe ...
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The Israeli Embassy, Tom Wolfe, and Sports Gambling

GIDEST: The Tar Sands Songbook

The work of Tanya Kalmanovitch

In her documentary play The Tar Sands Songbook, musician, ethnomusicologist, Associate Professor at The New School’s College of Performing Arts, and 2017-18 GIDEST fellow Tanya Kalmanovitch uses strategies from the creative and performing arts, ethnography, and design to invite participants into an imaginative, critical process of unnerving the intimate relationship of oil ...
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GIDEST: The Tar Sands Songbook

Seeing Is Believing

The Marchers of #MarchForOurLives

The national and international march for gun safety catalyzed by the Parkland students would be a feat for anyone of any age. But these are teenagers who have triggered a social movement. Although only time will tell what becomes of it, that the young are in charge gives me hope that this movement will stand ...
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Seeing Is Believing

March for Our Lives

Rally in Washington D.C. on March 24

Millions of people marched at over 800 US cities in response to the mass shootings that have catalyzed support for gun regulation. The main march in DC was changed to a rally as the expected numbers grew. Instead of marching up Pennsylvania Ave., people packed all the spaces from 3rd to ...
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March for Our Lives