It's Tuesday: 5 Things About the World of Magazines and Media - Issue #24
Well, here we are. It's almost at the end of the year. Thanksgiving is this week.
Just like last year, 2021 has had its difficult moments. Several industry trades described it as a long, hard slog. But now it is Thanksgiving week and, setting aside some of the troubling origins of the holiday, it’s a good time to step away from the busyness of life in the 21st century and take an accounting of where we’ve been this year, how it’s all gone, and what we can be grateful for.
I was once told that "Attitude is gratitude." That may sound simple, but it makes a lot of sense. We do have things to be grateful for this year.
So let’s declare that the glass as half full. Paper is on its way. There’s plenty of ink. We’re pretty sure our digital is worthy, our ads are not fake, and our readers are happy with the content we're delivering to them.
What are you thankful for this year? Here’s a five things that I’d like to share with you:
#1. A book you may enjoy: Dictator, by Robert Harris
Dictator: A Novel by Robert Harris, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® — www.barnesandnoble.com The long-awaited final volume of the Cicero Trilogy, from a beloved bestselling author “incapable of writing an unenjoyable book” (The
Harris may be better known for his adventure novels set in WW2. But here he creates a wonderful trilogy about the fall of the Roman Republic that centers on philosopher/statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero. This is the final book in the series and while it’s been out for several yers, I finally got around to it recently. If you know a little bit about Roman history, you know how it ends, but Harris is an excellent writer and catches the time, place and even makes it analogous to our contemporary experiences.
#2. Music to make your ears happy: Pottymouth, 1% Happier
1% Happier, by Potty Mouth — pottymouth.bandcamp.com Potty Mouth Abby (guitar/vox) Victoria (drums) Ally (bass) >;-) 1% Happier, released 19 November 2021 1. Not Going Anywhere 2. Contessa Barefoot 3. Got You 4. Flat Top
This LA based band has its origins in Western Mass (I’m also from the 413) and their post 90’s pop punk roots makes their songs incredibly listenable. During intervals training, I have their 2016 EP single, “Cherry Picking” on repeat. Last week they released their final EP and announced that after 10 years, they will be breaking up. That’s some sad news, but they have gifted us with a lot of great tunes and awesome coolness. If you have to end your band, 1% Happier is a great way to say farewell.
#3. It's Game Night. Let's play Train Dominoes...
Game Gallery Mexican Train Domino Game : Target — www.target.com Read reviews and buy Game Gallery Mexican Train Domino Game at Target. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. Expect More. Pay Less.
We were living in the city during lockdown and that meant three of us and one rather large dog were sharing 1,200 square feet in a high rise. While the views of the lake were spectacular, it was 1200 square feet. “Game night” was every night and we had some fun games and puzzles on constant rotation. Our favorite was “Train Dominoes”. The game is fast paced and while it requires some thought and strategy, it's not so much that you get frustrated or tired.
#4. A TV show to challenge you: The Morning Show on Apple +
The Morning Show | Apple TV+ — tv.apple.com This Emmy® winner is an unapologetically candid drama that looks at the modern workplace through the lens of the people who help wake America up. Pull…
Unlike its weird and dysfunctional cousin, Succession, The Morning Show purports to pull back the screen on the people who work on a much loved morning news and entertainment show. Stars Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon stray out of their traditional lanes to play a bit against type. Rather brilliantly I think.
Season 2 just wrapped up and it was a bit of a hot mess. But I still loved every minute of it and I think the writers and actors raised some pretty decent questions that we, as a society, should think about answering. Check it out, you’ll see.
My personal hope: Someday, someway, somehow, we will see a show or movie that accurately reflects what goes on in the magazine world. Someday.
#5. Food for the soul: Thukpa will warm you up for the coming winter.
A thukpa recipe for intensely flavored chicken noodle soup from Tibet - The Washington Post — www.washingtonpost.com Thukpa, an intensely flavored chicken noodle soup, has been Chef Maneet Chauhan's go-to meal on chilly nights since she first tasted it in Guwahati, Assam.
Chicken soup is supposed to be good for the soul. But what if it was spicy chicken noodle soup from Tibet? And there was ginger and chiles and cumin?
I am not the best of cooks. I can make about five things halfway decently. So trying this recipe was a stretch, but it came out delicious and I can't wait to make up another batch some cold winter night.
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you enjoyed reading this. If you did, please click like and subscribe. It will be delivered to your in-box once a week. Next week we'll be back to looking at news about the magazine and media world.
Got any questions or comments? Please drop me a line. You can always reach me at joe.berger@newsstandpros.com
That’s it! May your week be filled with friends, family, lots of holiday treats and a very limited amount of email interruptions!