THIS WEEK
THIS WEEK:
Hats (and everything else) off to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion for the girl-power raunch of “WAP.” Maybe they’re one reason press-on nails are making a comeback? Also coming back: “A League of Their Own” as a TV series, and a “Dirty Dancing” sequel. Trending: pandemic journaling. Photos from MulletFest 2020. How to not be on your phone all the time, and stop overthinking everything. We would totally hire a boyfriend-walking service. RIP Clarisonic. Laura Lippman on diets, incels, frankenfoods, and not caring about any of it. Speaking of frankenfoods: Cheetos mac and cheese? Finally, some hand sanitizers that don’t smell like death and garbage. 1970s sleepaway camp memories. On finally seeing yourself at 50.
(Photo: Atlantic Records / YouTube)
STORY: Making Prank Calls — Finding Retribution as a Kid in the ‘80s
By Deesha Philyaw
“By summer break, my seething had hardened into a plan for retribution. If a riot is the language of the unheard, then a prank call is the language of the grade school goodie two shoes falsely accused… ”
(Psst: Want to write for us? Pitch us here!)
TICKETS + A SLUMBER PARTY GIVEAWAY!
Did you get your tickets yet for the Slumber Party? Our next Gen-X variety show is ONE WEEK from tonight, people. And in addition to this fine cast of storytellers, a musician and an astrologer 👀, we’re going to be giving away signed copies of Deesha Philyaw’s Secret Lives of Church Ladies and Ada Calhoun’s Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis.
You must be present to win the books — so get those tickets.
A portion of the evening's proceeds will go to Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls.
**Tickets are $15 but TueNighters get an early bird 20% off with the code “tnnews” - ends tonight, August 11, midnight**
OBSESSED: The Avett Brothers
(Avett Brothers stickers. Image via Gillian Gonda.)
“There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light.” “I have no enemies.” "We are more than the sum of our parts." “Say love.” These are just a few of the lyrics from The Avett Brothers — a fusion band of folk, bluegrass, rock, and pop led by singer-songwriting brothers Seth and Scott (new album out in a few weeks!) — that have held me and inspired me to reflect on my life and get through tough days and celebrate joyful ones. Music does that for many of us, but I have found now that I am more than a casual fan. My obsession has extended beyond listening to them every day and attending (when we could!) all their shows near to turning their lyrics into a creative outlet.
I’ve joined several Avett Brothers Facebook groups and my favorite right now is a stickers group. Stickers you say? Yes, stickers. The fans use their own creative skills and create their own designs for the one simple reason: to say love. We use our favorite lyrics to create a piece of art and print a few hundred and send them on to whoever wants one. Receiving Avett Mail has become a highlight of my week and sending out a sticker (prepping the envelopes during zoom calls!) I created that speaks to someone else, well it warms my heart and restores my sense of community (much as TueNighters has), revealing the power of generosity and love.
— Gillian Gonda
TueNight 10: Karrie Myers Taylor
(Karrie: “That time I realized it was me all along.”)
Age: 44
Basic bio: Karrie Myers Taylor is an astrologer and video producer and editor. She is currently HBIC of KM Taylor Astrology & Wellness, running social media platforms on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram.
Beyond the bio: Being in my 40s means freedom from the conformity bullshit. That’s why I became an astrologer; I wanted a job that I could do from anywhere in the world, that has no rules except what’s happening “up there” and that I would honestly do for free, I enjoy it that much.
What makes you a grown-ass lady? I ask A LOT of questions and I question the answers. I choose oatmeal over pancakes for breakfast, and I wear sunscreen to preserve my sexy. Grown-ass ladies follow their curiosities, protect their mindsets, and put self-care first.
1. On the nightstand: Black Imagination by Natasha Marin, The Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor, What If This Were Enough by Heather Havrilesky, Whole Beauty by Shiva Rose.
2. Can't stop/won't stop: Using my powers for good.
3. Jam of the minute: “Yours” by Leven Kali.
4. Thing I miss: Listening to 90s female rap MCs on mainstream radio, like MC Lyte, BO$$, Lady of Rage, Rah Digga, The Conscious Daughters, Lauryn Hill, etc.
5. ’80s crush: It’s been Keanu Reeves from the womb, so...
6. Current crush: Actor/activist bae Kendrick Samson.
7. Latest fave find: Air Plant Earrings by @lushlobes.
8. Last thing I lost: Probably my lip chap… I stay losing my lip chap.
9. Best thing that happened recently: We decided to buy land and start a vegetable farm & wellness center for traumatized folks. And since this year has traumatized everyone, I'll be seeing you all there very soon.
10. Looking forward to: Space travel.
FOLLOW: Imani Gandy
🙌 Hey, congratulations Janice U., Yumi R. and Jerry A. who won last month’s book giveaway! We hope you enjoy the books and Amazon gift card. 🙌
Stay cool, TueNighters!