It’s not very original nor interesting to recommend a Tiny Desk Concert. The NPR series has a long history of delightful and surprising moments, so writing them up in High Praise is kind of low-effort. Furthermore, the concert in question will have been viral for days by the time you’re reading this and also features a very, very popular act (just not in the United States). But even with all that working against me, I’m still putting forth this video starring the puppeteers and musicians from 31 Minutos, a Chilean children’s show (though apparently the target demo is debatable). I watched the whole thing (with subtitles) and then watched it again with my son, who enjoyed it as much as I did (even though he can’t read subtitles).
-DW
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I read a slightly different version of this novel when it was first published independently as Miriam by Molly Young back in 2023, and just finished its more recent iteration. Ruth is a strange but addictive book that rewards time and focused attention. For this second go-round, I’ve been reading it slowly, in bite-sized pieces over the course of a month, as a way to force myself to savor its savage wit and almost acrobatic prose. The best comparison I can make, which may also set up an unfair expectation, is to Willa Cather’s My Ántonia, except instead of the plains of Nebraska at the turn of the 20th century, the title character grows up in a religious cult in northern Michigan in the 1960s. Knowing that the novel came to life from author Kate Riley’s several-year stint in a similar commune and out of emails sent to Young after her time there makes this an even more fascinating read. I can’t tell if I’m more impressed by Riley’s observational abilities and twisty way with words than the novel itself, but I’m also not sure it matters.
-VvP
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Despite my job, I’m a relative lightweight when it comes to smoking, so I was very excited to get both of Pure Beauty’s new CBD-forward pre-rolls on the site. I love them for different reasons, but wanted to specifically highlight the Garden Babies today. Don’t be deceived by their 2:1 CBD to THC ratio. By cutting the flower with a mix of smokeable wild herbs like organic mullein, red raspberry, and lobelia, the cumulative effect of the Garden blend is that they’re actually lighter than Pure Beauty’s 3:1 CBD Babies. Take a couple hits if you’re looking for just a whisper of elevation, or smoke more if you just want a way to enjoy the ritual of a joint without overloading yourself.
-VvP
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In case you missed it, it was announced this week that 30 of Bob Ross’ paintings will be auctioned off to help support public broadcasting stations. In case you really missed it, the Republican-led congress eliminated funding for “some 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations” over the summer, a devastating blow to cherished and important institutions across the country. The auction will be held on November 11th by Bonhams, though no more information is available yet. Get yourself some happy little trees.
-DW
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Though I haven’t seen it in person yet, Larry Bell: Improvisations in the Park looks like the rare art installation that will keep me coming back during its run through mid-March of next year. Famous for his work that plays with light, reflection, and perception, the Los Angeles–based artist was commissioned by the Madison Square Park Conservancy to take over six lawns. As time goes on, “the changing conditions in the park—from the weather and light to the change of seasons—will be a key collaborator, transforming the works as the reflectivity and color of the glass reacts to its surroundings.” Bell also has a new show at the Judd Foundation, so you can easily do a double feature in one day.
-DW
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