The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

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Zombie Buildings

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 339 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Architecture Urbanism History Art Sociology
  1. Zombie buildings are old structures that remain even after the original buildings are gone. They often have unique stories behind them.
  2. Some examples include columns from demolished churches and schools that have been repurposed or displayed. They serve as reminders of the past.
  3. These remnants show how buildings can have a lasting impact on a city, even if the buildings themselves are no longer standing.

The Sixth Borough Explorers Club

Daniel Golliher • 58 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Exploration New York City Outdoor activities Community Diversity
  1. The concept of the Sixth Borough is symbolic, representing a social graph of New Yorkers who appreciate all five boroughs and connect with the rest of America.
  2. The diversity of experiences in New York City reflects the diversity of America, offering activities beyond just urban living.
  3. The Sixth Borough Explorers Club promotes self-reliance, curiosity, and diverse experiences like rifle training, fishing, birding, and factory tours in NYC.

Vol. 1, Issue 41 - Interview with Craig Turvey (Create-a-Snorlax Card Contest)

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Entertainment Video Games Comics Collectibles
  1. Craig Turvey won the Create-a-Snorlax Card Contest in 2002 and created artwork that became an official Pokémon promo card. He was one of only two Western artists featured for that contest.
  2. Winning the contest gave Craig a unique connection to the Pokémon community. He still runs a Pokémon League and enjoys signing cards for fans.
  3. The popularity and value of Pokémon cards, especially Craig's Snorlax promo card, have greatly increased over the years, making it a noteworthy collector's item.

Here's 20 Books On Prepping and Survival + Reviews and Recommendations

OK Doomer • 111 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Books Survival Prepping Reviews
  1. Preparing for disasters is important because we see more natural chaos and government issues every day. It's smart to think ahead about what we might need.
  2. There are many books on prepping and survival, but not all of them are useful. It's important to find the good ones that actually help you in a survival situation.
  3. Reviewing and organizing these books can make it easier to choose the right ones for future needs. It's a helpful way to gather the best resources for any crisis.

You're Invited to Capla-Con 2025!

Bet On It • 65 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Events Gaming Community Socializing Fandom
  1. Capla-Con is a two-day festival for nerds happening on July 12-13 this year. It's a fun event with games, socializing, and plenty of activities for families.
  2. Anyone can join and bring their friends, making it a welcoming space for everyone. There are games like board games and role-playing, and even dinner is provided!
  3. The event organizer writes new role-playing games for the festival, ensuring there's always something fresh and exciting to play. To get updates, it's good to subscribe to the new Capla-Con Substack.
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i was a murder mystery dinner theater actor

Both Are True • 357 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Acting Entertainment Performing
  1. Participating in a murder mystery dinner theater can be a thrilling and unique experience, blending acting with interactive storytelling.
  2. Stepping into a different persona at work or in social situations can bring a sense of liberation and freedom from societal expectations.
  3. Embracing the opportunity to be whoever you want to be every day can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.

A walkthrough of my diary

Austin Kleon • 539 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Diary Creativity Personal Reflection
  1. Keeping a diary can help you capture your daily thoughts and creativity. It's a good way to reflect and see how your ideas develop over time.
  2. One person's diaries can take on a unique style, like adding drawings or creative layouts. This can make the process more fun and personal.
  3. Starting a diary might feel tricky at first, but tools like journals or prompts can help get you going. It's all about finding what works for you.

The Work of the MCU and the DCU

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 78 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Comics
  1. Criticism of popular superhero film franchises like MCU and DCU for being shallow and lacking depth.
  2. Nostalgic reflection on the past of comic book culture, highlighting a sense of loss as conventions transitioned to mainstream showcases.
  3. Discussion of current political rifts within the conservative movement and their impact on party ideology.

Invisible Duels

Working Theorys • 152 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Identity Competition Mental health Philosophy
  1. Invisible duels happen when we compare ourselves to others, even if we never agreed to compete. We end up feeling threatened by their success, which harms our self-worth.
  2. These duels are often fueled by social media, where we constantly see others' achievements and feel pressured to measure up. This can lead to anxiety and distraction from our own goals.
  3. To escape these invisible duels, we need to focus on ourselves and what we truly want. Making others less significant and finding our own direction is key to breaking free.

Issue 02 – Cannabis

Unbox Inbox • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Cannabis Design
  1. The post discusses appreciating cannabis design beyond traditional stereotypes.
  2. The newsletter 'Unbox Inbox' offers packaging inspiration and observations on a weekly basis.
  3. Readers can access a 7-day free trial to explore more content and post archives.

Letters to the Editor: ‘I’ve Watched Someone I Love Die’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 148 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Debate Health Ethics Policy Society
  1. Assisted suicide laws are controversial, with concerns about vulnerable people feeling pressured to end their lives. Some argue that these laws exist to provide relief for those suffering from severe, painful illnesses.
  2. People often request help to end their suffering, and without legal options, doctors and families face tough choices. The law aims to provide a more humane way to help those at the end of life find peace.
  3. Legalizing psychedelics like MDMA is not just about recreation; it's about addressing serious mental health issues and potentially saving lives, particularly for veterans suffering from PTSD.

Dispatches from the pre-post-purpose age

Thoughts on Writing • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Politics Marketing Art Youth Creativity
  1. The ad industry is navigating the shift towards the pre-post-purpose age, where concepts like traditional values and future uncertainties intersect.
  2. Gen Z is a diverse and complex demographic that challenges the assumption of uniformity in purpose-driven marketing narratives.
  3. There is a growing discussion in the adland about redefining the concept of government and democracy, highlighting the evolving landscape of societal conversations beyond just corporate purpose.

T.V. Digest #21 Kicks off the Scrapbook line

Textual Variations • 132 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Television Media Art Writing
  1. The Scrapbook series allows for quicker and more flexible writing on various topics like movie reviews and recent media news.
  2. Each Scrapbook post can mix different ideas and topics, making it easier to share thoughts that don't fit into standard articles.
  3. Researching for articles can lead to unexpected insights and larger pieces than originally planned, as shown with the piece on the extended X-Men version.

Google’s Place in Society & Culture

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Society Innovation Cultural impact
  1. Google has evolved from a brand name to a verb, representing an essential cultural shift in society.
  2. Information technologies, like Google, play a crucial role in the evolution of human society and cultural exchange.
  3. The future of Google lies in its ability to remain culturally relevant and adapt to the changing technological landscape.

Vol. 2, Issue 9 - Interview with The PokéMasters

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Community Gaming Media Internet Nostalgia
  1. The PokéMasters is a popular Pokémon fan website that started in 1998 and has a long history of bringing fans together. It offers a place for discussions about Pokémon and has a sense of community.
  2. New Pokémon games and features are being released, like Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch and Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket for mobile devices. These updates show that the Pokémon franchise is still growing.
  3. Maintaining online communities can be challenging, but The PokéMasters has thrived due to its strong bonds between members. Even as people grow older, they come back to share their love for Pokémon and connect with others.

The Sacred Wound

Jyri And • 39 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Human experience Conflict Literature Identity
  1. Sometimes, a fight can feel like a big deal, but it can also show us our limits and what we're truly willing to face. In this story, the fight led to an important lesson about standing up for oneself.
  2. Giving up isn't always a sign of weakness. It can be a way to let things go and move on from a situation that feels too heavy to handle.
  3. Our struggles can lead us to better paths in life. Even when things seem tough, they can guide us to discover who we really are and what we want to do.

Saturday Commentary and Review #148

Fisted by Foucault • 421 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music History Politics Literature Art
  1. The USA benefits from its geographical location, resources, and Monroe Doctrine in maintaining power in the Americas.
  2. US easing of Venezuela oil sanctions indicates strategic economic concerns and reliance on oil market dynamics.
  3. Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over oil reserves highlight geopolitical complexities and potential regional conflicts.

Family Secrets, Plural

Ladyparts • 299 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Family Identity
  1. The article discusses how Carmen Rita Wong discovered family secrets about her parentage which kept her up at night.
  2. The author, Deborah Copaken, introduces Carmen Rita Wong and highlights their connection despite not meeting in person.
  3. To continue reading the full post, readers can access a 7-day free trial of Ladyparts newsletter by subscribing.

Rough Draft 2024, Part One: reflecting on 2023

polymathematics • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Writing Music Travel
  1. Reflecting on the past year helps you understand what energizes you and what drains you. This can guide your choices for the new year.
  2. You can't fail a rough draft; it's about observing and improving rather than achieving specific goals. This mindset allows for creative flexibility.
  3. Focusing on one project at a time might lead to greater success. Experimenting with this approach could help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

On the Death of Cinema.

Through the Looking Glass • 99 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film Art Society Media Consumption Cultural Change
  1. Cinema is evolving as an art form, facing challenges with the rise of streaming services and the dilution of visual culture to 'content'.
  2. Auteurs like Martin Scorsese and Susan Sontag criticize the current state of cinema, pointing out the shift from art to transactional 'content'.
  3. The blurring line between cinema and visual content, technological advancements, and changing viewing habits are impacting how we consume and appreciate movies, sparking a need to rediscover the joy and art of cinema.

Celebrating 100+ readers

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art Education Podcasts
  1. The community just reached over 100 monthly readers, which is a big milestone. It's exciting to see interest and support grow!
  2. To celebrate this achievement, a special discount for membership is offered to the first 100 readers. This makes it a great time to join for extra content.
  3. The writer shows appreciation for all readers, regardless of whether they decide to upgrade their subscriptions. It's all about valuing the support!

Vol. 1, Issue 29 - Topikachu: When Pokémon came to America

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Events Nostalgia Entertainment
  1. The first Pokémon event in America happened in Topeka, Kansas, in 1998. It was called Topikachu for the day, celebrating the upcoming release of Pokémon games.
  2. At the event, there were fun activities like dance-alongs, crafts, and a special drop of Pikachu plush toys from skydivers. Many kids showed up and had a great time trying to catch the toys.
  3. Twenty-five years later, people shared their cherished memories from that day, showing how much the event impacted their love for Pokémon.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 37

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History Art Media Entertainment Society
  1. Some popes in history had children, which is not something many people know. It's interesting to explore how this affects the image of the papacy.
  2. Research shows that playing Tetris might help prevent PTSD. This means a simple game could actually have a big impact on mental health.
  3. Mapping Middle Earth is a fun way to look at the geography of 'The Lord of the Rings.' It can help fans understand the story better.

If crisis or war comes

Soaring Twenties • 154 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Humor Philosophy Social Issues
  1. Sometimes humor can help us cope with serious issues, like crises or wars. It can lighten the mood even when things feel heavy.
  2. Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming, but it's important to think ahead and be ready for the unexpected. Staying informed and having a plan can make a difference.
  3. Feeling a sense of obligation can drive us to act, even when we don't want to. We often do things for our loved ones, making the world a better place for them to live in.

The right way to be a "woman"

Men Yell at Me • 375 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Marriage Feminism
  1. Women are pressured to conform to rigid definitions of womanhood and gender roles.
  2. Societal expectations attempt to confine women to narrow standards for their appearance and behavior.
  3. Expanding the definition of womanhood to be inclusive and diverse provides freedom and challenges limiting beliefs.

Wisconsin Weeds & The Future of Lighters

The Broccoli Report • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Cannabis Art Marketing Celebrity Accessories
  1. Wisconsin is a likely contender for cannabis legalization in 2024 due to public support and advocacy from the Governor.
  2. Hawaii and Florida are also potential states to legalize cannabis this year, with established medical cannabis markets.
  3. The use of AI in creating cannabis-related art and the impact of celebrity marketing on product sales are areas for exploration and reflection in the industry.

The Ironist

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 109 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Language Irony Communication Social norms
  1. People often want irony to be shown clearly because misunderstandings are frustrating. They might wish for a special font to spot irony right away.
  2. Irony relies on the gap between what is said and what is meant. If everyone understands it perfectly, it might not be true irony.
  3. Today's culture puts a strong focus on clarity and being understood. This change makes it harder for people to laugh off mistakes or misunderstandings.

Happy birthday and bon voyage

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Relationships Food Travel Personal Growth
  1. It's normal to feel sad when making big changes, but it's good to acknowledge those feelings. To feel sadness before leaving can help you appreciate everything you’ve experienced.
  2. Friendship can overcome past issues. Even if there was a falling out, real friends can show up for each other when it matters most.
  3. Living a simpler, more connected life doesn’t depend on your location. You can create a fulfilling lifestyle anywhere, even in busy places like New York.

Members-only watch party for Feud

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Television Film Media Entertainment Events
  1. The next watch party for 'Feud: Bette and Joan' will be on April 27 at 5 PM Eastern Time. Make sure to check your local time, so you don’t miss it.
  2. To join the watch party, you need a subscription to the Substack. The Zoom link will be available after signing up.
  3. There’s a free 7-day trial for the Substack, so you can explore more content before committing.

The eternal rebels

Wrong Side of History • 645 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society Politics Media Elite Values
  1. Ed West discusses the emergence of a new cultural elite influenced by rebellious values from the 1960s.
  2. The new cultural elite is described as left-wing on social issues but right-wing on economics.
  3. Goodwin's thesis outlines the growing divide between the progressive elite and the rest of society, reshaping politics and fueling unrest.

My Top films/songs/books of 2023

Shakos Metaheuristics • 58 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music Books
  1. The list showcases top films, songs, and books experienced in 2023, regardless of release year.
  2. The films discussed delve into themes of fatherhood, space travel, and historical events.
  3. The music selections range from sci-fi themes to pop hits, each carrying personal meanings and reflections.

Telugu Cinema’s Re-Release Culture, Model Collapse, and the Crisis of Cultural Data

Experiments with NLP and GPT-3 • 7 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Film Media Industry Technology Language Archiving Economics
  1. The re-release craze is turning cinema into a museum: audiences and exhibitors prefer remastered hits over new films, creating a feedback loop that starves the industry of fresh stories.
  2. Industry power is concentrated in ageing superstars and a few pan‑Indian blockbusters, which destroys the mid‑budget ladder and silences young writers and directors.
  3. That cultural stagnation creates a real data problem for Telugu AI and digital culture—without diverse, current Telugu content, models and creativity will be constrained; solutions include screen quotas, digitization of texts, and support for new writers.