Obvious Bicycle

Obvious Bicycle is a diverse Substack that examines literature, technology, visual arts, and personal experiences through reviews, advice, and personal stories. The content spans cultural phenomena, the nuances of being Indian, and reflections on mental health, creativity, and the digital landscape, touching upon both professional and leisure interests.

Culture Entertainment Technology Mental Health Personal Development Creative Process Internet Culture

The hottest Substack posts of Obvious Bicycle

And their main takeaways

Culture Shock 2

2564 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Cultural observations International travel Language Food Social Behavior Lifestyle
  1. India is much dustier than the US, which makes photos look better in cleaner air. It's something people often mention, but it's really felt after living in a less dusty environment.
  2. Payment options in India, like UPI, are super flexible for various transactions, though Apple Pay can be more convenient because it doesn't require entering amounts or PINs.
  3. There's a lot of SMS spam in India, ranging from transaction confirmations to promotions. It's overwhelming and sometimes feels like you'll get a text for any little thing you do.

Best of 2024

723 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Literature Media Events
  1. The best of 2024 includes a wide range of media like songs, movies, and books that made an impact. It's great to keep track of what we've enjoyed over the year.
  2. Live events like concerts and stand-up shows are memorable experiences that often stand out. They bring joy and a sense of community.
  3. Quotes from various sources can inspire us and offer different perspectives on life. They remind us to think deeply and reflect on our experiences.

The Absurdity of Big Chess

460 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Media Entertainment Community Trends
  1. Big Chess, the growing online community around chess, has a lot of content creators and viewers who often rely on computer analysis instead of understanding the game fully. Most casual players can't really grasp the complexity of grandmaster-level chess.
  2. There are huge skill gaps in chess; the difference between a regular player and a grandmaster is immense. Even the top grandmasters have skills that seem almost unreachable for average players.
  3. Despite knowing they don't fully understand what's happening, many people still enjoy watching top-level chess. They might appreciate the excitement, want to see great plays, or are simply drawn to the brilliance of the players.

Bored in an exam

526 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Education Creativity Expression
  1. Students often feel bored during exams and sometimes struggle to stay focused. It's common for thoughts to wander and distractions to creep in.
  2. There's a mutual understanding between teachers and students about the exam stress, but it can feel awkward when everyone knows it.
  3. Many students wish they had studied more before the exam, realizing too late that they haven't prepared properly. This leads to a cycle of regret during the test.

Best of 2023

657 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music Movies Books TV Quotes
  1. The post shares a list of the author's favorite things from 2023, including music, live events, essays, art & photography, movies, books, TV shows, and quotes.
  2. The author appreciates music as their favorite art form, sharing a ranked list of songs they discovered in 2023.
  3. The author also highlights their experiences of attending live events like cricket and football matches, a marathon, and a Taylor Swift concert, making these a memorable part of their year.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Coincidences

526 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration
  1. Life is full of surprising coincidences.
  2. Small world: Meeting people with unexpected connections.
  3. Unexpected connections can be found in unlikely places.

Review: Oppenheimer

328 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film History Science Nuclear Weapons
  1. The film 'Oppenheimer' is more of a conventional biopic than an intricate Christopher Nolan flick.
  2. The movie covers multiple aspects of J. Robert Oppenheimer's life but focuses too much on less important elements.
  3. While technically excellent and entertaining, the film lacks depth in exploring Oppenheimer's personality and the profound impact of nuclear weapons.

Review: The 95th Academy Awards

263 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Film Entertainment Art Criticism
  1. Certain winners at the 95th Academy Awards had their mic cut off during acceptance speeches, raising questions of disrespect.
  2. The movie 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' dominated the Oscars, winning in major categories despite divisive opinions on its quality.
  3. The success of 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' reflects a shift in awarding more original and risky films, indicating a positive direction for the future of cinema.

Being Online

2 HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. The internet's permissionless nature is a valuable freedom we often overlook.
  2. The internet is more diverse and interesting than just popular websites; there are hidden gems to explore.
  3. Barriers to creating online content are lower than ever, so we should use our resources to create something meaningful.

The Best Picture Conundrum

1 HN point • 22 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Film Art Media Industry
  1. Opinions on movies can differ based on personal enjoyment versus award recognition.
  2. Movies can be categorized based on personal preference and award worthiness.
  3. Recognition in the film industry, like winning Best Picture, influences the types of films that get made.