Magic + Loss

Magic + Loss delves into a blend of technology, politics, and societal observations through a literary lens. It explores various themes ranging from political indictments, social media transformation, sobriety culture, digital fandoms, dieting perceptions, to concepts of luck and personal narratives reflecting on contemporary issues.

Politics Technology Society and Culture Health and Lifestyle Personal Narratives Literature and Fandom Social Media

The hottest Substack posts of Magic + Loss

And their main takeaways

Like 2008—but Better

477 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political trends Democratic Party Campaigns
  1. Democratic excitement for the upcoming election is higher than it was in 2008, with 77% of Democrats feeling enthusiastic. This shows a strong positive shift compared to the 50% enthusiastic in 2016.
  2. The energy and enthusiasm can be seen in rallies and public engagement, indicating that this election could be pivotal.
  3. Experts believe this enthusiasm for the election is significant and might play a crucial role in the outcome.

Pervy Voters

516 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Behavior Political Commentary Party Politics
  1. Some voters make choices just to be rebellious, not because they truly believe in a candidate or party. They might want to shock people or go against the norm.
  2. Voting is usually about practical interests, like money or personal benefits, rather than just trying to be edgy or nonconformist.
  3. Spite can drive people to vote against their own values or interests, which can have serious consequences for democracy.

Bunk, Debunked

894 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Elections Political Rhetoric Voting Trends Campaign strategies
  1. Kamala Harris is doing well in several polls, showing she's ahead of Trump nationally. This is encouraging for her supporters as it suggests strong backing.
  2. Trump is using aggressive and divisive language that echoes dangerous past movements. Many observers are concerned about the implications of this rhetoric.
  3. The results of these polls counter common narratives that suggest Harris is losing support among certain groups. It's important to rely on data rather than hearsay.

Trump's a Rapist

2147 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political Opinions Criminal Justice Public Safety
  1. Trump has been legally labeled a rapist by a jury and a judge. This means he is held accountable for his actions.
  2. Instead of overwhelming voters with many reasons not to support Trump, focusing on his status as a rapist is a clear and straightforward argument.
  3. Reiterating that Trump is a rapist can be an effective way to persuade others against voting for him, as it addresses a serious issue directly.
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‘We Were Wrong’

159 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Internet Media AI Nostalgia Culture
  1. WIRED's first website, HotWired, launched the digital age by covering topics that traditional media missed. It helped introduce many people to the online world.
  2. The internet has evolved into a chaotic space filled with dangers like misinformation, cybercrime, and trolls. This raises the question of whether it was handled well from the start.
  3. Even though WIRED helped shape the internet, it recognizes its role in the problems that have emerged over the years and reflects on how things might have been different.

Trump's a Fascist

457 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Ideology Political parties
  1. The author strongly believes that Trump demonstrates fascist tendencies. They think he could become a dictator.
  2. Multiple people in influential positions have allegedly confirmed Trump's fascist behavior. They include his Chief of Staff and Secretary of Defense.
  3. The author claims that Trump has openly expressed a desire for power similar to dictators like Hitler.

Fight Song

636 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Activism Political Analysis Civics
  1. Being active in democracy means accepting conflict and standing up to your opponents. It’s important to be ready to fight for what you believe in.
  2. Donald Trump uses intimidation to get support, and he has made it clear he won't accept losing another election. This creates fear and uncertainty among his opponents.
  3. Past experiences show that when Trump doesn't get his way, it can lead to chaos. It's crucial to stand firm against his tactics to protect democratic values.

This Made Me Uncomfortable

795 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Public Opinion Political parties Political Commentary
  1. Kamala Harris had a strong performance during her interview on Fox News, showing confidence despite the challenging setting.
  2. The interviewer, Bret Baier, often interrupted her and used a less formal way of addressing her, which some found disrespectful.
  3. It's important to avoid both-sidesing in journalism and recognize when one side is being unfairly treated in a conversation.

Marissa Mayer: I Am a Software Girl

238 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Entrepreneurship Women in Tech
  1. Marissa Mayer sees AI as a bright and helpful force in our lives, rather than something dangerous or negative. She believes it can enhance family and social experiences.
  2. She has a strong opinion against feminism, feeling it is too militant and not focused on merit. She thinks being a geek is more important than gender roles.
  3. Mayer enjoys various topics like fashion and art, showing that she has a diverse range of interests outside her tech career.

MAGA in Despair

516 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Public Opinion Democracy
  1. Some people in the MAGA movement feel hopeless and have aligned with dangerous ideas that threaten democracy. They seem more focused on defeating their opponents than supporting democratic values.
  2. Obama highlighted that this focus may be leading to negative consequences for democracy rather than positive change.
  3. Understanding these feelings of despair in certain political groups is important for fostering healthier political discussions and solutions.

Beautiful Wives

377 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Gender Issues Public Opinion Political culture
  1. Melania Trump supports a woman's right to choose regarding abortion in her memoir. She believes women should have control over their own bodies.
  2. Donald Trump, however, plans to support a universal abortion ban if he is elected. He presents himself as a protector of women but implies that this will eliminate the need for abortion.
  3. The differing views between Melania and Donald Trump highlight a conflict in their beliefs about women's rights and autonomy.

Neolib Zombies

417 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policies Economy Identity Globalization Government
  1. Neoliberalism has changed how we see ourselves, turning us from citizens into consumers and investors. This shift impacts our values and priorities in society.
  2. Since Reagan's presidency, neoliberal ideas have focused more on market concerns instead of workers' rights or social programs. This change has affected how economic policies are shaped today.
  3. Even though neoliberalism seems to be struggling, it continues to influence our lives and policies significantly. Its effects are still visible in the world around us.

The End of Alcohol

1013 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
  1. The post discusses sobriety during Dry January and the influence of sober-lifestyle brands.
  2. The article explores the concept of sobriety as an aesthetic choice.
  3. The writer shares observations of a couple's outfits in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

THIS is what makes my head spin

1809 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
  1. 91 felony charges against the former president is impressive, given the zero indictment record for past presidents.
  2. Donald Trump is criticized for being a bad actor.
  3. There is an opportunity for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

Bad Romance

815 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. People may support leaders even if it is not beneficial for them
  2. The act of reading can be a significant part of someone's identity
  3. Some individuals consume narratives online at a rapid pace, resembling voracious readers

What if You Just Hate Making Dinner?

1451 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
  1. The post discusses not liking to cook and not understanding it.
  2. It offers a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.
  3. The piece is welcoming new subscribers to the platform.

January 6 was a victory

596 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. January 6 is viewed differently by different groups of people.
  2. Some see it as an attack on democracy, others as a far-right cosplay event.
  3. There are also those who consider it a valiant uprising to reclaim the country.

Larry Summers Honeypotted Me

874 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
  1. Larry Summers was involved in a hacker attack on Twitter.
  2. The hacker used flattery to gain access to the Twitter account.
  3. Subscribers can access the full post with a 7-day free trial.

The Occult Thing Worth More to Trump Than $83.3 Million

596 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
  1. Trump is facing consequences for his actions and has been fined $83.3 million.
  2. He is currently appealing the lawsuit but still needs to pay $8.3 million to the court during the appeal.
  3. His financial situation seems to be precarious, raising questions about his ability to handle the significant monetary penalties.

Trump's Drive to Reign in Hell

457 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. A brand is a word that holds meaning and value.
  2. The history of names and words ties into the concept of branding and reputation.
  3. Not keeping one's word can lead to a negative brand image and reputation.

Disturbing Bromances

1351 implied HN points • 17 May 23
  1. The article discusses why powerful straight men risk everything for their infatuations with other men.
  2. Several high-profile individuals are facing subpoenas in connection with their relationships with a convicted criminal.
  3. The post explores the concept of disturbing bromances and their implications.

'Can I Feel Your Ass, Donald?'

715 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
  1. Howard Stern reflects on being 'woke' and his views on supporting certain causes.
  2. Stern expresses his support for being awake, believing in science, and reading legitimate news sources.
  3. Former President Trump challenges Stern's views and perspectives in a bold manner.

5 Ways to Live by a Doctrine of Luck

854 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
  1. The post discusses 5 ways to live according to luck.
  2. It emphasizes the idea of predicting and hoping for good outcomes.
  3. The post invites readers to subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access more content.

Jane Austen fans are the avant-garde of digital culture

914 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
  1. Jane Austen fans are considered pioneers of digital culture.
  2. The article discusses the misconception about Trekkies being the first fandom.
  3. The post invites readers to subscribe for more content from the author.

Dieting is Poison

874 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
  1. Dieting can be harmful to health
  2. Fatness used to be a sign of wealth in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
  3. Some people view unhealthy foods differently, like Chicken McNuggets

How to Hunt the Sasquatch

258 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. The article discusses the fascination with Bigfoot and a book called 'Secret History of Bigfoot'.
  2. The author embarked on a journey to hunt Bigfoot to also escape the pandemic and urban lifestyle.
  3. The story intertwines the search for Bigfoot with themes of family dynamics and personal escape from the mundane.

Democracy on Coke

715 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
  1. Republicans in Georgia passed the Election Integrity Act with strict voting restrictions.
  2. The law appeared to be aimed at suppressing Democratic voters, especially Black voters.
  3. The restrictions were compared to historical voter suppression tactics like literacy tests and poll taxes.

The Twitter I Love Doesn’t Exist Anymore

755 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
  1. Twitter has changed a lot over time.
  2. The author has a sentimental story about their experience on Twitter.
  3. The author reflects on past experiences with people on Twitter.

Microchips Turn Sand Into Mind

1 HN point • 11 Sep 23
  1. Microchips are created with atomic-sized transistors on a nano-scale.
  2. The intricate design of microchips allows for complex functions.
  3. Microchips are a marvel of technology with hidden layers of innovation.