well, actually $5 / month

The Substack 'well, actually' focuses on providing historical context, cultural insights, and a deeper understanding of diverse subjects ranging from social issues, art, and individual stories to global traditions and entertainment, aiming to inform and entertain its readers with well-researched and thought-provoking content.

Social Justice Cultural Insights Travel Historical Contexts LGBTQ+ History Contemporary Nonfiction Entertainment Culture International Solidarity Food and Beverages Literature

The hottest Substack posts of well, actually

And their main takeaways

soaking in hot water in Iceland

471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Cultural experience
  1. The culture of year-round outdoor public bathing in Iceland is influenced by cheap geothermal power, resulting in a variety of pool complexes to visit.
  2. Visiting different pool complexes in Iceland can be a fun and unique way to experience the country's culture and scenery.
  3. Taking a trip to Iceland for hot water soaks can offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience in natural geothermal pools and man-made complexes.

Girl Scout cookies!

471 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink
  1. Recommendation to order Girl Scout Cookies from trans and nonbinary Girl Scouts
  2. Consider trying cookies from both Girl Scout cookie bakeries
  3. Support reader-supported publications like well, actually

Unmarked Graveyard: Hart Island Stories

452 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Art Stories Community
  1. Hart Island in New York City is America's largest public cemetery with over a million buried there, including various individuals with unique stories.
  2. The island lacks headstones or plaques, and many individuals buried there remain anonymous with explanations for their burial hard to find.
  3. Hart Island is now open to the public with tours available, and efforts are underway to document the island's history and identify those buried there.

Whither "the zombie apocalypse"?

255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Media Entertainment Literature
  1. The term "zombie apocalypse" gained popularity in major media after the premiere of AMC's The Walking Dead in 2010, but it was used in other media and society before that.
  2. The concept of a zombie apocalypse has been creatively referenced in various contexts, from food sections to climate change reports to workplace discussions.
  3. The idea of a zombie apocalypse has become culturally significant, appearing in books, articles, and even being linked to topics like finances, marriage, and travel.

Monday reading #15

176 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Israel Palestine Solidarity Anti-Semitism
  1. Solidarity with Palestinians is important due to their humanity and resistance to the nation-state of Israel.
  2. It's crucial to distinguish criticism of Israel from antisemitism and to question the legitimacy of nation-states.
  3. Having solidarity with Jewish people while separating them from the Israeli state is essential for their fate.
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Monday reading #12

157 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink
  1. Cider donuts are a fall favorite treat containing apple cider and loved for fried dough.
  2. New England cider donuts are a beloved delicacy available from various bakeries and apple orchards.
  3. A map by cider donut specialist Alex Schwartz showcases spots to find the best cider donuts in New England.

Monday reading #10

137 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books Recommendations Fiction
  1. The author recommends a novel called Terrace Story by Hilary Leichter, describing it as a blend of humor, magical realism, and tenderness.
  2. The novel focuses on a woman named Stephanie who has a unique ability to enlarge spaces with her mind, exploring themes of love, death, loss, and loneliness.
  3. The post is part of a weekly series where the author shares thought-provoking or fascinating recommendations, not necessarily restricted to Mondays.

Monday reading #1

196 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Reading Writing Nonfiction Internet Art
  1. The articles discussed in the post are about Amish witches, deep sea dives, and EMDR therapy.
  2. The writers in the articles shared personal experiences and sought deeper understanding in their work.
  3. The structure of a braided essay, blending personal narrative with research and reporting, is a common format in contemporary nonfiction writing.

Monday reading #6

157 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Fundraising
  1. Delicious beverages like Cool Brew can make a great alternative to reading recommendations.
  2. Consider supporting grassroots organizations like Survived & Punished NY, Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund, and Whose Corner Is It Anyway.
  3. Cool Brew, a coffee concentrate made in New Orleans, is a cost-effective and tasty option for iced coffee.

Bernie & G.: a life in photos, before Stonewall

196 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+ Photography History Documentation
  1. The photo album documents a gay couple's life before Stonewall, showcasing rich moments of love and connection.
  2. Queer life in mid-20th century US was marked by oppression, but also contained joy, community, and individuality in private spaces.
  3. The album sheds light on Bernie and G.'s world, showing their private celebrations, travels, and relationships with friends and family.

Monday reading #3

137 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture TV Literature Books
  1. Weekly recommendations include shows and articles
  2. Interesting read on a enslaved midwife in history
  3. Encouragement to support counterintuitive, revisionist content