The hottest Reviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” Should Be Considered a Classic

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Comedy Media Entertainment Reviews
  1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a classic movie that blends humor with deep emotions. It uses real-life situations to make people laugh and feel, which is rare in comedies today.
  2. The movie features strong performances from Steve Martin and John Candy, showing the importance of their characters' relationships. It teaches us to appreciate the good intentions behind annoying people in our lives.
  3. Unlike many modern comedies, this film has relatable characters and a meaningful story, proving that simple and funny movies are still possible and valuable.

3 Cool Paramount+ Originals I Saw While Flying Delta 

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Reviews Streaming Television Entertainment Travel
  1. Flight streaming on Delta Airlines offers a unique way to watch limited but interesting TV shows and movies.
  2. Delta Airlines' partnership with Paramount Plus brings exclusive shows like 'Pink Ladies' and 'Star Trek Prodigy' to passengers.
  3. Shows like 'School Spirits' stand out as must-watch options with emotional depth and strong storytelling.

The Leaves Turn. Recapping Q3 2023

Holodoxa • 119 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books Reviews Podcasts Vacation Science
  1. The author reflects on the books they've consumed, with 67 completed in the year and 21 in the last three months. They share book recommendations like 'Albion's Seed' and detail upcoming reviews and reading plans.
  2. The author started a series on cancer genomics to make the science accessible. The topics covered so far are hereditary cancer syndromes, with more to come.
  3. The author shares podcast recommendations, especially after the news of Google shutting down its podcast app. They highlight new shows to listen to and specific episodes worth checking out.

An Unranked List of The Best (Recent/ish) Music Memoirs I Can Think of Right Now...

Sounds Good! • 58 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music Memoirs Authors Reviews Recommendations Insights
  1. The post shares an unranked list of recent music memoirs, highlighting some standout titles from the last decade.
  2. The list includes memoirs from a diverse range of musicians like Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde, Grace Jones, Kim Gordon, and more.
  3. The author praises the storytelling, writing style, and depth in the memoirs, particularly highlighting the strong work by female authors in the music memoir genre.
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What's Next?

Have You Played? • 98 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Reviews Gaming Industry Content creation
  1. The author reflected on their least-read and most-read posts, highlighting the importance of diverse content for their audience.
  2. The author discussed their experience playing long games and the belief that shorter entertainment options are generally better.
  3. The author emphasized the importance of clear, descriptive writing in discussing games to broaden understanding beyond familiar genres.

Metazoa

Eliot Peper • 98 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Reviews Recommendations Writing
  1. Writing for yourself can lead to surprising results that resonate with others.
  2. Exploring scientific topics through literature can offer valuable insights into human nature.
  3. Sharing recommendations and feedback with others can enrich the collective cultural experience.

Tales from the jar side: Uncensored Java AI, Pirate audio in text messages, LangChain4J used my video 😀, and the usual tweets and toots

Tales from the jar side • 39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Programming Audio Documentation Reviews
  1. A Java project called the Ollama project allows you to run uncensored AI models locally, without sending data offsite.
  2. An application was created to generate pirate insults in audio files using the Twilio API and Text-to-Speech capability of OpenAI.
  3. LangChain4J, a competitor to Spring AI project, now has a website with tutorials, including a video featuring Ken Kousen.

The Black Prince

Regress Studies • 78 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📚 Literature Reviews Authors Themes Critique Writing
  1. Iris Murdoch wrote the novel 'The Black Prince' which explores the relationship between love and art.
  2. Martha Nussbaum and Clare Coffey discuss animal welfare and the philosophical approach of 'capabilities'.
  3. Isaac Wilks examines the sociological effects of distinctively Zoomer ills in his work 'The Zoomer Question'.

Reviews for July 2023

Record Crash • 78 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Reviews Movies TV shows
  1. Reviews for July 2023 cover multiple movies, TV shows, video games, and a gen-alpha YouTube show.
  2. The show 'The Sopranos' faced criticism for inconsistent character arcs and episode-level control.
  3. The game 'Ghost Trick' received high praise for its original gameplay and plot twists.

How to stop writing

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Reviews Social media Public Discourse
  1. Book Twitter can harshly critique writers and their work, potentially affecting their motivation to write.
  2. Engaging in online debates and arguments, especially in toxic environments, can lead to a loss of enthusiasm for writing.
  3. Negative experiences online, like encountering harsh criticism or trolling, can severely impact a writer's desire to continue writing.

Empathy No. 125

Empathy: The Remnant Pieces • 58 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎶 Music Events Artists Reviews
  1. The author attended a surprise music event by Cobalt Sky with a new lead singer, Roderick Butler.
  2. Roderick Butler, previously known for his math skills, surprised with his exceptional singing talent.
  3. The band, with their new vocalist, might be gearing up for a big performance at the Winter Homecoming entertainment event.

10 must-read books

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 2 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Writing Nonfiction Reviews
  1. Reading a good book can bring joy for a long time, not just for a special occasion. It's about enjoyment and lasting value.
  2. The recommended nonfiction books are all easy to read and informative, making them great for casual reading.
  3. These books are not a fleeting trend but rather timeless choices that continue to provide pleasure over the years.

The New Cue #324 October 6: The Bees, Molly Burch, English Teacher, UNIVERSITY, Sufjan Stevens, A.S.O, Sonic Cathedral, John Grant & Midlake, deary

The New Cue • 39 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎶 Music Reviews Interviews Music history
  1. The Bees' breakthrough 2002 hit, 'A Minha Menina', was born out of a moment of spontaneity and led to unexpected opportunities.
  2. The Isle of Wight Festival played a significant role in exposing The Bees to a variety of music genres.
  3. The Bees are planning a comeback, with members looking to create music together again after a period of inactivity.

Reviews for September 2023

Record Crash • 39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fanfiction Reviews
  1. The reviewer finished watching Seasons 2, 3, and 4 of LOST and might review it later.
  2. Pink Fang fanfiction blends drama and powerwank but takes a sharp turn into darker tones.
  3. The jumpchain story Meandering Through The Megaverse explores different worlds but lacks compelling execution.

Reviews for June 2023

Record Crash • 39 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fanfiction Reviews Novels Short Stories Fiction
  1. The reviews for June 2023 cover fics from various fandoms like Homestuck, Worm, and Harry Potter.
  2. Some fics had negative reviews due to lack of narrative, character development, or coherence in time travel plots.
  3. One recommended fic was a well-written original character fic in the Worm fandom with an interesting power and character development.

A Roundup (August 2023)

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Recommendations Interviews Reviews Advice Personal updates
  1. Monthly roundups can help you discover great podcasts, readings, and projects you might have missed. They're a good way to find new stuff to enjoy.
  2. Listening to writers discuss their process can give you insights into how they generate and refine their ideas. It can inspire your own creativity.
  3. Staying updated with interesting people and tools can enhance your knowledge and skills in various areas. It keeps learning fresh and exciting.

My Favorite Moments from The Eras Tour

The Reclamation Era • 39 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎶 Music Artists Albums Concerts Reviews Culture
  1. Taylor Swift's music can really resonate with personal transformations, making her songs feel like a soundtrack to life changes.
  2. The Eras Tour featured many of her popular albums, like Folklore and Midnights, which excited fans and created memorable experiences.
  3. Many people find joy and connection through live concerts, which can leave a lasting impact and be worth every penny spent.

The 20 Gigs I Reviewed in 2023:

Sounds Good! • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The author reviews gigs to capture moments and preserve them as a public record.
  2. Even though most reviews were planned as paid content, the author values the meaning behind complimentary tickets.
  3. The author is navigating new rules about sharing reviews when tickets are comped, learning as they go.

Reviews for December 2023

Record Crash • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
📚 Literature Reviews Fiction Author analysis
  1. The reviews cover a variety of media from TV shows to video games to fan fiction.
  2. The writer is critical of several works, pointing out flaws in storytelling and character development.
  3. There is an emphasis on unique and obscure content, with a mix of humor and detailed analysis.

Coolest Podcast Episodes of My Year (2023)

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Reviews Recommendations Technology Culture
  1. The list includes a variety of favorite podcast episodes from different hosts without following a specific pattern. It's just a personal collection.
  2. These podcasts feature interesting conversations about invention, culture, and personal stories, showcasing a range of topics.
  3. The author thanks the hosts and guests for sharing these discussions for free, highlighting the value of accessible content.

Reviews of Lab Tests

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Lab Tests Reviews
  1. Comprehensive screenings may not always include certain lab tests, so it's important to consider getting them separately.
  2. Chris Masterjohn, PhD provides reviews of specific lab tests like the Jinfiniti NAD+ test and Jinfiniti "Total Antioxidant Capacity."
  3. Reading reviews of lab tests can offer valuable insights before deciding to take them.

Homewaters: One Year Anniversary

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
📚 Literature Books Authors Publishing Literary Events Reviews
  1. The book 'Homewaters' has sold over 4,700 copies in its first year. This is considered a great success for a regional book.
  2. The author received positive feedback and kind words about both the book and his talks, emphasizing the importance of Puget Sound's history and stewardship.
  3. The endnotes of the book contain interesting facts and stories that didn’t make it into the main text, adding extra value for readers.

If You Don't Have Anything Good To Say

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 6 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books Reviews Writing Authors Criticism
  1. It's better to stay silent than to leave negative reviews. If you can't say something nice, just don't say anything at all.
  2. Instead of tearing others down, focus on lifting them up with positivity. Like your friends' achievements and show support, even if you don't agree with their choices.
  3. Criticism can be easy and tempting, but being a critic isn't a worthy goal. Aim to be a force for good in the world instead.

The Watcher 12

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Reviews Entertainment Art
  1. Dream Scenario receives high praise for its unique plot and warning about future technologies
  2. The Boy and the Heron, while good, is criticized for lacking originality compared to Miyazaki's other works
  3. A Lizard in a Woman's Skin and Warriors from the year 2072 are both described as convoluted and weird films

More on the Apple Vision Pro

Don't Worry About the Vase • 11 HN points • 13 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Reviews Hardware Software Entertainment Productivity
  1. Reviews highlight the Apple Vision Pro's impressive entertainment features but express disappointment in its productivity capabilities.
  2. There are concerns raised about the weight, battery life, and setup process of the device.
  3. The potential for the Apple Vision Pro to excel in specific use cases, such as watching movies and immersive experiences, is noted, while its value for productivity is still uncertain.

All About Camera Gear

Endless Explorations • 19 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Equipment Guides Reviews Techniques
  1. Start your camera hunt by creating a list of features you need. Think about what you'll mainly use the camera for and your budget.
  2. Use resources like ChatGPT and Reddit to get suggestions and learn from others' experiences. They can help you narrow down your options.
  3. Don't forget about accessories like a good tripod and camera bag. These are important for keeping your gear safe and functional during use.

A Roundup (January 2023)

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🎙 Podcasts Recommendations Reviews Media Culture Trends
  1. The post shares a roundup of interesting reads, podcasts, and projects from January 2023. It's a great way to discover new content each month.
  2. One highlighted podcast is called 'Moment of Zen', which is gaining popularity with around 4,000 subscribers.
  3. You can subscribe to get monthly roundups delivered straight to your email, making it easy to stay updated.

An Aural Diet

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 21 Apr 21
🎙 Podcasts Selection Reviews Recommendations
  1. The post highlights various podcasts worth listening to, categorized by content area like politics.
  2. It mentions 'The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg' as one of the recommended political podcasts.
  3. The post invites readers to explore more shows beyond those listed.

August Reading Review

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 02 Sep 21
📚 Literature Reviews Reading Books
  1. The author indulged in reading 17 books and 2 plays in August, showcasing dedication to consuming a variety of content
  2. The author expresses a keen interest in continuously reading, analyzing, and discussing books, indicating a deep passion for literature
  3. The post encourages readers to reflect on their own reading habits and consider the impact of books on their lives

Customer reviews: bop or flop?

Mehdeeka • 3 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Reviews Sales Branding Customer Engagement
  1. Reviews can be a powerful marketing tool for branding, pipeline growth, and higher conversions.
  2. To get more reviews, consider running campaigns, both by G2 and vendors, and use passive review strategies.
  3. Reviews have the most impact in the middle of the sales/marketing funnel and can be amplified across marketing assets like websites for increased trust and conversions.

Booksbooksbooks 02/2024

GOOD INTERNET • 3 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Reviews Authors Genres Themes Writing
  1. The novel 'The Trees' is a dark allegory on racism and lynchings in the US, told with humor and ghostly elements.
  2. The book 'Morals: The Invention of Good and Evil' explores the history of moral psychology, discussing cultural evolution and societal paradoxes.
  3. In 'When We Became Cities,' urban avatars fight alt-right tentacle monsters in an entertaining but occasionally wokism-filled story.