Hello beautiful people,
In this first of probably many recommendation letters, I want to show off some content I’ve consumed that didn’t leave me apathetic and numb. Hopefully you’ll find something that’ll get your brain churning like all of these did for me. Since this is the first one, I’ve got a bunch of recommendations built up. Hope you’re comfy, because this letter is a long one.
Journalism
This article is a collection of short stories from struggling writers. It reveals in personal ways how the profession of writing just isn’t as romantic as it seems, but each account shows how creatives find a way. It is both inspiring and depressing.
A brain chemistry-altering essay. Julian was able to put into words a feeling that I’ve had in a very clear way. He goes into how doing everything as a means to an end isn’t the solution. Going forward, I want to try to be more present and just doing without an expectation in mind.
A cautionary essay on our relationship with technology. On the way tech has been presented to us and where it is going if we aren’t careful. It’s important to always bear in mind that “digital technology has not been and is still not being designed to support democracy” - Carissa Véliz.
Movies
I want you to go in blind like I did. The only thing I’ll say is it’s a movie about prisoners being in a theater group to cope with their lives. Believe me, this movie is special.
Music
To promote their upcoming movie about the backrooms, A24 invited Instupendo on set to play an hour of liminal-sounding music, and it slaps. I’ve been a fan of Instupendo for a while, and I never expected to see him DJ. Loved how the mix starts with some liminal pop and ends with ambient and drone. Highly recommend.
I’ve mentioned Big Squeeze Soul a few times now, and I’ll mention them again. This morning mix immediately puts me in a great mood, and every single track has been added to my playlists. If you like soul, R&B, or funk, you’ll love this.
I had no idea what to expect when seeing this on my timeline, but after the first few minutes, I was completely entranced. The simple singing mixed with the rhythm can’t help but make me emotional. Going through the rest of Imarham’s discography has been a real treat, and I hate the fact I missed their concert in Bern.
A soft mix of modern classical piano helped me take an unexpected nap on Sunday, and I hope it might help you too. Each piece blends into the next perfectly; huge respect to DJ Sundae for this one.
Local Events
The Capitole Cinémathèque de Lausanne is playing a spectrum of queer movies until June 28th. Looking through the selection, there are too many to recommend individually. Whichever movie you go to, you’re bound to have a great experience. On friday June 5th at 6.30pm, in collaboration with the associations, there will be a round-table discussion to examine the history, challenges and future of queer film festivals in Switzerland, which have been campaigning for the visibility of creative works for the past three decades
This exhibition, unique in Switzerland, retraces Takahata’s career, from Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974) to Grave of the Fireflies (1988) and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013), through his notebooks and storyboards, original drawings, cels, film and video excerpts and audiovisual documents. If you like Ghibli movies, you’ll love going to this.
Food
Finding late-night, affordable food in Switzerland is a challenge. So finding this small Southeast Europe bakery was a gift. They’re open from 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week. The owner is a friendly, scary-looking man, and everything looks like it was made with love. Of course I recommend grabbing a slice of burek, but having tried some of their desserts, I believe everything they offer is worth a try.
This lasagna recipe is a bit of a hassle to make with all the different layers you need to prepare, but the result is well worth it. The mix of vegetables and ricotta makes for a very satisfying and filling meal that doesn’t destroy your wallet.
That’s it for this time; let me know if you enjoyed any of these recommendations.
Till next time!
Much love,
Sip <3