Hidden Gems

I thought I’d share things I stumbled upon.

It isn’t my “best of” list. Some things I like require too much patience. This is a list of approachable underrated things.

Article: Sex is Sex. But Money is Money #

The most memorable article I’ve read.

One of the themes I’m exploring is the difference between our fantasies and reality. With marketing, media, and even our social networks, I feel that we’re overexposed to a simplified ideal of reality.

Prostitution, like pornography, facilitates our sexual fantasies by having people put on a mask. This article takes that mask off. It doesn’t focus on pulling on our emotional cords like most of the media. No one suffering, seducing, or doing anything amazing.

It’s showing the result of people being people.

Video: Steve Burns (from Blue’s Clues): Fameishness #

Life is awkward, complicated, and scary—especially the important parts. But we can always laugh about it later.

I think that’s the common theme in the real stories presented with The Moth. My experiences have taught me this too, so that’s the motto I live by.

Not all of The Moth’s talks are good, but this one is, especially if you know Blue’s Clues. Other favourites include a story about Malcolm Gladwell’s friend, visiting a famous figure, and a 60 year romantic reunion.

Blog: Barking Up The Wrong Tree #

Eric Barker summarizes and quotes from many books. Some are useful and many are interesting. Part of my personal study in psychology.

See his “best of” page.

Video Series: Every Frame A Painting #

The most influential thing I’ve stumbled upon last year.

I study design, but I don’t focus on a medium. Whether it’s user interfaces, physical objects, or in this case, movies, I’m interested in understanding what creators think.

Tony Zhou shows insight on how to direct and shoot a movie. It shows little things I never notice, like why Michael Bay is popular (other than the explosions). This series is one of those things I don’t mind watching more than once and pushes me to learn about movies. I’ve watched various movies and video essays thanks to this series.

My favourites are about Jacky Chan’s work, a neat anime shot, and Robin Williams.

Movie: Snowpiercer #

My favourite movie of last year.

Guys, watch this movie. Girls, if you think Chris Evans (Captain America) is hot, watch this movie. It’s his best acting performance so far.

It’s rare to find a deep movie with the Hollywood spectacle of famous actors, stimulating visuals, and big action. Korean director, Bong Joon-Ho, pulls it off with less than a third of a Hollywood budget. But don’t worry, it’s in English.

It’s an ambitious movie. The fight scene was awesome. You care about the characters. And behind the immersive experience, is a commentary on society.

If you have Netflix, you have no excuse. Watch it!

Book: Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator #

Everyone should read this book.

At least the first few chapters—you get the gist after a while. It changed how I view blogs, news, and other information sources. It shows how the truth often doesn’t spread and how we’re part of it.

And worse of all, it shows how we believe in misinformation.