It’s really nice outside

it’s raining here today but you know what I mean

I keep having the kinds of interactions that remind me why it’s good to leave the house. I love staying inside. Inside is very good. Inside is cozy. I pay a lot of money to live inside.

But wow, have you been outside lately? It’s pretty good. Some options:

• Love (2024) // Dag Johan Haugerud—I’ve seen the movie twice now but I’m honestly seeing the trailer for the first time. The trailer does not accurately convey just how charming and intelligent this movie is. If you enjoyed the Gentle Suggestions about casual sex this movie is especially for you. It’s also very Norwegian so my American friends, you will have to turn off the parts of your brain that care too much about things like HIPAA. Open your mind and your brain to the possibility of human kindness and enjoy every minute of this gorgeous movie. If you live in NY, go see it at Film Forum with someone who you enjoy having sexy, intellectual exchanges with then walk over to King for a delicious meal.

• I went to see L’Etran de L’Aïr by myself at TV Eye. I was furious I had to pay $150 on resale for a $25 show because I wish I could pay the band that money instead. I can’t tell you what a foul mood that put me in. I just know—with zero evidence, of course—that I was being price gouged by a white guy who works in public radio. But then the band started playing and nothing else mattered. The price gouging didn’t matter. The fact that I was one of a handful of Africans there didn’t matter. It didn’t matter that so few people there know how breathtaking the sky of Agadez is. I remember looking around at one point and thinking I AM DANCING TO A TUAREG ROCK BAND IN RIDGEWOOD!! Everyone really was dancing. Modern life is so insane. This band and I are so far from home but how cool? L’Etran de L’Aïr is on tour in Europe. Catch them if you can. Oh and I already made you a playlist of desert gems. Being Sahelian is one of my many identities and I love my desert siblings so much.

The details on this Salman Toor!

• Toyin Odutolah at Jack Shainman || Salman Toor at Luhring Augustine

  Two absolutely gorgeous exhibitions. One of my pet peeves is writers who complain too much about writing. Complaining a little bit is OK. All art is hard to make and writers have the unfortunate reality of getting critiqued in our own medium so I get it. Artists who are not writers, please tell me if I’m wrong because I am wrong about a lot of things. I want to know about painters painting about a painting they hate and dancers dancing their discontent at other dancers. That would make me so happy actually. But anyway whenever the writers complain too much, my mind goes to other artists whose work exhibit such patience and discipline. They are so patient the painters and the visual artists. So patient.

• If you live in a city with an opera or a symphony or a ballet, wear your fanciest clothes and buy the cheapest seats. Just dress up and go where the old fancy people go. It’s so good for the soul. Do not buy a new dress for this please. Wear what you have. Or if you feel really compelled to spend money, rent a tuxedo. It’s such a funny experience but in 20 minutes max, they will have you out of there with a same day rental. Mine was under $200. The bow tie is optional but do not skip the cummerbund. That part is crucial. Gender is so fake but I hate that men have really figured something out about dressing. Rent the tux, go to the symphony or whatever and then end your night at a no frills diner. When they ask you what you’re dressed up for, tell them you dressed up just to go eat there. The tux rental was for 72 hours so you better believe I wore it 3 nights in a row. Bowling in a tux? Fab!

• Can Zohran win? He might if you show up to canvass, babe. My suggestion is to pick a neighborhood that’s not yours. You never have to see those people again. And pick a neighborhood with a restaurant you’re dying to check out anyway. It’s the only way to get campaign merch. The merch is good. I can also report back from the front lines to tell you that very hot New Yorkers are canvassing. It’s stupid how hot some of these socialists are.

Comments open for everyone today. Can you tell us what’s something fun happening in your city right now? Thank you and don’t forget to tell us what city you’re in.