Applause, Applause: The 50th Newsletter!
The Chase celebrates 50 posts with 50 things worth loving
Believe me, I understand.
That excitement when your phone pings! Who could it be?! And…snap. It’s only a lousy Substack notification for a newsletter you forgot you ever subscribed to. Cue the sad trombone.
That’s why I’m grateful for so many of you who’ve stuck around, watched me chase ideas, and supported my love of writing. This thing I took on — and took seriously — keeps me accountable and creatively active. Fifty newsletters in two years is close to a biweekly commitment, yet doesn’t feel like I’ve bombarded your devices and attention. You, in turn, have rewarded me with subscriptions, vulnerable shared experiences, and very kind words.
To celebrate, I’m sharing a list of 50 things to applaud today — most of which I came to love since starting this whole racket. So scroll for 50 seconds or ponder the links for 50 restless nights — I will always appreciate any time you have.
Local bookshops. And nerdy books about bookshops and notebooks.
Embracing the afternoon nap. My story here.
Maddle inflatable paddle boards. Montreal-made.
Waxahatchee — Katie’s Crutchfield’s sober songs, her Substack, and live show
Orpheum Theatre, August 16, 2024 The unapologetic joy of fried bologna. And this article.
Earn It! Steve Pratt’s book puts the fun in fundamentals of marketing strategy
These 90 seconds from Tim Robinson make me laugh almost daily. Also, this one.
Oh, how our cats love this:
Jason Isbell - his sobriety, his songwriting, his politics, and this performance
Asking the hotel desk for extra Nespresso pods and taking dozens back home
This very funny Atlantic essay on the world’s biggest cruise ship. A must-read.
Being the token “young” boy at drop-in aquasize. Story here.
Hellooo ladies… the numbers are in my favour | Cowichan Aquatic Centre This music video for The Smile, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
The Secret Life of Groceries by Benjamin Lorr
The ongoing collaboration between Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staples
Goose, the cutest cat on earth:
Cue the Sun by Emily Nussbaum and Oscar Wars by Michael Schulman
Wind Cries Mary — my vote for Victoria’s best restaurant
Streaming: Somebody Somewhere, So Long Marianne, Broad City, Ripley, Quincy, Bad Sisters, Baby Reindeer, A Gentleman in Moscow, Hacks, My Brilliant Friend
The Duncan Showroom — part curio museum, part music club. Booze-free venue.
The amazing Leeroy Stagger and one corner of The Showroom Coconut milk in everything — cereal, smoothies, chai tea, my sexy dreams
ASMR for sleeping, especially this guy in my ears
3 Shades of Blue by James Kaplan — the making and influence of Kind of Blue
Stoney Hill Park — close to home, full of arbutus trees, and dumb views like this:
The healing power of saunas, and the weird things I learn inside
U-pick blueberries
The Small Bow — newsletter, podcast, and writerly place for recovery
Our cool church with the hippest reverend. And never apologizing for going.
St. Peters Quamichan, Duncan BC |. Est. 1865 Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Cel-Ray — the celery flavoured soda, and this article
Having a solid Writer’s Group. Get yourself one.
Tidewater Press. And the thrill of being published.
With authors Joseph Kakwinokanasum and JJ Lee Outing my struggle with alcoholism in The Globe and Mail
Ben & Jerry’s Bananas Foster Core ice cream
Filterworld by Kyle Chayka and Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
Self-serve farm eggs and farm milk on the Island:
Morning reading routine — Richard Rohr, Ryan Holiday, and Bill W.
Morning routine at the Duncan A&W. Free coffee refills. Story here.
Joe Henry’s latest masterpiece, All the Eye Can See. Check out this song.
This woman. These rides.
Portable travel bidets
Tig Notaro, John Mulaney, Connor O’Maley, Jacqueline Novak, Todd Barry
Kevin Wilson, Ruth Ozeki, George Saunders, Naomi Klein, Douglas Stuart
Big Thief, Delvon Lamarr, Kamasi Washignton, Laura Marling, Arkells
McMenamins hotels in Oregon. Old schoolhouses, lodges, and ‘poor farms’ revamped. Kooky art, treasure hunts, and great food. Past concerts by Wilco, The Roots, Beck, Willie Nelson, The National, Alabama Shakes. Best chain ever.
Conan O’Brien’s formats and output. And his Hot Ones masterclass.
Journaling, keeping a commonplace book, and meditation —even when forced
Pineapple Fanta
Contemplation and action
You. For reading.
Great list. Made me grateful.
Congrats on 50! What a great list - added a whole bunch of stuff to my reading, watching, and listening lists