A perfect film, garden clogs, and one French tennis player

Real Miscellanea returns: the cool and affordable edition

Mar 29, 2024

Long before Miscellanea moved to Substack, this newsletter was essentially a hub for recommendations. I made a habit of sharing articles, small goods, artists I liked, etc. These days there are many of those newsletters, each specialized for its own audience and niche. I will make no attempt to really recreate that version of Miscellanea. But every once in a while I do feel inspired to share some things, for whatever rhyme or reason.

The thing is, I know that people love to be recommended shit. Digestible content! Links and commerce we can duly incorporate into our feeble personalities! This is what life is all about, no?

My stupid irreverence aside, sharing cool shit is kind of an essential function of our species, and it’s fun!

Here are 4 things I think are awesome right now

1. PERFECT DAYS

Wim Wenders’ ‘Perfect Days’ is a perfect film. I’m not a movie guy to be honest, but this one was so ‘M.G. Tucker’ I couldn’t help but wanna share it with everyone. I loved the description Google spits out: Hirayama feels content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassette tapes, reads books and takes photos. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world.

If you don’t think you’ll enjoy this movie after reading that description, then my guess is that it’s probably not your kind of thing. And that’s ok! But this movie instantly became my favorite of all time.

2. THESE $58 GARDEN CLOGS THAT LOOK LIKE LOAFERS

Mary has a similar pair that she can vouch for, so trust me, I wouldn’t just throw these in here willy-nilly. Right now I have a thing for shoes that meet three criteria: good for working in, comfy comfy, and can also look sort of proper with the right outfit. The shampoo-conditioner-bodywash of footwear. Considering gardening is in vogue or whatever, it’s probably wise to buy many things from Gardenheir anyway; people will like you for it.

3. GAËL MONFILS

I doubt many of you watch tennis, or keep up with sports in any serious fashion, but you should know that I am a fanatical sports junky. I can get invested in teams and athletes on a whim, and lately I’m watching a ton of tennis.

Gaël Monfils is a 37-year-old French tennis professional, and when I watch him play I’m transfixed by his youthful enthusiasm and lanky acrobatics. What impresses me most is the way he loses points, games, sets, and even matches: with a smile.

4. NTS FOR WHEN FRIENDS ARE OVER

An are.na user is compiling NTS (an online radio station) episodes for nights with friends, and I think that’s delightful… I keep forgetting to actually use this when the time is appropriate, but I try to keep it handy.

This is also a great example of what are.na is so perfect for. A Pinterest for anything, albeit a hyper-niche community. I use it to collect visuals, words, ideas, and even as a wish list.