On strike!
anti-everything for April
Thing I am on strike of include: Spotify, ai, red meat, social media, writing anything good (or useful), my career, dates, the news, being talented, being successful, doctors appointments, being charismatic, applications, submissions, porn (boo!), being right, crushes, aspirations, the blood donation center1, video essays, schmoozing, driving, adhering to reason, remembering the correct phrases, algorithms, debating, loosing weight, microsoft word2 and the red hot chili pepers3
Basically, I am (unfortunately) over everything. I keep trying to dig deeper within myself and find a new way of seeing the world that doesn’t completely repulse me, but so far, that search has come up empty.
I wish I could write more, both about this and just in general, but these days I can hardly a sentence together pull. In times of disillusionment, is it worth the continuous act of trying? Or is it better just to put down the metaphorical pen completely and leave it for another day?
As we all fumble along this calico maze4 we call life, here are some things I am endorsing:
Having a laugh
The comedy festival
My favourite moment of the year is that crisp pocket of time between summer and autumn. This changing of the seasons occurs in line with my top cultural event - the comedy festival. As the daylight hours begin to weaken, the April chill takes over the city, and regular weeknights begin to hold an exceptional pulse - one I can’t get enough of. This year I only managed to see two acts, neither of which were too fantastic, but the overall payoff of 'dinner and a show’ with friends will never not be worth it to me.
Show 1 - was a complete nostalgia trip to see a core memory building millennial comic Josh Thomas5. He was the first ‘adult’ comedian I remember watching, and it’s absurd to think he was only 22 at that time. Far into his 30’s now and somewhat defeated by his early experience of success, his 2026 show jiggle jiggle evens out pessimistic musings (“my focus this year is on giving up”) with an array of magic tricks, including a visit from his irl dog. Ironically, the show climaxes with a long (kinky) story involving puppy play.6
Show 2 - I have already forgotten the name of the comedian I saw, which doesn’t bode well for them. The bar was small, which meant we had to sit at the front and make direct eye contact with the performer. I am ultra appreciative of the effort it takes to put yourself out there, so I laughed extra encouragingly, which hurt my cheeks (re: TMJ).
I really wanted to see Lara Ricote perform her new hour inkling, after thoroughly enjoying her debut show GRL/LATNX/DEF a few years back. Unfortunately, she was performing slightly too late for me to feel safe taking the tram home (I live at the end of the tram line!!), so I had to miss it.
Taskmaster
I find Greg Davies’ on screen persona extremely arousing. This is my truth, my cross to bear. Now, rolling on from my comedy festival enthusiasm, I find Taskmaster a soothing and silly watch! Each season sees 6 comedians compete in nonsensical tasks for points. They try somewhat to implement a diverse roster of guests, and at least manage to display a variety of ages, all of which have different styles and approaches to creative problem-solving.
If you come across any cast members you do like, you can peel off and watch their inevitable podcasts/tv shows/books (the comedians have been busy making content). Plus, there are 21 seasons, so you can just skip the ones you don’t like.
Taking a break
Books
I haven’t been reading anything. My recent capacity to shun the English language in all its forms is astounding. Debrah Levy does have a fresh new book out, so I am likely to get my hot little hands on it and maybe break my dry spell.
Music
I haven’t been listening to anything either, fr. As mentioned above, I am on Spotify strike and have been for many months. The issue is… Spotify is really handy, its a $90 billion business for a reason, it works. It has also become very clear to me why they don’t pay their artist. How could they and still only cost $15 a month? plus audiobooks? crazy. I spent $60 alone on 2 albums from bandcamp to try and avoid the use of music streaming. It’s just not feasible. Silence is nice for a while, but at the end of the day, I just need a reason not to notice the crackheads on the tram.
Social media / the news
This is going to make you feel sooo good because I’ve been off social media for over a year, and my mental health isn’t anything to brag about. Alas, will I ever go back? NO. I think it’s evil, exploitative, and unfortunately, now a crucial tool in almost all profit pipelines. My main vouch for this is the lack of 24/7 news. I’m the only person I know who didn’t see that MAGA dude get his head blown off. I personally oppose the idea that being a good person means staying ‘informed’, especially if ‘informed’ means plugging into hugely fascist algorithms and articles looking for clicks! sorry!
hmmm what else? I started watching Virgin Island and have many thoughts about the levels of intimate dysfunction experienced in our generation. I’ve also been enjoying SNL UK, which is faaar superior to its American predecessor. And I discovered I can look back through my Wise app transactions from yesteryear and relive my trip to Europe one purchase at a time. Don’t say capitalism never gave you anything!
Cheers,
Rachel
temporary strike because they were mean to me, and also i cant donate for another 12 weeks anyway
maybe don’t fuck children, bill. Now I have to write everything in Scrivener.
maybe don’t fuck children, anthony. Now I have to try and unwatch your shitty Netflix doc.
im in a MOOD about this
it doesn’t make sense, and WHY should it!!!!!
I also checked his website, and he seems to be big in Germany??
woof