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are cigarettes back?
Ello chaps! 🥸
We’re back again with another newsletter, one I’m feeling super good about. This one feels spicier than usual, well-seasoned one might say, and chock full of interesting reads that I know you’ll find worthwhile.
That said, we’re covering a lot of ground, including cigarette smoking’s revival and some decent advice on approaching the (tough) decision to have children. We’re also exploring the hectic US election, the treachery of rising film tourism, and gawking at Mt. Fuji’s snowless peak.
❤️🔥 Lifestyle + culture
Smoking is making an unexpected comeback, especially among Gen Z, with many seeing it as a cool, rebellious symbol against mainstream wellness culture. Popular celebs like Charli xcx and Paul Mescal are helping to pushing this narrative despite tobacco’s well-known health risks. While smoking rates among young people are actually declining, some Gen Zers see the act as a rejection of pressures to be perfect while coping with the chaos of today’s world. It’s all very controversial, showcasing the fine line between personal freedom and overall health.
I don’t want children. I do want children. What should I do? – vox
A really good selection of advice from Vox’s Sigal Samuel. A large portion of young people are struggling with the personal, financial, and environmental ethics of having a child in our world today, causing many of us to sit rather uncomfortably on the fence. Samuel explains why the decision to have (or not to have) a kid shouldn’t depend on who you are or what you believe in this moment, but should be guided primarily by your own core values. This is something I’ve thought a lot about, so this column was really insightful and eye-opening.
A 7-hour queue is beauty’s latest status symbol – dazed digital
Are beauty brand pop-up shops the new Glastonbury? That might be a tremendous exaggeration, but gaining entry to the brand of the moment’s pop-up does seem to warrant a surprising level of bragging rights these days. Just ask the girlies who queued up from the early hours of the morning to shop at Rhode Beauty’s temporary store in London. If you think I’m being unserious, think again. Refinery29 published a similar piece, further emphasising how attendance at one of these pop-ups is becoming a right of passage for the Gen Z it-girl. And free advertising for the brand in question.
🗻 Environment
Mount Fuji is snowless this year for the first time in over a century, with Japan’s recent record-high temperatures preventing early snowfall. Normally capped by October, the snow’s delay is likely tied to climate change, reflecting wider disruptions in seasonal weather patterns. This anomaly raises environmental concerns, as Fuji’s melting snow usually supplies fresh water to nearby areas. Mount Fuji’s snow also holds cultural significance, symbolising beauty and tradition. Now, scientists are studying how climate change is impacting mountain climates globally.
Writing the weather – from the desk of alicia kennedy (via substack)
This is a piece I read a couple months ago, but has stuck with me since. Alicia writes about keeping up with her work as a journalist while tropical storm Ernesto moved over Puerto Rico. Maybe I have a soft spot for this topic – my island based childhood being dotted with hurricane experiences – or maybe Alicia’s writing is just phenomenal (it is), but I loved this piece. It explores so many important themes – lingering colonialist concepts about the Caribbean, the uncertainty brought on by climate change, what it’s like to cope during natural disasters – and of course, the art of surviving without power.
Is film tourism now becoming a problem? – thred.
An influx of travel to iconic film and TV locations has been disrupting communities and placing pressure on local infrastructure in various parts of the world, with everyday places becoming chaotic tourist attractions. While film tourism certainly boosts local economies, poorly managed surges affect residents’ quality of life and pose new risks to the surrounding environment. Limiting tourist numbers and encouraging respectful behavior are two solutions that may help balance things out.
🗳️ Global politics
How are young people voting in the US election? We won’t have to wait long to find out. Still, it’s been a particularly interesting campaign trail. Candidates have tried to appeal to new voters by occupying their favourite digital spaces, from TikTok to Snapchat and popular podcasts. Celebrity endorsements are also expected to influence voting decisions, with tech mogul Elon Musk promoting Trump and popular musicians like Taylor Swift, Cardi B, and Beyoncé backing Harris. In short, the last few weeks have been a hot mess. But this excellent piece by Jeremy sums up everything you need to know!
The presidential election could not be any closer, literally – the economist
Looking to follow the election minute by minute, as polls continue to be taken? This page, updated by the Economist, is here to help. In case you can’t access it, I’ve added a screenshot below. Still, I’m cautious about taking any of these predictions as truth… like most people, I’ll be expecting the worst and hoping for the best.
Israel attacks hospital in Gaza again, killing 30 Palestinians – al jazeera
Along with reproductive rights and tax cuts, the widening conflict in the Middle East has been a focal point leading up to the US election. Over the last year, it has become obvious that America’s support for Israel is basically unconditional, even when it commits blatant war crimes. In recent weeks, policymakers in the US have conceded that Israel needs to mitigate the dire humanitarian crisis it has created in Gaza. Still, the US has not stopped arming the nation and fails to outline the consequences for its ally if Israeli leaders do not take action to give Palestinians access to food and medical care.
📚 Recommendations
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