Welcome to the Monday Memo — your pop culture snapshot from Manifesto.
Hey friends, Mondays can be tough. Here are 7 things to make October 23rd, 2023, a bit better.
This is our 150th memo...and we still don't look a day over 25...
1. Artist of the Week: James Chapman
CALLING ALL ART HISTORY NERDS! While James Chapman is an accomplished artist in his own right, we have especially enjoyed his #Artistober series. Each day, James shares a portrait inspired by a famous artist's work. He seamlessly moves between styles and eras, and so far has covered names like Warhol, Da Vinci, Pollock, and more!
2. What we're listening to: Out Of My Mind by Trousdale
The best way to describe Trousdale's sound is if you set acapella to music. While each member has incredible vocals on their own, the real magic happens when the harmonies begin. Exploring folk, pop, and country, this trio is one to watch. Our favorites are "Point Your Finger," "Wouldn't Come Back," and "Movie Star."
3. What we're watching: Killers of the Flower Moon - In Theaters
Killers of the Flower Moon, based on the best-selling non-fiction book by David Grann, arrived in cinemas last Friday. The film takes place in the 1920s, when members of the Osage Native American tribe of Osage County, Oklahoma, are murdered after oil is found on their land. Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese and featuring a powerhouse cast (Leo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, to name a few), this incredible true story is sure to be an Oscar darling.
4. Trend & Advertising Highlight: The Netflix Cup This fall, stars of two Netflix sports series will face off in The Netflix Cup, Netflix’s first-ever live sports event featuring athletes from Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Full Swing. The drivers and golfers will pair up to compete in a match play tournament at Wynn Golf Club at Wynn Las Vegas, the only 18-hole, championship golf course on the Las Vegas Strip, to kick off the week of the inaugural FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX. The Netflix Cup is set to stream live on Netflix beginning at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 14th. “We love to see how our sports series have brought increased fandom to sports leagues and competitions all over the world,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Nonfiction Sports, Netflix. “The Netflix Cup will take that energy to the next level with global stars from two popular hits competing in our first-ever live sports event.” This is a brilliant and natural evolution from a brand that has built a strong reputation as a sports documentarian. As F1 continues to garner record-breaking audiences and popularity, it is great to see a streaming giant jump in the live sports race.
5. Cognitive Bias of the Week: G.I. Joe Fallacy
Well, well, well. We meet again. I'm sure you are here to undercover another cognitive bias, ready to make yourself immune to their psychological powers. Well, this week's pick is about how you never will! * Evil Laugh * Just kidding! The G.I. Joe fallacy is the mistaken belief that mere awareness of a cognitive or social bias is sufficient to effectively counteract its influence. This fallacy derives its name from the animated television series G.I., where the ritual character states, "knowing is half the battle." The PSA was given within the context of something dangerous kids did unintentionally – like running out into traffic. Each cartoon would end with G.I. Joe encircled by a group of kids gleefully shouting, “Now we know!” And presumedly, those smart kids will never make that same mistake again. Sadly, even despite our best efforts, we can still be affected by cognitive biases. But that is okay! While our awareness of a cognitive bias won't make us immune to it completely, it will help us rethink and recontextualize social interactions. Many cognitive biases are neutral in nature, so when we fall into them it only makes us human. Knowing is half the battle, and the other half is up to us.
Martin Shane uses a Sony Access controller, left, to play a video game at Sony Interactive Entertainment headquarters Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in San Mateo, Calif.
6. Good News of the Week:
A new recycling program will provide detailed, local recycling instructions with the scan of a QR code (AXIOS)
World Bank approves $365mln for advancing girls and women empowerment in Africa (ZAWYA)
In an act of solidarity, a group of Chicago-area rabbis attended the funeral of the 6-year-old boy killed in anti-Muslim hate crime (GGG)
Sony’s Access controller for the PlayStation aims to make gaming easier for people with disabilities (AP News)
In Massachusetts, the onetime cranberry capital of the world, former bogs are transforming into thriving, carbon-storing swamps (Reasons to be Cheerful)
7. Bonus: Susi Pesto Trend
Back in September, Susi Vidal posted a TikTok sharing her homemade pesto recipe. She makes her own best because, as she said, "Call me crazy if you want, but I’ve never liked store-bought pesto.” Hey, we are not here to judge if you have wild and crazy pesto habits, but the internet has had a blast sharing ACTUALLY crazy stories about fate, survival, and more. In short, if you see Susi on your screen, you are about to hear one heck of a story. We are sure the pesto recipe is good too though, Susi.