Open Tabs #21
02.09.25 -- reading, watching, listening, baking
Welcome to this week’s edition of Open Tabs, where I share my current reads, recent obsessions, and media consumptions every Sunday!
Another week of mental exhaustion leading to physical exhaustion, so I don’t have much of interest to say about my media consumptions. I consumed, that’s it.
Lately, I am thinking about my various projects and interests and hobbies, and trying to figure out what I can spend time and energy on. And I’m trying to release any sense of frustration with myself for not being able to do all the things, all the time. I browsed through a lot of my old book reviews (both here and on Instagram), and feel a tinge of dissatisfaction that I’m not able to spend as much time writing about the books I read. And I’m thinking about how scrolling automatically turns my brain back into a machine for Content Creation, which ruins the vibe of everything that brings me pleasure.
Finding a balance between creation and consumption is something most of us are probably dealing with in some way or another, and unfortunately I don’t have any answers or advice. I’m working stream-of-consciousness here and trying to gather the threads of the past week. I’m going to hit send on this letter and return to resting, because my mind feels like it’s on overload.
Reading [Books]
This week I read Moral Abdication by Didier Fassin and listened to I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel. I’m currently reading Health and Safety by Emily Witt, and a couple of other things are in the rotation too. I’m really trying to get some book reviews together, but who has the time!
Reading [Online]
Fredric Jameson, The Art of Criticism No. 5 (The Paris Review)
Reading [Short Story]
Camouflage by Adania Shibili (The Paris Review)
Watching [TV]
Search Party
I’m re-watching Search Party and just started season 3. It’s been a few years since I initially watched the show, but I remember I didn’t enjoy later seasons quite as much. But the 1st season is still so funny, and the 2nd season is great too.
Listening [Music]
A new Tennis single!!
Listening [Podcast]
Death of an Artist (season 1)
This is a true crime and art world mash-up. Host Helen Molesworth tells the story of artist Ana Mendieta’s death in 1985, and the question of whether or not her husband, famous sculptor Carl Andre, had anything to do with it. This series explores the silence that rings through the art world, forgotten female artists, and the blurry line between art and the artist. Will be listening to season 2 as well.
Baking
Structurally, these turned out perfectly and they are wonderfully moist. No dry muffins! But they weren’t sweet or flavorful enough imo. Next time I will add brown sugar and more cinnamon. Note: I used agave instead of maple syrup & butter instead of coconut oil.
Last Week…
![Open Tabs [Weekly] #20](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ZqHd!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe8d98a48-ebc5-4058-8ce7-e2805fd36cc4_800x519.jpeg)
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