Arman's Antics (#057)
The latest from curious contrarian Arman Khodadoost
Hey everyone!
Coming to you live from Austin, Texas. Here is your weekly dose of Arman’s Antics. Five things I’ve been pondering and exploring that will get you thinking, laughing, crying (or a nasty combination of the three).
Share this with a friend if it tickles your fancy. Or not, that’s cool too.
Welcome to the four new subscribers receiving this for the first time (305 total). I respect your inbox and don’t take your attention for granted.
Essay I wrote last week
Shouldn’t our personal decisions and celebrations happen at personally meaningful moments?
hulu show I just rewatched (and will watch again) because it’s that good
Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself.
In last week’s edition, I mentioned a memoir called AMORALMAN that I couldn’t put down. This show is a live version performed on stage by the author.
Here’s the description: “In & Of Itself is a new kind of lyric poem. It tells the story of a man fighting to see through the illusion of his own identity, only to discover that identity itself is an illusion. An intimate and powerful exploration of what it means to be and be seen, the film chronicles Derek DelGaudio’s attempt to answer one deceptively simple question, “Who am I?” His personal journey expands to a collective experience that forces us to confront the boundaries of our own identities.”
Pro tip for my hulu nonsubscribers — sign up for their free trial, watch this, then cancel. Or, just steal a family member’s login like I do.
A question you can ask to ensure a lively conversation
I met up with a few friends last Friday at a great happy hour spot here in Austin called Salty Sow.
In our group text, we agreed to come armed with a topic sure to get some good banter going. To my surprise, mine stole the show. So I want to share it with you.
It wasn’t a topic, it was really just a question.
But after posing this to the group, I could practically see the gears of their minds spinning — What’s something you strongly believe that most others would disagree with?
I’m sure I stole this from someone wiser, cooler, and handomer than me, but I don’t remember the source so I’ll claim it as my own.
Looking for your next great book?
Look no further than Goodreads.
The reviewers on this site must collectively wake up on the wrong side of the bed every morning before they sit down to write their next review.
They are so much more negative than anything else you’ll find on the Internet, which is why I love them. It’s hilarious (and quite helpful) reading the scathing reviews written about the next book I’m considering.
I instantly know something is worth reading if it has a 4 star or above rating on Goodreads. Unlike Amazon, where nearly every single book has the now meaningless 4.5 star rating.
Random thought
The show South Park is littered with memorable lines but this one might be my favorite — I don’t make the rules. I just think them up and write them down.
That’s it for the 57th edition of Arman’s Antics.
Thank you for spending a few of your attention points with me today. Remember to share this with a close friend if it tickles your fancy. Now back to your regularly scheduled nonstop scrolling.
Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cheers,
Arman
Likes and comments below
...bad movies are better than good movies...
I strongly believe that The Beatles were NOT a great band. That is all.