Five Bullets 1.10.25
Journaling, Keith Jarrett, Snowy Owls & more.
Good Morning and Happy New Year!
It’s 2025! Where did the last 25 years go? In the year 2000, I graduated fifth-grade and we were imbued with a hopeful spirit for the new millennium. I still remember the panic over Y2K, grooving to Eminem’s The Real Slim Shady at a school dance, dial-up internet and AOL instant messaging. Here’s to the next 25 years. This year also marks the 400th anniversary of New York City.
Last week I escaped the northeast cold to bring in the new year from the sunny beaches of Puerto Rico. I finished a book, watched movies, and listened to great music. But I neglected to plan for a week off and my plans to finish up some projects backfired. As a result, the aforementioned subscriber gift/zine is delayed. To be continued!
Here’s five bullets which captured my attention this week:
Journaling: Maybe one of your new year’s resolutions is to start a journal or diary. I’ve kept a daily journal for the past five years and can honestly say it’s improved my life. If you’re having trouble starting or you’re looking for tips on how to keep going, check out my tips on how to start journaling.
Movies: Documentary Radical Wolfe about intrepid journalist and novelist Tom Wolfe explores how the writer changed American journalism. Psychological space thriller Slingshot had compelling acting and an interesting plot if somewhat poorly executed. In The Heart of The Sea, based on the real-life sinking of the Essex by a whale - the incident which inspired Herman Melville to write Moby-Dick - seems about as close to a modern-made Moby-Dick as one can find.
Music: After diving into Keith Jarrett’s music on Louis Cole’s suggestion, I’m hooked on a pair of the pianist’s albums recorded live at a Poconos jazz club in 1992, At the Deer Head Inn and The Old Country. Joined by bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Paul Motian, Jarrett covers Broadway tunes and standards. The trio’s spirited improvisation, tactful phrasing, and energetic dynamics make this a repeat listen for me.
New York City: A rare snowy owl was spotted at Shirley Chisholm State Park last week. The owls are native to the Arctic and sometimes travel south when food sources are scarce. In recent years, snowy owls have been spotted at Floyd Bennett Field and even Central Park.
Psychology: The University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies explores the possibility of life after death. Does our consciousness survive? Is reincarnation real? These questions lie at the center of the program founded by Dr. Ian Stevenson who, prior to passing, collected accounts from children across the world who seemed to have a memory of a past life.
That’s all for this week! I really enjoy writing this newsletter. I get to explore my interests, learn more, and share it with you. Get five bullets in your inbox every Friday.
Have a great weekend,
Keith.