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Letter From The Founder
The theme that has emerged this week- completely naturally and without any planning on our part- is that of creativity itself. We have plenty of pieces here talking about approaches, about the process, about how this business of creating works. A real look under the hood and a chance to see the way different practitioners approach their art.
Of course all of this can be enjoyed purely as entertainment butI suspect some of you will be taking notes and learning lessons.
And on the subject of taking notes, I would like you all to jot down that the latest monthly symposium will be out on October 1st. The theme is The Beach and it is shaping up to be a gem. So make sure you click that subscribe button below to ensure you don’t miss out on it.
But to tide you over until then, please relax and enjoy this weeks offerings.
Until next time,
Live well,
Tom.
Essays
The Future Has A Price, It Must Be Made by Edward
As with several of the writers here, Edward has posted multiple work this week. There is also the fantastic ‘The Best Stories Make Offers We Can't Refuse’ which is well worth a read. But the choice piece is the above ‘The future has a price’ which is both powerfully argued and beautifully illustrated.
Crushed at the Silver Altar by Pr0ph3t
The latest meditations pieces which as always effortlessly hops from scripture to crypto talk and back again. Pr0ph3t is in a league of his own, truly.
Escaping the "Validation Vacuum" by Samantha Childress
Our correspondent in Egypt fills in some of the back story and motivations for her move from DC to the land of the Pharaohs. Lots of resonant meditations on careers, validation, self-actualisation and more.
The Vigorous Ivy of Jekyll & Hyde by Trilety
Those pre Hays Code horror films were certainly something. It’s a fascinating, and sadly largely neglected era of film making that deserves further examination. Fortunately, the intrepid Trilety is on the case with this mesmerising piece on the 1931 version of Jekyll and Hyde.
I Need a New Camera by Cody Clarke
Not an essay but a plea here. Cody, one of the greatest truly independent filmmakers working today, needs some new equipment. Needs because he actually uses his gear constantly and so has worn it into the ground. So let’s pitch in and help this artist continue to make his art.
if i am being honest, i am being sad by Alex
On hitting milestones (congratulations Alex!), sad mode and confronting the question of what you would do if money weren’t an issue. Alex is always an admirably honest, funny and fun read.
Happy Hour with Mr. Tea by Maya
Not to be a Law of Attraction guy but I think it’s no surprise that another writer of Maya’s skill has been drawn into the STSC fold. The sheer quality of the writing in this piece is excellent. I highly recommend you luxuriate in it and then give my a sub.
bookmark #526 by Deepansh
‘in fact, when all things are as they appear, at all times, to most people, it is a sign of apathy, of not caring.’
More deep wisdom and genuine insight from our man Deepansh here. How does he never miss or have an off day?
Requiem for a Good Schedule by D.B.
As I said in the intro, this week is very much a ‘look under the hood’ kind of deal. And this post about D.B’s current work schedule does a great job of highlighting what things are like for an actual working creator today. I wish more would lay it all out like this.
The Queen, Conflict Resolution, The Algorithm, Deepening Democracy and what we can learn from children. by Timothy
This is an epic piece, in all the best ways. It’s always a great thing to be in the presence of a writer and thinker who has truly found their subject. Timothy is one of these people and his subject of true education is one that I personally always find a fascinating and edifying pleasure to read.
Impossible to say - the real value of a $300 idea by Mark
On literally and figuratively rolling the dice. A great brief history lesson on an iconic game which has plenty of lessons to teach us about business and life. A very fun read.
Love Languages by Paul Publisher
As always Paul gives us the news as seen from space, a detached (but immersed), poetic view of the goings on of us humans and what fools we be. I never miss an issue. In fact, I think this may be the only type of ‘news’ I intentionally take in at this point.
weekend watchlist: is it good to be the queen? by MaryAnn
MaryAnn does a huge public service by trawling through Netflix, iPlayer to highlight the often neglected gems. For $5/mo you can save tons of time menu scrolling. Highly recommended for those who love cinema and value their time.
Stale, Fatigued, and Hushed by Charles Schifano
I’m extremely mindful of not slipping into cliche as I praise Charles discussion of cliches in writing here. But I suppose it’s better the devil you know, isn’t it? So I'll just say that this piece is excellent in the way we have come to expect from Charles.
You Won't Sound Like Eddie by Clint
The lesson for all of us, buried in Eddie's colorful language is his last sentence: "What I'm trying to say is I am the best at doing me. Nobody else can do me better than me"
Great lessons from the late Mr Van Halen here. This piece is genuinely heartening and helpful to anyone who creates.
the problem with creative writing by Lyle
On rule breaking and ‘creative’ writing versus ‘serious’ writing. A short, sharp little riff originally posted to he nicheless platform.
Fiction/Poetry
Welcome To The Wonderland by Vanya
A lovely piece of flash fiction from our man Vanya. The word on the street is that he has a novella coming soon, so you should sign up to his substack in readiness for that. Me personally, I can’t wait.
the curse on my father's name by Yuelian
A short scene on generational curses and belief. Seems like the ghostly Halloween season is now upon us. This was great.
SIN by G. K. Gaius
G.K. hits us with another piece of poetry which I urge you to click the link and take in. Powerful stuff.
Out of the Fog by Adam Kozak
Out of the fog that blankets morning cold,
A land of grass in mist enveloped whole,
A sea of cloud traversed by tree-top sails,
A figure lies so dark, disturbed yet still.
Its hooves splayed out, the deer’s slender neck bends
Unnaturally, horns touching its back.
Its lifeless eyes keep silent watch unblinking,
A canvas filled with one’s own self-censure and
Reproach as if one’s failed salvation is
Akin to striking death’s most fatal blow.
A tomb was growing deep in catalogue. My mind by James Maynard
Podcasts
Toothpaste and Venison (Tragedies of Modernity Episode #18)
We recorded this on the day of the Queens funeral (and I showed up late) so naturally royalty became a topic, as well as gourmet hipster fried chicken, shilling venison, precision toothpaste squeezing, ironing shoelaces as more.
Just like every other podcast (The Wednesday Audio #71)
As sometimes happens, Craig must’ve heard some mainstream podcast which has sent him into a sarcastic, overly upbeat ‘youtube voice’ spiral. Which is always fun to hear. I believe the love and light crowd call this phenomenon ‘toxic positivity’.
TJB Film Recommendation
Hard Boiled (1992)
D. John Woo
W. John Woo, Barry Wong, Gordon Chan
S.Chow Yun-Fat, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Anthony Wong
In Hong Kong, they call this genre of film ‘Heroic Bloodshed’. Nothing could be more appropriate as their is plenty of heroism and their is plenty, plenty of stylised bloodshed on display.
This is the ultimate John Woo picture- choreographed mayhem, slow motion bodies tumbling and squibs exploding all over the place. Just relentless, hugely fun action and a story of undercover cops and personal moral codes underpinning it all. John Woo’s regular Hong Kong lead Chow Yun Fat is great as always as is Tony Leung as the paper crane folding undercover cop who was allegedly inspired by the Alain Delon role in his seminal Le Samourai (which is discussed in my free book available here).
Hard Boiled is such a great, cool, fun action film and I ever those who will get to see it for the first time. I recommend you become one of these people, and if you have already seen this, I highly recommend a revisit.
Thanks as always for reading/listening and thanks in advance for pressing all of those various buttons at the bottom which help the Omnibus spread further.
Also I can again confirm that Craig and I will be recording a new episode of the Tragedies of Modernity podcast tonight at 8pm GMT. We’ll host it and record it live from the STSC community and then post it via this Substack tomorrow.
If you want to join us live and listen in and post questions/comments/heckles in the podcast channel chat you are more than welcome. You simply have to sign up to the community first.
I look forward to seeing you over at the Social Club.
Cheers!
Toxic positivity. I’ll be using that soon for “material’