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New to the SternJourn? Check out the best of 2021, 2020, or whichever random classic this is.
SHOWS
Best of the West @ The Creek and The Cave — Austin, TX - Wed. 11/16 - 8pm
Can’t Even @ Native Hostel — Austin, TX - Thurs. 11/17 - 8pm
Can’t Even @ Hudson’s on Mercer — Dripping Springs, TX - Fri 11/18 - 8pm
Can’t Even @ Pure Yoga — Austin, TX - Sat 11/19 - 8pm
Fictional Roast @ LA Comic-Con — Los Angeles - 12/3 - 3:30pm
Hello Sternal Journalists!
Hectic week over here at Sternal Journal HQ. Kristen snapped what a radiologist described as “I’ve been doing this for seventeen years and I’ve never seen that bone break,” so it’s been a bit full-on. She’s being an absolute trooper, but between the ER and trying to nail the at-home care, it’s taking a decent amount of time and all I’ve had the bandwidth to do is make this Captain Phillips meme1:
But in the random non sequitur spirit of the Sternal Journal, I thought I’d also briefly opine on one of my favorite-designed things of all time:
Anthropologie Bowls
Before you say, “I didn’t think Julian would be into Anthropologie,” I am not. It’s actually one of my least favorite stores there is. It feels like they started with the idea of “what’s a place we could sell potpourri twigs?” And then spiraled out to design an entire store from there. Between my mom, dear friends, and otherwise loved ones, I have been being dragged to Anthropologies by women my entire life. I gave up trying to find anything that interested me there a long time ago, and even if I hadn’t, I will never forgive it for replacing my beloved Bethesda Barnes & Noble.
All that being said, there is one item I’ve always loved. These damn bowls.
I had them growing up, I’ve seen them at friend’s houses, I have them in my house now although I’ve never bought them myself. I would have to step foot in an Anthropologie to do that.
I use them for cereal, cooking, lunch, dinner, anything. They’re perfect and I have no idea why I’m so drawn to them. Something about the fact that they came from Anthropologie actually likes them more. I feel about these bowls the way I imagine a bitterly divorced parent feels about their children. Like very “I would never change a thing because then I wouldn’t have you” vibes.
Anyway, I just looked them up to see if I could find any lore about them and it turns out they’re LATTE bowls! I didn’t know that was such a thing. And I don’t really make lattes, but I’m sure as hell gonna drink a coffee out of this bowl tomorrow.
Recommendations
The Magician’s Nephew. Book. I just snagged an illustrated version of this C.S. Lewis classic, the first in the Narnia series, from the library on a whim. I’m only two chapters in, but it’s very good. When I read a really certified classic children’s book, I’m always struck with how boldly honest they are about how and in what ways adults kinda suck. This one does that very well.
Her Loss. Album. I don’t like the shots taken at Megan Thee Stallion, but I do like this album a lot. Start at the beginning with Rich Flex and keep rockin’ (or stop if you get bored!)
The White Lotus Season 2. Television Show. I might be liking this season even better than last season. The people aren’t (in my opinion) quite as objectively, across-the-board terrible, but they are all making bad-if-understandable decisions.
The Prince. Podcast. This podcast from The Economist tracks the rise of Xi Jinping and, in doing so, gives a primer on the (relatively) recent history of China. It tells a well-paced story and provides a lot of historical context that was breezed over (or I just didn’t pay attention to it) in my history classes growing up.
Anyway, thanks for indulging. If you have your own Anthropologie Bowl—a tiny piece you love of a larger thing you really despise—lemme know in the comments!
Much love!
Julian
Also worth mentioning in case you were planning to come to any of the Austin shows that there’s a chance I’ll have to put off that trip. Stay tuned!