It’s Friday (almost) night! Let’s party.
In the spirit of spending less in the new year, none of the “things” on this week’s Friday Night Likes are things at all. A few of them are experiences I have paid for, which you might also be interested in paying for. Like a movie and a Showtime subscription, perhaps. But no things. My motto right now is less things, and using the word things, in 2024.
Also, some of these experiences are not from this week but from the holiday break. This is not an indication that there were fewer enjoyable happenings this week, but rather that I enjoyed the old ones so much that I still find they are worth sharing. I hope you think so, too.
And if you don’t, namely the first one, please do not talk to me.
Just kidding. Kind of. Also, while I have you, stay tuned for a fun announcement coming on Wednesday. OK, that’s all. enjoy the first Friday Night Likes of 2024!!!!!
All of Us Strangers
PHEWPH. I am not going to tell you much about this transcendent film. Just that I think you should see it, that Andrew Scott is a singular talent who I would like very much to be friends with and that it’s not just a like, it’s a love.
Josh Sharp’s In & Out 2024 Instagram
I’m sure you all, every single person, saw Dicks the Musical last year. I know that because so many people, in large droves, completely understood our corresponding Halloween costume. Right?
In any event, Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson are sheer delight, and this story from Sharp’s near death experience in Mexico is obviously horrifying but there is just something so perfect about his telling of it, which is sweet and scary and also just really funny. I’m not sure what the ethics are on rating near death experiences but this one is definitely my favorite (it starts on the second slide).
Jami Attenberg’s 1000 Words Communal Writing Session
Despite the fact that I have still not yet participated in author Jami Attenberg’s communal writing accountability 1000 words of Summer, during which you, well, write 1000 words every day for two weeks in the summer, I am a longtime fan of the project and of Jami herself (and not just because she has the slightly cooler version of our name). This week, I attended a writing session in honor of the release of her book of the same title. Meeting her and a room full of other writers, and getting to write as a group, was a productive, inspiring way to spend a Wednesday. Plus, it was at the the Center for Fiction and I learned that evening that they have cocktails there (?) including a very decent negroni (??) OK!
John Early on Mike Birbiglia’s podcast, Working it Out
I realize more than half of this list is now made up of gay men I’m fawning over. I (Friday Night) like what I (Friday Night) like, OK? I really enjoy listening to Mike Birbiglia’s podcast, Working it Out. It’s an interview show with fellow comedians, sure. But it’s also about the joke writing process. John Early is such a joy to listen to and his blend of earnestness and humor really put a smile on my face this week. While we’re on the topic, I recommend his special Now More Than Ever, too.
The Curse on Showtime
I know I’m not telling anyone something they don’t already know, but Nathan Fielder really is just that guy. As expected, this show is excruciatingly uncomfortable but also makes me laugh. A lot. I’m watching with my friend Alex and we’re up to episode 8. If you’ve seen the show, you might already know what I’m referring to, but if I didn’t already love this man, now I really love this man. If you’ve seen it and are like WTF are you talking about — and you’re ITCHING to know, feel free to DM me. I am committed to keeping this a spoiler-free space.
And that’s it! Thanks for reading. I love you.
XO,
Jamie AF