Plus Merlin, Paul Newman, and John Early.
Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
We’ve always gotten a lot of questions about psychedelics, but the uptick in interest in the last couple of years has been notable. One of the most common questions, or really demands, is, “Tell me what book I should read about mushrooms.” Now, there are a lot of great books about psychedelics, generally, and mushrooms, specifically, and I plan to share more of them here over the coming months. But for my money, a good starting point is one of the more recent additions to the mushroom cannon: Merlin Sheldrake’s Entangled Life. First of all, yes, that is his real name, and yes, it’s approaching being but is not quite an aptonym, both reasons enough to pick up this book. But more than that, Entangled Life is an incredibly easy read about some rather heady and scientific subjects that are often difficult to parse. So, if you’ve been looking for a somewhat unique beach read, maybe this is your answer. -DW
After years of going under-recognized for his talent and humor, John Early is finally getting his due (thus arguably making him an inaptonym). While his new stand-up special doesn’t premiere until June 17th, you can read this great interview with him now. -DW
It took a particularly quiet Sunday visiting friends in Delhi, NY (and maybe a square or two of mushroom chocolate) to inspire me to finally try the Bovina miniature golf course, Putt Putt Van Winkle. Now I can’t believe I hadn’t been before. As you may have already guessed, yes, it’s Rip Van Winkle-themed, something I hadn’t expected but it turned out to be surprisingly entertaining. Immaculately maintained and artfully designed by the “Winkle Volunteer Estate Crew,” the donation-based course was by far the most fun I’ve ever had mini golfing, and not just because I was (lightly) tripping. Open 10 AM to 6 PM every day, I can’t recommend it more highly. -PR
The Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman Auction
I’ve made note of my love for all things Paul Newman many times here before, so it should come as no surprise that I’m intensely focused on trying to pick up a little trinket from the new Sotheby’s auction of their personal effects. While the watches and jewelry and art are all cool, I’d be all over this hat collection if it weren’t already bid up to $1700. Same with this tennis leisure suit. And for the person in your life who has everything, there’s these prop shackles from Cool Hand Luke. -DW
If you’re already a fan of Barcelona spot Bar Brutal, this one’s for you. If you’re not yet familiar, this is also a recommendation to make a visit. My partner and I first came across the tapas bar accidentally, on a stoned, aimless stroll back from the beach, and in that sativa haze somehow finessed our way in sans reservation. However, once we were seated and began to observe the intensity and excitement of our fellow diners, we quickly realized we hadn’t, in fact, stumbled on another hole in the wall dive but instead had managed to unwittingly sneak into one of the buzziest reservations in town. We ended up having such a divine dinner that I’ve had my eye on their merch ever since, and their newest release of a Gaudi-inspired tee designed with Carhartt WIP, has finally inspired me to pull the trigger. -PR
Yes, all the AI stuff can be a bit daunting and a lot scary, but there’s still some kinks to be ironed out on the creative front. -DW