Hello nerds!
Tricia Bobeda here, O.G. co-host of Nerdette, to commandeer this newsletter for today!
Don’t worry, Greta is alive and well. She’s probably baking something delicious as we speak. But today, I’m taking over to write a Delight Dispatch.
5 things delighting me these days
I’m in the midst of taking N.K. Jemisin’s MasterClass and boy oh boy is it fun to hear her talk about worldbuilding in fantasy and science fiction. Her brain is very cool.
There is a new book out about The West Wing and the legacy of public service it inspired. Promotion of that book means we got to see Martin Sheen rewatch a clip from the show. (I’m not crying, you’re crying.)
A podcast I work on recently interviewed Fawn Weaver, who founded Uncle Nearest whiskey, and her approach to workplace culture is pretty inspiring. It can be summarized by her amazing shirt, which says “WORK HARD SLEEP HARD”. (Whoooo wants to start making this shirt? Because Greta and I are both very interested!)
The wonderful YouTuber and science communicator Hank Green has a standup special about his fight against cancer and it’s as brilliant and earnest and funny as you’d expect.
I found myself googling “Cool Ranch Doritos” for work recently (not a joke) and up popped this video of The Great British Bake Off hosts Paul and Prue ranking American snack foods. Their very British commentary on Oreos, Pop-Tarts, and yes, Cool Ranch Doritos is QUITE charming. Also, fun fact: In some countries, the
”Cool Ranch” flavor is called COOL AMERICAN.
Oh, Greta also wanted me to assign you all homework, so …
Homework from Tricia
Watch this interview where Stephen Colbert talks to musician Nick Cave. It’s about grief and joy and why hope is actually pretty punk rock.
… and a quick reminder about book club
Greta also wanted me to remind you that it’s not too late to sign up for next week’s zoom book club hang for The God of the Woods! It’s at noon CT on Sunday, September 1, and you don’t have to be a paid subscriber to join. If you want the zoom link, just send her an email.
Your regularly scheduled dose of Greta will be back next week!
Thanks for being here,
Bobeda
P.S. Do you like this email?! Spread the delight and forward it to a friend! (Or spam an enemy, lol!)
What a wonderful surprise to have Tricia pop into this newsletter. Hello!!! Good to hear from you.
Small correction: It's HANK Green who is the science brother and had cancer. John is the History one. (As a proper nerdfighter and nerdette listener I couldn't let this one slide.)
Love you and miss your voice, Trisha. (Didn’t know about the podcast.) Am I the only one who thinks Cool Ranch sucks?? Sign me, Nacho Cheese or Nothin’!