There's something magical about international Black spaces. On a Tuesday night in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, I witnessed that magic. But, before we get into the magic, let's set the scene. I walked into Juice@1340 many times as I’ve done before. Still, this time I was immediately greeted with vibes courtesy of Finding Ijeoma and Derrick C. Westbrook in his hoochie daddy shorts–immediately, I understood how my evening would unfold.
Dive into the highs and lows of the 96th Academy Awards with Medium-wide's latest post. From surprising snubs to celebrated wins, discover the good, bad, and intriguing choices that defined this year's Oscars ceremony. Join Luccas Hallow as he shares his unique take on the night's events, the performances that stole the show, and the ones that left us wanting more. Whether you're a film aficionado or just curious about the buzz, this is your insider look into cinema's most glamorous night.
Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people clamored to see Barbie in theaters because it spoke to a plethora of shades of the female experience, which undeniably helped it become one of if not the biggest films in 2023. Obviously, I cannot speak to the film's depiction of the female experience, seeing as I am not a woman. This will go doubly so for our discussion of Poor Things in relation to Barbie and vice versa. Still, even I can say that there is something immediately rousing about both of these films, especially how they approach societal and systemic sexism.
"How can I choose love - today - right now?" is a question I'm asking myself, and now you, because it's one that positively shapes what I pay attention to on a day-to-day basis. It's the kind of question that can be answered in an infinite number of ways, asked by everybody at the same time. Choosing love is inherently creative even when it doesn't work out exactly how we hoped it would. And it's impossible to run out of things to learn about love.
Thank You.
& bravely bear my heart to the world in honor of Yours,
Living my life in the spirit of this letter,
As the ultimate form of love & gratitude for You,
Praying for the possibility that I may be able
To guide our descendants
from beyond the grave
as You have for me.
Love Your Grandson,
Jan
The Kizer Journal
Staying inside has given me much time to reflect, ask questions, and seek their answers. While I have yet to find the true meaning of life, I’ve learned how to buy more summer-appropriate fabrics and, most importantly, ask for help when needed. I often feel this pressure to move at the speed of light to ensure I won't be forgotten, and by doing so, I fail to live and not just document.
I forgot about Christmas this year, and I was okay with that; It wasn’t until I started seeing all of the Christmas sales and the Trees at Jewel's that I realized it was that time of the year again. Somehow, I’ve managed to avoid all of the Christmas Cheer!
First, I hope it brings you comfort—there's a lot of media, which can sometimes get confusing. Second, I hope this letter invites you to let your curiosity take the lead. Third, I hope this letter is a gentle reminder to drink some water, put your phone on dnd and try being present with yourself. And lastly, if this letter does not find you well, I hope something in this letter is helpful.
This year we’ve decided to celebrate Pride by celebrating and collaborating with the community. To close out Pride Month, we’re hosting six events with Chicago Athletic Association[CAA]. For this collaboration, we wanted to focus on the intersection of Pride Month and Juneteenth.
I fell in love with oysters in 2015 when I worked at The Bedford (rip), and on Thursdays, we had a BOGO deal on oysters and 50% off bubbles–all to say that I was well-fed and my thirst always quenched. Since the close of The Bedford, I stopped eating them–primarily because of the price and the lackluster quality I found in other restaurants. While pop-ups like Motorshucker offer a fresh, accessible take on oyster consumption, they exist against an industry and a society grappling with issues of exclusivity and inequality.
Ever wondered why Italian food just hits the spot? Well, I have. I've discovered a newfound love for Italian food—this may or may not have something to do with Zoe Saldana's From Scratch. How many of you started ordering spaghetti on dates because of Lady and the Tramp's famous spaghetti scene? Don't worry; this is a safe space. Italian food's charm is infectious—take pizza, for example. It's the unpretentious friend always there for you. Then there's pasta, as versatile as a Swiss Army knife. And don't forget gelato—always get the gelato.
Thanks to the gluten-free revolution and the advancement of food science, we're spoiled for choice with buns. From multigrain to brioche-style, there’s a bun for everyone, including those of us avoiding gluten. And for the beef? The secret lies in high-quality ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, ensuring your patties are as juicy as they are flavorful.
In honor of APAHM, we bring you a roundup of ten classic Asian dishes that can be enjoyed gluten-free. From Vietnamese pho to Thai mango sticky rice, these dishes demonstrate that dietary restrictions do not equate to flavor restrictions. Instead, they invite us to explore new ingredients, techniques, and flavors, and to celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of the Asian Pacific American community.
In "Notes on Haiti: A Guide to #FreeHaiti," Felton Edward Kizer compels us to look beyond our screens and take meaningful action towards global freedom. By weaving personal insights with critical resources, Kizer encourages a deeper understanding and active participation in the global movement for safety and liberation, emphasizing that freedom for one is freedom for all.