What's IN/OUT this week

I dreamt that I got a new job. Does it signal that things might finally start looking up? Or have I just watched too many astrology Instagram reels that insist Scorpios have entered a period of great professional success? It’s in the tarot cards, honey!

IN: Historicizing. In the wake of all these private equity-owned bagel shops popping up across the country, Grub Street published an enormous feature on what’s missing/lost in these replicable models. Something I do firmly believe is that the best bagels are in New York City, and I’ve long accepted the arguments that it’s because of the water — whatever that means. What I learned from this article, though, is that the skilled labor pool for making bagels (rolling them by hand, etc.) has only existed and been handed down through generations (and ethnic groups) in New York City. There was even a bagel union, which was absorbed into a general bakers' union in 1971. (I guess that one Seinfeld episode wasn’t entirely made up…) So this is why bagels just can’t be as good anywhere else: We just don’t have the historical context. OUT: Romanticizing. The Guardian reports that Gen Z is romanticizing their hangovers on social media, posting photos and videos of under-eye bags, greasy food, and otherwise “broadcasting their bad decisions to the world with a glowy sheen.” The Guardian quoted Mary Anne Porto, a senior editor at drinks publication Punch, who suggested that it shows this generation is tiring of wellness culture and embracing balance. Did you know you can do normal young person stuff without putting it online disguised as aspirational content? Gee whiz!

IN: Using a stupid, special machine. Dominique Pariso at The Strategist wrote about buying a Ninja SLUSHi and taking it with her to nearly any social event. I have nothing but respect for this. While I will not, personally, be blowing $400 on a slushy maker, the idea of having a silly thing for your friends to enjoy with you is extremely appealing. I bought a bingo cage this winter and only used it once, but I am trying to brainstorm ways to make this a real hit at any party. OUT: Misusing a stupid, simple machine. I ran across a reel from America’s Test Kitchen about how to properly use your salad spinner and apparently I have been doing it all wrong. This is an important piece of knowledge, as I want to properly wash my greens so I don’t get the parasite that causes explosive diarrhea.

IN: Fashion illustrations. In a rebuke to AI, fashion houses and publications are hiring illustrators. I love it. What a chic throwback! OUT: Fashion deliberations. I hit a style snag the other day and — after several wardrobe changes — left the house in a fully uninspired outfit. What I wanted to wear just didn’t make sense for the activity I was setting out on. Please, someone give me an excuse to wear my oversized BarbaLouvre t-shirt and pink Steve Madden heels! Related: Should I buy capri pants?

IN: What’s old is new. Dave and I checked out a new-to-us bar, Glunz Tavern, which was originally opened in 1888 (it was vacant for 90 years before it reopened in 2012). It’s a gorgeous European-style bar with a pretty solid old-world wine list. Would return, however… OUT: What’s old is new. The clientele is heavy on the young professionals of Old Town, and I was forced to overhear a 20-something dude ask his friend, “Have you ever listened to ‘Stairway to Heaven?’ ” 

Tell me what you hated this week!