Midweek Obsessions, Vol. 36

"Illinoise," a new-to-me poet, and Annie Baker's first movie. Plus, robots.

Hello paid subscribers! I am unexpectedly still in Chicago, thanks to an unceremonious flight cancellation and chaotic 48 hours courtesy of Spirit Airlines.¹ What this means is that this is an extra juicy Midweek Obsessions, with 10 (count ‘em, 10!) items of pop cultural note to spring on your inbox. As always, thanks for supporting my work and for sharing this Substack with your people. It helps me pay rent!²

Also, BIG thanks to my friends Nish and Alicia (and my mom) for the help in getting my LA trip back on track.

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🤌🏻 Grace Kuhlenschmidt is doing a bit

Thanks to

Hannah M. Rehak

for tipping me off to this itty bitty trailer for a full-length comedy song dropping tomorrow by the weird and delightful Kuhlenschmidt:

@gkuhlenschmidti wrote a song. the full music video is out on thursday Featuring: Marley Gotterer & Lua Ferreira Director of Photography: Gus Aronson Producer: Sam Grumet Song Production: Elle Pucket & Amanda Bantug Editor: Oliver Benezra 1st AC & Colorist: Max Fly-Goldstein Gaffer: Trey Rogan Production Assistant: Tim Mountain

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The very American Kuhlenschmidt doing an East London accent while singing “I know where the clit is babe/It’s in the middle”? We have to stan.