IN ISSUE 10: Elvis, Andre 3000 & Dr. Who, creating your 'anti to-do list', underrated European cities to visit, the photos that changed fashion, queenagers & rats tails.
A 7 minute read, with the added serendipity that might just change your life
Editor’s letter
Welcome to issue 10.
A lot of us think we are cooler than our parents. But are we, really? I remember my Dad coming home from playing badminton in the tightest white shorts (with pockets), with the thinnest white legs and the shortest white socks. It was embarrassing. When I came home from playing Padel tennis the other night I recognised the look I was getting - the same one I had given my father…
We try to get Glastonbury tickets - but is it cool to go and see The Rolling Stones (Mick Jagger 78), Paul McCartney (80), Bruce Springsteen (72), Elton John (75), Diana Ross (78)or the Pet Shop Boys (Neil Tenant 67)? It would have been for our parents when they (and the artists) were young, but I’m not sure it is that impressive now. :)
Do you know that for the first time in the history of the UK Singles Chart, female solo artists made up the entire top six of the chart and that two artists had No. 1 singles for ten weeks this year? Remember ‘Two Tribes’ by Frankie Goes To Hollywood? That was only at Number 1 for nine weeks…
Maybe we’re not cooler than our parents because our parents were cooler than we gave them credit for…?!
I’m currently reading a good book about growing up/old, and whether happiness in midlife is achieved by trying to stay 'forever young' or by freeing yourself of the self-imposed demand to always be 'cool' and simply enjoy your age - before you actually reach fragile old age.
Hopefully, this week’s issue will help you enjoy midlife a tiny bit more, in whatever way you want to live it.
Chris.
This week’s cuttings
We scan all relevant media to find anything that is valuable for living some good midlife years.
Study yields new insights into why some people get headaches from red wine.
Scientists have identified a flavonol called quercetin as the most likely culprit. (Ars Technica)
Why so many volcanoes seem to be erupting right now
This volcanic activity is not what it seems. (Mashable)
Co-op and Aldi champagnes beat Veuve Clicquot in Which? taste test
Top-scoring supermarket fizz costs less than half of the price of its prestigious competitor (Which)
40 Outrageous Photos That Changed Fashion
From teenage Kate Moss to Twiggy in a mini and Lady Gaga’s meat dress, these are the shots that made the world see clothes differently. (Guardian)
The most underrated European cities and towns to visit
According to seasoned travellers. Includes the likes of Trondheim in Norway, Zamora in Spain and Ohrid in North Macedonia (CNN Traveller)
Dr Who is 60 years old today. The first episode started 80 seconds late as the BBC updated a news flash on the situation in the States following the assassination of JFK the day before. 60 years later, the first photos have come out of the new, fifteenth Dr (Ncuti Gatwa), who you can see for the first time in the anniversary special on 9th December on BBC1. (Radio Times)
Risk of Alzheimer's Disease May Increase With Hidden Belly Fat in MidlifeÂ
This report received global coverage this week. The development of Alzheimer's may be linked to having more of a gut in middle age, scientists have discovered. Higher levels of visceral fat—surrounding the internal organs, hidden deep within the abdomen—are linked with changes in the brain, sometimes up to 15 years before any memory-loss symptoms of Alzheimer's begin. (Newsweek)
Why sociable people hate parties
Really interesting article (School of Life)
Midlife women are a growing market for travel operators, whether still working or retired, and they’re looking for adventure. (Big Issue)
A brief history of hair’s sleaziest more defiant style. From punk rock rebels to trendy twinks, the rat tail’s history is intertwined with themes of class, identity and political defiance. Come on - own up you Tears For Fears fans! (Dazed)
How to start something new?
Create an ‘anti to-do list’
I thought this was an obvious and good idea. It’s from Sahil Bloom, who’s one of the new generation of business influencers - but don’t let that stop you investigating and creating a list - its often the small things you do, that could be avoided, that stop you from doing the big things you want to do.
A cultural week
They organise live events where remarkable letters are read by a diverse array of outstanding performers. Here, Stephen Fry reads Nick Cave's stirring letter about ChatGPT and human creativity, which he wrote in response to a fan’s question. Tickets have just gone on sale for their next event at The Albert Hall in London, a don’t miss.
Daisy Haggard’s hilariously dark drama is worthy of Tarantino or the Coen brothers claim The Guardian in a 5-star review for the new BBC drama.
Direct from Graceland: Elvis is a kaleidoscopic retrospective of the ‘king of rock’n’roll’, Elvis Presley. Over 400 largely unreleased artefacts chart the King’s humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to fame. Only on for a limited season at Arches, London Bridge.
It’s been years since the rap legend from Outkast released new music. Now, on his own creative terms, he’s unveiling his first solo project—and talking candidly about where he’s been, how he’s changed, and why he made a record that nobody could have expected - a double album, leaning towards jazz and built around his flute playing.
Super Deluxe Edition is an online retailer of those expensive, but often amazing, vinyl box sets that your favourite music artists release. At the moment they are featuring box sets from The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Haircut 100 and Dexys, amongst many others. I’ll be having a look at their Black Friday deals.
One last thing…
How many footballers’ names have you been saying wrong!?
Hall & Oates - we all love them. But they no longer love each other apparently - Daryl Hall has taken out a restraining order on John Oates.
Buy something truly useful on Black Friday - a disco umbrella! Raining? Put your headphones on and have a silent disco under your umbrella. Not sure? It’s from the brilliant 1 of 100 - who make sustainable limited runs of 100 products.
Finally, if you want tips on how to keep your conservatory cosy… read this week’s Saga newsletter.
Have a great week!
Please share this issue, or if it was forwarded to you, please subscribe below, we publish once a week, every Thursday. Plus, please email us anything you think would benefit from being shared with Midlifer readers at chris@chrisward.cc
