The Sunday Zeitgeist

Issue 5: Evenings in the dark.

Dec 30, 2024

*Welcome to the fifth issue of* The Zeitgeist.

“He never realized that people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” — The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho.

“Oh it’s the same old fish / Swimming in a new sea / And times don’t change / But they can surely leave” — Junior Varsity, Dayglow.

Winter is in full swing. December 3rd in the afternoon saw the first proper snow day of the season. It snowed a day earlier, but only a thin blanket that disappeared within hours. Fast forward to the present—a couple days after Christmas—the sidewalks are covered in snow slush down below, but bright lights stringing above. The streets themselves are inviting; alive with music and people and a joyful atmosphere.

Hello and welcome. Happy holidays and I hope you’ve been enjoying this time of year, with or without company. This December, I haven’t been writing much (hence the month-long hiatus), but I’m back with lots to share! This issue five will include a bit of everything; recent film watches, readings, clothing finds, fine stationery recommendations, and other miscellaneous news. I sectioned them into nine parts by topic. Feel free to skim through. I do think that there’s a bit of something for all to enjoy!

(Disclaimer: None of the product linked are affiliate links.)

Section 1: Writing tools & creativity

Technology is advancing at an incredibly fast rate. But I think in terms of creative pursuits, all-things digital just cannot replicate the traditional pen-and-paper experience; to create with something tangible and physical. Here, I share my favorite tools.

*Writing Tools.* Each item number corresponds to the description below. All images from various sources via Google. Graphics by CS.

My pen of choice is the Pilot G-Tec-C4 in Black ($14.5 USD, pack of 5). My thoughts often time run faster than I can write them down, but this one does the trick. This pen glides so smoothly on the surface of paper with minimal pressure and it’s satisfying to jot things down. It’s perfect for everyday use.
Something a bit more fancy for special occasions would be the Safari Fountain Pen by LAMY, a German pen company. Retails at $37 USD apiece. They come in a variety of colors and five nib sizes, embodying a sleek design.
Now if you prefer a pencil, I’d suggest the Pentel P205 ($6.5 USD apiece). Depending on your preference of lead thickness, they come in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 lead sizes in the models P203, P205, and P207 respectively; all great options.
Something that could bring out the interesting in the mundane is a Mount Fuji eraser ($5 USD apiece). As you start to use and wear down the eraser, it begins to shape like the mountain with frosted tips.
A few months ago, I invested in a Moleskine Notebook ($25 USD, Softcover, 5 x 8.25 in). For a notebook they’re quite pricey, but I’ve always admired them in the past and there surely is some luxury in carrying a Moleskine. Quality is great. But do consider your preference for a soft or hardcover. I purchased the hardcover, only realizing later that I have a preference for a soft that can comfortably spread on a flat surface.
An alternative for notebooks: the Kokuyo Campus ($14 USD, set of 3). Very soft pages and lightweight; perfect if you need to own multiple notebooks/bulk buy for school or university.

For most products mentioned here, I do think you get a better value if you shop local. In Montreal, the best place I find stationery is at Papeterie Nota Bene at 3416 Park Ave, in the McGill area. They carry a really good selection of papers, books, pens, planners, you name it; and many of them are from Japan, which is always top-tier. The staffs are very knowledgable in the products, I cannot recommend them more.

Section 2: Films in the theaters & movies at home

I’ve been consuming a whole lot of movies this month that began in the theater with Sean Baker’s Anora—the film that won Palme d’Or this year at the Cannes Film Festival (the festival’s top award). From there it snowballed, to watching Luca Guadagnino’s Queer—which I’ve been anticipating—and most recently, A Complete Unknown, a biographical film of musician Bob Dylan, starring Timothee Chalamet as he.

Anora followed Sean Baker’s line of films exploring sex work; this one specifically was set in Brighton Beach in New York City involving the son of an oligarch. Queer, adapted from William Burroughs’ novel of the same name, followed American expatriates in 1950s Mexico City, and explored the relationship between two men. A Complete Unknown recounted the early years of Dylan’s folk music career, navigating breakthrough, genre shifts, and romantic relationships.

*The Film Guide.* *Dead Poets Society is rated PG, but I think PG-13 is more suitable because of the heavy content. Movie stills via various sources. Graphics by CS.

Back at home, I spent my evenings in the dark watching the classics. To get into the holiday spirit, I screened It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and it sure was a wonderful film, although with a bit of a dark undertone. Impeccable acting by James Stewart. I also re-watched The Holdovers. I didn’t enjoy it the first time around, but this time had me a change of mind. You’d like the movie if you liked Dead Poets Society. Someone mentioned how there were parallels between both films and it’s true.

Another movie I watched at home: Citizen Kane (1941), directed by Orson Welles and considered one of the best films of all time. My initial thought was that it was okay; however, I read that it’s a movie that ages like fine wine. Maybe in five, ten, fifteen years, I’ll see the movie differently with rewatches. There’s a whole lot of details in the film itself. Welles made use of a technique called “Deep Focus,” where the background of each scene is in full view without a blurring effect like many modern day film. It’s hard to catch all the details on the first watch.

On another note, A24 has been killing it. The Brutalist looks really good. It’s not out in theaters in Montreal as of current, but I’m excited to see it next month when it will be. A historical epic, I am excited to see Adrien Brody back on the big screen playing an old-time piece, especially after his brilliant performance in The Pianist. The movie trailer is quite perfect, conveying a strong feeling and a clear tone of the movie, but giving away little about the storyline itself. In fact, besides the movie score, the only phrase said was “Welcome to America.” Public consensus says movie trailers nowadays give out too much. That it spoils the premises and exposes the plot. I’m not a movie connoisseur, but I do admire how Citizen Kane and Breakfast at Tiffany’s did theirs; where outtakes, specifically-for-trailer clips, and breaking the fourth wall was a thing. Maybe it would be nice to see some innovation in that area now.

And one last thought: I do believe that it’s important to see all types of genres in film. I have a preference for light-hearted easy-to-follow movies, but I try my best to venture out in other categories. Having taken an introductory film class in college certainly helped me in that area, where I watched works ranging from Alfred Hitchcock to Sofia Coppola. One memorable movie was Blue Velvet, where some scenes were grotesque—something I wouldn’t have watched on my own—but I’m glad I did because the storyline and execution was amazing. There’s something to learn or appreciate from each film, sometimes when you don’t expect it.

New York Magazine's December 16, 2024 Issue. “The Future is MAHA.” *Beautiful typography and use of colors.*

Section 3: At the Newsstand

A few weeks ago at the newsstand, I came across a story in Esquire; an account of homelessness in America by a former Boston Globe reporter, Patrick Fealey. Struck by manic depression, his life flipped upside down.

“I go to Walmart that night and will sleep there every night. But the police will continue to come as if I’m some kind of one-man crime wave. […] They are so afraid. I know I look disheveled, but I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with me intellectually or spiritually.”

I’d recommend you read the full article. Patrick is one of the 653,104 people experiencing homelessness in America (as of Jan. 2023). A follow-up article reported that a New England family, moved by the story, has set up a GoFundMe page for Patrick and so far, it’s raised $186,900 USD from 3000 donations. If you feeling generous this holiday season, here’s the link to donate.

Kudos to Esquire for giving a space to voice those unheard.

schulzmuseum

A post shared by @schulzmuseum

Section 4: Objects of Interest

One object of interest I came across recently is Brick. Priced at $50 USD, it’s a palm-sized magnetic block that works as a physical tapping mechanism to activate a Screen Time limit. To lock or unlock certain apps on your phone, it would require you to tap the brick. Here’s their website.
Peanuts character envelopes by Graphique ($13 USD, pack of 16).
A great coffee table book ideally should not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but also a functional one (like a source of inspiration). I think the Milton Glaser Pop book ($45 USD) does just that. Milton Glaser was a graphic designer who co-founded New York Magazine and designed the well-recognized I heart New York logo. While browsing through the design section at a bookstore, I found myself snapping multiple photos of his design for reference; they’re just so unique.
The best stuffed teddy bear you can purchase.
I really like the silhouette of this Miu Miu Avetura Nappa Leather bag. It offers a resemblance to the Birkin, but maybe more in terms of its capacity to hold a ton of stuff. It retails in the $3500 USD range, but it’s pretty much sold out everywhere.
I loved the updated tour of Kendall Jenner’s cozy home on Architectural Digest. One thing that caught my eye was the custom couch, a collaboration between BODE and Green River Project (The founder/co-founder of each, Emily Bode and Aaron Aujla, are actually married). The L-shaped furniture is in the style of BODE’s senior cords; mustard yellow with various memorabilia etched onto the fabric. To have that on a whole couch is really cool.
One thing you should never go cheap on is dental floss. One thing you should spend a bit more on to enhance your life is hand soap. In between generic and Aesop is Mrs. Meyers Hand Soap. I have the Lavender and Rain-scented ones and they are lovely.

Section 5: Into the Public Domain

Here’s an exciting news to kick off the new year: Beginning January 1st, incredible works are entering the public domain. Some notable ones include the specific cartoons of Popeye The Sailor Man, works of Frida Khalo, and Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms.

From my understanding, when a work enters the public domain, it essentially becomes the property of the general public and loses any copyright protection it once had. Anyone can reproduce the work or use it in a new piece of art. Generally speaking, in the United States for example, work enters the public domain 95 years after publication. But it becomes a bit complicated since public domain laws varies from country to country and there are nuances in specific cases. Also, certain variation of a work might still be under copyright. For example, the original Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse is in the public domain, but more recent ones are copyrighted. So of course, always do your research in the works you’re interested in using.

Two online libraries to access public domain works are:

Library of Congress - for images, art
Project Gutenberg - for eBooks

Interior of the BODE L.A. store by Green River River Projects LLC.

Section 6: Readings

Currently reading Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises (1926). I’m in quite deep and it’s an easy read where words coming together quite nicely. When I think of classics, there’s the assumption that it’s going to be difficult to follow, like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but that’s not always the case and I’m happy that that is so. Hemingway approaches writing in a sparse manner using his “Iceberg Theory.” Essentially having to interpret meaning in between the simple lines. One thing to note is that the novel does contain derogatory terms. And also, if you’re interested in reading, the book is in the public domain.

And speaking of books, I’ve been enjoying visits to different bookstores around the city. Although smaller, independent bookstores carry a smaller selection of books, they are very well curated; in some ways making it easier to pick a book if you find yourself indecisive or would like to select a read at random. Locally, I like to head south of the island to Librairie Saint-Henri Books, located at 4622 Rue Notre Dame.

Section 7: Clothing Finds

Really love the Australian-based clothing brand, Observe Gallery. They recently dropped their SS25 collection online and what caught my eyes were their Article Stamp Plaid Shirt ($96 USD) and the Stamp tee ($51 USD). A warmer piece I like is the blue-black Wool/Mohair Striped Knit ($127 USD). They’re such versatile pieces by itself or for layering.
Japan-based AURALEE has been killing it with their collaborations lately. Tekla, KITH, and most recently New Balance. I like that there is a reoccurring theme among these collaborations, which is the brand’s distinct and recognizable color palette of blues, greys, and neutrals.
Montreal-based clothing brand École de Pensée is having a boxing day sale, 50% off sitewide. The one item that stood out to me was their oversized rust brown-colored wool/mohair cardigan (~~$496~~ $248 USD).

Section 8: Music

Old Lana Del Rey songs have been in the earphones and on the speakers quite a bit lately; that’s when I know it’s winter. Very much All-American vibes. I rediscovered Dayglow and took the time to appreciate how good of a record Fuzzybrain is. Other artists I’ve enjoyed are The Beach Boys and SADE. A bit of Bob Dylan too because I saw A Complete Unknown the other day. Anywho, I have a new playlist for you. Enjoy.