Well, folks, it's another week of more sad news from the fires, an endless attempt to destroy health care, lies about presidents not calling grieving families, a $25,000 check that went unset until it was reported, the ongoing culture of assault where #MeToo is necessary, "he knew what he signed up for," and if that's not bad enough, Xander from Buffy continues his downward slide.
Here's what got us through the week.
The Crazy Story of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Exonerating a Murder Suspect
I’ve been thinking a lot about luck and chance, during what feels like the unluckiest times for far too many. One of the things that got me through this week was the Netflix original Long Shot. The true story centers on Juan Catalan, who was arrested for a murder he didn't commit, and a lawyer who built his case for innocence around raw footage from one of my favorite TV shows, Curb Your Enthusiasm — the early aughts HBO comedy series created by Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld. Long Shot is a worthwhile standout in the true-crime genre, and after you finish it, watch Curb Your Enthusiasm season four’s episode “The Car Pool Lane" for a much-needed laugh. —Kelly Whalen
Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka'Oir's Wedding
Even when the world feels like it's going down the tubes, things only seem to be getting better for Gucci Mane. The Atlanta rapper tied the knot with his long-time love, model and entrepreneur Keysha Ka'Oir, on Oct. 17 (the holy day of 1017 Brick Squad, Gucci Mane's label). The wedding is a high note for Gucci's epic past year: Since getting out of prison in May 2016, he's released seven (seven!) full-length projects, hit No. 1 on Billboard with Rae Sremmurd, and dropped his long-awaited autobiography, which is now a New York Times best seller. Talk about a glow up from a few years ago, when Gucci was in trouble with the law and battling a lean addiction. Ka'Oir steadfastly stuck by his side while he was behind bars for three years, and her encouragement helped him kick his drug habit and transform his health. In return, he threw her a $1.7 million dollar wedding complete with a diamond bouquet, matching Wraiths, and a cake so big Gucci had to cut it with a sword. If you’re as obsessed as I am, you can watch the whole thing on BET. Now, someone, bring me a tissue. —Nastia Voynovskaya
Spending an Uncommon Amount of Time With Agnes Martin
My favorite spot in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is the small heptagonal chamber in a remote corner of the 4th floor that houses seven paintings by the 20th century American painter Agnes Martin. I pop in and out of that room almost every time I venture into the museum, whether I'm there showing out-of-town guests around, running in and out of a press preview for a special exhibition or visiting just for fun. I normally spend about five minutes checking in on Martin's quietly powerful canvases. The simple act of taking in these abstract works with their precise lines and muted colors refreshes me, like slugging a glass of cold, fresh water. But this week, I spent a full 30 minutes in the chamber, letting the big, square paintings pulse gently before my eyes. I stayed for so long that some passersby probably wondered if the motionless woman in the center of the room was part of the art installation. Sometimes a glass of water just won't do. It takes a bath. —Chloe Veltman
