Link About It: This Week’s Picks
An all-girl boy band, Björk’s new book, how “Hair of the Dog” is real and more in our look at the web
1. “Hair of The Dog” is Real
Peer-reviewed scientific publication Journal of Pain (which sounds like an excellent album title) has reported that booze is a more effective painkiller than acetaminophenwhich certainly explains why so many people use the “Hair of the Dog” excuse to get over a hangover. The study has shown that a blood alcohol content of approximately 0.08% (around three or four drinks) results in “a small elevation of pain threshold,” but of course, this can result in its misuse. The researches say, “Findings suggest that alcohol is an effective analgesic that delivers clinically-relevant reductions in ratings of pain intensity, which could explain alcohol misuse in those with persistent pain, despite its potential consequences for long-term health.” Essentially, it works, but it’s not a great idea.
2. Language is Alive
NPR’s interview with lexicographer Kory Stamper (who is also an associate editor at Merriam-Webster) is a must-listen for word nerds. Stamper delves into the idea that language is “a living thing,” which means that working on a dictionary is an ever-evolving and constantly growing entity. “A lot of times people assume that English as we speak it is something that was curated maybe by some dudes in frilly shirts back in the 1700s,” Stamper explains. “But in fact, a language is… always influenced by the people who come in and speak it or come in and conquer it.” This explains why words like “humblebrag,” “photobomb,” and “listicle” are just some of the thousands of words added to the Merriam-Webster recently. Head over to NPR to hear more.
3. Challenging Gender Roles in China, an All-Girl Boy Band
The boy band Acrush is made up of five membersall of whom are girls. They’ve already accrued a substantial following (even before releasing any music) of primarily young female fans who call the band members “husbands.” While Acrush is challenging conservative Chinese beliefs and concepts surrounding gender, the band’s manager Wang Tianhai says, it’s neither political nor gimmicky, “They just enjoy the male appearance, the carefree style and want to sing like men. They want to express a positive and sunny image, to show that girls can be a boy band too.” Read more at The Guardian.
4. Best Quotes From Star Wars
It’s been 40 years since the very first Star Wars movie was released, and each year on 4 May the internet celebrates the films. This year, The Guardian has selected 40 memorable lines from the series. With gems from Princess Leia like “Governor Tarkin, I should have expected to find you holding Vaders leash. I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board,” and the running gag spoken by various characters; “I have a bad feeling about this,” the list is sure to encourage a revisit of the movies. May the fourth be with you. Always.
5. Philip Johnson Glass House Sculpture Gallery Reopens
Built in 1970 to house his personal art collection, Philip Johnson’s Sculpture Gallery at the Glass House has been under renovation for the last two years. Today, as the entire property opened for the season, guests were once again able to enter and see works by Robert Rauschenberg, George Segal, John Chamberlain, Frank Stella, and Bruce Nauman, among many others. The Sculpture Gallery is one of 14 structures on the sprawling property in New Canaan, CT. While the Glass House itself tends to be the primary draw to the estate, programming at the Sculpture Gallery and the other buildings makes it a valid destination for repeat visits.
6. Bjrk is Publishing a Book of Sheet Music
Featuring music from Debut, Post, Homogenic, Selmasongs, Vespertine, Medlla, Drawing Restraint 9, Volta and Vulnicura, “36 Scores for Piano, Organ, Harpsichord and Celeste,” is an upcoming book of Bjrk’s sheet music that’s sure to thrill fans. The book has been in development for six years and, prior to its official release date on 5 June, will be available at the Bjrk Digital exhibition in Los Angeles (19 May to 4 June). Find out more at Fact Mag.
7. Louis De Belles Portraits of NYC Commuters
Creases, sweat spots and stains on clothing makes up Milan-born photographer Louis De Belle’s “Cartographies” series. The photographs are unconventional, close-up portraits that show very specific details which reveal information about the subject. He tells It’s Nice That, “The idea reducing visual information to a minimum, by isolating pedestrians’ clothing, originated from a personal interest for drapery, the depiction of folds of cloth in sculpture and painting. We all travel to appreciate masterpieces (think of La Piet di Michelangelo!) but we often ignore what’s in front of our eyes every day.” It’s a clever take on the traditional portrait that reveals a lot, and not muchat the same time. See more at It’s Nice That.
8. A $2,865 Train Ride
The just-unveiled gold-tinted Shiki-shima Japanese sleeper train, designed by Ken Kiyoyuki Okuyama, takes luxury to a new level. The 10-car train (announced back in 2014) has 17 roomstwo suites and 15 smaller spaces, all of which have a bed and a private bathroombut the interiors need to be seen to be believed. With floor-to-ceiling windows, passengers can see the passing world uninterrupted; perhaps from Brentwood sofas in the communal areas. There are also washi paper walls, opulent carpets, chandeliers, and the two-story Shikishima suite even features a cypress bathtub. Tickets start at $2,865.
Link About It is our filtered look at the web, shared daily in Link and on social media, and rounded up every Saturday morning.
