23. No one needs botox in Maine
It's science!
Today’s letter includes: The NYFW shoes everyone is talking about, a piece that makes planetary doom feel approachable, Broadway's Kit Kat Club accounting scandal that's more dramatic than the actual show, plus quick hits on Pencil Factory's rebirth, Emmy wins that make you question your streaming subscriptions, and StubHub's IPO.
"I slept so hard!" I said to my friend Rachel. Yesterday's "sailing adventure" (generous term, considering Joel did all the actual sailing while I perfected my impression of expensive deck furniture) had really taken it out of me. "I think it's because people really relax here," Rachel said like a wise sage who had left NYC years ago to create the most magical homestead in Midcoast Maine, complete with 2 dogs, 2 cats, a greenhouse, chickens, sauna, and outdoor shower.
It's almost ironic that Maine's most famous resident, Stephen King, spends his time writing about scary shit when he lives in the most serene environment on Earth. Why is it so relaxing here? Let's investigate.
First up: negative ions—basically nature's antidepressants floating around in sea spray. These oxygen molecules with extra electrons are created when water crashes against itself. Studies show that high-density negative air ion exposure can be more effective than placebo in alleviating depression and SAD symptoms by boosting serotonin levels. Every time you breathe in that salty Maine air, you're getting a natural mood boost delivered straight to your brain.
And Maine has a lot of ocean air. Its coastline measures approximately 3,478 miles when you include all those jagged bays and inlets—longer than California's entire tidal shoreline.
Then there's the color psychology. Research shows that staring at the ocean changes your brain wave frequency and puts you into a mild meditative state. Blue lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and creates a serene environment that promotes relaxation. A survey of over 26,000 people from 100+ countries found that dark blue shades were most often associated with feelings of calm. Your brain goes "ahhhh" when it processes all that blue.
When you're not looking at the ocean, you're looking at the woods—and that's scientifically relaxing too. Japanese researchers who pioneered "forest bathing" (shinrin-yoku) found that just 15 minutes among trees reduces cortisol, lowers blood pressure, and activates your parasympathetic nervous system. The secret? Phytoncides—those volatile compounds trees release—decrease stress hormones and increase anti-cancer proteins.
The evidence keeps stacking up: people who live by the coast report better physical and mental health than landlubbers. People with ocean views feel calmer than those without them. I guess that's why all the waterfront houses Ben and I were Zillowing were millions of dollars even when we thought, "we're in the middle of nowhere! It will be reasonable!"
Friends, it's not.
While we may not be able to secure that oceanfront home, we can tell our boss that our Maine vacation is doctor's orders. Your brain craves those negative ions, your nervous system needs blue therapy, and your stress levels require some wave-generated alpha frequencies. Set that Slack status to OOO.
A gorgeous scrolling experience on the most significant science collaboration in history. Speaking of nature, it's no secret that we, the human race, are effing up our planet. But climate science is scary and sometimes it's easier not to talk about it. The folks at Quanta Mag are making it approachable. It's a beautifully designed scroll experience that is engaging and a great way to feel smarter today.
I asked my friend Matt Carlstrom, Senior Engagement Editor at Quanta Mag, why this series was special:
"When we made this series, we were focused on recognizing that climate science is a real human achievement, the culmination of decades (even centuries!) of hard work by real people. We also were deliberate about striking a tone that felt approachable rather than scary. The result, I think, is a collection of stories that will make readers feel equipped to understand how the planet is changing."
Let's talk about Wuthering Heights. The Brontë adaptation is being directed by Saltburn's Emerald Fennell and stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as Heathcliff and Catherine. I have a long love affair with the Kate Bush song (she's so weird, LYLAS Kate), but I was recently reminded of this dazzling cover/remix by jazz vocalist princess Cecile Mclorin Salvant.
The movie poster was released September 5th and it’s very stylish - honestly I expect nothing less from Fennell. Of course there is controversy around the faithfulness to the book. The casting issues feel warranted, the anger at wardrobe deviations don't.
Pencil Factory plans. Greenpoint’s beloved Pencil Factory already has a new life ahead of it thanks to Cafe Alula‘s Tony Ismail and Cafe Balearica‘s David Doyle. Their new bar, which will reportedly retain some elements of the Pencil Factory’s build, is already having TVs installed - meh.
RIP Robert Redford. People wonder what will happen to Sundance with its founder's passing and the big move from Utah to Colorado. I'm sure his legacy will live on.
Bad Film Club picks for the New York Film Festival. If you're planning to attend the festival, which is September 26-October 13, Bad Film club recommends: After the Hunt, Father Mother Sister Brother, The Fence, A House of Dynamite, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, It Was Just An Accident.
Broadway's Kit Kat Club drama gets messier. The "Cabaret" revival is closing a month early amid Billy Porter's sepsis recovery and a very messy lawsuit. An investor who put in $50K is suing for fraud, claiming producers are running "a deliberate scheme" to strip investors of their money despite the show grossing over $90 million since April. The producers' defense? "We simply don't have the funds." Welcome to the Kit Kat Club, where apparently the only thing more dramatic than the show is the accounting.
Do I have to get Apple TV+ again, ugh. The Emmys happened. Though I still don't understand how The Bear is considered a comedy or how Only Murders deserves to be nominated every freaking year, I agree with near all the rest of the noms. The Studio, The Pitt, Hacks, and Adolescence all won big. I clearly need to check out Paradise and Slow Horses.
My friend Chef Gio is doing snacks.
Other stuff: Everyone is talking about the beaded shoes at the Tory Burch SS26 show; The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates for the first time in nine months; The deadline for a divestiture or shutdown of TikTok in the U.S. has once again been extended; StubHub is set to begin trading on Wednesday, and has priced its initial public offering at $23.50, according to CNBC.
Rumor has it that Substack is suppressing free content. If you’d like to resist the algorithm pushing paid content only, then liking, sharing, quoting and restacking this newsletter will help! <3
Fall is approaching.
