endorsed without reservation
FILM
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters

The greatest biopic and, for my money, the greatest movie ever made. Fiction and nonfiction interwoven to show a real life that itself became a work of art.

PRACTICE
Notetaking systems

I'm a PKM nerd, but nothing beats my everyday-carry notebook. The latest iteration is written up in the Mind Like Fire series.

AD
The David Harbour Tide Super Bowl commercials

My favorite TV ad ever. It broke my brain; I spent the rest of that Super Bowl expecting every ad to pivot into a Tide ad.

PRACTICE
Hosting parties

One of the best things I've ever done in my life. Roughly monthly, usually themed, always slightly (or not so slightly) unhinged.

GAME
Factorio

The most addictive and satisfying game I've ever played. It will simultaneously improve and ruin your life.

BOOK
1Q84

Murakami at the peak of his powers. I found myself re-enacting the book's rituals to verify I was still tethered to this Earth.

FILM
The Wind Rises

Much has been said about Miyazaki, but this one is my favorite: how do you live in a cursed world? You Live!

PLACE
Chuy's

I'm not originally from Texas, but to me, Chuy's is home. I could drink the creamy jalapeno dip by the gallon.

FILM
The Before Trilogy

An essential human text on the nature of relationships.

PLACE
The Austin Boardwalk

The best place to walk in town. To me, the heat doesn't matter.

FOOD
Pretzel salad, pumpkin cheesecake

Two of my favorite desserts. Recipes: pretzel salad, pumpkin cheesecake bars.