Where to find more fun online diversions during the pandemic
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After a day of pondering Elon Musk’s contributions to society, let’s shift our focus from big innovations to small and even tiny ones.
There is no professional sports play in the United States right now and that’s left many sports fans bereft. ESPN’s amazing documentary series “The Last Dance” about Michael Jordan’s last year with the Chicago Bulls notwithstanding, there’s not much to get excited about right now. Some are turning to e-sports, and Amazon’s Twitch network is doing quite well. But if you’re looking for something a little more physical and happening IRL, may I introduce you to the Marbula One racing circuit? Yes, that’s marble racing. It’s got enthusiastic announcers, high production values, and even some drama as the marbles roll over the finish line.
Maybe e-sports are your thing. The teens tell me Animal Crossing is keeping them sane. Ars Technica has the story of some players who are getting even more out of the Nintendo title. Using the “gold farming” strategy first seen eons ago in games like World of Warcraft and Ultima, some players are gathering all the bells they can (Animal Crossing‘s in-game currency) and then selling them for real cash.
Finally, I know lots of you watched the amazing Juilliard video from Tuesday’s newsletter, but obviously many, many more singers, musicians, comedians, and artists of all kinds have taken to Zoom to release their work. It’s hard to keep up with all the great stuff. Theater writer Elisabeth Vincentelli has a great list of some online options, and Fast Company also published a bunch of worthy links. If you see other worthwhile compilations, please send them my way.
Take time to enjoy the small pleasures and have a good weekend.
Aaron Pressman