This is your sign to run through the sprinklers
And go blackberry picking too, while you're at it
I write to you en route to Burbank on a flight with more turbulence than I would prefer, wondering why in the year of our lord 2025 in-flight wifi isn’t free. My week included blackberry picking (later turned into homemade dairy free blackberry ice cream!!!), running through the sprinklers with my niece and nephew, ferry rides, dinosaur puzzles, and taking walks on trails with dahlias the size of my face. It is a massive privilege to be able to tune out of the chaos for a bit and see summer through the eyes of two little humans who just want to eat snacks, watch Bluey, and go for bike rides, and I took full advantage of that this week. And hot tip: If you’ve got the time or ability to take breaks (whether 30 minutes or a week) from all the madness, you should too. It’ll still be here when you get back.
This week: The U.K. and Canada join France’s calls to recognize a Palestinian state, Trump is moving nuclear submarines toward Russia before leaving for another golf weekend, and the new Skims product that had me rolling my eyes so hard they got stuck in the back of my head—but at least now I can’t see the horrors anymore.
In finance: Ignorance is bliss, especially where your 401k is concerned right now. The stock market took a big hit today after Trump announced he is serious about his big boy tariffs this time, but at least the rates seem to be based on sound math political vendettas. He’s already given Mexico another 90-day extension to negotiate but didn’t offer the same grace period to Canada, which is now facing a steep 35% rate and won’t take Ryan Reynolds back no matter how many emails I send. Can’t keep up? Me neither. Here’s a map from the New York Times to help.
The July jobs report isn’t helping either. The American economy added just 73k jobs this past month, compared to an average of 168k a month last year. Of course, I live in LA, which isn’t exactly a microcosm of the American economy, but it’s painfully noticeable among my 20 to 30-something peers who are either not employed full-time, trying to turn a side hustle into a whole hustle (i.e. Hot Tip), or unable to leave a job they hate because there are so few opportunities available. Not to mention the million-dollar price tags on two-bedroom homes in this city and others like it, and now we can’t even have Swiss cheese (well, we can, just at a 39% markup.) But at least I am growing an avocado tree, and in 5-10 years when it bears fruit, I will get my millennial revenge.
In American politics: Texas Republicans are moving forward with a plan to gerrymander the state and net themselves five more GOP districts, because nothing says “we believe in kicking people off their healthcare plan and deporting hardworking migrants” like trying to rig an election and dilute the votes of people of color. Texas Dems may end up fleeing the state in order to make the legislature unable to function, a process known as a quorum break—but it could cost each member who does so $500 a day. So if Elon Musk (still a Nazi!!!) is looking for another way to piss off Trump, I know where he can spend his money.
And does hearing the words “presidential fitness test” make you want to go to the nurse’s office, a thing you haven’t done in well over a decade that does not exist in adulthood? Same. After Obama ended the dumbass practice, Trump says he’s bringing the test back for kids in schools, to which I say: You first.
Quick tips: A MAGA rep decided to run against Senator Jon Ossoff in Georgia, only to misspell the state in his announcement video. Pete Hegseth is reportedly thinking about running for governor in Tennessee, making him the most unqualified job candidate since Pete Hegseth was picked for Defense Secretary. And Kamala Harris isn’t running for California governor next year. This extended interview from Colbert is worth the watch—if only to be avoided because it serves as a reminder of the sanity and beautiful hair we could have had in the West Wing.
In travel: A 500-year-old “secret garden” on Venice’s Giudecca Island is now open to the public for the first time in its history, and all you need to get there is $15 (for a ticket) and a water taxi. Andi-freakin-amo.
Ahead of Hot Tip’s one-year anniversary next month, I’m aiming to hit 5k+ subscribers, so please forward this email to anyone you know who a) would love it or b) is woefully uninformed about the world. If you get three people to sign up—free or paid—you’ll be entered to win a Hot Tip hat!!!
In culture: Pickleball is having a moment in New York City, with courts popping up all over the five boroughs. HBO Max is making it easier for you to watch British television. Sex and the City spinoff And Just Like That is ending with season three, and while I never watched it, I will miss all the unhinged recaps y’all provided me. Chappell Roan has a new single out, a welcome summer Friday gift.
And hot tip: People are overthinking the Sydney Sweeney genes/jeans thing. It’s just a bad pun and a weird ad in a time of Nazi hyper-vigilance. Pay attention to the ~everything else~ instead. Read this piece from The Cut and
’s response here on Substack if you’re looking for more discussion, though.Honorable mentions: Sun Bum mini sunscreen for travel. Every Pamela Anderson + Liam Neeson interview. The trailer for Eternity—a movie with a premise so good I’m mad I didn’t think of it. And I’m seriously eyeing the Dina Travel Tote by Loeffler Randall I’m seeing everywhere.
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I loved all of your political commentary this week! I felt all of it. As a Texan, and a democrat, I am so proud of what our state reps are doing right now. Courage is contagious, and I hope they can keep up the courage! Also, Kamala on Colbert was almost too much for me to take. What could have been...