1. Just be cute and make fun of it.
Spencer Pratt, perhaps a potential future presidential candidate, finds himself in hot water after suggesting that Los Angeles should aim to be “beautiful” again. He specifically criticized the “high-density SB-79 prison-like structures,” calling for a revival of Art Deco design. This has sparked anger among housing advocates, though, in fairness, high-density living does have its merits. Simply put, Pratt seems to be lamenting the dull, cookie-cutter buildings that so many dislike—at least, those of us who care about aesthetic appeal. The issue here is that YIMBYs have tied the term “dense” to “ugly” for a long time, which is, well, misleading. Pratt is just stumbling through this new territory and seems okay with the existing high-density decorative constructions found throughout LA. Unfortunately, the backlash is primarily aimed at YIMBYs, who will likely come to regret labeling unattractive designs as acceptable. If you advocate for ugly, people might just see you as the villain. Make it pretty, come on.
2. Spin and out
In Irvine, California, plans are underway to open a new In-N-Out location, causing some chatter about yet another popular chain entering the market. Governor Gavin Newsom, perhaps feeling overly theatrical, has been vocal about various topics, including some peculiar crimes and even billionaire relocations to spared tax havens. After this news broke, a social media manager tweeted, “You say that in California?!”, highlighting the absurdity of some discussions. In the midst of the chaos in the state, it’s easy to overlook some positives. With a little cannabis from your neighborhood dispensary, the harsh truths might fade a bit. Still, let’s not forget that In-N-Out’s CEO has moved his family out of California, citing the tough business environment. So, maybe things aren’t as dire as they seem, right?
3. Have you tried Jesus?
Deedi Das, a venture capitalist, stirred some conversation over the weekend with a tweet about San Francisco’s frenetic pace. Currently, around 10,000 individuals are focusing on building wealth in AI, while everyday tech workers feel caught in underwhelming jobs. There’s an ongoing demand for higher salaries, with many changing companies rapidly as they search for the next big opportunity. Yet, even those who’ve achieved wealth seem unfulfilled, grappling with feelings of purposelessness. It’s another wild hype cycle we’re witnessing in the tech world. In a city filled with ambitious individuals, genuine innovation is sometimes overshadowed by unrealistic expectations. A little piece of advice: find a friend who isn’t caught up in this whirlwind and, you know, just hang out.
