Picks of the Week — 2.24

Morgan Silver

The Real Worlds Consequences of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Cliché

Out in the world most geeks and nerds alike pride themselves on their wealth and depth of knowledge in sciences, pop culture, and obscure factoids. We regurgitate what we’ve seen posted on reddit, 4chan, and forums as law and fact. Harvesting a library of tropes, rarely of substance, or retaining intrinsic merit.

But now and again we stumble upon something painful. Much like the knife that is the third rewatch of 500 Days of Summer when you quit sympathizing with JGL, I felt ashamed and embarrassed for apparently buying into what amounts to a one-paragraph persona. Behold.

Favorite Quote

…the MPDG “exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries.”

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Dusty Canyon

The Preposterous Success Story of America’s Pillow King

You may have seen this guy before. He’s on TV hugging a pillow that he is clearly excited about. Michael J. Lindell had a storied past and a whirlwind life leading to his now empire of a company.

From cocaine addiction to infomercials to a now 1,500 employee, multi-million dollar company, Lindell is an interesting character with boundless energy.

Favorite Quote

“I was like, ‘Wow, drug dealers care!’”

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Kay McKinley

If Congress Got Stuff Done Like Roommates

Look, I am 100% aware that this is outdated. But right now, I’ll take any excuse to laugh at politicians. Also, funny is funny.

Imagine what would happen if all of the prominent politicians during the Obama era were roommates. Now enjoy the inevitable roommate conflict.

Favorite Quote

“DO YOUR FUCKING JOB!!!!!!’”

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