Your pinky toes • Country Western roosters • Billion dollar bouncy house industry • Cynical clothing • Historians breaking character • That’s All Folks

The reality is, almost no one uses their pinky toes as nature designed. We cramp them into narrow footwear and they shrivel into disuse. Yet, properly articulated toes are helpful for balance and strength building. Try and independently wiggle your pinky toe. It may not respond. That’s OK, you can reawaken your toes. It’s not that hard. I’ve improved simply by stretching them and wearing wider footwear. Or, if you want to accelerate the process, you can purchase these discreet and colorful toe separator socks. 

"Robin Hood" 1973 // Not in Nottingham Scene

Every town has its ups and downs. This is a sequence from one of Disney’s great cell animations — Robin Hood, with music by Roger Miller. The sequence is distinctive in the Disney canon. Seldom do Disney soundtracks employ bluesy country music. Also, the song is truly sad, bordering on hopeless. I think it’s great. I’ve had a longstanding love for Not in Nottingham. 

I can’t help but listen to this song and think of the American city in which I live. Especially this line — If we weren’t so down, we’d up and leave. I’m generalizing, but there’s a common pattern of complacency that I encounter here. I’ll suggest an idea for improving something and the reaction I often hear is something like, Good luck with that or That’s just how it is. 

In many ways, Chicago is isolated. There are few models for functioning, or thriving, cities within easy driving distance. Many people grow up in the vicinity and then move to the city. The status quo is much easier to imagine than the possibilities of a different way. 

And yet, in my experience, at the local level, what may look like a brick wall is much easier to influence than one might expect. Whatever it is that bothers you about the city, don’t just walk past. Act. 

You might be surprised at how easily bricks give way.

Cynics say: not today. Optimists say: but maybe tomorrow. Longevity bros say: optimism extends life and here’s the white paper to back up the claim. Broadcasting cynicism on clothing seems to be unique to our time. I’m puzzled by these hats. Not today. Ok, but who exactly, are you addressing? Etsy must have an entire category dedicated to moody headwear and grumpy t-shirts. I suppose it’s harmless. But what if it’s not? 

The billion dollar bouncy castle industry. Jumpy house, bouncy castle, call it what you will, but it’s estimated to be close to a billion dollar industry in the United States. In many ways, humans are complicated creatures. And other times, we just like bouncing up and down. I’m struck by how they’ve effectively become a requirement for any summertime block parties in America.

Be it jet skis, dune buggies, or inflatables, apparently we like fun that is loud, technical, and conspicuous.

Sarah thinks the bouncy house works well in Chicago because it protects the children from all the pavement. I think she's right.

Trust me on this one. Erin Durant, Good Ol Night. The low key brushwork (by my friend Otto Hauser), the soaring piano chords, the asymmetrical tempos. I love the buoyancy and the unpredictability of this track. 

Erin has a new record out that I can recommend. Especially Firetrail and the delightful payoff that comes at the coda of the song. Only 29 views on the live performance, so treat yourself to something few others have seen. Feels like watching a grade school piano recital and then one performer is unexpectedly incredible. 

Historians breaking character. Dense, funny, and enlightening, The Rest is History is one of my new favorite podcasts. In this episode, they chronicle the little known Costa Rican civil war along with the rise of José Figueres Ferrer. Once in power, Ferrer shut down the military, redistributed funds, and opened a museum in its former building. Hosts Dominic and Tom have to stop at about 14 minutes after an extended laughing fit derails the dialogue. 

That’s all folks. Maybe the most iconic film title of all time that no one talks about? Holds a candle to anything Saul Bass ever made, but receives minimal critical appreciation because it is a cartoon. Musically, graphically, lexically, it’s a perfect swish. 

—Michael Neault • Chicago • Saturday, July 25, 2026 • reply to the email with notes