PicoBlog

The hardest I’ve ever laughed at a movie was during Albert Brooks’ “Defending Your Life.” Though its reception by critics and audiences was rather modest, it’s a film that has continued to grow and grow in many people’s estimation and I daresay now, more than 30 years on, it’s considered a modern classic. The story was about a middle-aged schlub who dies and travels to the afterlife, which in this reckoning is not all poofy clouds and harps but a sort of waystation-slash-reckoning.

Last week, our community of album art lovers reached a milestone of 2,000 subscribers. Meeting fellow record crate diggers and exploring the art history of music over the past year and a half has been such an unexpected, joyful experience. I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for signing up for this newsletter. Thank you, thank you! In celebration, I’ve put together a list of my favorite album art released in the year 2000, along with a special offer of 20% off both annual and monthly subscriptions.

In a repeat of last year’s final, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev 7/6 6/1 to defend his BNP Paribas title and get his season back on track. Alcaraz now leads Medvedev 4-2 in their H2H. Last year Alcaraz exposed Medvedev’s deep return position with an array of serve-volley and drop shots. Here is the Russian’s return position on the first point of last year’s encounter. Alcaraz is the ultimate player when given time; he can fabricate many tailored solutions when in possession of that commodity.

Given the excitement in the growing Alcaraz/Sinner rivalry, I thought I’d give a few thoughts on that match before looking ahead at the Miami draw. I felt Alcaraz had the right mindset for this rivalry even in his loss to Sinner in Beijing last year. Much of what I touch on here will be echoed from that piece: taking on the role of counterpuncher and mixing up pace and spin.

SPECIALLY SELECTED PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE 2023 €9.99 A Pinot Grigio that actually tastes of the grape rather than just a neutral white wine!  Gently fragrant with a touch of grapefruit zest, dry and crisp with real freshness. From Pinot Grigio’s Italian heartland. CASTELLORE SOAVE 2023 €6.99 Refreshingly light in alcohol at just 11%, this Soave is mainly Garganega with some Trebianno and Pinot Bianco. Delicate and bone dry,  with a faint touch of saltiness, this is a very grown-up aperitif or a foil for oily fish like mackerel and salmon.

Beyond Two Cents By Alejandro Betancourt For those who enjoy reading about Mindset, Philosophy, Self-Improvement, and other topics that help boost Consciousness and Life Fulfillment. Sent to you on Mondays via email - a great way to kickstart your week! ncG1vNJzZmirpZfAta3CpGWcp51kvbO7xaKjnmdlaYR1fJNxaGaZnJq3orrDq6ZmmpWprq%2Bvzq6prQ%3D%3D

Alessandra BocchiAward-winning journalist. Former Joe Rago Fellow at The Wall Street Journal. Words in First Things Magazine, The Spectator, Il Giornale, Al-Monitor, The New Arab, and more. Contrarian from birth. Email alessandra.bocchi@protonmail.com ncG1vNJzZmirpZfAta3CpGWcp51kjaK4xKyqmqaUp66ju8Kcn6I%3D

Happy Family Day! Yes, I realize I don’t need “a day” for this, but I do enjoy an emphasis on the family. Other than this I’m hanging out with the kiddos for the day. On a different note, did you check out today’s Alex Krainer episode #587? If not CLICK HERE. We discuss the Tucker/Putin interview and his thoughts. He has an interesting perspective as he is originally from Croatia and has served in the Croatian military.

Fashion journalist and author asked me to chat with her about “Anna Season,” an apt alternative name for fashion month if I ever heard one. Check out our conversation here. In today’s issue: A recap of Alexander McQueen under new designer Seàn McGirr, one of the most anticipated shows of the season. Can the brand create mass luxury that makes everyone (except, literally speaking, some of the models) comfortable?