Weekly Finds #32 - December 15th, 2023
Sharing some of the interesting things I've gathered over the course of the week.
📖 Read
Are Trader Joe’s employees trained to flirt? We asked an employee if the rumors were true.
In the lively aisles of Trader Joe's, where friendliness is a staple, a rumor has been circulating that the amiable employees are trained to flirt with customers. Social media has fueled this speculation, with TikTok videos and satirical headlines exploring the question of whether that charming cashier is genuinely interested or just executing a corporate strategy. Recently, the CEO of Trader Joe's, Bryan Palbaum, dispelled the myth on the company's podcast, asserting that flirting is not part of their employee training. While the uniquely warm environment might be misconstrued, he emphasized that the genuine interest in customers' well-being is simply a reflection of the store's distinctive niceness.
Despite persistent rumors, Trader Joe's employees have denied any official training in the art of flirting. The company's president, Jon Basalone, attributes the perception to the natural effervescence of the employees, debunking the notion that there's a corporate mandate encouraging romantic connections among staff. Glamour magazine's inquiry into the matter also found that, according to Trader Joe's employees, there is no training on flirting, but occasional acts of kindness, like giving away flower bouquets, are encouraged to brighten customers' days. In essence, the engaging friendliness at Trader Joe's seems to be more about genuine goodwill than any orchestrated flirting strategy.
🙉 Overheard
The creative adult is the child who has survived.
– Ursula K. Le Guin
🎧 Listen
A couple of items from this week’s Music Curated issue.
I mix it up here and share various music with my readers, so you’ll see something different each week. You may be into some of what I share, and you may not be into other things, and that’s okay. My goal is to share the things I enjoy and I hope to introduce my audience to something they might not have otherwise heard, and I hope some of it also resonates with you.
Song: Glass Beams - Taurus
A recent discovery for me, Glass Beams is a Melbourne-based band that draws inspiration from their Indian and South Asian heritage. Their music is a mix of psychedelia, cosmic instrumentation, and polyrhythms. The band is known for its cyclical riffs and dizzying melodies, and to me, they are very reminiscent of another favorite band of mine, Khruangin.
Playlist: Neo-Psychedelia Soul Funk
This playlist by Spotify user Le Blues has the same sound as Glass Beams and the above track. If you’ve been following along in the newsletter, you’ll know that this neo-psychedelic sound is one of my favorites and I feature a lot of music along these lines.
🔗 Random Finds
3 Hard Truths You Need to Hear
You’re wrong about (almost) everything
Most people aren’t evil, just stupid (including you)
Care about people (and show it)
What's my place in the world population? How long will I live?
Here are some interesting facts I discovered about my place in the world:
I am the 5,558,593,525 person alive on the planet
On 24 Jul 2027, I’ll be the 6th billionth person to be alive in the world
I share a birthday with about 270,625 people
These Photos Capture The Beauty Of Brooklyn’s Brownstones
New York City brownstones are a vibe in general, but these Brooklyn Brownstones are particularly lust-worthy.
🍲 🍹 Eat & Drink
Cream-ish of Mushroom Soup
Brace yourself for a revelation—this creamy, earthy, silky-rich soup is 100% vegan. The secret? A genius blend of mushrooms and cashews seamlessly puréed to create a body that doesn't compromise an ounce of flavor. It's a game-changer for your taste buds and a win for the plant-based palate. Dive into indulgence, guilt-free!
Mezcaletti
Experience the magic of Mezcaletti—where the ingredients tell the story. Crafted with mezcal and Amaro Meletti, this concoction served over ice in a rocks glass, is a powerhouse of strength, nuttiness, and buttery goodness. Surprisingly complex for its simplicity, this gem is not just a drink but an experience. Find it on the menu at Fresh Kills in Brooklyn.
🧒 Kiddos
My kids thought this was fascinating and wanted to share it with you all.
Why do people have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that grow at the back of your mouth. They're called wisdom teeth because they usually appear when you're older, around 17 to 25, and are supposedly wiser. However, not everyone gets all four wisdom teeth, and many people end up having them removed. Scientists believe that in the past, humans needed larger jaws and teeth for a tougher diet, but as our diet changed, our jaws evolved to be smaller, and wisdom teeth might not be as important now.
Interestingly, about 25% of people today don't have one or more wisdom teeth at all. This might be due to genetics, and some scientists think it's an advantage for modern humans with smaller jaws. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can cause problems, like getting stuck or causing pain, so dentists might recommend removing them. So, taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly is essential, and dentists can help determine if your wisdom teeth need special attention.