Print publications still matter a lot to people like me
Plus, comments from Lady Gaga and Viggo Mortensen worth repeating.
Despite the decline of traditional print media in recent years, I’m proud to celebrate my connection to tangible forms of communication like books and magazines. I used to read newspapers, too, but, with the exception of a few standouts like the New York Times, the decline of most papers in North America has been truly stark. Many printed papers are so thin and poor that reading news online has become the only viable option. I want to salute small-town newspapers that have successfully made the transformation to digital editions and have found ways to connect with subscribers with newsletters. This may sound grand, but I cheer them every day. They are vital to the health of our communities.
In my own little bubble, I’m happy to visit local libraries or book sellers to browse and sample all kinds of works. Here, for example, is what I am looking at now.
I applaud publications that valiantly carry on, finding readers who still enjoy the physical act of leafing through pages. I’m even happier to support Canadian publications that continue to survive in a challenging market.
Regular readers of this newsletter know that one of my hobbies is motorcycling. I enjoy the few remaining publications that cover the subject. One of them is Motorcycle Mojo, a quality Canadian magazine published by Glenn Roberts and his wife Gwen, along with their daughter Emily, who tests motorcycles, writes articles and also handles Mojo’s social media. The Roberts clan, of course, also has a group of employees and collaborators working with them.
The magazine offers motorcycle reviews, new product information, travel articles and columns; material well-presented and easy to read; issues you can collect for rainy days or cold winter nights.
An interesting trend in motorcycling these days is the rapid growth of affordable and ever-more reputable Chinese motorcycle brands like CFMOTO and Kove, as well as brands from India like Bajaj Auto, a builder of motorcycles, scooters and auto rickshaws. These companies have rolled out competitive models in various countries and are starting to make significant inroads in North America. (Bajaj also partners with big players in the global market like Kawasaki, Triumph and especially KTM of Austria.)
When you add these firms to the European, Japanese and North American brands selling machines, choices have never been greater for motorcyclists. If you’re interested in life on two wheels, drop me a line. I’d be happy to chat.
Anyway the point I’m trying to make is that while I’m not planning to buy another motorcycle soon, it certainly feels good to support a Canadian publication that provides readers like me with a glossy product and that still believes in developing a strong relationship with its community. Many other magazines have folded, but so far Motorcycle Mojo is holding its own. The publication is sold in stores, delivers to subscribers via surface mail and seems to have the support of a good number of advertisers. It’s a good sign in a difficult market.
~~~
Lady Gaga: “The most powerful innovation is your authenticity”
Stefani Germanotta, the singer and actress better known as Lady Gaga, said some interesting things at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 17th as she accepted the organization’s Innovator prize.
She specifically mentioned her grandmothers, whom she called “fiercely brilliant Italian-American women who reinvented their destinies with nothing but strength and dreams and determination. Those women, my ancestors, they’re the greatest innovators I’ve ever known.”
She also spoke about her perspective on creativity and aging:
Winning an award honoring my entire career at 38 years old is a hard thing to get my head around. On the one hand, I feel like I’ve been doing this forever. On the other hand, I know I’m just getting started. Even though the world might consider a woman in her late 30s old for a pop star — which is insane — I promise that I’m just getting warmed up.
And she made a point of reminding her listeners that being true to oneself is important:
The most powerful innovation is your authenticity.
To every artist that’s ever been told they’re different, complicated or too much, please never change. Break the mold. The world doesn’t need another copy. It desperately needs your original.
~~~
Viggo Mortensen: “Go slow to go fast”
Another celebrity said something that caught my attention this week. Actor and filmmaker Viggo Mortensen shared some thoughts on the way we sometimes rush to get things done:
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren't enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done quicker and with much less stress.
That sounds like very good advice to me.
Feel-good moment of the week
The authenticity and innocence displayed by the girls in this short video, recorded at the Rome airport, mesmerized me. I was amazed by their ability to play music in such a joyful way. Link is below the screenshot.
https://youtube.com/shorts/dOyKBnrQ0FE?si=EnO4j9DP2cokWv5E
Composer Antonio Vivaldi, wherever his spirit lies, must surely be smiling!
Sketch
My quick and simple drawing this week is of a woman walking with her dog across a metal pedestrian bridge.
Thanks for reading Zanepost.
On Substack a lot of writers have been posting some excellent contributions in recent days. You can see some samples of the items that caught my eye in the Notes tab, found on my home page, also linked here. If you enjoy reading thought-provoking material, please take a look.
Until next time,
-Renato
I love Lady Gaga's quote:
"The most powerful innovation is your authenticity."
Thanks for sharing!