Weekly Filet #196: In pursuit of perfection. And more.
1. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (YouTube)
A friend once told me about this documentary, but it took Netflix' fancy algorithms to remind me to finally watch it: «Jiro Dreams of Sushi» tells the story of Jiro Ono, whom many consider the greatest sushi chef in the world. His restaurant, located in a Tokyo subway station, seats no more than 10 people. A beautifully simple film about dedication and the pursuit of perfection.
2. Word Map
Type in any word in any language and embark on a linguistic tour du monde. Mesmerizing.
3. How I Taught My Computer to Write Its Own Music (Nautilus Magazine)
One of the NYT's «Top Music Recordings of 2014» was made entirely by a computer. Intriguing behind-the-scenes story on the making of a creative algorithm.
4. ISIS Is Not a Terrorist Group (Foreign Affairs)
Why the strategies that diminished the threat from al Qaeda will not work against ISIS.
5. Seven Lessons from Greece (Jacobin Magazine)
How Syriza has managed to create cracks in the edifice of neoliberal Europe.
Recommended by Lara Fritzsche: Life Writing (Rookie Mag)
Zadie Smith failed to keep a diary. But she wrote this great little essay on why her 1996 opened yahoo email account is the closest thing to an honest account of her life.
February guest curator: Lara Fritzsche is one of my favourite journalists. She works for SZ Magazin in Munich. You can follow Lara on Twitter, which you probably should. If you understand German, check out her new website, lots of great writing to find there.