Is “Quarantine Life” over yet? While it seems on the outside like a lot is returning to “normal,” Los Angeles just reinstated the indoor mask mandate and in my head, we are still very far away from the light at the end of the tunnel. And admittedly, I’m in a bit of a funk as a result and without a specific target for my rage at those who refuse to get vaccinated and follow some very simple rules. Sigh. But here I am with my “Friday Favorites” because I do know that writing in any form always makes me feel good. WHAT I READ AND WATCHED

• I recently read Andrew McCarthy’s memoir, Brat, and it was really well done. If you’re an 80s kid, I highly recommend it. I also read Oprah’s collab with Bruce Perry, What Happened to You? and it really got me thinking about trauma in a new way. If you can handle some triggering, I recommend that one, too.
• Just this morning I read about these remarkable young women who found out they were all dating the same man. Instead of stewing on it, they turned it into something uniquely positive.
• This small restaurant also spun a negative into a positive. But sheesh, humanity. We’ve got to do better.
• I’m very into this list of amazing ice cream shops in Los Angeles.
• I binged the crap out of “Hacks” and “Mare of Easttown” and therefore am having a wonderful Jeannaissance (Jean Smart is in both series). The Hollywood Reporter is hip to it. The Daily Beast is, too.

EARLIER THIS MONTH

• I have been working with a documentary called All Things Bakelite for several weeks and they were live on WGN America today!
• Earlier in the month, a documentary I have been working with off and on for a couple years, was showcased on the TODAY show. I am so dug in with these guys since we’ve all been together so long (and beyond, since I worked on a previous film for them as well) and am so proud.
• I have been out to brunch again! And I’ve also been on a plane more than once. There have been a lot of tasty meals and I’ve been posting more frequently on Hollywood Brunch.

BLOGGERS & SMALL BUSINESSES

• A couple of respected colleagues, whom I also consider friends, have started terrific newsletters. They are super informative and easy reads. Dare I say, you may even get some quality advice for free from experts in social media marketing.
  • Subscribe to Chris Lam’s “Ok, what’s next?” right here. (She also offers a lot of other great, free resources; peep those here.)
  • Subscribe to Lia Haberman’s “ICYMI” on Substack.
• I want to try this Pineapple Upside Down Cake/Overnight Oats hybrid. I think.
• If I get myself into a two-bedroom apartment so I can have a proper home office, I will buy this for myself as a housewarming gift.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

• I found a puppycam. You’re welcome.
• I, like most of the world, enjoyed the hell out of “Loki” on Disney+ and think everyone needs to pay more attention to the composer, Natalie Holt.

• And this nice lady will ruin nursery rhymes for you…

This TikToker will ruin nursery rhymes for you forever (with https://t.co/jMxlbA4hDT and https://t.co/J0XVUHofzP) pic.twitter.com/h8MAQgQROq

— NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) June 29, 2021