Thanks, Julie! Cooking up these pieces is a lot of fun -- and a lot of work.
I've heard from multiple readers I should create a new publication where all I do is curate and summarize every issue of The Economist. Maybe if this whole novel-writing thing doesn't pan out...
It would be a lot of fun, but also a full-time job! This post took me the better part of three days to cook up. I loved doing it, but it's definitely an annual event. :-)
Thanks, Thomas! The fun aspect of satirizing things is trying to inhabit the voice of the original. I've read The Economist off and on for about 15 years, and they've definitely influenced my writing style.
As you mentioned in your Note, however, I agree their rightward lurch has been troubling. By trying to thread this really narrow needle, they often contradict themselves within the same issue, and the mental gymnastics required to weaponize "woke" and "MAGA" in the same issue is exhausting.
They preach "principles" but their editorial stance is all over the place now, and the quality has certainly suffered. They need to get back to basics -- though unfortunately that doesn't sell these days.
I enjoyed The Economist when I worked in The City from ‘95 to ‘02. Confident, concise writing with a pithy sense of humor and no bylines ( !!??!!). My other weekly was Punch, all humor and insight, which folded. Not as much of a fan since I left finance, but I still browse their Style Guide from time to time. See their take on the abuse of the word “issue”, which drives me nuts.
“In other words, the EU is the world’s largest, most dysfunctional homeowner’s association.” 😂😂😂 This was terrific. Thanks!
Thanks, Julie! Cooking up these pieces is a lot of fun -- and a lot of work.
I've heard from multiple readers I should create a new publication where all I do is curate and summarize every issue of The Economist. Maybe if this whole novel-writing thing doesn't pan out...
I’d read that
It would be a lot of fun, but also a full-time job! This post took me the better part of three days to cook up. I loved doing it, but it's definitely an annual event. :-)
I feel this. Labors of love can’t be the whole show. There aren’t enough hours in a day or week. Or month.
An annual treat. Thank you!
And yes, great job. Written like a recovering Economist contributor.
Thanks, Thomas! The fun aspect of satirizing things is trying to inhabit the voice of the original. I've read The Economist off and on for about 15 years, and they've definitely influenced my writing style.
As you mentioned in your Note, however, I agree their rightward lurch has been troubling. By trying to thread this really narrow needle, they often contradict themselves within the same issue, and the mental gymnastics required to weaponize "woke" and "MAGA" in the same issue is exhausting.
They preach "principles" but their editorial stance is all over the place now, and the quality has certainly suffered. They need to get back to basics -- though unfortunately that doesn't sell these days.
I enjoyed The Economist when I worked in The City from ‘95 to ‘02. Confident, concise writing with a pithy sense of humor and no bylines ( !!??!!). My other weekly was Punch, all humor and insight, which folded. Not as much of a fan since I left finance, but I still browse their Style Guide from time to time. See their take on the abuse of the word “issue”, which drives me nuts.
If Rishi's a brother, FML!
Haha -- I know!
I'm still hopeful he'll come back to the light. He just needs to watch RRR like twenty times in a row.
Thanks for reading this so I didn't have to. I wouldn't have anyway, but still.
The swan thing is hilarious. Which monarch was in power when they came up with that meaningless busywork to keep him busy, I wonder?
You are welcome! Recapping The Economist once per year is the sole value-added service I provide via this newsletter.
At this point, making fun of Britain is the only thing that keeps me going. How the mighty have fallen.
This was great doomsday fun - thanks for the laughs
Thanks!
They say it's the best medicine.
I hope the “Cornering Kamala” story has the most shocked, breathless tone possible.
It’s everything you’re hoping for and more.