"The Last of Us," Artificial Intelligence, the Black Church, and more
fluff piece #1: what I've been enjoying the past two weeks
👉🏽 Highlighting: The Last of Us
Because I did not grow up owning a video game console, I used to watch gameplays of The Last of Us on YouTube to keep up with the hype. When I eventually owned my first console in college (a PS4), I finally got to play the game for the first time. Falling in love with TLOU, I pre-ordered its sequel, The Last of Us Part II, and played it twice through.
All that to say, I am a major TLOU geek who has followed the story of Joel and Ellie and the world of post-apocalyptic, fungus-infested America throughout my high school and college years. Due to the horrible reputation of video game-based movies and shows, I was a little skeptical about the new HBO Max show… wondering, “what if they mess this up too?”
Behold, they didn’t. At the time of writing this, we’re halfway through the show… and it’s one of the most moving pieces of television I’ve seen!
For fans of the source material, you’re probably already watching this show, and I hope you’re having as great of a time as I am. For folks unfamiliar with TLOU, y’all gotta get on this. If you enjoy zombie horror and overcoming grief in the face of hopelessness, this is the show for you. It will not disappoint.
Here are a few other things I’ve been enjoying the past few weeks:
Paramore’s latest (and long-awaited) release, This is Why. I LOVE this album!
“Why A Conversation With Bing’s Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled,” an intriguing (and slightly concerning) article on artificial intelligence, which sparked some philosophical questions on the true nature of human consciousness… and whether robots can be “alive” like us, too.
An Instagram reel by animator Binn Yiao teaching us how to master the “C to F chord change on the guitar” in a rather unconventional way:
Black theologian J. Kameron Carter’s new (and also long-awaited) book The Anarchy of Black Religion: A Mystic Song is finally listed on Duke University Press’ online catalog, and I’m WEEPING!
“Study Together,” a global Discord community that helps students track their productivity goals, study with other students across the world, and boost their motivation to study.
Chris Punsalan, Filipino American caregiver for his grandma, who documents his work as a caregiver through Instagram reels (definitely made my eyes tear up while binging a bunch of them 😭🤍).
Dr. Melissa Borja’s new book, Follow the New Way: American Refugee Resettlement Policy and Hmong Religious Change. I was honored to help host a public lecture with her for one of my seminary jobs!
The official teaser of Ted Lasso Season 3 on Apple TV+… who else is excited for this season??
This reel of a lenticular cloud hovering over Bishop, California:
This beautiful quote about writing that my girlfriend shared with me:
“A young pastor leans on faith to try to restore the Black church in Chicago,” a feature of Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates: “I think that history is proof that the greatest advancements that have come about for Black people in America has come through the church."
That’s all for now! ✨