🫘 We are exhausted

Plus: Penguins got tariffs; Tracy Chapman first moments

Good morning, Cool Beans!

You know, we are always talking about connection, but it’s crazy how our generation—and the one before—can be so connected digitally, but not really connected in the deeper sense. We’re always online, always reachable, but we miss out on the real connection that happens when you’re with someone in person. Take texting, for example—there’s so much room for misunderstanding. You can’t see their face or hear their tone, so you’re left interpreting things based on your own experiences and perspective. Maybe it’s time we start meeting up more, looking each other in the eyes, and actually connecting in a more real way.

“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit." — Banksy

Media Fatigue

When we first moved to the U.S.— dropped into this loud, fast, wonderfully confusing place—we leaned hard on our phones. At first, it was about staying tethered to home: checking the news from back in Italy, sharing photos with our families, watching our politicians shout (as usual). But there was more to it. We didn’t know anyone yet. No familiar barista, no Sunday aperitivo crew. And when you're lonely in a new city, that screen becomes your best friend. You scroll because there's no one to talk to yet. You scroll because it's easier than feeling alone.

But here's the thing—this constant digital drip-feed of updates, opinions, and doomscrolling wears you out. Social media fatigue is real. Studies show that people in the U.S. spend over 7 hours a day online, and globally, the average is 6 hours and 40 minutes. That’s more than 18 years of your life spent behind a screen between ages 18 and 80. And it’s not just the time—it’s the emotional labor of it all. Jumping between apps, navigating ever-changing interfaces, managing your “personal brand,” staying current on issues back home and here—it’s exhausting. The pressure to be “in the know” is constant, and platforms like Threads or BeReal keep popping up like mushrooms after rain, offering more noise than connection. Add news fatigue—wars, elections, climate disasters—and your brain starts waving a little white flag. Experts call this media fatigue, and it affects not just your focus, but your mental health and even your ability to tell what’s true.

So, what do we do? Delete the apps? Move to a cabin in the woods? Not quite. Experts suggest setting boundaries instead of going full digital detox. Start by muting nonessential notifications, taking regular breaks (yes, that includes your doomscrolling “breaks”), and unfollowing accounts that drain you. Curate your feed like you’d curate your playlist. Ask yourself: Does this bring me joy or anxiety? Is it connection or just noise? But most importantly—especially if you’re new in town—get offline and go find your people. Join a local community, attend an expat meetup, or just say hi to someone at a café. You don’t have to replace social media, but you can rebalance it. Tech is supposed to support your life, not swallow it. And real conversations beat DMs any day.

• 🎤 Tracy Chapman’s first moment in the spotlight as a last-minute fill-in for Stevie Wonder.

• 💨 Do you know why people fart more on planes?

• 📁 The world's largest PDF could dwarf countries like Greece, stretching across an area 40% larger than Germany.

• 🐧 How the island inhabited by only penguins, ended up on Trump’s tariffs list.

• 🐻 The Chicago Bears are seriously eyeing a new stadium but apparently, they can’t decide if they want a fresh start or just a bigger parking lot.

• 👩‍❤️‍👨 How dating looked like before the apps?

• ☄️ When climate change response can be elegant yet depressing.

• 🐛 They thought it was a miracle ... it was bacteria instead.

• 🐦‍⬛ Birds' bizarre mating rituals and their evolution.

• 🪑 11 iconic design works that Art Collectors love. And if you love design, this newsletter talks about an iconic piece every week and the history behind it. Highly recommended!

Arne Jacobsen, Egg Chair, 1958

• 🤤 If you are craving something new: A few weeks ago, we checked out Union in Logan Square—a neighborhood spot known for good food, solid drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere. The menu leans seasonal and local, with thoughtful dishes that don’t try too hard. It’s the kind of place where you can grab brunch with friends, have a low-key dinner date, or just hang at the bar with a well-made cocktail. Comfortable, unpretentious, and consistently good—Union feels like a place you’ll want to return to.

• 🕺🏻 If your feet can’t stop (won’t stop) moving like Michael Jackson: Area Code and Heavy House Society are teaming up on Saturday the 12th to bring a high-energy label showcase, spotlighting standout DJs and producers from both Chicago and around the world. The location will be sent to ticket holders this week, in the meantime you can grab your ticket here!

• 🎤 If live music is your vibe: This weekend, LA LOM is playing at the Vic Theatre at 8 PM, and we couldn't be more excited. If you haven’t heard them yet, they’re a Los Angeles-based trio blending old-school boleros, cumbia, and surf rock in a way that feels both nostalgic and totally fresh. Their sound is warm, a little gritty, and impossible not to move to. Definitely worth checking out if you're into vintage vibes with a modern twist. Grab your ticket here!

• 🛋️ If the couch is calling your name: Girls is a sharp, often uncomfortable look at the lives of four young women trying to figure things out in New York City. Created by Lena Dunham, it captures the confusion, ambition, and self-absorption of your twenties with a mix of humor and awkward honesty. It doesn’t try to make its characters likable all the time—and that’s part of what makes it feel real. Love it or hate it, the show carved out a space for messier, more complicated portrayals of women on TV.

• 🤔 Still not feeling it? Check these others out:

  • Chicago Artisan Market at Artifact Events. Click here for more info!

  • Chicago Full Moon Jam Workshop at Humboldt Park Fieldhouse. Info here!

• Our April Calendar is out!! Check it out here.

• On April 13th we will co-host a Collage event with Lauren dedicated to Earth Day at Solemn Oath brewery. You will have the chance to create your own visual board and get creative! Get your tickets here.

• On April 17th we are hosting an Happy Hour at Lizzano. Grab your tickets here!

• On April 26th we are hosting a strength class at SALT Fitness with some drinks and coffee after and network with other expats! Sign up here.

Kintobe is a sustainable, Danish bag brand founded in 2019 by Anne Thorsø Sørensen and Michael Bisgaard, known for its stylish and functional bags made from 100% recycled polyester. Perfect for hiking, going to the beach, and everyday commuting, Kintobe blends minimalist Scandinavian design with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The brand prioritizes ethical production, durable materials, and innovative designs that cater to modern, conscious consumers. Check their website to see the whole collection!

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The answer to last week’s game was: Mrs. Doubtfire. Did you guess it? Let us know!

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