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This is the last edition before our summer break. August is a month to recollect, relax and reset.
We are taking the time to dive into movies, series, podcasts, books, and articles that have been on our to-watch, to-listen, to-read lists for a while. We are also excited for a few new things coming out in the next weeks and some summer events. Below, you’ll find what our team is planning to enjoy and visit during the break.
Since launching NOC in January 2025, we’ve landed in your inbox every other Wednesday at 8:00 AM exploring a current, societal topic and showcasing what different creatives have to say about it. So far, we’ve explored the revival of third places, the new age of space exploration, and the marks left behind by tourism. We took a look at the obsession with not aging, what are people collecting nowadays, and the effects of constant scrolling, among other things. Thank you for reading along!
Many ideas on how we want NOC to evolve are taking shape and we would love your input. Please take 5 minutes to fill out this short survey, write to us, and share your thoughts. You help us shape what is next.
Now: go soak up some sun, read something good, catch up on our past editions, cook something nice, and enjoy your summer.
Keep an eye out for us in your inbox in September!
Your NOC team,
Anna, Estelle, Sanjna
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We'd love to hear from you!
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If you have 5 minutes to spare, please fill in our survey so we can make sure that NOC is something you'll always look forward to reading - now and in the future.
> Link to survey
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Books
The Morning Star, Karl Ove Knausgard, translated by Martin Aitken
One day, a huge start appears in the sky. We follow ordinary people’s lives as unusual phenomena start to occur (science-fiction).
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Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction, Derek Thompson
A deep-dive in the hidden psychology of how a movie, song, or app go viral (non-fiction).
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Wild, Kristin Hannah
Having retreated to her hometown in the Pacific Northwest after a scandal left her career in ruins, a child psychiatrist starts working with a girl she calls Alice (psychological fiction).
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Articles
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Movies and TV Shows
Friendship, 2025
Two men become friends, then the friendship ends. The movie captures the consequences of the “friend breakup”.
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The Thursday Murder Club, 2025
Based on the best-selling book, this upcoming movie depicts four retirees as they solve cold cases for fun.
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Eddington, 2025
A dark satire set in a small New Mexico town during COVID-19.
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Il Gattopardo, 2025
Netflix’s adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s classic 1958 novel, set against the backdrop of the Italian Risorgimento in Sicily.
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Big Boys, 2022
A sitcom following two boys from opposite ends of the “masculinity spectrum” as they become best friends at university.
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Wednesday, Season 2, 2025
The dark and quirky adventures of Wednesday Addams continue at Nevermore Academy.
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Podcasts
Acquired: Google Search
Acquired is a long format podcast that tells the story behind large, well-known brands. In this episode, they look at the story of Google’s most used product: Google Search.
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The real Carrie Jade
An investigative podcast about how a young woman has been able to spend much of her life pretending to be someone she’s not, fooling people across the UK and Ireland.
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Milk Street Radio
A podcast about the small things that can make a big difference in how we live and connect produced by TED’s network.
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Our editions
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Edition 7: Collectibles - an edition on why we collect things, featuring great examples of how this can take place, from the toys who make us who we are to the act of digital curation.
Edition 8: On not aging - an edition on the modern immortality movement. It features an interesting discussion on what endless youth would mean for the world and its overlap with examples straight out of science fiction.
Edition 12: Where we match - an edition on the current state of dating, from dating app fatigue to new dating strategies and platforms. This one hit close to many readers.
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Exhibitions
Vija Celmins at Fondation Beyeler, Basel, until 21 September 2025
A large solo exhibition of Celmins’ delicate drawings, paitings and sculptures.
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Rendezvous of dreams, Surrealism and German Romanticism at Hamburger Kunsthalle, until 12 October 2025
Parallels are traced between the two movements, rooted in basic ideas on the cosmos, nature, dreams, inner visions and community.
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Beirutopia, at Fotomuseum Den Haag until 28 September 2025
A photographic examination of the drastic changes that Beirut has gone through in recent decades.
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Magical Realism: Imagining Natural Dis/order at WIELS, Brussels until 28 September 2025
A collection of artistic perspectives that offer new ideas into the relationship with our planet.
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Hallyu! The Korean Wave at Museum Rietberg, Zurich until 17 August 2025
An exploration of South Korea’s cultural impact worldwide through pop culture, fashion, and contemporary art.
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David Hockney 25 at Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris until 31 August 2025
A major retrospective celebrating 25 years of Hockney’s vibrant artistic production.
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Recipes
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Shows & concerts
Zürcher Theater Spektakel, 14 to 31 August 2025
Zurich’s yearly lakeside summer theatre festival, with dance, music, street artists and shows in various languages.
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IDER at Rotown Rotterdam, 28 August 2025
Live performance of English singer-songwriter duo. Perfect for fans of HAIM or Florence and the Machine.
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DJ set by Kiasmos and Fatima Koanda, Milan, 6 September 2025
At Triennale Milano, a techno evening presented in collaboration with Le Cannibale.
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Online
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User Mag - an independent media Substack that documents how people and movements shape the internet.
NEVER TOO SMALL - a channel dedicated to smart design and creative use of space in apartments and studios.
Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud - the designer invites guests to lie on her couch and talk about fashion and identity. The lineup of guests in recent episodes: Zadie Smith, HAIM, Alessandro Michele, Beth Ditto, JW Anderson.
Tasty Magazine by Nimisha Inc - a Substack filled with curated selections of joyful and well-designed items from tech, fashion, homeware as well as cultural insights.
DamiLee - a YouTube channel where architect Dami Lee explores spaces, design trends, and how we live today.
1 Greeting Per Week - a Substack delivering one greeting card design every week to inspire connection and creativity.
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NOC is a constant work-in-progress. We want to hear your thoughts, recommendations and ideas—reply to the newsletter via email or write to us on social media (LinkedIn or Instagram). Your input will help shape where we go next!
You can browse past editions on our website.
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