This week on The Deep Dive: The Guinness Book of Corporate Shills, today’s rom-coms are missing that Nora Ephron touch, what COVID-19 and “relatable” influencers taught us about hygiene culture, a reminder that Ozempic is just medicine so we can all relax now (and remember who actually needs it), and how conservative comedy hides its nonsense political statements behind bad jokes.

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BUSINESS

How Guinness RUINED World Records by Pinely (30:09)

Literally, what is going on here? I knew The Guinness Book of World Records was tainted by corporate interests, but I didn’t realize that corporate interests became the only reason it even exists anymore?! In this video, Pinely takes a closer look at the world record organization than any of us have since the last time we checked out one of its shiny books at the library 20 years ago. The Guinness Book of World Records started as a laminated pamphlet for bar patrons to settle arguments over random facts, which is so adorable I could cry. But it turns out the internet kind of threw a wrench in all of that, so Guinness (yes, the same brand as the beer) had to pivot to PR campaigns. All I can say is as a former publicist, I really should have known better because who needs to hold the world record for “most trusted celebrity”?

FILM

Anatomy of a Rom Com by Broey Deschanel (42:17)

How many Broey Deschanel videos am I going to recommend? Yes. Hopefully, you won’t hate me too much for it, but I promise this video really is that good. After a wave of awkward and hard-to-watch marketing featuring two people who had a will-they-won’t-they romance of their own, Anyone But You was the rom-com revival we needed, but not the one we deserved. In this video, Broey Deschanel breaks down what makes a good rom-com using Nora Ephron’s slightly outdated yet iconic masterpieces of the 80s, 90s, and 00s – a time before early 2010s irony cannibalized the genre. What does Anyone But You get wrong about world-building? Why is it easier to root for Harry and Sally, Jane from 27 Dresses, and Bridget Jones than it is for us to buy into Bea and Ben’s love story? And for the love of god, can we please do something about all that commercial gloss?

If you’re also dreaming of better cities, let’s meet up at the Strong Towns National Gathering!

You already know The Deep Dive loves imagining a future with better, walkable, and more livable cities, which is why I truly cannot wait to go to the Strong Towns National Gathering (May 14-15 in Cincinnati). The only thing that could make it even better is seeing you there! Register for the event here and use code HAYAK2024 to get 10% off General Admission tickets. If you buy tickets, hit reply and let me know so I can connect you with other rabbits who will be attending!