Bill Burr on Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic is too funny

Also: 1) How to talk to kids. 2) Why ragebait is an awful way to persuade me. 3) A list of classic movies for teens.

Burr on Novoselic

Nirvana reunited with Post Malone on vocals for SNL50. Bill Burr was there and what he had to say about Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic was too funny:

There's so many people that pretend they don't give a f–. That guy just does not give a f- in a really good way. First of all, he went bald like a shoe salesman. He never shaved the whole thing to try to make it look like maybe he knows some jujitsu. He went bald like Bob Newhart as a rock star. Doesn't give a f–.

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How to talk to kids

When I was growing up, my mom's cousin, Donald "Red" Freeman, was always my fave family member at gatherings. The way he interacted with me gave me a blueprint of how to interact with kids (i.e. assume they're smart) that I've retained to this day.

Here's a note I wrote to his son after his recent passing...

I heard about the passing of your father and I just wanted to reach out and extend my condolences.

Upon hearing the news, I reflected on my interactions with your dad and something came to mind that I can't recall if I ever communicated to you about him. When I was a kid, your dad was always my favorite person to see at family functions (dinners, passover, thanksgiving, etc.). The reason: He was the only who treated me as if I had something to say. I was a kid and everyone else would talk to me that way, like I was just a child. But your dad, I don't know if he saw something in me or was just this way with everyone or what, he took time out to really talk. He got down on my level and we'd chat about sports and he'd ask me questions about the Yankees or football and then life and school too –– and it wasn't that condescending kiddie talk you get at that age. Sure, he was funny and had that bubbly energy. But for me, it was always that he took the time out to treat me like a real human being even though I was just a youngin' that stood out for me. It's a memory that's stuck with me for my entire life and I thought you (and maybe others close to him) might want to know. He had that mojo and I could sense it even back then.

May his memory be a blessing. Thinking of you and the family and sending positive vibrations your way.

All my best,
Matt

Takeaway: Treat kids as tiny adults and you might be surprised at the impact it can have (and what you get out of them).

RIP Donald “Red” Freeman.

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How to persuade me

A friend of mine keeps sending me ragebait posts on X about Israel/Gaza/Trump/etc. I’ve been trying to explain to him why this is such a poor way to convince me of anything so I wrote him this email: