Friday Donuts: What I've been up to
Happy Friday! It’s been a wild few weeks since I last sent a newsletter out. A lot to catch up on, including a trip to Europe and some professional developments.
But first, a word on social media: X, formerly Twitter, is still the dominant form of communication. People keep trying to come up with alternatives but they don’t stick. (RIP Threads.) But X also sucks. And not even because of the things Elon has done to it — I think it’s widely overstated that he “ruined” the platform — but because of the kinds of conversations that are being had. Without even venturing into the Isreal-Palestine conflict, even unimportant NBA conversations can turn toxic in an instant. The Damian Lillard saga, for me, was the last straw. My goal on X is to tweet out my stories and podcasts, interact with the people I’m actually friends with and the hell with everyone else. It’s just not a place to amass a real following anymore.
Because of this, I’m shifting my attention strongly to Instagram. Instagram is mostly a one-way conversation (I show you a picture, you like it, we all move on about our day) and that’s why it’s GREAT. We can message privately about things we share, and so we don’t have to worry about clout or saying something that gets spun out of context. Please follow me, if you’re not already, on Instagram. Same as the X handle, (@)wcgoldberg. I also have been experimenting with TikTok, so find me there, too.
Now on to the donuts…
🍩 ICYMI: On Miami Heat media day, we got together with some Heat players to eat some Oreos for a bit on Locked On Heat. I think it’s worth checking out. (And the interviews with the players aren’t half bad, either).
🍩 Also this morning, I ran my latest piece for The Ringer. This one is on Tyler Herro and his summer of being in trade rumors. A couple of my favorite bits:
Herro was at lunch with Erik Spoelstra when he found out Damian Lillard was getting traded to Milwaukee. I still can’t believe that happened.
I asked Herro if in July he thought he’d ever play for the Heat again. “I thought I was out of here,” Herro said. “I damn near had my shit packed up.”
And this: So I asked Herro: What do you think your trade value should be?
“I’m one of the best young scorers in the league,” he said, “and I have the potential to be the best scorer in the NBA at some point.”
Here’s the piece: https://www.theringer.com/nba/2023/10/20/23923722/tyler-herro-trade-rumors-heat-damian-lillard
Also, front page A1 spot on The Ringer? 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🍩 Professional developments: Yes, I have that piece for The Ringer. Hoping to do more and more stuff for them this season. We’ll see. Also have some other irons in the fire on other things (TBD) but here’s what I know: Daily Miami Heat coverage on Locked On Heat (YouTube, wherever you get podcasts) and at AllUCanHeat.com. The website has come a long way since I took it over in the playoffs and we’ve assembled a young but passionate staff. Really looking forward to what we can put together this season.
🍩 Top 5 Europe Takeaways
My wife and I went to London, Paris and Madrid this summer. Here’s what I learned about people in Europe.
Very few of them are on their phones when they are out. People sit at a table and talk.
Everyone smokes cigarettes.
In Paris, you sit with your coffee but walk when eating a sandwich. No croissants after 11 a.m.
Worried you’re an alcoholic? Go to Europe. You’ll fit right in.
Everyone — and I mean EVERYONE — in Europe loves Five Guys.
*BONUS: In Spain, when you order your drink they will just bring you free food. It’s not, like, a Ribeye, but it can be like potato chips, bread and ham, whatever. Just something to pick at. Why don’t we do that here? Especially in big cities? Free idea if you’re opening a bar and want to get some instant business.