From the Group Chat: Mark Zuckerberg’s New Look, “Challengers,” and Energizing Hobbies

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Sunday. Thanks to “April theory,” I’m finally tackling all the things I said I’d do in January, which includes spiffing up my apartment. Particularly now that I’ve gotten some inspo from these incredibly creative 150-square-foot homes. Another brilliant idea? No, not “quarter-life-crisis marathons” — but this woman’s perfectly organized tackle box turned snack box (aka, a “snackle box”). I might have to make one for my next park hang, along with a gummy bear cocktail and these Oreo s’mores. But I think I’ll pass on Chinotto soda, even if it is allegedly “grown-up Diet Coke.” Only Diet Coke is Diet Coke.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

✨ Fly to Disney and back in one day: Masochism or one-and-done genius?

👖 Another week, another early-aughts fashion comeback. This time, we regret to inform you, it’s capri pants — though, they’re supposedly “more elevated than ever.”

🛏  Just in case Drake’s $400,000 bed wasn’t bonkers enough, let us introduce you to the $1 million model. 

💍  Forget photo booths and branded merch — what your wedding apparently needs is an 8-foot-tall Transformer-ish thing that’ll dance the night away. Well, that and “a villainous cape.”

🏀  In things the internet discovered this week: Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend…who she’s been dating for a year. We’ve got to say, the reactions are pretty good.

The same day Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta would be pushing — or, let’s be real, forcing — its AI chatbot on millions, if not billions, of users worldwide, Zuck also debuted a new look. And boy, was it a look. Yes, there was his trademark expensive T-shirt, albeit in a new color. But there was also the hair: longer, looser curls. And, most notably, the silver chain necklace. It’s almost like he wore it to distract us from what he was saying, except apparently it’s one of many Zuck is testing before designing his own “long-term chain.” Some quarters of the internet were very excited about the makeover (the words “DADDY MARK” were used). And that was before a truly scroll-stopping photoshopped beard elicited Gwyneth Paltrow’s Chris Martin comment.

For those just tuning in, Fashion-Forward Zuck has been in the works. Remember the “Yellowstone”-esque shearling coat Zuck sported while chowing down at McDonald’s? The ribbed knit cardigan he wore for date night? Or the black, dragonfly embroidered Alexander McQueen suit? Not to mention the time Zuck corrected a journalist who wrongly identified his sweater as Silicone Valley fave Loro Piana. (It was actually Buck Mason, which Zuck noted was “also fancy.”) And Mr. Zuckerberg is not the only tech titan who’s revamped their wardrobe of late, swapping out the Genius Boy Uniform Hoodie for more elevated, “quiet luxury” looks. Which begs the question: What stylist is responsible for these Valley glow-ups? According to a Meta spokesperson, “Mark mostly buys clothes he finds on Instagram.”

“Challengers” reached must-see status as soon as Zendaya served up that glittery, tennis-themed Loewe gown for the film’s Australian premiere — the start of a month-long method dressing marathon. (To see all her ace tenniscore looks since, click here.) But this spring’s iteration of the stylish tennis movie has other things going for it, starting with the plot. As suggested in the super spicy trailer, the drama follows Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a teen tennis prodigy turned coach, who gets caught up in the games — literal and figurative — between two male players (Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor). Factor in direction by Luca Guadagnino (of “Call Me by Your Name” fame), and no wonder it’s being called “the sexiest movie of the year.”

Energizing hobby? Sounds exhausting. But if you’re chronically busy, chronically scrolling, chronically bed rotting, or somewhere in between (so, everyone), you could apparently benefit from one. That’s because “energizing hobbies” — which, full disclosure, sound a lot like traditional hobbies — activate a flow state that “leaves no room for stress or worry,” according to one clinical psychologist. That’s in addition to potentially boosting dopamine (let’s just say there’s…not a ton of science on this), making us feel more connected, improving sleep, and adding growth or fulfillment that’s not tied to work. Of course, as anyone who went through a baking, crocheting, or bird-watching phase will tell you: Finding a hobby that sticks is hard. But thankfully, “energizing hobbies” has millions of search results on TikTok — meaning, there’s no shortage of ideas.

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Max Lace Up Sneaker

Once upon a time, Dr. Scholl’s was not known for trendy footwear, but we are in the age of the comeback brand, and regardless, these are great. They’re the platform version of the TikTok-famous Time Off sneakers (again, Dr. Scholl’s on TikTok, who knew), and the added height gives them a little edge without getting ridiculous. Obviously, they’re also very comfortable, with a squishy, bouncy sole that offers support when you’re walking long distances. One of our editors likes to wear them to work, pop home, change into a dress, then wear them out to dinner.

You can’t go wrong with a music, gaming, or streaming subscription so they can finally enjoy content with an account that’s got their own name on it. Prefer something you can wrap up? A really good pair of headphones is always a winner, or, if you’re feeling generous, a new computer. Better yet, give them Apple Gift Card so they can choose from all of the above — and so much more. Whether you send it in an email or gift it in person, they’ll love deciding how to use it. Hats off to that.*

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Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.