In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the coiffed Californian camp of Ryan Murphy’s The Shards, KATSEYE’s continued reign as the queens of sensory overload brainrot pop, and a new cast of nominatively absurd figures including Igby Rigney, Stella Lefty, Chanty Beluga, and Nimrod Workman. We also ponder Ella Langley as the new poster girl of American alt-lite, and we consider the uncomfortable indignity of life after fleeting virality as illustrated by Jools Lebron and the Love Island USA cast. Perhaps most importantly, we pause to mourn the loss of American Founding Mother and universal aphorist Dolly Parton :(
Links:
Dolly Parton and her parents sing “In the Pines” (1976)
“Evening Shade” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton last health update vide on Instagram
TikTok #searchfordolly audition videos (exhibit A, exhibit B)
“How ‘The Shards’ Blew Up at HBO — and Ended Up in Ryan Murphy’s Hands” by Benjamin Svetkey in The Hollywood Reporter
Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere shot by Steven Meisel for Vogue September 2026 Cover Story
Kaia Gerber prompts BBL accusations in Alaïa F/W 2026
Kaia Gerber says she had an exorcism performed on her with a didgeridoo
Nymphet Alumni Ep. 6: The Milf-ification of Billie Eilish (Emergency Roundtable)
First look of Billie Eilish as Esther Greenwood on the set of The Bell Jar dir. Sarah Polley
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Official Teaser from HBO Max
“Happee Birthdae Harry” merch in the Harry Potter Japan Store
Poppi x RushTok x Love Island USA (exhibit A, exhibit B)
Jools Lebron original GoFundMe video and her Jeffree Star read
KATSEYE (캣츠아이) – “Hootie Frutti” (Official Music Video)
KATSEYE choreographer Grant Gilmore on TikTok
Ella Langley –“Be Her” (Official Music Video)
Ella Langley’s Shiner beer collab party trick
Ella Langley feat. “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees
“The Untold Story of Sierra Ferrell: Train-Hopping to Stardom” on YouTube
Stella Lefty – “Boston” Review in Pitchfork (“Stick Season” obsession evidence)
A woman named “Chanty Beluga” introduces herself at a pool party
Evan Lazarus in defense of Chanty Beluga
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez’s wedding shot by Juergen Teller for Vogue
