An email newsletter about lots of things from Jason Rodriguez. A little writing, a few links, and always a recommendation for what to listen to next.

Regular Communication #018

From Jason Rodriguez

I'll keep this intro short.

We're one week away from the US elections. I want you to remember this:

Voting for Harris/Waltz (and Democrats up and down the ticket) is of the greatest importance.

It matters for you, for those you love, for the environment, for the longterm viability of the United States (despite its many, many flaws)... It is, quite literally, one of the most important choices you'll make this or any election year. Don't be an asshole—vote for Democrats, even if you don't like them. It is, truly, the only option.

Not sure how to go about voting? Vote.org can help out.

Interesting Things

You absolutely need to do this in order:

  1. Go watch Cabel Sasser’s talk from XOXO Festival. To the very end, please.
  2. Then go here, but only after you watched the whole video.
  3. Enjoy.

Here's the rare fun use for surveillance: Bop Spotter monitors a single part of the Mission in San Francisco—with a microphone and Shazam running 24 hours a day—and posts the bops online.

Here's some excellent advice for anyone sending an email newsletter, from a ton of people in the game.

A post from Preston Thorpe hit the front page of Hacker News, and it was a great reminder that any technological magic can be understood with enough work. Finally understanding that magic is an intoxicating feeling—one that I've felt a few times and continue to chase. But that post led me to Preston's incredible and inspiring story as a currently incarcerated developer and how he's approaching reclaiming his life after years in the prison system.

I have no notes on this at all.

Finally, congrats to Dave Winer on 30 years (!) of blogging 👏

Some Music

Bon Iver's new EP, SABLE, is out. I wish it was a full album, it's very good. My favorite of the four (I mean, really it's three) is AWARDS SEASON. Those little background touches of music in an otherwise a cappella performance are just wonderful. Go check it out if you haven't already.

Go vote blue,
Jason

 

Thanks for signing up for Regular Communication. If you get sick of me, you can always unsubscribe from this list. No hard feelings. And, if you need to, you can View this online.

Send your condolences, unused musical instruments, and favorite books to:
16914 Shrewsbury, Livonia, MI 48154