Mark as Read - Issue 4

Intro / Preface / Extra Words

Guess who's back

Back again. It's time for my randomly scheduled and inconsistently delivered newsletter. You'll notice a new category this week, f00d. That's a reference to the only Pinterest board I use (yes, I use Pinterest). This exciting new category will be a place I can share recipes or writing about food.

Also, you'll notice I've called out a few folks who shared links. You too can be as famous as these fellow subscribers by sending me links. You can text them, email them, or reply directly back to this newsletter with them. If you definitely don't want me to use your link, you can even fax it.

Enjoy.

Current Things

VPNs Are Absolutely a Solution to a Policy Problem

If you care about your online privacy in any way, now is a good time to start learning some new words. This article has a good recommendation, and I got it from my buddy Ted on the Facebooks. And another buddy of mine who is way smarter than you and me recommends this service to set up a VPN if you're interested (thanks Trey).

Timeless Things

Fred Rogers testifies before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications

I'm not including this to comment on the current administration's rumored defunding of public broadcasting, but I think that's probably the reason it was shared enough to show up on my Facebook feed. Regardless of that, this is a great man speaking honestly about his concern that media targeted at children isn't concerned enough about the children's wellbeing. I love that, and I also love that he cared enough to devote most of his life to creating content that encouraged and empowered children.

Random Things

Nike - 15 Years of SB Dunk

I love the look of Nike's SB line, but I've always been too afraid of looking like a poser to actually buy a pair. This website is really well-done, and full of beautiful shoes you can buy. Click at your own risk.

Food

Once We Listened to the Beatles. Now We Eat Beetles.

This article isn't actually about eating beetles. Ain't nobody got time for that. This article is about how the food scene has supplanted the music scene in American culture. It also has a Kendrick Lamar shoutout, which I support 100%. Next time you're planning on eating at a fancy new restaurant, read this before you go and use it to trigger some interesting socio-economic convo. Shoutout to Gerry for the link.

Business Time

A Ridiculously Simple Tool For Building Products People Love

I've read a tiny little bit on the Jobs To Be Done framework, so I can't comment much on that yet. But I think the proposed statement to align your team is really good, and I feel this guy on the "late adopter of Snapchat" situation. Honestly, still not entirely sure how that app works. But I open it sometimes.

Work / Productivity

33 lessons from the trenches of building a million dollar company

I really enjoy Josh Pigford's writing. JD Graffam, the owner of Simple Focus (where I work) actually bought an app from a company Josh used to work for, and I help run it now. This post was helpful to me and should be just as enjoyable for you if you've got an entrepreneurial spirit.

I love technology (and science)

Six Ancient Legends That Are Based On Real Events

Please, forgive me sharing a site full of click-bait, intrusive ads, and subpar writing. It's like the stuff that plays before the movie in the theater: it's mostly garbage, but sometimes there are little tidbits of trivia in there that make you actually go out and do a little research. Or giggle. Share in my stupid guilty pleasure.

Issue 4 April 3rd 2017