Universal and familiar [322]
Greetings from my shed...
Back in the shack!
#TheAction
Hope all is good your end. So much has happened since we last got to chat.
I’ve been getting back to doing workshops. Both remote and face to face. This one was fun…
It was delivered remotely and we discussed the creative process and workflow up until you’re ready to record your first video or audio.
Then, my first face to face workshop for a long while took place with the wonderful people at Anatomical Concepts. It’s hard to get to the tears of laughter stage through a screen. And we spent a lot of the two days in that place. So much fun. Thanks to CJ for the invite. I won’t tell you what happened when Jackie laughed.
It really is great being back out training in the flesh. Weirdly after sharing a few examples of Tom Scott’s video production methods who should drop by? Only the hardest working man on YouTube himself.
I’ve known Tom since Thinking Digital 2010 where we both talked. Back then, although he was known for defying the Government by ignoring the takedown notice for PreparingForEmergencies.co.uk, a stint on Sky TV and generally being a great speaker and storyteller, I don’t think he was doing much Youtube. If any. Now that’s what he’s known for most. By millions.
It was great discussing how things have changed and getting a sneak peak at his workflow. I have huge admiration for Tom. His sense of humour, his dedication to sharing throughly researched accessible facts and his championing of curiosity and all things nerdy.
I also went to the dentist this week and she told my two baby teeth haven’t got long. I’ll soon need to replace them with implants allegedly costing £3000 each. Not ever having had anything more than a filling (about 20 years ago) I’ve gotten used to the yearly £30 check up. So £3000 per implant came as a bit of a shock. Anyone had implants recently? You can buy an electric car for £6000. Is it worth me heading overseas for the treatment? Apparently if you get work done abroad the fittings might not be compatible if you need them redoing later on. Patiently awaiting your advice ;-)
In other news, Supporting subscriber Tim Leroy asked me if I could check who was brave enough to click the very last link in issue 321 but I could not find a way. I did however discover that there is a section in the backend of Substack where I can see who has unsubscribed. I must apologise for not knowing this existed as I turned off unsubscribe notifications in fear of them getting to me. I don’t have notifications for the emails so this was all new. I’m glad I got to see the reasons. I contacted all those who unsubscribed because their situation had changed and it was now a bit of a stretch. Outside of the one anti-vaxer there were some lovely messages explaining why people could not continue to be supporting subscribers.
The pandemic has affected us in different ways. As much as I wish the uptake for this email could grow, I also understand everyone else also has bills to pay.
Off the back of those emails I had a great chat with Dan Sumption who has made some massive changes in his life. He has written about it here. Please check out his blog and linked projects.
#ThePictures
A great collection of typography from an unexpected place.
61 graffiti artists share their styles. Thanks to @Artpod for the link
The Most Photographed American of the 19th Century.
#TheWords
I have decided to start a radio focused newsletter. It wasn’t an easy decision as I’m not sure if I can handle the extra workload. But it does mean that you will see less radio stuff here and I can now share my radio journey in a place where I don’t have to hold back. The emails will mostly be free, but if you are a supporting subscriber here and also a licensed amateur radio operator, let me know and I’ll sub you a free subscription to 73 from G5DOC. (The rushed logo/avatar might change)
Please share to your radio loving friends. Or any friends. Or anyone at all.
This dispatch will of course be my main focus, but I’d really like to make something of this new endeavour.
The five best art books of 2021.
It looks like someone has lost interest in masonic conspiracy and dumped a load of books in my local phonebox library.
Let me know if there is anything you fancy.
#TheSound
Spotify is having podcasting troubles. First this. Then the Joe Rogan vs Neil Young thing.
#TheConsumed
Here are a few of the things I got to consume in Scotland.
The highlight was a meal in Cocktails and Steaks on Burns night. I ate my first and who knows possibly last Chateaubriand steak (hard to find) named after François-René de Chateaubriand.
When I think of Scotland I can’t help but think of haggis, whisky and porridge. But none are originally from Scotland. Oat porridge has been found in Scandinavia and Central Europe in 5000 year old bodies, haggis is originally from Greece and Whisky was invented in Mesopotamia or China.
The Scots still have a lot to be proud of though. Outside of inventing Bovril, cornflour, lime cordial, marmalade and possibly Chicken Tikka Masala, they also invented non-edible things.
The 10 coolest restaurants to eat at in 2022 (according to experts).
I struggle to get all the onions in a standard hotdog roll so I really am going to try this.
#TheThings
Smell is a thing right?
I’m in half a mind to add a section on smell after reading Rob Walker in The Art of Noticing mention something he read in the magnet on smell journalling. Read his extracts here.
I used to wear a different deodorant on overseas trips and then store the can with the photos. That way when looking at the photos I could trigger more memories with a little spray of the scent from that time. I’ll have to check the attic but I’m pretty sure it was the 90’s version of this brand. The one on the left.
I got told off for bringing home a bunch of sample tubes of toothpaste from the dentist. It was the plastic waste that was the issue and even though they don’t dish freebies out anymore and they were destined for the bin, it got me thinking about more eco options. I remember travelling with a powdered paste years ago and found this site selling all sorts or alternatives to a plastic tube. The Ethical Superstore also has a decent choice. If you recommend a specific alternative to plastic tubed paste please let me know in the comments.
#TheWeb
The exciting world of autonomous electric trains.
The Documentally community map is still collecting souls.
‘I have a responsibility to speak about it’: a wrongfully imprisoned artist making art from his ordeal.
Where are your gods now? If ever there should be a dose of smiting it should be upon those who think it’s fine to data mine personal prayers. Talk about an expectation or privacy.
This might make you unstoppable. On the insanity of being a scrabble enthusiast.
This could go anywhere… Why don’t you add to it?
#TheEnd
Thanks for reading. And being a supporting subscriber if you are. If you are still thinking about it, it’s my birthday next Thursday. I’ll be… [deep breath] 50. I know right? Coincidentally that’s about the same as a yearly subscription to this dispatch. ;-)
“A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between work and play; labor and leisure; mind and body; education and recreation. He hardly knows which is which.”
~ René de Chateaubriand
Stay young,
See you out there.
Over…
