Newsletter: week of 4/14

Hello from the sky! I am currently en route to Seattle to build the solar trailer of my dreams with my friend Brendan.

It's been a bit of a hurry up and wait sort of week for me. I started by getting a social video out (big win because I'm trying to grow my presence on IG/TikTok even though I would rather be making YouTube videos) and then rushing to put a YouTube video together, only to find out I had the embargo wrong. Which was a huge relief because I didn't love how the video was shaping up, and it always feels nice not to have to pull an all-nighter to get a video out. But it also means there is no mid-form video this week. Sorry about that, bud. I promise I gottchu next week!

As far as tech news is concerned, this week we saw the release of a new Polaroid camera, which I am still carrying around and loving, the start of the antitrust trial between Meta and the FTC, news that Open AI has plans to launch a social network, a new pair of Nikes that have built in batteries for heating and massaging athelet's feet, and a Skullcandy / Bose collab?? Wild!

But that's not even the best stuff I read, watched, and listened to! Scroll down for all of that.

The view as I write, captured by Polaroid's new Flip camera.

What I read this week:

The Ocean Spectacle that Has Entranced Sailors for Centuries
Why did no one tell me about the milky sea before this!! So damn cool.

The 2025 Uber Lost & Found Index
"Hoverboard and a mini fridge" would have me saying "finders keepers."

Way too much about Smokey Bear
What started as eBay shopping for vintage outdoor posters quickly turned into learning way too much about an "advertising icon." I highly recommend both the shopping and reading! That Smokey is a fascinating guy.

What I watched this week:

Cycling The Most Beautiful Country In Asia
Bernardo is back with another banger. His journey through Asia has been incredibly inspiring to me as I gear up for a ride of my own. I have been studying every angle, every possible camera used, and, most importantly, how he structures his stories.

Casual Cuts With ZeroCool
Riding a double-decker fixed-gear bike is wild, and then choosing to ride it through the streets of NYC is simply insane.

Because Computers Are Stupid.
I hate that I got conned into watching a watch ad, and I hate that I loved almost every bit of it.

I Finally Tried a Leica Camera… And Now I’m Confused
Love me a hot-take Lecia video, but even more than that, all the other cameras that make appearances in this one. Did I see a Pentax 17??

What I listened to this week: (apparently only songs that start with an S...)

Sweet Danger - Obongjayar

Sisyphus (Live on KEXP) - Andrew Bird

Shark Smile (Live from Pitchfork Music Festival 2018) - Big Theif

Snow on The Bluff - evening elephants

Ok, folks! I am off the build that trailer that will hopefully power me accross New York State 🤞. Sending you all the best for a great weekend!
-Becca