THE COMEBACK

Brendan Coady
Sep 6, 2018 · 2 min read

And now I’m back! Like I never left (I never left)…

Sorry for the hiatus. Going to try this newsletter thing again a la Austin Kleon style. I’ve been loving his newsletters, and he’s someone I respect, so here’s 10 links to get you over the mid-week slump! (Let’s see if i can do this more than one week 😅)

  1. All about them Thrift Store Finds! Check out all these amazing pre-loved books, for $20! Who even needs Amazon?! Check out a local thrift store close to you. You might be surprised.
  2. I did a yearly reflection post. You can find it here.
  3. I’ve gotten back into playing the piano in my apartment. It takes up a ton of room (I have a tiny, tiny apartment), but it does bring me a lot of joy. This is a song I’ve been enjoying. Sheet music is here. And another one.
  4. I’ve been listening to Tyler Cowen’s podcast Conversations with Tyler every day on my way to and from work. Loving it so far. I’ve learned a ton. Just check out this one with David Brooks for starters. Then dive headlong into Marginal Revolution. You’re welcome.
  5. Speaking of Marginal Revolution and Tyler Cowen, I’ve been adoring Tyler’s 6 rules for dining out. Combine with Portuguese Custard Tarts (to find the best bakeries) and Middle Eastern food (to expand my shwarma repertoire).
  6. The girlfriend and I just bought a car (!!!) but I still walk to work. I’ve been contemplating the difference the cityscape makes whether you are on foot or in a vehicle. This article sums up many of my feelings nicely. Will likely write about this in the next few weeks.
  7. Paolo Pietropaolo does it again. If you enjoy classical music, check this out. Follow it immediately after with the Signature Series. Some of the best audiocasting I’ve ever heard.
  8. I’ve been thinking a lot about this article from a former Apple and Oculus engineer. The idea of non-negotiables, and determining those up front, as well as her insights about prototyping are alone worth reading this article for.
  9. I’ve been revisiting Julie Zhou’s blog. So much wisdom in there.
  10. I’ve been reading Scott Adams’ (creator of Dilbert) book How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big and seriously loving every minute of it. He is a remarkably clear thinker, and although I would argue this book doesn’t really fall in the “self help” category, it’s one of the best self-help books I’ve ever read.

Thanks for reading!

Ciao

Brendan

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Mechanical Designer. Hardware Enthusiast. VFC 2015 Alumni.

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