I think it was that Netflix documentary about social media a few years back where they imagined the algorithm as three people standing in a room observing what a person looks at on social media, and they’re like, “Let’s show them a picture of a puppy,” “OK, that didn’t work, try showing them a political post,” et cetera. I imagine the same thing happening at YouTube and someone was like, “OK, Brendan just logged in—I bet you $100 he’ll watch a 13-minute video about the history of Dunkin’ Donuts.” And they were right. (video)
C.W. Moss, 36 years old, has designed his family’s Christmas card every year since he was 3 years old. I think my favorite might be the “Merry Christmas from the Christs” one. (Via Kottke.org)
This is a fun way to look back on the year, even if I don’t know what a solid 25 percent of them mean—The 84 Sentences That Explain 2023
I try to have a good variety of links in this newsletter, but I discovered this one on The Ringer a few minutes after I found the 84 Sentences That Explain 2023 piece on The Ringer, and I love it, so here you go: The Definitive Ranking of Cars in Pop Culture
Wanna just look at some interesting architecture? OK, here’s a list of 8 Geometrical Wonders That Are Also Houses
I get the impression that this isn’t that new, but this image: Google Maps literally using a camel
I am a little behind on sharing this since he meant for it to help people during the holiday season, but this piece on Austin Kleon’s blog about finding a little time to do your creative practice, whatever it is, really hit home for me. (I mean, I barely had the time and space to read it last week!)
—Brendan