Weekly Links for September 1st

A new month, fried chicken, kindles, and anonymous clothing.

It’s been a busy August here in the Bay Area, but it’s starting to get cooler, and fall is coming along quickly. XOXO is next weekend, and lots of rad folks will be there. If you don’t attend, this year’s talks should be available online in a few months. Also, I read a lot this month, and some of the books were really good! If you need a recommendation, that link should help.

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Links

• Maybe you’ve heard, but there’s a new mass-produced chicken sandwich in the world. I can’t try it because they use milk in its production, but I’ve heard it’s… alright? I think if you want a great chicken sandwich, it’s hard to beat Basilisk. Portland is arguably less convenient than wherever a Popeye’s is located, but if you’re anywhere in the NW, hold off until then.

• If you find yourself driving to get a chicken sandwich, read this article about the relationship between cars and houses in the US. It’s frustrating how shitty the transit situation is in the states, and how it’s the intentional creation of greedy oil barons. Blargh!

• Speaking of greedy jerks, how about that Kindle, eh? I’ve had a few, and read on my Oasis every night, but between micro-usb (seriously?!?), and the distinct lack of anything beyond books, the Kindle feels like a device resting on its laurels. I hope someone challenges Amazon’s dominance in ebooks, because I can’t imagine them suddenly innovating without a reason.

• If the last few links got you riled-up about design, maybe you’d like learn how to be a simplifier. Design is often saying no to the right things, and finding ways to reduce friction for your users, regardless of the medium.

• Finally, one of my favorite authors, William Gibson, wrote prophetically of an anonymous, brand-free clothing style in Pattern Recognition. One of my favorite recent compliments was a friend saying my style reminds him of Cayce Pollard. I like to think I dress like an efficient spy.

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Curl up next to your pets, and enjoy the shorter days. Before you know it, everything will taste of pumpkins and spices~