I’ve just returned from the trip of a lifetime after nearly 46 hours of being awake and traveling home. Exhaustion doesn’t really capture how it feels to do such a long haul, but somehow I got through it, and it was absolutely worth it.
You see, I finally had the chance to go to Cambodia and travel on The Khmer Magic Music Bus as it brought traditional Cambodian musicians into towns and villages to demonstrate their expertise. Along the way I also got to explore four different regions of the country and meet so many wonderful, talented people.
I’ll be posting travel reflections on my site this month if you’re interested in learning more about this extraordinary work and land. Being away, seeing how others live through hardships and celebrate triumphs, it’s made me think quite a bit about home. I think my country has now changed to the extent that there’s no going back to the way it was. My remaining years will not be as I’d expected. It’s no longer a matter of waiting things out; it’s now about moving things forward, however that may be.
My Picks
Summer is here! These links are perfect for some sunny day downtime:
The Buena Vista Social Club Tiny Desk Concert
I’ve had the good fortune to see the Buena Vista Social Club production on Broadway, and I was blown away by the experience. Watch this NPR Tiny Desk Concert and see why it’s worth it to get a ticket (every seat in the house is great, and these musicians are on fire).
A History of the Internet, Part 2
Jeremy Reimer continues his excellent Ars Technica series about the early days of the Internet. Part 2 covers the transition of Internet use from a small group of hobbyists, academics, and nerds to just about everybody, thanks to the invention of the World Wide Web in 1990.
That Dropped Call with Customer Service? It Was On Purpose.
Chris Colin reflects on his personal experience and research about dealing with customer service to try to solve a problem in this Atlantic article. We’ve all been there. I’ve been worn down by corporate rabbit holes until I finally gave up plenty of times, and always end up feeling like a loser even though I realize it’s my best option. I’ve kept going at it for far too long to make it worthwhile, too, but often to no avail, which end up making me wonder if I’m a bit crazy. But I’ve also stuck to it and won a few times. Those victories are among the sweetest.
I like to work with background music, and SomaFM is my favorite online radio station. It heavily skews toward electronic genres, but also has some great 70’s rock, alternative, soul, jazz, and pop channels. Drone Zone is perfect when I want to focus, Groove Salad is great when I need a little energy, and Deep Space One is my most frequent choice — just enough to keep me interested without taking away my concentration.
Recently Published
Here’s what I published in June:
The older I get, the more I see how important failure has been to my success. In this post I explore this seeming contradiction, and how it’s manifested itself in my life. While I certainly don’t look forward to failure, it really is the only way I can fully grow as a person, reveal new directions and potential, and learn to trust that setbacks are not always what they first seem.
Beyond Q & A: Teaching AI as a Thought Partner
Toward the end of the school year I had my first experience teaching AI literacy to older students, in grades 10-12. It was fantastic, and I learned a ton. Here’s my full debrief, including takeaways.
In the Groove
It’s been good to be away from the studio for a while. The fresh perspective and sense of a clean, new slate is exciting. My energy feels different now — renewed, but with a different focus.
Mostly, I think I need to reconnect to the fun of experimentation and relax about the production aspect. One will lead to the other, and I have the whole rest of summer to explore, twiddle, and delight in sonic atmospheres.
I also took several field recordings in Cambodia, and am inspired to use them in creative ways. I can’t wait to find out what results!
Until Next Time
I hope you’re able to enjoy some summer peace and downtime. I know I’m going to do everything I can to recharge and renew my commitment to living right, showing gratitude for the incredible people in my life, and having fun.
Until August, which kicks off my favorite time of year!