Issue 003

Welcome to our May newsletter. Round out your font collection, go old school with a phonebook for the web, and catch Akshara's presentation on welcoming absurdity into your work if you missed our last meetup. stay ready via taurean 1 — pangram-pangram's font starter pack turns 7 It’s hard to get me to shut up about my love for Pangrams and unfortunately for Pedro, the latest font starter pack made it even harder. Although the terms only fit small 0 ➞ 1 projects, FSP7 now has commercial licenses depending on the tier. $49 for 5 commercial project licenses from 71 typefaces with a ton of character (pun intended, I’m not sorry). 2 — javascript turns 30. deno takes us back in time. It’s been 84 30 years since JavaScript emerged. JS has infiltrated every crevice of the modern world like internet microplastics, but that wasn’t always the case. Deno highlights how we got here. At least it’s not Flash? 2 — in defense of reinventing the wheel “Don’t reinvent the wheel” is one of those phrases that feels really obvious until it’s challenged. Like other words of wisdom, the decision to follow it usually comes down to “it depends.” Matthias Endler summarizes how the benefits can outweigh the cons. stay curious via pedro 1 — a phone book...for websites Do you remember phone books? It's okay if you don't. The Internet Phone Book is a creation from Kristoffer Tjalve and Elliott Cost that is "an annual publication for exploring the vast poetic web, featuring essays, musings and a directory with the personal websites of hundreds of designers, developers, writers, curators, and educators." In the pages you'll find a directory of websites instead of phone numbers. Even cooler, you can dial a site and be taken to the appropriate URL while flipping through. 2 — one of the best omakase experiences in nyc When I visited Japan in 2023, I got spoiled by good sushi. Call me bougie, but when I returned to NYC, I could no longer enjoy takeout sushi. Japan ruined me (for the better IMO) and now whenever I crave sushi, I go to an omakase. Last month, I visited Takeda, an omakase restaurant opened by Chef Yukihiro Takeda. This was hands down the best sushi I've ever had in NYC, and I can't wait to go back. If you're in town and want to splurge on high-quality fish, flavors, and technique—go here. 3 — a receipt you'd want to actually keep Imagine a world where you're fascinated by receipts. Stop imagining, it's real. Coffee receipt stories is a website by Odding that combines storytelling, art, (and of course) receipts, from around the world. Browse and click through this site and get lost in the humanity from something most people just throw out. --- updates - At our latest meetup, Akshara Dash blew us away with her talk "Welcoming Absurdity into Your Creative Process." If you missed it, no worries - you can check out the recording on YouTube and see what all the hype is about. - We’ve added a new social media channel! Follow us on Are.na where you’ll see us share mood boards and archives from previous newsletters. - Our next meetup is June 20th with Ken Voskuil as our guest speaker. Watch Bluesky for the topic announcement and RSVP on Luma. from the community: Ron Bronson muses about repair vs design, Igor Stumberger reaches a new milestone with Dockey, Justin Mabee considers building an MLB schedule app (maybe with one of you?), Akshara Dash shows off some homemade coasters, and Paul Chin completes another lap around the sun (happy birthday Paul!). Lastly Janelle Amores, James Lyons, and Larissa Oh mourns the loss of Read.cv. Gone but not forgotten 🕊️ --- We're three for three (3&3?) on fantastic presentations from y'all and are amped for the next one. If you've thought about presenting but are unsure, reach out via bluesky or email. We can talk through ideas or address concerns you may have. We're happy to answer questions or provide support. If you have a topic to pitch, share it with us via the google form! --- ✌ Pedro & Taurean bluesky ✦ lu.ma ✦ youtube