Every Election Matters
Every Election Matters
This Tuesday, November 2nd, is election day in America. It's one of those lesser known elections since, at least here in Austin, Texas, there are no candidates on the ballots for municipal, state or federal spots, and we're three years off from the next presidential election. With that being said it is still important to read up on the issues and go vote.
I'm speaking from a Texan, specifically an Austin Texan, point of view in this edition but I believe my ideas hold up everywhere. Here in Austin the polls this year are all about propositions, both for the city and the state. These propositions are policies we are voting as a city (and state) directly on. Instead of city council members or congress debating and voting on these proportions through representation we are given direct access as a community to say specifically what we want to happen. This is as direct as democracy can get, and in a sense it means your vote matters the most in these elections, and that is very empowering.
This election, sexy or not, is just as important as any election on any year. If you can take time off to go vote this Tuesday I highly encourage you to do it. If you're looking for resources may I suggest Vote411 by The League of Women Voters. All you got to do is plug in your address and the tool will show you a handy list of everything on your ballot.
Project Updates
From the Quadrant
A Reflection on my Sober October - I spent the past four weeks without drinking any alcohol. These are my thoughts.
From the Webb
Enjoy it While It Lasts - We exist within a sliver of a sliver of a sliver of a sliver of time. Enjoy it while it lasts.
The Bowl - Mike found Julia's bowl of spices, and now Mike can't stop eating.
From the Lab
Morning Pages Review - In this episode we take a look at the practice of "morning pages" a creative exercise that's supposed to warm up your creative muscles and help spark new ideas. As per usual I found a way to modify it for my digital lifestyle. Listen to find out what we think!
Recommendations
Podcast
Above The Mess - Are you somebody who has dozens of interests and passions? Do you love hearing others talk about their many projects and how they get them done? Well then Above The Mess is the podcast for you. Hosts Madi, Izzy, and Rosemary discuss in this fortnightly podcasts how they manage to juggle so many different passions and projects while working full time jobs as well. A great podcasts hosted by some great people!
Where Did Trick-Or-Treating Come From? by Stuff You Should Know - Just because Halloween is over it doesn't mean that it's too late to learn of its history. Stuff You Should Know is one of the best shows out there if you enjoy two dude talking about what they've learned on a certain topic. In this episode Josh & Chuck take a look back on the history and evolution of trick-or-treating throughout the times.
YouTube
Why are we still widening highways in US cities? by City Beautiful - I35 through Austin is a hot topic right now in the Capital of Texas. As the city grows the transportation departments are working to find ways to accommodate the new residents on the roads, in Austin's case it's the expand the main artery through town. In this video from City Beautiful they explain why transportation departments are motivated to expand highways instead of investing into other alternatives. Worth checking out even if you're not an Austin citizen.
Books
The City & The City by China Miéville - This is one of the more unique books in terms of setting and world building I've read in a while. Taking place in the twin city states of Beszel & Ul Qoman in eastern Europe, Miéville introduces a unique twist to the detective fiction genre. Beszel & Ul Qoman are not two neighboring cities, they exist in the same space simultaneously, but not in the supernatural sense. No, Beszel & Ul Qoman are divided by strict laws not allowing residents of one city to interact with the other even if they're five feet away from one another. From birth those raised in the twin cities are raised to "unsee" the residents and buildings of the other. It's a fascinating twist to the detective fiction genre and a fun read for those who love world building.
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