Jacob All Trades #335
Skydiving Turkeys, Rising Stars of the DNC Bench, Richard Scarry, Comedy in Eagle Rock, A Website That Makes Me Jealous, Teaching A Horse To Read and more!
Hello newsletter friends! I had another project lose funding this week and I know I’m not alone because nearly every day I hear a heartbreaking story from a friend who used to have a solidly middle-class income from the entertainment industry struggling with paying bills, weighing a move back home, or having a project they were counting on for half their yearly income disappear because of the ripple effects of corporate greed. It’s tough times out there for artists, writers, filmmakers, and the myriad roles that support them.
On the flip side, I got together with a bunch of volunteers to make something amazing (more at the end of this newsletter). We commiserated by talking about how many incredibly talented people we knew who didn’t know where their next rent check was coming from. It felt cathartic to be on a set making something with nice and talented people. We all just want to work.
If you’re a subscriber to this newsletter and you have the financial ability to become a paid subscriber, I’d greatly appreciate your support.
Meanwhile, here’s some interesting stuff for your brain. Enjoy!
Jacob
CONSUMPTION JUNCTION
A few recent things I read/watched/listened to that really stuck with me
Can I Microdose Veganism? from Search Engine reminded me why I spent so many years as a vegetarian. It’s a fascinating listen and convinced me of some of the downsides of organic meat. ⤵️
The DOJ released findings that several right-wing influencers were paid to push propaganda by Russia. This is… unsurprising, but it’s sad and scary and fascinating that it’s still happening. Here’s a breakdown from WIRED about what they were paid to talk about. FWIW I think this is also happening to left-wing influencers; anything to stir the pot and turn Americans against each other. ⤵️
Okay, those two were kind of heavy. Here’s something delightful I can’t stop thinking about. Gen-Z/Alpha reacting to Gandalf’s return as Gandalf the White ⤵️
GOOD MESSAGE
One part of the 2024 election cycle that feels really different to me than 2020 or 2016 is that I’m constantly learning about young Democrats who are charismatic, effective messengers, and seem to have a genuine desire to represent their constituents as public servants. Maybe we couldn’t see this when the establishment boomer dems were taking up so much space, or maybe Trump’s election in 2016 activated the next generation of political talent. Idk. But, the Democratic bench is strong and I want to highlight two recent messages that I thought were spot on.
First, Jeff Jackson is a congressman representing North Carolina’s 14th district. Jackson is running to be NC’s next Attorney General and supporting his campaign has a ripple effect of getting out the vote for Harris/Walz in a crucial swing state.
What I like about this is how deftly he frames Bush’s War on Terror as a mistake (understatement) without ever mentioning it. I’m personally much farther to the left than the average Democrat, but as the Republican party has become more fringe, the Democratic party has widened to welcome people who 20 years ago would have been Republicans. I wish we had ranked-choice voting everywhere in this country. I wish we had more than two parties. But, until that’s a reality, we need people who can speak to moderates while pushing progressive policy. Jeff Jackson does that well.
Next up, here’s Virginia State Representative Joshua Cole talking about why everyone should care about politics.
How great is that? I mean, try watching it and not getting fired up. The lyrical quality of the message reminds me of great advertising copy as well as this article from Afro.com about the oratory of Black faith traditions.
A GOOD LONG READ
Illustrator and author K-Fai Steele has been doing these carousel posts on Instagram about Richard Scarry and I can’t get enough of them.
They combine scans from the Scarry archives with K-Fai’s own illustrations of his classic figures and lots of fun facts. I reached out to K-Fai, who said “What Did Richard Scarry See?” is the best place to start. Follow her on Instagram to lose yourself in Busytown for a while.
FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Some friends of mine are putting on a comedy fundraiser for LA City Council candidate Ysabel Jurado and it’s got a stellar lineup. If you’re in LA, I highly recommend checking it out.
Ysabel is a single mom, tenants rights attorney, and daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants who was born and raised in Highland Park. She’s running against one of the most corrupt and disgraceful councilmen LA’s ever had: Kevin de León. KDL is the only remaining council member from 2022’s leak of a racist tirade behind closed doors and subsequent implosion of the LA City Council. If you’re not able to attend in person, you can donate to Ysabel’s campaign here.
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE: BROADWAY EDITION
New segment alert! Two of these are a real thing; one of them is not. Click through to find out…
WORK I AM JEALOUS OF
I have a website. It’s fine. I also have a background in web design and (web 2.0) coding. It’s because of my background in web design that I refuse to pay $20/month for a Squarespace site. So, I have a functional but not amazing website and a folder full of wireframes for a website that I love, but can’t (totally) code myself, and can’t afford to have anyone else code. Meanwhile, Jace has a dope website.
This is not the only reason that I’m jealous of Jace’s website. I’m also jealous because JaceBiz.com is a hilarious domain name and because he made the funniest video promoting it.
I’d venture to say most people won’t check out your new website if you tell them about it. Or, if they do, they might spend 30 seconds there. And yet, I was captivated by the full 2:25 running time of Jace’s video.
CREATIVE RESOURCES
All We Can Save is on a mission to spread hope, climate truth, courage, and just solutions — and they’re hiring!
The AWCS Project is looking for an accomplished and energetic team member to serve as our Programs & Communication Manager, reporting directly to the Head of Programs. This remote role will primarily support our existing and emergent Climate Wayfinding offerings, additional programming, and outreach via our digital channels.
If you’re looking for work, or know someone who might be a good fit, the application is here.
PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS
I creative directed and directed an upcoming video for Creatives for Harris & Dads for Kamala. Our team pulled a shoot together in about a week with equipment, location, casting, talent, and everything else all volunteered. I think it’s gonna turn out great, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon.
Alrighty, that’s it for this issue. If you enjoyed what you read, please leave a comment and/or share the newsletter using the links below. (For real, please comment. More people come up to me in person and tell me they like the newsletter than comment on it online).
And, if you can afford to, I’d love for you to become a paid subscriber so that I can keep making cool stuff!
Party on,
Jacob
Still your oldest fan.