This @dkthomp.bsky.social post on the convergence of various contemporary media forms into streaming video is packed with insight. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the evolution of social media and its broader social contexts.

Here is a remarkable segment from the CBC's The Current featuring Fogo Island Inn founder and tech executive Zita Cobb. Cobb's energy, ingenuity, and deep commitment to her community are striking. Her model needs to be studied and selectively applied across Canada.

SOUTH HAVEN PEACHES WON’T BLOW YOU AWAY BUT YOU KNOW THAT THEY’LL STAY

Whatever one thinks of the #CFL rule changes - I think they could be beneficial, FWIW - a new commissioner instituting them quickly without extensive consultation with all stakeholders set the whole thing up for failure.

For years, I've been saying that we're moving away from this exceptional historical period in which frequent restaurant dining has been normalized across class groups. It seems that society is now moving firmly in that direction. globalnews.ca/news/1143992...

Scrolling together is the new bowling alone lol

Apart from the obvious issues with the core argument here, the argument that 'the tech is not going away so we should use it and get used to it" is so pernicious. It's as though the swiftness of AI's rise, coupled with the tech's awesome power, has disarmed our collective critical faculties.

Kostova really nails a certain side the typical North American grad school expertise, IMO; this sentence perfectly encapsulates the strange blend of feelings one experiences while learning to produce the sort of critique that works to sustain the very system it is ostensibly seeking to change.

This article by @niemanlab.org details a new white paper that may suggest a direction forward for public media organizations as AI-free producers and curators of reliable information.

For many people, talk radio isn't just about filling time; it's also about combatting isolation through parasocial connection and/or the indistinct sense of 'company' that radio provides. I wonder how many people in NA have had their views altered as byproduct of simply not wanting to feel alone.

Stumbled across this lovely 2013 recording of a rehearsal session featuring Daniel Lanois, Jim Wilson, and Steve Nistor (a great version of Lanois' trio). It's ideal music for a grey late-summer morning.

"We love nostalgia when it doesn’t outright feel like a carbon copy of something that is already a perfect version of what it is. Nostalgia, paradoxically, only works when it also offers something fresh, building on what was there before..."

At nearly 74, the affable legend #DanielLanois played an inspired show last night at the Regent Theatre in Oshawa. He favored us with some of his classic songs, great pedal steel pieces, and singular guitar work. In lieu of material from last night, here's a phenomenal 2008 show from the CBC.

Very much looking forward to basking in the waves of sound that are sure to be rolling off the stage at tonight's #DanielLanois show in Oshawa. Hoping he breaks out 'Slow Giving,' a mesmerizing song that perfectly captures Lanois' distinctive style and lyrical sensibility.

The @npr.org Tiny Desk finally hosts the Mekons in this boisterous and cathartic session. The new songs sound just as strong, and are sadly just as relevant, as the selections from 1985's classic 'Fear and Whiskey'.

RIP to the great Bobby Whitlock, a talented vocalist, pianist, and composer who was a key force behind the classic Derek & the Dominoes album. I've always loved the Memphis style he brings to his version of their classic tune, Bell Bottom Blues.

Not sure what it says about this particular phase of my life that I suddenly find myself consistently gravitating towards the #theholdsteady. The band's Constantines-like hard rock and Craig Finn's indie-Dylan lyrics seem to have caught up to this middle-aged dad lol.

Attention food and media scholars: here's a great-looking call for an edited collection on food, media, and distaste.

Does the question even need to be posed?

Here's a @wired.com story that features some insightful thoughts from my pal @devonjp.bsky.social on the lack of a 'song of the summer' for 2025 and what that says about our current moment.

This is a pretty neat story. We definitely need more of this sort of thing in North America if strong local reporting is to survive.

Come on, @ttcalerts.bsky.social, what are we doing here. www.cbc.ca/player/play/...

100%. As Michele Hilmes observes in "The Lost Critical History of Radio," this has been a perennial problem for audio-first media since TV's emergence. There are signs that podcasting may be different, but it's not yet clear that podcasting criticism will evolve to be coherent and durable.

I don't disagree with this take. Then again, good on the TSO for pursuing this creative fundraising activity. Seems like a vital tactic for an era in which a) classical music is losing relevance for much of the pop. and b) it's so expensive that many of those who are interested are priced out.

Here's a nice, low-effort opportunity for any academics or other writers looking for a bit of low-key accountability.

The 'collective rediscovery of an older practice/object/category' genre of mass media story has been one of the pleasant surprises of the social media era.

Very much enjoying this excellent 1974 Eagles concert that just emerged on YouTube on this warm summer evening.

Haha. Love this pun. Sometimes when I sit down for a long session I find Warren Zevon's 'Splendid Isolation' running through my mind. Now I'll be thinking about this 'spin' on the term.

It's fitting that Superman should be an immigrant given that he was co-created by one (illustrator Joe Shuster). Actually, it has been argued that the character was strongly informed by both of his creators experiences in Jewish immigrant families: web.archive.org/web/20091115...

Beautiful new #nprtinydesk featuring Gillian Welch @ David Rawlings playing some excellent new songs and then finishing up with their beloved classic Revelator.

It's important to note that this is also brutal news for the national #publicradio networks as 3 of these programs are distributed nationally. The loss of locally produced nat'l programs will diminish the system and make it less 'national'. Expect more announcements like this in the coming days.

Here's a great recording of #GillianWelch and #DavidRawlings' performance at the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, which features plenty of fun guests. Saw the preceding show in Denver and it was a wonderful experience.

Nice article here about a new book from @thebanderson.bsky.social on the groundbreaking, and financially ruinous, 'Wall of Sound" the #GratefulDead briefly used in the 1970s. The book looks like a must-read for those with an interest in the Dead and the evolution of live concert technology.

The 2025 @inrng.com Tour de France guide has dropped. Aside from the official roadbook, this is probably the best guide going to La Grande Boucle: inrng.com/tour/

Kicking myself for not giving this classic a try at karaoke last night after belting it out so many times in the car (it just didn't come to mind): www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaA7...

A killer guest spot from @charlixcxofficial.bsky.social here on AIR's Cherry Blossom Girl. Love seeing how much of a thrill it is for her to perform with the iconic French act.

"Colorado mountains, I can see your distant sky." It's great to be back in Denver for #ICA25 (or #ICA2025).

Peed next to Jimmy Carter at an on-mountain restroom at Aspen Snowmass.

Great The Current interview with Canadian cyclist Derek Gee after his 4th place finish in the #giroditalia. Congrats to the Ottawa native on his phenomenal ride.

Love this new @newyorker.com interview with Jarvis Cocker of #Pulp. Cocker is thoughtful and reflective, as always. His observations about Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights are a particularly touching and wise.

What a story! I agree with Ms. Pulito. Ms. Rachel is quickly establishing herself as a Mr. Rogers for the digital age. It takes a special person to fill those shoes, but Rachel is very much up to the task.

Love the way that @willmcguirk.bsky.social has been putting out these videos straight from the stacks at Kops to let us all know what;s coming up in Oshawa, or "Schwa Rock City!" 🤘

Killer new set from #Pulp on @bbcradio6musicbot.bsky.social dropped last night. Plenty of older faves along with some solid tracks from the new album, MORE, which comes out on June 6.

I've never understood the issue that some commentators have with self-citation. Of course, gratuitous self-citation should be frowned upon. But how could any established scholar not engage in the practice given the extent to which one's previous work typically informs one's current work?

Were I in Chicago this summer, I would definitely be interested in this Adorno reading group that will be meeting throughout the season every two weeks.

At 79, Bruce Cockburn is still making his inimitable music and inspiring progressive social activism through his powerful lyrics. What a legend! Hope I get to see him again before too long. Thanks to @djpare.bsky.social for turning me onto this recording. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPOJ...

Just in time for the summer reading season comes this open-access volume from @amsterdamupress.bsky.social. Governing the Digital Society looks at platforms, Artificial Intelligence, and other topics while maintaining a focus on public values/the public interest: library.oapen.org/bitstream/ha...

Radio reading services, the unsung heroes of the television age (via @niemanlab.org): www.niemanlab.org/2025/04/on-s...

I am going to approach all appropriate situations with "possibly unreciprocated camaraderie" this summer (I'lll aim for reciprocation, but won't let it get me down if that isn't forthcoming).

'Tender punk' is the subgenre we need right now and @illuminatihotties.bsky.social are leading the charge. Check out Sarah Tudzin & Co's great Tiny Desk concert here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGH5...