This is an ongoing series of links and things I enjoy each month.

Database School: 20 years of hacking Postgres with Heikki Linnakangas (cofounder of Neon)

It was so fun to hear from someone who’s contributed to open source for so long. I was particularly interested in hearing about the challenges of scaling the compute to zero. We have to solve similar problems with serverless Redpanda. Podcast Episode Link

After I listened to this episode, Linnakangas’ company was acquired by Databricks.

Forever is a Feeling

Forever is a Feeling album cover
Forever is a Feeling album cover

This new album by Lucy Dacus just expands her masterful body of work. She is one of my favorite songwriters. I loved the dynamics and melancholy in this album. I was particularly taken by the opening lyrics to the fifth track, Modigliani.

“Loving father, friend and son”
Printed backwards on my shoulder blade
From leaning back on a plaque on a bench
I carry David’s name until it fades

Songlink

Things Become Other Things by Craig Mod

Cover of Things Become Other Things
Cover of Things Become Other Things

I am certainly in need of reflection and calm these days. Things Become Other Things chronicles Craig Mod’s walks the 300 miles of the Kumano Kodō routes in southern Japan. Mod’s writing is poignant and poetic. I listened to the audiobook read by Mod himself while I went on my own (shorter) walks around my neighborhood. Bookshop.org