Notices by Ben Werdmuller (ben@werd.social), page 2

Surreal. https://theconversation.com/why-annexing-canada-would-destroy-the-united-states-249561

If you're in Austin, visiting #Fediverse House at 412 Congress Ave today and tomorrow is what you need to be doing. I don't think you need a #SXSW ticket - just show up and meet some of the key people building and thinking about this network for all of us. https://about.flipboard.com/fediverse-house/

Immigrants should proably consider moving to private Signal groups if their visa status is in flux, unfortunately. Dystopian stuff. #Democracy https://werd.io/2025/trumps-uscis-wants-to-review-all-prospective-citizens-social-media

Good news: the best TV show ever made has a new trailer out for its next season. #doctorwho https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSb-S04AaFA

"Mozilla has given a masterclass, yet again, in how to erode trust among people who have loved your work." #Technology https://werd.io/2025/mozillas-new-terms-of-service-and-updated-privacy-policy

The people throwing the Nazi salutes and the systemic targeting of vulnerable communities aren't what bother me the most. They're awful, don't get me wrong. But what truly bothers me is the people who downplay these things, who tell us it's not so bad, that see fear of all of this as unjustified.

My mother's life was prolonged by an organ donor. It's such an important process that touches so many people. Yet the current government is firing people who aim to make it more efficient so it can save more lives. https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-federal-workers-public-health-hhs

@kims Ooh. The Dutch House is set in my adoptive neighborhood and I've been meaning to read it for a while.

Thanks for all these recommendations!

I listen to audiobooks while I work out at the gym or on my rowing machine at home. And I'm between books. What's something you've enjoyed listening to lately? I prefer fiction to non-fiction.

I will say this: that an airplane could crash and *land upside down* and everyone could walk away and be accounted for says a lot about the actual safety of air travel. Definitely better to land the correct way up - but most important to be able to walk away.

In my inaugural Ask a CTO column I ask questions about security vs productivity, and when to adopt new technology trends: https://werd.io/2025/ask-a-cto-security-vs-productivity-when-to-adopt-technology

"We want to share our thinking process in implementing Quote Posts in Mastodon, and explain why it has taken us some time to do so." This is thoughtful and smart (and I appreciate the transparency). #Fediverse https://werd.io/2025/bringing-quote-posts-to-mastodon

@evan Trustworthy access permissions are a big deal. Particularly given our current context.

Almost every meaningful free software and encrypted tool is European-based or heavily leverages European developers. I think that's probably because there's a strong grant ecosystem there, as well as a stronger social safety net for people who want to earn less to do more. I wish we had that here.

@evan I would! Friends and family would be neat. I don't have a great way to do that on my website though.

"The Nexus of Privacy is planning a series of online discussions and video/phone calls focusing on organizing on decentralized social networks." There's a form to express interest; this is good stuff. #Fediverse https://werd.io/2025/organizing-on-decentralized-social-networks

Life in Weeks is a cool idea, but here's why I'm not going to share mine with you. https://werd.io/2025/life-in-weeks

"Being “in tech” in 2025 is depressing, and if I’m going to stick around, I need to remember why I’m here." Every word of this resonated for me. #Technology https://werd.io/2025/tech-continues-to-be-political

Pretty neat that the best TV show ever made is available for free on YouTube now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtPuJzBBiuo

"So, here’s where the marshmallow test gets it wrong: it’s not just about the kid’s ability to wait; it’s about the adult’s ability to create an environment worth waiting in." #Parenting https://werd.io/2025/marshmallow-test-and-parenting