We’re back team. Once again, all four of us are working a-sync this Friday and scattered across the map.
James is holding down Nashville with Pilgrimage Fest tickets this weekend (Kings of Leon on Sunday). Ian’s in Iowa logging some much needed family time. Jack’s doing his boyfriend duty as a +1 at a Tahoe wedding. And somewhere in NYC, Macke’s deep in a furniture shopping black hole (more on that below).
Thanks for being here. Let’s get into it.
It really is that damn phone
— us this week
Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits
— Thomas Jefferson
Top of Mind
Our iPhones are now in Black and White (Relay)
“phone in black and white mode is the new meta btw” - Relay GC (iMessage)
Because of a fellow at my (Zach) breakfast club, my phone is now in permanent Black and White mode. I’m pretty sure I hate it and my girlfriend definitely hates it, but I think this is a good thing. Similarly to so many I’ve been trying to cut ties with my phone forever; as a tech bro I spend plenty of time on screens already. I’ve tried nearly everything, however I’m hoping this is the one that sticks. The theory states (Standford) that our brains love phones due in large part to the flashing lights and bright colors, which trigger large amounts of dopamine release. However, putting your phone in black and white mode takes away this reward function and leaves your subconscious / addictive brain less interested.
The Relay crew is joining me in this crusade and I am calling on you all to do the same. I’m now largely bored / annoyed that my phone is in black and white and that is sick.
As an aside, all of you should run or participate in a breakfast club.
Keep thinking.
Yes, it’s an AI company, everything is an AI company now, all of our news is AI slop, but if we’re being honest, few are doing product as well as Anthropic. This is harkens back to the old iconic Apple ads for us. Technology with a soul, when unfortunately that seems to be less and less the case as massive moats turn those iconic innovators we all know into status-quo-keepers. (not to discount those few rare companies playing in this league that we have most definitely written about already).
ICYMI: Happy Hour Edition
AI Will Not Make You Rich (Colossus)
China just built the world’s fastest production car and it’s an EV
Best of Substack this Week
Health care companies are looking more like tech companies (Ramp)
Sunset Park - Brooklyn (The Neighborhoods)
Imo (Zach), this is peak Substack. This man, Rob Stephenson, is writing about the a history and current state of every neighborhood in New York City. Is perfectly autistic and should be right up anyone’s alley if you’re in the NYC area.
This Week in Relay’s Shopping Cart
Macke has me convinced I need to try the black and white mode on the iPhone and it will make buying this moot… but the modularity, old-tech but fresh new vibe that this little piece has going on is really tempting me.
Lounge 2-Piece Sectional Sofa with Chaise Lounge, Crate and Barrel (Zach)
I’m moving and in the process of overhauling the apartment furniture. This is an exciting stage of life but damn, furniture is so taxing to search for / buy. After buying an entirely different couch & canceling the order two days later, my girlfriend and I have settled on this one from Crate and Barrel.
GH Bass X Buck Mason Larson Loafer (James)
I know, yet another Buck Mason item in the cart, but the fall line-up they’ve been rolling out is just too good.
Now that I’m back working in an office, my closet full of 6 different versions of white sneakers needs an update. I’m taking the loafer plunge - will report back.
It’s Not That Deep, Randy
Thanks for reading—or for mega scrolling all the way down here.
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The real meta is b&w with the dumb setting on too