Hello readers!
I’ve been busy tanning up this dad bod and I’m feeling pretty, pretty good. Wherever you are, I hope you’re having a fun, healthy and fulfilled start to the summer. We’re up to issue 9 and a lot of you are still reading. Suckers!
Surrealism
Give me two hours a day of activity, and I’ll take the other 22 in dreams. - Luis Buñuel.
Un Chien Andalou is everything to me. I can’t think of another film that had a more profound impact on my psyche. It started my love for surrealism. And it also inspired a lot of my own creative drive. This 1929 silent film is a considerable work of art.
And while we’re all feeling a little surreal, here are a couple of worthy news items.
Immersive Installation Takes Over a Japanese Botanical Garden Turning It Into a Surreal Dreamscape
Amanda Lear: the androgynous muse to Dalí who made disco intellectual
Stepping WAY out of my comfort zone
Let’s set the scene. I am a shy, introvert and aspiring recluse that would rather avoid any public speaking. And if you know me, I’m already short on words to begin with.
In the past I have struggled with intense stage fright, anxiety and definitely those fight or flight feelings of panic. But I always say yes to these opportunities because I know I should, even if it causes such mental anguish. I’m getting real here.
Every presentation I’ve given (this includes formal/big meetings) has been meticulously planned, written and rehearsed. I practically have the entire thing memorized. It’s not fun, but it has made me prepare. Preparation is one of the best tools for tackling a fear of public speaking and stage fright. It regulated my intense feelings of fear, but I also know it didn’t allow for my true personality to always come through.
Earlier this month I presented at B2B Ignite in Chicago. This time I did something completely different - a 180 degree change. I did very little prep. I’ve always been envious of those that can get up on stage and just talk, so effortlessly. I don’t want to be them, but I do want to feel more confident and myself in presenting. So I took a risk and totally got up and free-styled it.
I believe this was my best presentation in a long time, warts and all. I certainly tripped over some words and thoughts, but I focused on being nothing other than myself and speaking in a way to help others. Authenticity is a yard-stick I use to track my own development as a human, and it’s important to me. Helping others is one of the most fulfilling things anyone can do. Mission accomplished.
If I can get up on stage and be myself, you can too. And if you are terrified of public speaking like I am, please reach out. I am happy to swap notes or be a cheerleader.
Here is the deck I used. I posted it on SlideShare. Remember them?
And here are the 10 marketing tips I talked through.
Behind the Lens
I love a good sunset and I love flying. These things combined with a camera, makes for some good snapping. On top of that, throw in a massive 600mm lens and it takes things to the next level.
This was out in Southern California several years ago. I always take a moment to marvel at a metal machine flying hundreds of miles an hour at 35,000 feet. It’s incredible and a reason I try to never let travel delays get to me. After all, landing is pretty important.
My 2-year old often points at planes in the sky and says “Daddy”. There is nothing better than coming home after a trip.
I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things. - Antoine De Saint-Exupéry.
Consumption
My mental food.
Book
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Three things.
I just want to finish a book.
Anyone else feeling burned out?
Seeing what Ikigai can do for me.
Links
The Real Reason America Doesn’t Have Gun Control
FREDERICK DOUGLASS: A poem by Robert Hayden, published in The Atlantic in 1947
Every Dog Owner Needs a Smart Robotic Laser Guiding Them to Poop That Needs Picking Up
Cheez-It and Pandora Launch Crackers With Cheese That's Aged to Hip-Hop Music
The man behind the rock-hard nipples in Batman and Robin
First Look at the 'Mario Kart'-Themed Attraction Arriving to Universal Studios Hollywood
Pepsi Japan Releases a Version that Enhances the Flavor of Karaage Fried Chicken
Music
Kendrick Lamar. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
Childish Gambino.
Luciano Pavarotti.
Shows
Obi-Wan Kenobi. I’m a Star Wars nerd, so I will watch anything that comes out. This show is alright. All of the new Star Wars shows are lacking an edge in my opinion.
Snowflake Mountain. Don’t judge.
Movies
I actually went to a movie theater with my oldest son to watch Bob’s Burgers. $72 later, we left thoroughly happy. Such a good movie.
Joker. I really enjoyed this. White men are psychos.
Ambulance. Bruckheimer is the Wes Anderson of action movies.
Keep Sweet: Obey and Pray. WTF did I just watch?
The Raid. Sometimes you have to watch a protagonist eliminate 81 people.
The Grandmaster. Rewatching this kung fu masterpiece featuring Ip Man.
Hustle. I like older Adam Sandler.
Batman Begins, The Dark Night, The Dark Night Rises. A white-man rite of passage, introducing my eldest to Christopher Nolan.
Father of the Bride (new remake). I am a sucker for a rom-com. And anything related to Cuban culture.
RRR. You have to watch this movie on Netflix!!!
That’s a wrap for a shortened Issue 9.
In the meantime, f*ck the patriarchy.
Much love, Daniel