Dear readers -
Summer is here (in the northern hemisphere at least). I hope it’s treating you well and you’ve dialed in your Starbucks drink, favorite swim wear, sunglasses and your summer song on repeat.
Does it get any better than Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince? The answer is no.
Let’s jump right in.
CrossFit
I started doing CrossFit a couple of weeks ago and have only puked once. I’ve been struck by the intensity of the workouts and recovery. I have never been so sore and that includes the time I ran a marathon without enough training.
The people there have been great - so supportive and encouraging. It’s kicking my ass and I need that. I literally have no idea any of the terminology or what the exercises are. The great thing about my station in life is that I just don’t care anymore. I’m trying and that’s all that matters. But right now, it feels like I’m showing up for the Indy 500 in my old 1974 VW SuperBeetle.
So why am I doing this?
Lose weight/build muscle
Build overall strength
Start my day with exercise / Mental health
Remain active and independent in my later years
If you do CrossFit, I’d love to hear from you. For everyone else, I promise this newsletter won’t become a CrossFit stanletter.
Podium Life
The May update was fantastic and June has been exceptional too. We recently announced a partnership with Evergreen Podcasts.
From the press release:
Evergreen Podcasts, one of the fastest-growing podcast networks in the U.S., announced today that it partnered with Podium Life, a motosports culture, gear and lifestyle website to bring more racing content to fans across its Pit Pass Motorsports® podcasts.
In other PL news, we’re working on merchandise with a new partner. And we will begin selling advertising and sponsorship packages soon. I continue to learn from this business and it’s helping me become a smarter business person, marketer and human in general.
Salvador Dali & Walt Disney = Destino
Alright, check this out: The project known as Destino, which translates to "Destiny" in English, was a collaborative storyboard concocted by Disney Studio's John Hench and surrealist Salvador Dalí. They worked their magic during the last quarter of 1945 through '46, but hit a snag and production stopped not long after. World War II left Walt Disney Studios financially vulnerable. Hoping to pique Disney's interest again, Hench whipped up a quick 17-second animation sample, but there was simply no budget. Destino ended up in a storage closet somewhere.
Fast forward to 1999, and in steps Roy E. Disney, Walt's nephew. While working on Fantasia 2000, he stumbled upon the shelved project and blew a bunch of dust off. They looped in Walt Disney Studios Paris, the company's quaint Parisian division, to help finish the job. The lead roles were given to producer Baker Bloodworth and director Dominique Monféry, a French animator getting his first crack at the big chair. A squad of roughly 25 animators had the task of making sense of Dalí and Hench's mystifying storyboards - thank goodness they had some notes from Gala Dalí, Salvador's wife, and Hench himself to help. The final cut of Destino is a blend of traditional animation (including Hench's original work) and some modern computer animation. How cool is that? Check it out below.
Motorsports Bucket List
In the last issue, I shared my Surrealist Road Trip - a bucket list-esque thing that I intend to complete. Now, on the heels of the Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, I’m turning my attention to my motorsports list.
I’ve knocked off a few items already - the Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Daytona, and Long Beach Grand Prix. I’ve also seen a Formula 1, MotoGP and NASCAR race.
There’s plenty more however. Here goes (in no particular order):
Attend the Monaco Grand Prix: Known as one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, the Monaco Grand Prix is a must-see for any motorsports and F1 fan. I hope my yacht fits.
Experience the 24 Hours of Le Mans: This is one of the oldest and most prestigious automobile races in the world. It's a true test of endurance and efficiency. I would eat so many baguettes.
Attend the Isle of Man TT: This motorcycle race is one of the most dangerous and exciting races in the world. It's a thrilling experience for any motorsports fan.
Experience the Dakar Rally: This grueling off-road race is a test of endurance and navigation. It's one of the most challenging races in the world through the Saudi Arabian terrain. Not gonna lie, this is my #1.
Attend the new Tokyo Formula E race: As the premier racing series for electric vehicles, Formula E offers a unique experience for motorsports fans, and this so happens to be debuting in one of my favorite cities in 2024.
Bathurst 1000, Supercars Championship: Known as "The Great Race," it's the premier event of the Australian Supercars Championship. I would eat so many Tim Tams.
24 Hours Nürburgring, Endurance Racing: Held on one of the world's most challenging and dangerous race tracks, it's a true test of endurance for both drivers and machines. I would eat so many pretzels.
Spa-Francorchamps: This is my favorite circuit in the world. Dan Gurney said that this track "separated the men from the boys". To see F1 cars go through Eau Rouge would be a great life moment.
Rally Finland, World Rally Championship: Known for its fast gravel roads and massive jumps, it's one of the most iconic rallies in the WRC calendar. So much respect for these drivers and navigators.
Have I missed anything?
Consumption
Everything going into my mind
Links:
Moms for Liberty Indiana chapter apologizes for quoting Hitler in its newsletter
2023 Is Already a Record Year for Anti-LGBTQ Bills in the US
7 Fierce Drag Performers Show Off Their Closets
Artist Paul Tuller’s “Kim VS U.S. Legislation” online game for LGBTQ+ Rights
Iowa meteorologist resigns after death threats over climate crisis coverage
There are Multiple Versions of 'Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse' in Theaters Now
Comedian Joey Mulinaro Talks Motorsports
First Look at John Wick Spin-off ‘The Continental’
MSCHF and Crocs reveal big yellow boots collaboration at Paris Fashion Week
TV/Movies:
The Gladiator. I watched this with Ollie and forgot how good this was.
Minority Report. Part of Spielberg Summer with Ollie.
Schindler’s List. More Spielberg. I had not seen this since the mid-90s. What a film. Every human should watch this. Especially right now.
Bad Guys.
Extraction 2.
New Season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Bob’s Burgers. I often have this on in the background while working at night.
Blinkist:
Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with your Money
Next! The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money - That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary
Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World
The 5am Club.
Steal like an Artist.
The Art of Non-Conformity: Set your own rules, live the life you want and change the world.
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.
Thank you for reading the 21st edition of Inc! You’ll notice no Hitler quotes in any of my issues. That’s a wrap.
Much love, Daniel