Issue 36
The Artist's Way, Helldivers 2, Planet of the Apes, Links
Dear readers.
How are you doing?
Things are good on my side. There are lots of transition-y things happening that are a simultaneously a source of excitement and anxiety. I’m so grateful to my family and friends, who have shown me love and support.
I hope to have some exciting things to share in the near future. Or not. Life is a little upside down these days. 🤷
Let’s jump right into things!
The Artist’s Way
Anyone else explored this book? I did this about twenty years ago and loved it. I’ve picked it back up again and started going through some of the exercises. Here’s why I still love it.
It centers around writing three pages in the morning. No real rules around this, just write. This reminds me of what the Surrealists did with automatic writing (or Surrealist Automatism). It’s all about surrendering to the subconscious. You’ll be surprised by what you write and your own creativity.
I like this writing exercise because it opens the creative pipeline. You just feel different after this. It sets the tone for the day nicely.
Another mandate from The Artist’s Way, is the artist’s date. An activity you do by yourself, for yourself, as a way of honoring you the creative. I’ve only done one so far (long, long walk listening to opera) but I’m excited to plan these out. If you have any ideas, I am all ears.
I’m doing my own variation of this but thoroughly enjoy putting pen to paper. Despite massive hand cramps and illegible handwriting, I find this exercise to be a form of meditation. Seriously.
Also, if you’ve done The Artist’s Way, I’d love to hear from you.
Starship Troopers & Helldivers 2
Look. Video games practically raised me and look how well I turned out. My youth was spent on the Nintendo Entertainment System - Track and Field, Zelda, RBI Baseball and of course, Super Mario Brothers. And yes, getting that cartridge to work was one of my super powers.
Now in my fifties, I’m not sure much has changed. Armed with a Playstation 5, I’ve found video games to be a relaxing outlet after everyone has gone to bed and the house is as quiet as a mouse. Recently I read a ton of hype around this game Helldivers 2 - and its parallels to the movie Starship Troopers.
Yes, please take my money.
This 1997 cult-sci fi movie classic, is well, a classic. It has it all - satire, action, weird Nazi-esque uniforms, fascism, propaganda, civic duty, voting and Denise Richards. I’m not sure this movie has ever been more relevant. But I digress.
Starship Troopers and Helldivers 2 are two peas in a space pod. The game does an excellent job of honoring the movie, borrowing a number of things - bugs, similar military uniforms, space ships, over-the-top dialogue and hyperbole patriotic one-liners, but alas, no Denise Richards.
If anyone from Arrowhead Game Studios is reading, could we get her a voiceover at least?
And the game is fun too. You run around planets killing bugs and robots and looking for cool stuff. You can do it solo or join a group of online players. There is nothing weirder than being in my 50’s and joining a group mission of people much, much, much younger than me. And they are so much better. I decided my role is to follow them around like a helicopter parent making sure no one gets hurt.
If you haven’t, watch Starship Troopers (it’s on Netflix). And go out and play Helldivers 2 - we can meet online and make memories together!
This is for all you new people. I have only one rule. Everybody fights, no one quits. If you don't do your job, I'll kill you myself! Welcome to the Roughnecks!
- Jean Rasczak, Starship Troopers
Consumption
All thing things going in my head.
Movies/TV:
House of Gucci: What a cast and what a visually beautiful film. Plus I had no idea how crazy things got within the family. (HBO)
I am officially a Planet of the Apes stan, watching: Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes. It seems a fitting series to watch right now with obvious themes of racial inequality, oppression, animal rights present. (Disney and Hulu)
The Lionheart: This is a thoughtful, sad and creative film highlighting the incredible career of Dan Wheldon through the eyes of his wife and sons. (HBO)
Indianapolis 500. I chose to stay at home because of the weather but then got to watch it live on TV because of the rain delay. What a race.
Links:
Drake & Kendrick Lamar’s Rocky Relationship Explained
Louis Vuitton Unveils Luxe Father’s Day Gifts for 2024
Planet of the Apes actor studied Elon Musk to play bonobo villain
Daniel Arsham’s Hot Wheels Collaboration Races Towards the Finish Line
Summer Movie Preview: Every film you oughta know
Josef’s Big Dream: An Indy 500 Story
And a special shoutout to Josef Newgarden on his 2nd Indy 500 win! Here is his Race Weekend Essentials piece on Podium Life.
Wishing you all nothing but love.
Daniel