Issue 43

My movie script, Senna, a Liberace porta potty, Magritte's birthday and more!

Dec 09, 2024

Dear readers -

Time is a bit of an arbitrary thing, but I am looking forward to the end of this year and the start of something new. Truth be told, this has been one of the harder years in my long and fortunate life. I am happy for this transition.

Let’s here from our boy the Dalai Lama.

Hard times may have held you down, but they will not last forever. When all is said and done, you will be increased.

I also can’t recall a year where I have so much grown as a human. So that’s a focus for this edition.

But also a ton of the usual nonsense. Welcome.

Still We Rise

Borrowing a phrase from Sir Lewis Hamilton. Here’s what I’ve done this year to cope with loss, depression, frustration, anxiety, anger, etc. It has all been immensely helpful.

Therapy: I have found a fantastic therapist who is helping me immensely. In fact, that is an understatement. It has also prompted a deep exploration on my own time.

Reading: I’m still building momentum up, but this has been a focus of mine.

Creativity: I am keeping a creative notebook where I can jot ideas or scheme some new art installations. Here is an example.

Exercise: Lifting some weights, saying yes to cold plunges and I started running again.

Taking my health seriously: Dealing with all the things that start going wrong at my age! How much time do you have?

Family and Friends: I am surrounded by love, kindness and honesty.

Dessert: I probably need to get this under control.

Kindness and Accountability: I am being as kind to myself, while holding myself accountable.

Sobriety: I feel more committed than ever.

Writing: I’ve been working on my Bollywood-Kung Fu-South Korean Zombie screenplay. Here is the current summary:

“Eclipse” Summary

“Eclipse” is a high-octane, genre-blending global adventure following Zara, a charismatic and enigmatic DJ with a penchant for martial arts, as she embarks on a daring quest to find her long-lost mother, Nina, a former intelligence operative entangled in a dangerous criminal network. Driven by cryptic clues and her indomitable spirit, Zara journeys through vibrant cities like Mumbai, Marrakesh, Seoul, Rome, and Tokyo, where she encounters electrifying Bollywood dance scenes, pulse-pounding martial arts battles, and a chilling zombie outbreak on a South Korean train. Along the way, she forms alliances with a diverse cast, including a witty tech guru, a rival martial artist turned ally, and a wise zombie survivor, while confronting a ruthless arms dealer and her own insecurities. The story crescendos in a neon-lit Tokyo showdown, culminating in a poignant reunion with her mother and a newfound sense of identity and purpose. Blending Bollywood elegance, martial arts mastery, and edge-of-your-seat action, “Eclipse” is a celebration of resilience, connection, and self-discovery.

Any movie producers reading?

Netflix, Senna, F1

It’s impossible to ignore the global surge of Formula 1 and its massive impact on business, entertainment, and sports. The sport is everywhere, shaping conversations, industries, and fan culture.

Anyone else watching Senna on Netflix?

I just finished the show and have some thoughts. As someone who grew up watching Ayrton Senna, he’s always been a hero to me. I vividly remember the day he died—nearly 30 years ago. I’ve even visited his grave in São Paulo, a moment that still resonates deeply.

The show? I love it. But it’s not great. My nostalgia and admiration for Senna help me look past a few missteps:

• It doesn’t dive into the complexity of Senna—flaws and all.

• Alain Prost is cast too much as an antagonist, losing sight of his brilliance as a driver.

• The recreated racing action feels soap opera-y; archival footage would’ve packed more punch.

• Some pit lane and paddock scenes seem staged, missing the raw authenticity of F1.

• It lacks the grit that defines Senna’s story.

But credit where it’s due:

• It nails Senna’s love for children and his loyalty to family.

• His immense pride in being Brazilian and his impact on the country are beautifully portrayed.

• The storyline around TAG Heuer and his dad’s watch, while likely fictionalized, is clever marketing—rooted in the themes of family, Brazil, and legacy.

The series has its flaws, but it’s a gateway for new fans to discover F1 and Senna’s extraordinary legacy. And right now, F1 feels unstoppable.

If you’re watching it, I’d love to hear from you!

Belated Happy Birthday to René Magritte

November 21 marked René Magritte’s birthday, and trust me, this is going somewhere good.

Magritte’s work continues to ripple across pop culture and branding. His knack for challenging perception gifted us some unforgettable imagery—none more iconic than his green apple, which outgrew the art world and became a symbol of creativity and rebellion.

Here’s a fun connection: Paul McCartney saw a Magritte painting of a green apple with “Au Revoir” written across it and used it as inspiration for The Beatles’ Apple Corps logo in 1968. That simple apple would soon grace albums, merchandise, and become a cultural emblem.

Fast forward to the late ’70s: Enter Steve Jobs, a massive Beatles fan, who decided to name his new tech venture “Apple,” a nod to his musical idols. The rainbow apple logo became synonymous with innovation—and sparked one of the most legendary intellectual property battles in history: Apple Corps vs. Apple Computer. The Fab Four vs. Jobs.

Magritte’s apple unexpectedly bridged art, music, and technology, transforming into a modern “forbidden fruit”—fueling creativity and sparking branding battles. If Magritte were alive today, I can only imagine what he’d make of his apple inspiring not just innovation but iPods, iPads, and iPhones.

Here’s to Magritte, who reminded us that “this is not an apple”—it’s the start of something visionary. And it seems The Beatles and Steve Jobs figured it out in the end.

How you like them apples? 🍏

- For an incredible case study on this history, check out “The Apple of My Eye” by Emma Day and Christopher McKenna.

Christmas Jams

I put together an essential playlist for us to survive the holiday season.

If you’ve ever wished you could listen to some seasonal music featuring Fab 5 Freddy, Fiona Apple and The Wombles, well, Christmas came early for you. Here you go.