Back to the lab again

#182 Don't let Mandark win!

This week marks a shift in the Weekly Appetizer. Not strictly because of a failure to provide you with a spark of joy on your Monday, but because of a new, perhaps only temporary shift in scheduling. For me that is.

I will likely now write these on Monday mornings, making this more of an appetizer for both of us than a dessert for me that arrives as your appetizer. That is to say, I’m now writing from Italy and have a screwed up schedule. I can write this during the day instead of wasting¹ precious weekend time.

With that out of the way I can begin the week as normal. Happy Tuesday folks.

~ B

P.S. Title note

What is Dithering ← click here for a great example of unique a web experience (an increasingly rare experience) and short educational handful of minutes.

Some interesting things to think about:

At least five interesting things: Smart Ideas edition (#71)

Some easy initial actions from this:

• Give it a think

• Reconsider your investments? Your call

• Visit non-Tokyo/Kyoto destinations in Japan, worth it! (though I’m guilty for having spent a chunk of time in both of those as well)

Have some taste

Couldn’t agree more — people continue to buy what they think they’re supposed to buy w/ no research other than what they’ve seen others do. Explain to me why you like your thing anon. This is part of a larger thread of how Rolex, a seriously reputable brand, is dragged down by “flexing” idiots online.

I saw something online that was talking about some new “luxury “goods” which basically amounted to a new escape from people trying to flex from the people to their own spaces including some pretty insane options; Maybach Ocean Club, Dream of the Desert train, longevity/health clinics in Spain and Montana.

This could continue to be a trend (it’s not like disappearing from public is a new thing) but as material goods continue to be made more affordable with the help of Chinese copies and just general productivity increases, the real differentiator will be experiences and rarity + what I touched on before, health. The combining of these two makes the luxury health travel market poised to explode even more once people figure out how to capture the upper-middle class market. Weight-loss shots are going to make skinny easy for everyone, but not being in-shape. And I’m begging that as a response, being heavy doesn’t become a way to differentiate from the masses. Vamos health & fitness! End game here people, we don’t want to end up like Wall-e.

Go see a movie

I’ve been in theaters more the last few months than in the last few years (thrice?) but it’s still worth it. I find theaters extremely comfortable and clean these days, not to mention empty. I even found one where the ticket was only $13, we are healing.

Yes go see One Battle After Another, and then also Chainsaw Man, and Demon Slayer (which I haven’t seen yet but I’m giving the benefit of the doubt — anime in theaters rules).

This new flick from the John Wick creators looks super fun and brutal as well.

Firenze

Finally settled a bit here in Florence; bike rental, gym membership, groceries — this means I’m ready to lock in. 13 minute bike ride to the gym and working in the evenings mean winter arc can finally start. Send motivations and training ideas (and also places to eat or see here, it’s all about balance²).

1. Of course I’ve never viewed it as a waste, but seeing as there is a lot more newness over her, I’d like to dedicate my weekends to exploring more exhaustively.

2. I had tiramisu for breakfast today…