Month: April 2022

Why is it that I get so much energy from the sun?

Why do some people like outdoorsy things, hiking, flowers, vegetarianism/veganism, ‘plant-based’ things, ‘peace’, etc?

Aversion to conflict.

But, is it aversion to conflict out of strength, or out of weakness?

A simple trick to make more surreal photos:

Cover the face with some sort of other object.

I think we humans have an interest in faces, and when we cannot see the face, we become *MORE* intrigued. Thus why we are so interested in the ‘man behind the mask’, or even by people with sunglasses — not being able to see their whole face. Also the new ‘ski mask’ fashion trend (Maison Margeila mask).

Hiking with Vibram 5 Fingers (EL-X) and hiking with Seneca (baby front carrier, ergo baby carrier) and backpack is sublime.

The other day I went hiking with Cindy (a pretty big loop, around 2 hours each way, 4 hours in total), I think it was a total of 10 miles.

Hiking was an insanely great experience. Why? Some theories:

John Wick — fresh new story. Batman; we keep recycling the same old story, and just re-articulate it. John Wick is more interesting and fun, because it is totally a ‘carte blanche’ story, so more opportunities for innovation in the story line. I actually *like* the sequels, as it builds upon a totally new storyline and universe, and *builds upon* this brand new John Wick universe.

Also, John Wick is more ‘realistic’ in some sense. Blood-thirsty revenge, and killing people is no concern. Whereas Batman is too moralized, John Wick seems like a more interesting or ‘relatable’ person.

For example, in the first John Wick film, perhaps at least 300 people are killed in the first 30 minutes. With Batman, none.

Also as much as I loved the new BATMAN film, it seems that the new Batman is more anaemic, less ‘buff’, and not as physically strong or imposing as even the Christian Bale Batman.

Also, John Wick is great because Chad S (Keanu’s former stuntman) is both stunt man *AND* director– one of the most unique combinations.

Also, Batman has too much “daddy issues” and inner conflict and drama. John Wick doesn’t — he just wants bloodthirsty revenge, then survival, then revenge (again).

Assuming that writing is simply an act of making notes for yourself, perhaps photography is also the same– making photos for your self.

For me, making beats, music is insanely fun.

Essentially all I do is open up GarageBand when I’m in the mood, or need music to accompany my slideshows, and I love to ‘vibe out’ to my own beats, and I like the zone it puts me in.

Beats by KIM PODCAST

And the big upside:

Because I do not consider myself a ‘musician’ or a ‘producer’, there is no need or pressure to make music the ‘real’ way.

BEATS

Takeaway:

Don’t consider yourself *something*, and then you will have fewer ‘rules’ and boundaries in which to abide by.

Thus, more artistic and creative productivity, more having fun, and greater joy in life.

Writing is simply a process of writing notes to yourself.

Be topless as much as humanly possible.

More effective than ‘calorie counting’ or other nonsensical ideas.

The general idea:

If you spend as much time during the day topless, you get a better sense of your body composition (your muscle mass, your body fat percentage, etc).

If you don’t like the way you look, or if you feel you got too much body fat, or not enough muscle, it gives you the motivation to be insanely strict with yourself (fast during the day, and cut out all starches, carbs, sugars, etc).

The secret to extracting the maximum out of life and existence.

What I look for often– triangle composition.

One of the most difficult things to spot and shoot in street photography:

Surrealism.

What is surrealism? When something looks like something else.

For example I was at the outdoor mall the other day, and I saw this:

Essentially at first, I saw the scene and I thought:

“WTF” is going on?

It looked like the girl and the guy merged into one.

You can shoot street photography, layers, etc anywhere. At the mall, at the outdoor mall, in the indoor mall, in the suburbs, in ‘boring’ places, etc:

Think fill the frame.

When shooting photos of Seneca, I’ve discovered:

There are certain photos which bring me deep pleasure (super low-key, as dark as possible), and photos which bring others pleasure (him doing ‘cute’ stuff).

But ultimately, it is the photos which please me which brings me the greatest joy. Thus the takeaway:

More focus on making photos which please *YOU*.

Also a thought on the new DONDA2 album from Kanye:

I think he really made the album to please himself. And it is great.

Also ultimately, ethics are aesthetic as well.

Too basic of a question.

What is critical thinking? To be able to wisely judge information, knowledge, and commonly held wisdom.

Probably the most important skill.

Situational difficulty is good, as it challenges us, trains us, and helps advance us.

Desirable difficulties, the more difficult, the better.

Do you see your kid as a burden, or your pride and glory you desire to train, grow, advance and evolve upwards?

iPhone SE, MacBook Air, Ricoh GR II, III, IIIX.

For video, GoPro.

Cheapest Tesla Model 3.

Currently the best camera of all time. Superior to any Leica M or Q camera, any Fujifilm, iPhone, digital medium format, etc.

Live your life in such a way which allows you to shoot 1,000 photos a day — a sign that you are living a great and interesting life.

You don’t want to show and present yourself clearly, better to distort yourself (metaphorically and literally).

SHELBY COBRA — a car that John Wick would be more likely to drive.

Bottom-heavy composition as more interesting than centered.