Month: January 2025

I’m a linebacker! Middle linebacker baby!

The Creator

DNA

Offensive, inoffensive design?

Primum Mobile

Our desire to conquer, acquire more?

MUDBATH.

The new nightshade Prius — super fucking cool!

All blacked out murdered out Prius, so fucking gangsta!

Back to gasoline?

Our desire to conquer, acquire more?

1. Acquire more light, sunlight, natural light
2. Acquire and consume more fat?

What has more nutrition?

Fat or cholesterol? Which meats?

Stats— looking at stats?

Only the rich have the privilege to beautiful colors?

Desert titanium iPhone Pro — the only beautiful and or interesting color for iPhone? Even black sucks.

all the iPhone colors?

Has M2 chip!

Get at least 256GB— only $699–

Get one. The only Apple product worth getting?

More wisdom in knowing and discovering what you don’t like, than what you *do* like —

Things I don’t like:

1. The cold, being cold and frigid. Solution: Space heater!
2. Being stuck indoors. Solution: Going outside!
3. The dark, solution: Go out, seek the sunlight, direct sun!

eat more fat!

Audio

Standing is the supreme position

Off the grid health and fitness

Free Spirit 

Free, freedom Spirit

How to make yourself look bigger with clothing?

BeCome as big as the city? 

Strong like steel, concrete 

Open world exploration 

New explorations

Explore More 

Speed of eating — often time buffet all you can eat issue ;; too slow? Faster to cook at home ?

Mutual attraction 

Life goals: to get a really good nights of sleep?

Using all of our tools and resources to dominate the environment?

Good stimuli, bad stimuli ?

Lots of fat?

Keep the heat, retain your body heat  

Propensity to perform work

Bigger worlds , bigger social worlds ?

The privilege of heat

If you had 100 trillion, but lived abroad…

$100T

From a material science perspective, down can be considered a natural, lightweight insulation material whose properties arise from the unique microstructure of its fibers and clusters. Below are some key aspects of down in the context of materials science:

1. Microstructure and Morphology

• Radial Fiber Network: Down clusters are composed of a central quill point from which soft, flexible filaments (barbs) radiate. Each barb then branches into even finer filaments (barbules), creating a highly branched microstructure.

• High Porosity: The arrangement of barbs and barbules creates numerous small air pockets. This high void fraction (porosity) is critical for insulation because it traps air, which is a poor conductor of heat.

2. Thermal Insulation Mechanism

• Air as an Insulator: In material science, any structure that can trap still air is effective at reducing heat transfer via conduction and convection. Down’s branched filaments greatly increase its surface area, maximizing the volume of air held in place.

• Low Density, High Loft: Down’s “loft” is a measure of how much volume the material occupies (fill power). High-loft down (700+ fill power) demonstrates a superior ratio of insulation to weight, an ideal property in thermal insulation applications.

3. Mechanical Properties

• Resilience and Compressibility: One hallmark of down is that it compresses easily under pressure but “bounces back” when the pressure is removed. The delicate structure of barbs and barbules can collapse and then recover shape, enabling repeated compression/expansion.

• Shear and Tensile Strength: While individual filaments are not notably strong in tensile or shear terms compared to synthetic fibers, the collective cluster structure gives down sufficient resilience for repeated use in bedding and apparel.

4. Moisture Sensitivity and Hydrophobic Treatments

• Loss of Insulation When Wet: In material science terms, water disrupts the air pockets in down. Once it wets out, the down clumps, reducing porosity and increasing thermal conductivity.

• DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Treatments: Modern manufacturing often treats down with a hydrophobic coating (e.g., a fluorocarbon or other water-repellent finish) to help it maintain loft and insulation, even in humid or damp conditions.

5. Comparison with Synthetic Insulation

1. Fiber Architecture

• Synthetics (e.g., polyester batting): Man-made fibers are engineered to mimic down’s lofty structure but typically use crimped filaments or “cluster fill” designs.

• Down vs. Synthetic: While synthetics can perform better in wet conditions and can be easier to clean, high-quality down remains superior in terms of weight-to-warmth ratio.

2. Thermal Performance

• Loft Stability: Synthetics can lose loft over time, especially after compression cycles. High-grade down, if well cared for, can maintain its loft for many years.

• Durability: Properly maintained down can remain effective for decades, whereas synthetics sometimes degrade more quickly under repeated compression and washing.

6. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

• Renewable Resource: As a byproduct of the food industry, down is technically renewable, though ethical concerns arise around animal welfare.

• Recycled & Certified Down: Increased transparency in supply chains has led to certifications (e.g., Responsible Down Standard, RDS) ensuring animal welfare and traceability.

• Life Cycle: From a life-cycle assessment perspective, natural down can have a smaller environmental footprint than synthetics, assuming responsible collection and humane treatment of birds.

7. Emerging Research and Innovations

• Bio-Inspired Materials: Researchers study down’s branching microstructure to inspire new types of synthetic insulation or aerogels that replicate its lightweight, high-loft nature.

• Hybrid Fills: Some companies blend down with synthetic fibers or aerogel particles to balance insulation, moisture resistance, and cost.

• Chemical Modifications: Advancements in coating or doping down filaments with substances that enhance hydrophobicity (or even impart antimicrobial properties) are areas of ongoing research.

Key Takeaways

1. Microscopic Network: Down owes its extraordinary insulation to a complex, branching structure that traps air.

2. Thermal Efficiency: Its high loft and porosity keep warmth in by minimizing conductive and convective heat loss.

3. Material Properties: Down is resilient, compressible, and can recover its shape well—but is highly sensitive to moisture.

4. Sustainable Resource: With responsible sourcing and manufacturing, down can be an eco-friendly, long-lasting insulation option.

5. Continuous Innovation: Research into coatings, blends, and synthetic analogs draws inspiration from the unique architecture and properties of down.

From a materials science standpoint, down remains one of nature’s most efficient insulators, offering insights that continue to inspire the development of advanced synthetic and bio-based insulation technologies.

..

Down—typically the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese—keeps us warm primarily by trapping air. Here’s how it works:

1. Structure of Down Clusters

• Unlike flat feathers, down has a three-dimensional structure made up of many filaments, or “barbs,” that radiate out from a central core.

• These filaments create tiny air pockets, which help retain the warm air generated by your body. In other words, down doesn’t create heat, but it is exceptionally good at holding onto the heat you already produce.

2. Insulation Through Air Trapping

• Air is a poor conductor of heat, meaning it doesn’t easily allow warmth (or cold) to pass through it.

• By capturing and holding lots of air in those small pockets, a layer of down acts like a barrier between your body and the colder outside environment.

3. Loft and Fill Power

• The effectiveness of down is often described by its “fill power”—a measurement of how much volume one ounce of down can fill when fully “fluffed.”

• Higher fill power (e.g., 700, 800, or 900) generally means the down is loftier and has the potential to trap even more air, providing more warmth for less weight.

4. Lightweight and Compressible

• Because down clusters are so effective at trapping air, they can provide a great deal of warmth while still remaining light and highly compressible.

• This is why down is popular for jackets and sleeping bags used in cold, outdoor conditions—warmth without bulk.

5. Moisture Sensitivity

• One caveat is that down loses much of its insulating ability when it gets wet. The filaments clump together and can’t trap as much air.

• Many modern down products incorporate water-resistant treatments, but keeping your down dry is still key to maintaining its warmth.

In short, down’s natural, three-dimensional “fluff” creates a highly efficient barrier of air pockets around the body. These pockets retain body heat and minimize heat loss to the surrounding environment, resulting in exceptional warmth relative to weight.

Street life

Ready for war! The beautiful is war ? Bellum, bonus

War training

War chariot

How would a warrior dress?

Strike Fear into your enemies 

The strongest, the best technology shall always win

The strong and the best shall always prevail

Off roading sports car 

Fractal designs

Natural variation is beautiful

Physical fitness, physical health

I feed on the sun!

Not only consuming more food and meat, consuming more sun?

X

Below are some more “off-the-beaten-path” or less commonly discussed ways that nature benefits humans—spanning cultural, psychological, and even theoretical realms. While some remain areas of active research, they offer intriguing perspectives on how deeply intertwined humans are with the natural world.

1. Fractal Relaxation

• Fractal Geometry in Nature: Tree branches, leaves, coastlines, and cloud formations often exhibit self-similar (fractal) patterns.

• Visual Stress Reduction: Studies suggest viewing fractals found in nature can reduce stress levels because the eye and brain find these repeating patterns inherently soothing.

2. Awe and “Small Self” Phenomenon

• Experiences of Vastness: Standing at the edge of a canyon, staring at a night sky full of stars, or witnessing the northern lights can evoke a feeling of awe.

• Positive Psychological Shift: Awe can reduce self-focus, expand one’s perspective, and increase pro-social behaviors like generosity and empathy.

3. Blue Mind Theory

• Effect of Water: Coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, “Blue Mind” refers to the mildly meditative, relaxed yet focused state that people report when near or on water (oceans, lakes, rivers).

• Cognitive Benefits: The gentle, rhythmic sights and sounds of water can calm the nervous system, promote creativity, and ease stress.

4. Healing Properties of Natural Hot Springs

• Geothermal Waters: Rich in minerals (like sulfur, magnesium, and calcium), natural hot springs have been used for centuries in spa and therapeutic traditions.

• Potential Health Effects: Warm mineral baths may improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and support skin health.

5. Unusual Natural Soundscapes

• Acoustic Ecology: Beyond the usual birdsong and waterfalls, certain environments (like deserts at dusk or ice cracking on a frozen lake) produce rare, otherworldly sounds.

• Psychoacoustic Benefits: Listening to these unique soundscapes can enhance mindfulness, curiosity, and a sense of wonder.

6. The “Green Gym” Concept

• Nature-Focused Exercise: Activities like conservation work, gardening in community plots, or park-based workout circuits provide both physical activity and a chance to connect with the land.

• Enhanced Motivation: Being outdoors often makes exercise feel more rewarding, helping people stick to routine physical activity.

7. Soil Contact and Mood Regulation

• M. vaccae Bacteria: Some studies have investigated a soil-based bacterium (Mycobacterium vaccae) that may elevate mood when inhaled or ingested (e.g., while gardening).

• Natural “Antidepressant”?: Early research suggests this bacterium could stimulate serotonin production, potentially reducing anxiety.

8. Forest Chemistry and “Tree Therapy”

• Phytoncides Beyond Stress Relief: While Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is fairly well-known, emerging research explores whether these tree-released substances might also aid in regulating blood sugar or blood pressure over the long term.

• Local Identity: Different forests (pine vs. cedar vs. cypress) emit unique aromatic compounds that may have distinct health effects.

9. Bio-Inspired Design (Biomimicry)

• Innovations from Nature: Studying how leaves repel water (lotus effect) or how spiders spin silk can inspire new materials and technologies.

• Sustainability Gains: Nature-derived designs often emphasize energy efficiency and resilience—benefits that, in turn, support healthier ecosystems and communities.

10. Wilderness Rites of Passage

• Personal Growth: Many cultures have used extended stays in nature—vision quests, solitary retreats, or survival challenges—as transformative experiences.

• Psychological Resilience: Stepping away from modern amenities in a meaningful, guided manner often fosters self-discovery, self-reliance, and emotional maturity.

11. Astro-Tourism and Planetary Perspective

• Dark Sky Reserves: Areas with minimal light pollution allow spectacular views of the Milky Way, fostering a deeper cosmic perspective.

• Planetary Stewardship: Feeling connected to a broader universe can increase awareness of Earth’s fragility and the need for environmental stewardship.

12. Bioluminescent Encounters

• Glow-in-the-Dark Seas: Some coastal waters light up due to marine organisms (like phytoplankton) that glow when disturbed.

• Sense of Enchantment: Experiencing bioluminescence can boost curiosity about marine life and strengthen one’s emotional bond with the ocean.

These less-common ideas reinforce an important point: nature’s benefits run deep, affecting not just our bodies but our minds, culture, creativity, and sense of place in the world. They remind us that protecting and engaging with natural environments isn’t just an ecological imperative—it’s also integral to human vitality, insight, and spiritual well-being.

…

Beyond the familiar necessities of clean air, water, and food, nature provides a range of subtle or “hidden” benefits that profoundly impact human health, well-being, and even creativity. These benefits often go unnoticed in day-to-day life but are well-documented in fields like ecology, psychology, and public health. Here are a few examples:

1. Microbial Exposure and Immune Health

• Nature’s Probiotics: Soil, plants, and outdoor environments contain diverse communities of bacteria. Regular exposure to these microbes can promote a balanced human microbiome, potentially reducing allergies and boosting immune function.

• “Hygiene Hypothesis”: Spending time in natural settings can help train the immune system—especially in children—to distinguish between harmless and harmful agents, possibly lowering autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

2. Mood Regulation Through Biophilia

• Biophilia: Humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. Simply looking at trees or water can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and induce a calmer state of mind.

• Natural Soundscapes: Birdsong, flowing water, and rustling leaves can soothe the nervous system and lower anxiety levels.

3. Negative Ions for Improved Well-Being

• Ocean Waves & Waterfalls: Areas with moving water tend to produce higher concentrations of negative ions in the air, which some studies suggest can elevate mood and potentially alleviate depression or fatigue.

• Forest Air: Certain forested areas, particularly coniferous forests, can also have higher concentrations of negative ions and beneficial aerosols.

4. Enhanced Cognitive Function & Creativity

• Restorative Environments: Research shows that time in green spaces can “reset” mental fatigue and restore attentional capacity, improving focus and productivity afterward.

• Divergent Thinking: Engaging with nature—whether through a walk in the woods or gardening—often fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.

5. Stress Reduction via Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)

• Forest Atmosphere: Practices like Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) in Japan involve slow, mindful walks through forests. Studies show reduced blood pressure, lowered heart rate, and overall stress relief as a result of exposure to the natural chemistry of forests (e.g., phytoncides from trees).

• Mindfulness & Presence: Being in a forest environment encourages people to tune into their senses (sight, sound, smell, and touch), promoting mindfulness and relaxation.

6. Natural Aromatherapy

• Plant Emissions: Many plants and trees release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can have calming or invigorating effects on humans. Lavender, for example, contains linalool, which is linked to reduced stress levels.

• Forest Aerosols: Trees like pines, cedars, and cypress emit phytoncides that may strengthen our natural immune defenses.

7. Physical Grounding

• Direct Contact with Earth: Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil—sometimes referred to as “earthing” or “grounding”—is proposed to help balance the body’s electric charge. While still an emerging area of study, some people report improved sleep and reduced inflammation.

• Connection with Nature: The act of physically touching the earth can deepen a sense of connectedness and relaxation.

8. Cultural, Spiritual, and Social Value

• Rituals and Inspiration: Many cultures incorporate natural features like rivers, mountains, or forests into rituals and spiritual practices, contributing to a sense of identity and community cohesion.

• Social Bonds: Parks, community gardens, and natural gathering places can enhance social interaction, foster stronger community ties, and alleviate feelings of isolation.

9. Medicinal Discoveries and Research

• Nature’s Pharmacy: Many modern medicines derive from compounds originally found in plants, fungi, and even marine organisms. Exploring biodiverse habitats continues to yield new discoveries.

• Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous and local knowledge about plants and their healing properties often guides research into novel treatments.

These less obvious benefits—ranging from mental rejuvenation to immune support—underline why preserving and regularly engaging with natural environments is crucial, not only for ecological reasons but also for the holistic health and resilience of human communities.

All day being in nature?

1. The ability to just walk on our own two feet, around?
2. Joy in elevation, randomness in height in environment?
3. Access to the direct light!

Not “sight-seeing”

Outlast, overlast!

Forever is long enough for me.

The forever car?

Open up your horizons

Unstoppable.

Having kids is the new privilege! The worst edict that can fall upon man:

Thou shalt not procreate?

Laugher is godlike

How to think differently

The reason we like driving… The feeling our power by just pushing an accelerator gas pedal really hard, and then expressing power?

Yeah the big problem here is that any 400 pounds skinny fat loser could do this? Or even a cripple?

,

Capacity to store food

Wealthy slaves

Feeling cramped?

Always ignore what others say, don’t even ask them for their opinion? 

Towards a new definition of power? 

Keep building new skyscrapers ?

So fun!

New mindsets

Just keeping it alive is the most virtuous thing!

Success is just staying alive?

How to Stay Alive

People incapable of doing things themselves — ok!

Modest versus grande forms of expression

Pleasure grounds

Social control vs social freedom? 

Arcade

The Traveler

Just be in one space at a time

We are all human!

Exhibition

Physicality, think physicality first?

Social engineering

Assert, asserting your dominance

How to assert your dominance

Linebacker training

Urban Play

Being in the city getting your mind off of things

Asia is great for kids, so South Korea, Tokyo? Public train

Random, random travel is good 

.

Bitcoin is worth all the money in the world

Bitcoin is all the money in the world

I fucking love ChatGPT!

Think security.

Fucking scared the shit out of me

What’s sexier?

Apex male sexiness?

Apex Sexiness?

The goal is to become sexier

The philosophy of sexy, sexiness ?

Americans are backwards

Always get extra space and buffer

Always get more storage !!!

At least 256GB. or now more ?

Is life like a video game ? Or should it be treated like a video game ?

Train the machine!

The money make me handsomer!

Prices and signals ,,, paying for it yourself !

$180 per diem

The goals of the economist

Economic thoughts

Superior nutrition

,

ChatGPT is fucking amazing!

Reduces cognitive load?

Reduces cognitive load?

I guess this proves Hong Kong *IS * China —

Owning a car in Hong Kong involves several costs beyond the initial purchase price. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses you can expect:

1. Purchase Price and Taxes:

• New Cars: Prices vary widely based on make and model. Additionally, new vehicles are subject to a First Registration Tax (FRT), which is calculated based on the vehicle’s taxable value.

• Used Cars: Generally more affordable, with prices influenced by factors such as age, mileage, and brand. Purchasing a used car can also reduce the impact of depreciation.

2. Annual Vehicle License Fee:

The fee is determined by engine size:

• Up to 1,500 cc: HK$3,929

• 1,501 cc – 2,500 cc: HK$5,794

• 2,501 cc – 3,500 cc: HK$7,664

• 3,501 cc – 4,500 cc: HK$9,534

• Over 4,500 cc: HK$11,329

3. Insurance:

Third-party insurance is mandatory, with premiums starting around HK$2,500 annually. Comprehensive coverage costs more, depending on factors like vehicle type, engine size, and the driver’s history.

4. Maintenance and Repairs:

• Annual Vehicle Examination: Required for private cars six years or older, costing approximately HK$585.

• General Servicing: Ranges from HK$4,000 to HK$8,000 per year, depending on the vehicle’s condition and service provider.

5. Fuel Costs:

Fuel prices in Hong Kong are among the highest globally, averaging around HK$15 to HK$20 per liter. Annual fuel expenses can vary but are significant, especially for daily drivers.

6. Parking:

• Monthly Parking: In residential areas, fees range from HK$2,000 to HK$4,000.

• Hourly Parking: Rates vary, with higher costs in urban centers.

7. Toll Fees:

Cross-harbor tunnel tolls range from HK$20 to HK$55, depending on the tunnel used. Regular commuters should budget for these expenses.

8. Depreciation:

Vehicles in Hong Kong depreciate over time, with new cars experiencing significant depreciation in the first few years. This affects the vehicle’s resale value and overall cost of ownership.

9. Additional Costs:

• Transfer of Ownership Fee: Typically around HK$1,000 when purchasing a new car.

• Miscellaneous Expenses: Including car accessories, cleaning, and unexpected repairs.

Considering these factors, owning a car in Hong Kong is a substantial financial commitment. It’s essential to assess your personal needs, budget, and the convenience offered by the city’s extensive public transportation system before deciding to purchase a vehicle.

The first principle — our own individual economic decision making is true.

Resisting the urge to think that the individual economic decisions of others is foolish or “irrational”.

Morning walking commute

0, zero is the best number, zero accidents

Driving is for servants

Trade the weaker asset for the stronger asset 

Air pressure, air temperature?

Elevation ?

You are the natural filter

Aesthetics Matter

Build armor , not muscle

Muscle is Your Armor!

More muscular stronger people are more difficult to kill

I’m hard to kill

Unkillable

Invest in the bitcoin bank, micro strategy

Nobody wants to live on rails

Just Carte Blanche it!

Doesn’t everybody want to live untethered ?

The land of the free , the land of freedom  

Smart economic decisions.

America —

Orange deep orange yolks — color is key !

Deep red Orange > Yellow

Brand or superficial expression of power?

Owning a bitcoin is like owning a skyscraper?

Trading, think trading 

The strongest brand on the planet

Squishable

Hong Kong as the ultimate urban playground?

maximum physical exercise 

Traditional versus modern wealth

A1

The purpose: to be the best father alive?

Always 3x extra?

Brick by brick

Just build it brick by brick

If you had unlimited money and resources, how would you spend your time and life? Specifically training your kid?

just don’t rush your kid 

Just let them take their sweet sweet time

Kids are geniuses

Why are adults so boring ?

Always pack “a shitload”

Once you got peak strength and power then what?

More extreme resources … more extreme buffer ?

The true virtue is in the body

True luxury is hidden,,, it ain’t labeled or branded or marketed as “luxury”.

”Luxury” requires a steady salary? Often some slave tech job? Or slave banker or consultant job?

A new concept for street photographers?

Very nice

Hong Kong ERIC KIM VIDEO

very fun!

Podcast video

Audio

Pretty cool