Happy Friday! ☀️
After my last work week of the year and a quick pit stop in the Austrian mountains for a surprise birthday dinner of a friend, I am no on my way to Brussels where I’ll spend the next few days with the family for the holidays.
What I’m reading 📖
This story to me reads both like a mini novel and perhaps also part of a plot for a tv series. An island in Maine, the locals who remain after the summer folks have departed, and John Travolta and his late wife Kirstie Alley. The story and its writing absorbed me fully, created images in my mind, and made me wish to spend some time on an island in Maine, hanging with the locals. Click.
What I’m listening to 🎧
Lex Fridman’s podcasts episodes are my most recommended here in this newsletter and some might get bored by it. Thing is, his conversations are at such a high quality-level that I could recommend every episode. This week, it’s this 4+ hours conversation about Mexican drug cartels with Ed Calderon, a security specialist who worked on counter-narcotics and organized crime in Mexico. Note: some of the things Ed shares are graphic.
What I’m watching 📺
Just about when the year is coming to a close, the movie Amsterdam slots itself into my top list of favorite movies. Starring Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington, three friends who met during World War I unite again around a mystery murder that uncovers what was alleged at the time to be one of the most outrageous political plots of the time. Reading up on the movie, the movie didn’t do well at the box office and I don’t understand why. It’s visually extremely well done, has a complex plot, and impeccable acting. I loved it. Watch the trailer.
What I’m thinking about 🧠
The end and the start of the year often means a period and reflection for people, and at times even the spark for bigger changes. But change is hard, and it helps to understand why. My internet friend Steve Schlafman (startup-person turned VC turned coach) wrote a long post about why change is hard and how we can break some of the patterns that prevent change. It’s a great read full of resources, start here.
What else?! 💯
On a quick final note, here is a red wine I recommend. I first discovered it in an Italian restaurant called Piccino in San Francisco in 2014, spotted it here and there since, bought some over the years, and found it on the menu of this week’s surprise dinner in the mountains. If you ever come across Manincor’s Reserve del Conte (Lagrein, Marlot, Cabernet Sauvignon blend) from South Tyrol, give it a try.
Thanks for reading, have a great weekend, and happy holidays!
David
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