Hello again, my friend. The time is upon us.
In case you’ve missed it (which would be so impressive), we are only two sleeps aways from Election Day.
Once a milestone that reliably marked the end of a presidential election, this one–much like 2020–is surely the start of an overtime period made up of nothing but coaches’ challenges and replay reviews1.
If you’re in the camp who really can’t think about anything else–either because you’re admirably out there doing something for your candidate or cause, or you’re doomscrolling through a myriad of ways this week’s vote might impact you2–I understand the fixation. I’ll show myself out.
If you’re more like me, welcoming a bit of distraction, I’m here for you.
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It can get lost in the fog of partisanship, but from its inception America has always been a nation of dreamers, capable of doing and making things that no other nation could.
Today, I give you just a handful reminders of the enduring legacy of the United States that will stand etched in the halls of history, long after this contentious political cycle is over.
God bless the United States of America 🇺🇸
The Moon Landing
We had the audacity to shoot humans into space, then land them on the moon and get them home.
Moon Landing Hoax People
We also have the audacity to continue to call bullshit on the humans who claim they went into space (and the many, many people who made it happen).
Beppo!
Yet another brave astronaut fighting against the odds to get back home.
Prince covering ‘While My Guitar Gentle Weeps’ at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Even when we don’t make the original, we’re very good at making it our own.
Smokey and the Bandit
A feature film was made about smuggling Coors from Texas to Georgia and it was a runaway hit. The tapestry of America is woven with the richest of fabrics.
The Fast and the Furious
A feature film was made about street racers stealing combo TV/VCRs and it turned into 10+ movies with submarines and cars going into space3.
The London Bridge in Arizona
They moved the London Bridge from England to Lake Havasu because some rich dude thought it would be funny.
Imodium AD Ads in the 2000s
Some agency talked the brand managers at Imodium into multiple ads specifically around hot tubs and people with the skitters.
Gallagher
We had a comedian whose whole deal was smashing watermelons, so much so that the front few rows had a tarp. How many countries can say that?
Me on SportsCenter
I made a t-shirt and all I got was this letter from my favorite NBA coach’s lawyers. Who needs an autograph or selfie?
Freddie Freeman’s Grand Slam
He didn’t just win Game 1, as this video shows, he brought the world together.
Last but not least, let’s not forget the recent innovation out of the food science nerds who gave us Nerds Gummy Clusters4. Doing the lord’s work.
Always remember that to argue, and win, is to break down the reality of the person you are arguing against. It is painful to lose your reality, so be kind, even if you are right.
Haruki Murakami
Hang in there, no matter how it feels…
…we’re in it together.
-KB
Hopefully another Four Seasons Total Landscaping-esque moment as well.
Or, by extension, someone you love, your business, or just the likelihood that you’ll be able to write-off your new Sea-Doo.
And there are at least two more of them coming.
If the New York Times is trying to win me back, stories like Inside the Colorful and Cultish World of Nerds Gummy Clusters are a good start.
This made me laugh out loud or “lol” as the kids say these days. 🚀