☀️ Awesome Things 222: Why You Can't Buy a Bob Ross, Dead Satellite Reawakens, $1M Honey, Van Gogh Ate Yellow Paint, The Power of Doing Nothing, Buy Fyre Fest on eBay
Another week of internet awesomeness. Awesome Things is read across 40 US states and 34 countries.
This week's newsletter is sponsored by:
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On to this week’s Awesome Things:
Why it’s nearly impossible to buy an original Bob Ross painting
All told, Bob Ross churned out ~30k paintings in his lifetime — nearly 3x the output of Picasso, a prolific painter in his own right.
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This Satellite Died in 1967. For Some Reason, It Just Spoke to Us Again.
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Heineken launches mobile plan that encourages you to unplug—and rewards you for doing so
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Million Dollar Honey
Why the high price? It takes about 11,350 hours of bee labor to make an 8-ounce jar of honey, and if those bees were paid a typical San Francisco tech salary ($200K annually, or $95 an hour), one jar would cost a little over one million dollars. We created Million Dollar Honey to start a conversation about the tech industry's relationship with local biodiversity.
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Yamakazi brings inspired ideas to common household items and products that are smart and simple.
We believe that even the smallest transformations throughout the home can help us stress less & live more joyfully. Headquartered in Japan, we are universally recognized for bringing intelligent, uniquely considered design to everyday items.
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The 50 Best Shoegaze Albums of All Time
From Slowdive to Blonde Redhead—and yes, My Bloody Valentine—these are the records that rise above
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Walking my dog, I feel free to wear the most unhinged outfits – and nobody minds
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The power of doing nothing (and why it helps your creative work)
Sometimes, the best ideas come when you're off the clock. Here's why rest is your secret weapon in hard times.
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Spotify's viral 'band' The Velvet Sundown confirms AI-generated music after speculation and fake spokesperson drama
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Why did Van Gogh eat yellow paint? The troubled obsession behind the masterpieces.
In “Human History on Drugs,” Sam Kelly explores what the research can tell us about one of history’s most brilliant — and troubled — artists.
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Billy McFarland Puts Fyre Fest Up for Auction on eBay
A day after his supposed seven-figure deal to sell the brand and IP fell through
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Leftovers
✅ This surreal phenomenon called Lāhainā Noon, also known as a zero‑shadow day, happens twice a year in Hawaii when the Sun passes directly overhead at solar noon, causing vertical objects to cast no visible shadow.
✅ 5 simple ways to inject creativity into your life
✅ Save up to 50% on these Prime Day deals*
✅ This is the PERFECT romcom but the catch is, no one is old enough to even enroll in kindergarten yet
// Quotable
“Instead of looking at things, look between things.”
– John Baldessardi
The Retail Focus Podcast
Retail Focus dives into the latest trends, news, and innovations shaping retail, e-commerce, and technology. Whether you're a professional, a curious mind, or someone passionate about the industry, our engaging discussions and timely insights will keep you up-to-date and inspired.
Hosted by podcast and e-commerce vets John Suder and Bart Mroz.
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