I’m big into finding out about new products, books, songs, artists, apparel, etc. So a lot of the newsletters I subscribe to send out something every week about the top things they’re loving or hearing about. I tend to get a lot of good ideas from these and I figured I should start my own version of that. I’m calling this The Rapport Box – a weekly dose of what I’m consuming, reading, listening to, or wearing at the moment and my thoughts on varios trends. Enjoy:
What I’m Drinking
Trader Joe’s Ginger & Turmeric Tea
I picked this up randomly one day when shopping at Trader Joe’s. I was never really in to tea but my girlfriend started making me different concoctions of tea and I eventually developed a liking toward it. We go out for sushi a lot and I love the ginger they give you after. It cleanses the pallet and also helps aid digestion so you don’t feel bloated after. I also know Turmeric is good for you (anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant) so I figured the combo would be super healthy. And it is! It’s also delicious. It tastes like Fruit Loops. I have a cup of this tea every night before I go to bed and it helps break down the dinner I just ate while also putting me in a relaxed state as I wind down and read a book before it’s lights out.
What I’m Reading
My roommate Toby gifted me this book for Christmas and I’m so glad he did.Every time I went in to a bookstore I would always pick up a copy of Shoe Dog, read a few pages and then put it back on the shelf. I didn’t know if I would like it or not, but I’m so glad he gave it to me because now I’m forced to read something I always kind of wanted to. I’m about two-thirds of the way through and it’s incredible. I had no idea the grassroots story of Nike’s beginning in Portland, Oregon and Japan in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I posted a picture of the book on my Instagram story and my DM’s got flooded with praise from friends who read the book and loved it. I’m going to Portland in two weeks so I’m excited to see the prescence Nike has there. The book has also reinforced my desire to travel to Japan – maybe sometime this year…
Ticket Event that Surprised Me (in a good way)
The Play that Goes Wrong
I got invited to this play last minute on Saturday and it was fucking incredible. I went in to it with no expectations and didn’t even look it up. You can guess by the name of it what it’s about, but it’s a comedy and I’m not lying when I say I literally laughed for two hours straight. It was absolutely hilarious. Go see it while tickets are still cheap because this thing was amazing. I always have major respect for any play or musical because the actors are all so god damn talented, but this one not only blew me away with the performance but the writing was so freaking clever. Highly, highly recommend.
What I’m Listening To
The Tim Ferriss Show with Terry Crews
I’m a big fan of Tim Ferriss’ podcast. I love the way he breaks down his guest’s lives with great questions and even better follow up questions, but this one especially blew me away. If you’re unfamiliar with Terry Crews, you probably know him as the rather large human being who sings 1,000 Miles by Vanessa Carlton in White Chicks. Also, more recently know for the ridiculous Old Spice commercials. But I had no idea how unbelievably smart, talented, and introspective he was. This interview was choc-ful of life advice, philosophy, and motivation to get shit done. Did you know Terry Crews is amazing artist and actually went to Western Michigan on an art scholarship, walked on to the football team, then went on to play in the NFL? Crazy stuff and probably top 5 podcast episodes I’ve ever listened to.
Article That Got Me Thinking
Waking up to the Gift of “Aliveness” by Sean D. Kelly
My friend Connor posted this on Twitter and said “Recommend everyone read this…”. It was definitely worth the read. The most profound quote that really had a lasting impact on me was “The goal of life, for Pascal, is not happiness, peace, or fulfillment, but aliveness.” This offers a really unique take on the perspective you should have in everyday life. You don’t have to be striving for something, or forcing yourself to be happy or fulfilled – just be alive.
Instagram Post I Can’t Stop Watching
This video is unbelievable. I knew Mike Tyson was one of the greatest Heavyweight Boxers of all time but I didn’t realize the maniac force behind is punches. Holy shit! Sparring with Mike Tyson would have been the equivalent of getting in a serious car accident. Major props to anyone who had the balls to stand in front of him – including the skinny white dude in the video.
Song I’m Loving
Set You Free – The Black Keys
The Black Keys have been my favorite band for a few years now. I have so much more appreciation for bands that only have three members – but like the White Stripes, The Black Keys are only two members. Just one guy on guitar and one guy on drums. Their sound is so hard and so raw. Dan Auerbach just cranks out nasty riffs on a distorted electric guitar and sings into an old-school muffed microphone. It’s a little off-kilter and out of tune which makes it that much better. It’s hard rock but you can feel the blues influence in there. I have so much respect for these guys and the amount of hits they churn out. Their music is perfect for when I’m sitting down, writing on my laptop with a cup of coffee in the morning and the caffeine kicks in.
Hope you enjoyed the first edition of The Weekly Rapport Box. Feel free to leave a comment here or on my social channels. Which item was you favorite? Would you like less or more? You can tweet me @KRanga3 with the hashtag #RapportBox
Much love
-KB