Branson - Part 2
The Uphill Cyclist
Prologue
This month had me trailing yet another billionaire, who shall remain unnamed, as part of a fascinating ongoing documentary, and I'm sorry but I'm not at liberty to say who it is. But if you've ever wanted to guess who it is, let's just say it ain't the other-other billionaire rocketman. That said, if anyone can get me on a project with Elon, I’d love to punch my bingo card for the Bezos-Branson-Musk trinity-trifecta. Call me!
What I can start to release are the reports from a very consequential project that just premiered on Hulu: The 1619 Project. For over a year, I had the honor of working with an amazing crew delving deeply into American history and culture; there is no American history without black American history and the same goes for culture. I’m watching it with my kids now, and I encourage you do as well. Also, consider spending some time reading the book.
What else - I’m burning through the edit on the short documentary I shot with John Maringouin, and getting close to locking the edit on the feature I’m making with Alexandra Berger (shout out to editor Mary Kerr!).
And now, back to Fantasy Island…
Project: Branson
Cast of Characters:
Richard - Himself
Sam - Himself
Chris - Director
Ryann - Producer
Ro - Assistant Camera
Ben - Director of Photography
John - Gaffer
June 25, 2021
Avast!
We rose before dawn and made our way to the docks by the light of the waning moon. Somehow, we all made it onto the boat, and as the sun rose over Necker Island, we crossed the briny deep and once again set foot upon Branson land.
Cycling was a lesson in punishment. All uphill! Truly a test of endurance and nerves. I kept thinking, there must be a point at which any given rider would break. But then again, the risk was that they would break also while riding downhill. However, Richard absolutely made it all the way. At the top, he rendezvoused with the owner of Hog Heaven and discussed old times. The sweet, candy-like smell of slow-cooking ribs, hot and ripe, started my stomach and Ben was asking if we might have a bite then and there. But then, Richard took the truck down; according to him, there's no benefit in riding downhill. To us, this might have seemed like the reward for all the hard work. But no, to him, it was a waste of time and an unnecessary risk.
Back on Necker, we tucked into brekkie, wherein most everyone opted for eggs, avocado, sauteed kale, and toast. Well, I gave away my avocado. Ryann pushed the green juice and I'm happy I gave in to my curiosity.
After a bit of setting up, we sat down for the interview. But, first Richard took many takes as he attempted to record a very important letter. It was quite emotional. What must be going through his mind?
Chris and Richard then covered a lot of territory and many tidbits of wisdom were dropped along the way. Life is not wasted if you learned a lot and shared it. One ought to try to do the impossible with anything. What are the chances of success? Prison is not a nice place. But look, if you can build something extraordinary you can probably pay the bills at the end of the year. The Virgin Cola Sherman tank gambit may have been a mistake. In the end, take Eve's advice - if someone does something bad to you, make up and be friends. And if you can make people smile, it helps business.
At some point we had lunch. I recall skewers of delicate fish and bread with butter. Were there greens? Yes. And sliced tomatoes with salt and olive oil? Yes, again, looking like sultry islands on a sea-plate of deep teal. Simple, elegant, and delicious. Just like the lemurs. Thank you.
The day rounded out with a "hike" to the top of the island. Sam and Richard convened at the new site, being constructed in memory of Eve. A congregation of seagulls was our choir.
There's a mixed drink on this island known as a "painkiller." It was alternatively described to us as having all kinds of rum, tequila, and who knows what else. I imagine it smells like molasses, whiskey, and baby powder mixed together, the alcohol masked by a slightly fruity sweetness, like the sweet smell of a rhododendron bush wafting in the air... John has a thing for Malibu rum. Ben rode on top of a golf cart today. Kate loves anything that has to do with insurance.
Also Of Interest
This sounds like the setup for a great thriller, but it’s TRUE! Someone lost a deadly radioactive capsule in Western Australia and no one can find it.
ChatGPT made a guitar pedal.
Everything you wanted to know about swallowing Lego minifigure heads.
Oblique Strategy Of The Day
“Reverse.”
All good thoughts,
Avi