Dancing next to 9/11

+ China will make or break Tesla.

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OVERWORLD:
-China will make or break Tesla-

ONE BETWEEN:
-Let’s live in these wooden Japanese boxes-

THE DEPTHS:
-Michael Jackson dances next to 9/11 in this Buddhist temple-

You can never compete with a person who ain’t competing.
— NBA YoungBoy

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✦DISCOVERY PICKS✦


Random 

Tech/Business

China will make or break Tesla.

On Monday, Tesla's stock flew 15% up. Which is its biggest surge since March 2021 - all thanks to Elon's lil' China visit.

What happened: China gave the green light to advance Tesla's FSD tech (Full-Self Driving) in China.

Previously, Chinese Teslas had a lite version of FSD due to data security concerns. But now they can go all the way.

Tesla didn't do this just to satisfy investors (the stock is down 20% year-to-date). It's also an offensive move in the Chinese EV market - Tesla's biggest threat.

China is the world's largest EV market. Plus, there are literally hundreds of EV manufacturers - and they're in a price war to make the cheapest possible car.

China is cutthroat:

So much fucking money: From 2009 to 2022, China spent ~$173B to support its EV sector.

Hundreds of players: In 2022, 123 brands sold at least one electric vehicle in China. Basically, the market is ultra-fragmented.

Too many cars: China produces 40M cars/year but sells about 22M/year. This overcapacity is the reason for the brutal price war - manufacturers need to get rid of cars.

Winners grow rapidly: BYD, a major Chinese EV maker, received about $3.5B in government subsidies from 2018 - 2022. Since 2018 BYD went from selling 105,000 vehicles/year to more than 1.5M last year.

Tesla killers everywhere: Xpeng plans to launch a new brand, Mona, featuring a car with self-driving capabilities priced below $21,000, undercutting Tesla’s Model 3.

Self-driving is a basic feature: All cars above $30,000 in China have advanced driver-assistance features. It's not a luxury. That's why Tesla developing it is so crucial for survival.

And while the FSD deal is crucial for meeting local licensing requirements, there's still a long way to go.

Chinese cars like BYD, Huawei, Xpeng, Li Auto, and Xiaomi, already have developed self-driving suited for China's dense urban roads.

Dongfeng’s Tesla Cybertruck rip-off with “Hello Beijing” displayed at the front.

Several Chinese automakers showcased level 2+ systems with capacity for true hands-off driving - something Elon has promised would exist in Tesla's since 2017.

Meanwhile, Tesla is dragging behind at “Level 2” driver assistance. Sad trombone.

THE KING NEEDS YOU

Human, you are a mere . Do you not seek grander ventures? A greater title? Honor? Take up arms, and help me expand my kingdom!

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✦QUICK HITS✦

✦Business & Tech✦

Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, got a 4-month prison sentence for failing to implement adequate anti-money laundering measures, and violating U.S. laws extensively. Prosecutors still want a longer sentence.

Meta spent a record $7.6 million on U.S. government lobbying in 2024, a 64% increase from the previous quarter. Their stated reason is due to increased lobbying team compensation… but that looming TikTok ban is suspiciously well-timed with this news.

Saudi Arabia’s Economy Minister denies reports of downscaling the $1.5 trillion NEOM megaproject, affirming all developments proceed as planned despite earlier claims of significant cutbacks. If you didn’t know; the Saudis are balling the fuck out on a desert utopia.

Razer must pay $1.1 million in refunds for misleading claims about its Zephyr face mask's N95-grade filters, under a Federal Trade Commission settlement.

✦Fashion & Culture✦

Adidas reported a Q1 net profit of €170 million, surpassing expectations with strong brand momentum, improved margins, and significant inventory reduction. Growth was mixed across global markets. This is much thanks to retro Samba and Gazelle sneakers + higher demand across running, basketball, and soccer shoes.

FKA Twigs has created "AI Twigs" to manage fan interactions while she focuses on her art.

A$AP Rocky is launching a second PUMA Formula 1 collection. The campaign and the pictures are dope - great aesthetic. But who the fuck wears this shit? Look at it, laugh at it, think about it - just don’t buy it.

Nike settled their long-standing trademark infringement lawsuit with Bape, whose shoes echoed classic Nike designs. The settlement requires Bape to discontinue some models and alter others, including the Bape Sta and Sk8 Sta, inspired by Nike’s Air Force 1 and Dunk.

Kendrick Lamar responded to Drake in his new six-minute track "euphoria." Besides staying on Rick Ross’ initiated topic of calling Drake a “white boy”… the diss is pretty corny.

Shein says it wants to expand beyond fashion, courting brands like Colgate-Palmolive and Hasbro for its platform to compete with Amazon.

✦Hmm… Interesting✦

Watch: What the fuck is wrong with your dog

Over 500 years after sinking off Sweden’s coast, the warship Griffin reveals new details through underwater research, including a weapon chest used by German mercenaries aboard.

Read: How do you accidentally run for President of Iceland?

For developers: How to Write Computer Programs

ONE 

BETWEEN

 

Snow Peak’s Jyubakos, and your face right now.

⛺️ Let’s live in these wooden Japanese boxes out in the forest.
No other brand makes camping feel as Zen as Snow Peak. Everything they lend their touch to is peak Japanese excellence.

And recently, the premium Japanese camping brand inaugurated its first North American campsite: "Campfield."

Situated on the Long Beach Peninsula, this unique 25-acre destination is nestled between Seattle and Portland.

Long Beach, WA

Of the three accommodation options, the “Jyubakos” are by far the coolest and most luxurious.

They’re these sexy/cute little micro cabins designed by legendary architect Kengo Kuma.

Inside you’ll find:

  • Queen-sized beds.

  • Private bathrooms.

  • Kitchenettes.

  • "Tent Suites" for a more traditional camping experience, with everything set up in advance.

Here’s a look inside:

At the heart of Campfield is the Campstore; a hybrid store, and lounge with a communal area with a beverage bar and Snow Peak store. And it’s equally sick.

Here are some pictures:

If you’re a sane person with good taste, and this Between turned you on - you should check out Snow Peak’s website and absorb the aura.

THE DEPTHS

Architecture/Religion

Michael Jackson dances next to 9/11 in this Buddhist temple

When the morning sun first hits Wat Rong Khun, the temple goes from a ghost of the night to a heavenly palace. Pictures don't do it justice.

Known as the White Temple, the building is the brainchild of visionary artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who began its construction in 1997.

✦Walk into Heaven✦

Walking up to the temple, visitors are greeted by an arresting sight.

A bridge of "the cycle of rebirth," spanning over a sea of outstretched hands that symbolize human desire and suffering.

The walk across the bridge is meant to urge visitors to contemplate their life choices and pursue enlightenment.

Honestly, it looks like something straight out of Berserk.

✦White✦

And of course, the building is whiter than the Founding Fathers.

This glaringly white exterior has a trim of mirrors across the whole building - making it glow in the sun.

The white and mirror style symbolizes the purity of the Buddha's teachings and the reflection of enlightenment that guides the devout.

✦Plot-twist✦

Inside, the decor flips. Remember, 1997 is pretty young for a holy temple - and it shows (in the weirdest way).

You've got murals of Michael Jackson hee-hee-ing, Transformers on top of Star Wars ships, Kung Fu Panda kicking the sky and Spiderman crawling the wall.

Also... an evil mythological snake entity wrapping the World Trade Center as the second plane and an Angry Bird is aiming for a second hit.

Wat Rong Khun is more than just a place of worship; it is a living canvas - and the pop-cultural additions are continually added.

For those drawn to the mysteries of spirituality or the allure of extraordinary art, Wat Rong Khun offers a journey like no other—a true testament to Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry and its enduring quest for spiritual clarity.

You now know everything. Nice.