Crio Bru. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I like to have something warm to sip on as I get the day going. Kate and I have enjoyed Crio Bru on and off for the past few years, and it’s currently part my morning routine. It’s a drink made with ground cacao beans that you brew just like coffee. Like coffee, Crio Bru comes in different flavors and roasts. And like coffee too, it has a watery consistency and bitter taste; while it’s a chocolate drink, you shouldn’t expect it to taste like rich hot chocolate. It’s definitely its own thing. Crio Bru is 99% caffeine free, but has theobromine, a natural stimulant that is milder and longer-lasting than caffeine. Pick up a sampler pack to see which flavor you like.
The Wisdom of Mike Mentzer: The Art, Science, and Philosophy of a Bodybuilding Legend. I used this book as a resource for this week’s article about Mike Mentzer’s Heavy Duty bodybuilding program. I think the most interesting part of the book is exploring Mentzer’s philosophy towards bodybuilding and life. He thought bodybuilding was way more than lifting weights and getting jacked; it was an exercise in manifesting beauty, nobility, and heroism; he thought bodybuilding was philosophy. Mentzer was heavily influenced by Ayn Rand’s Objectivism. Whether or not you’re into that school of thought, it’s fascinating to see a guy try to physically manifest an abstract philosophy through the sculpture of his body. You’ll definitely feel inspired to reach further and higher after reading this book.
First-Gen Social Media Users Have Nowhere to Go. I resonated with this article. As an older Millennial, I was an early adopter of social media and used it quite a bit both personally and professionally at first. But in the past few years, not so much. Just haven’t had the desire to. I haven’t logged into my personal Facebook account in years. For a long time now, we’ve scaled back how much we post and interact on AoM’s FB and IG accounts. I have no desire to start the TikTok habit, whether for work or pleasure. I find myself just using text to share things I find on the web and only do so with my close friends. Seems like a lot of other older Millennials are doing the same thing.
Sunglasses Kid. I have no clue how I found this guy, but he’s a British synthwave producer who makes instrumental music that’s influenced by the music and movies of the 1980s and early 1990s. Lots of awesome synthesizers and steamy saxophones. Whenever I’m listening to Sunglasses Kid, I feel like I’m hanging out at The Max with my old pals from Bayside High or going to Golf ‘N Stuff with Ali (with an i). Great music for doing chores or mindless tasks. “Falling in Love at the Drive-in,” “Red Shoes,” and “Graduation” are a few my favorites.
Quote of the Week
Ninety percent of the world’s woe comes from people not knowing themselves, their abilities, their frailties, and even their real virtues. Most of us go almost all the way through life as complete strangers to ourselves—so how can we know anyone else?
—Sydney J. Harris
