Extreme Weekly #1
Lake Como Air In A Can, Michael Jordan Racing, Juan Soto, Trump Fluoride Tap Water
December 11th 2024
Yoo 🐉
So, this is the first release of my Sunday newsletter! Extreme Weekly.
I’ll pretty much be publishing it every Sunday with a cheeky read about all the extreme, funny, and peculiar things going on in the past, present, and maybe future.
I want this to be a fun, easy, and enjoyable read. Something that will make you smile a little when you see it on a Sunday. Our mission is in this intense world, where sometimes things seem dark and cold, but there is always a positive and warm side. An optimistic, innovative, and wild side to the world in which we can smile, be excited, and be proud of what we’ve all done and achieved.
I want everyone reading to contact me if you have any questions or if you have any opinions on how to improve this letter! We would love to hear it all. Also if you learn of any wild and peculiar topics make sure to send to us, we’d love to potentially include it.
extremelypeculiar@gmail.com
Now, let’s crack on!
01. The megacity in Saudi Arabia has a kickback after the CEO abruptly leaves.
Saudi Arabia's crazy and ambitious $500 billion megacity project, Neom, has recently encountered significant turbulence with the abrupt departure of its CEO, Nadhmi al-Nasr. Al-Nasr, who had been at the helm since 2018, was dismissed amid allegations of threatening behavior towards a staff member, reportedly telling the employee he would have him buried in the desert before urinating on his grave like what!?
The leadership upheaval comes at a critical juncture for Neom. The project, a cornerstone of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy away from oil dependence, has faced escalating costs and logistical challenges. Originally estimated at $500 billion, projections now suggest expenses could soar to $2 trillion.
They have now appointed a real estate executive for the Saudi Arabian wealth fund, Aiman Muddier. He has been named acting CEO.
02. The First Wooden Satellite Has Been Launched Into Space
In a move that would make even the most seasoned lumberjack double-take, Japan has launched the world's first wooden satellite, aptly named LignoSat. This pint-sized pioneer, measuring just 10 centimeters per side, hitched a ride aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida's Kennedy Space Center on November 5, 2024.
You might wonder, "Why send a wooden box into the cosmos?" Traditional satellites are metal-clad marvels that, upon re-entry, can spew harmful particles into our atmosphere. LignoSat, crafted from hinoki (a type of magnolia wood), aims to burn up cleanly, leaving behind fond memories and a bit of ash.
This wooden wonder is the brainchild of Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. They've been trying to prove that wood isn't just for rocking chairs and rustic cabins. In 2022, they sent wood samples to the International Space Station and found that Honoki could withstand the harsh conditions of space without warping or cracking.
LignoSat's design is a nod to traditional Japanese craftsmanship, assembled without screws or glue. It's like a cosmic IKEA project without the leftover parts and existential dread. The satellite houses all the necessary electronics to monitor how well wood holds up in the vacuum of space.
After its deployment from the International Space Station, LignoSat will orbit Earth for about six months. During this time, it will endure temperature swings from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes. Suppose it survives without turning into a celestial campfire. In that case, we might see more wooden satellites, potentially reducing space junk and giving a new meaning to "logging" data from space, lol.
04. Trump and RFK Jr.: The Plot to De-Fluoride America’s Water?
In the latest saga of bold health claims, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time public health skeptic, announced that if Donald Trump is re-elected, he plans to fix fluoride in our drinking water. That’s right. The stuff most of us grew up hearing was essential for solid teeth, and it might be on the chopping block. According to RFK Jr., Trump would make “Day One” a fluoride-free holiday, vowing to “Make America Healthy Again” with a bit less fluoride.
So, what’s with the fluoride hate? Despite fluoride's reputation for strengthening teeth, reducing cavities, and being a cornerstone of U.S. public health since the 1950s, Kennedy’s post on X (formerly Twitter) suggests it’s time to re-evaluate while fluoride has critics. Citing a study linking high exposure to potential IQ dips, mainstream health organizations like the CDC are still back against it for dental health.
Now, this isn’t just about water. It’s about RFK Jr.’s broader push to challenge conventional health advice. Experts are concerned that if Kennedy, known for promoting controversial health views, has the White House’s ear, will we see a rollback on other health policies, like vaccinations?
05. Juan Soto…
History has just been made, and it's absolutely jaw-dropping. Juan Soto, one of the most electrifying talents in the game, just inked the largest sporting contract ever with none other than the New York Mets. We're talking 15 years, $765 million. Yep. Three-quarters of a billion dollars for one player.
The deal isn't just massive; it's loaded. There's a $75 million signing bonus, an entire no-trade clause, and even an opt-out after five years, giving Soto all the leverage in the world. If incentives and bonuses kick in, this could top $800 million. Mets owner Steve Cohen clearly woke up and chose dominance.
After all, snatching Soto fresh off leading the Yankees to a World Series from their cross-town rivals? That's next-level petty and strategic.
This isn't just a game-changer for the Mets. It shifts the entire dynamic of MLB and sets a wild new bar for contracts across sports. It shows how far teams will go to lock down generational talent. The Mets now have their superstar, and baseball got even more insane.
Thank you if I read until the end. I truly appreciate it.
Now I’m gonna be releasing this once, maybe twice a week with all the crazy, latest, and peculiar stuff, so stay strapped, and please, please drop me an email about anything!
I wanna build something fun and cool for years to come, and I hope you enjoy it.
cheers,
cons!