Infopunk Issue #2 – Nuclear Bombs are Funny to the Tune of a Piano

Michael Dell's Banker Story, Monetary Nihilism & Jung's weird sketch on Russian Youtube

Nuclear Bombs are Funny to the Tune of a Piano

The great number of novelty songs about the Cold War attests to the fact that people needed to diffuse their fear of the Soviet Union, and the possibility of nuclear war, with humor and satire. But can anything substantial be expressed about an immense subject like nuclear war through comedy? Yeyeye —> meet Tom Lehrer’s songs; the pleasure is all yours.

Considered to be one of the greatest musical satirists of the 20th century, Tom Lehrer began writing his unique songs while he was a Mathematics student at Harvard University, which he graduated at age 19 in the late 1940s. He furthered his education through an MA in Mathematics and was accepted into Harvard's doctoral program, but never completed his degree (because why the fuck would you want a PhD when *you can do everything else*). Saying Sayonara to Harvard's doctoral program, he went on to serve in the U.S. Army; composed for television shows; recorded albums; performed as a solo artist; and taught mathematics, political science, and musical theater at various universities. In his songs, he addressed many taboo subjects of the 1950s and 1960s (and today), such as masochism, drug dealers, venereal disease, the Oedipus complex, and racism; amongst others...

Many of his songs use pleasant melodies, and engaging rhythms juxtaposed with macabre lyrics like "We Will All Go Together When We Go", a cheerful song about nuclear bombs wiping out humanity. He reminds me of Richard Feynman, sort of. Big vibes, big brain, big mouth. Also, a textbook ENTP in Jungian terms... If you are feeling cheerful and dark, this might just be the song for you.

Jung's weird sketch in Russian Youtube: IN-SHADOW – A Modern Odyssey

I will not describe this video.

Here are some comments other people have left, so you can judge yourself.

"I saw this a year ago and have been trying to find it ever since. This should be watched by every single human being alive as a mandate. Incredibly powerful."

"Every time I watch this animation it shakes me to the very core. Between the music, the message and the feeling it imparts, no words are uttered once during the entire video, yet I always come away with strong feelings of gratitude and resounding conviction to rise above the base vices that surround us as a collective every day. Blessings to all who have found their way here. Keep fighting"

"Dear Lubomir. I have been watching this - not sure if "piece of art” is enough honor - now for years, again and again at irregular intervals. To remind myself of the - for me - wisdom and knowledge that is inside of it. Every time I try to imagine what it takes to do such an amazing critique to society. The thought that went to it. The holistic view it takes. The sheer power and meaning in every frame. The overall arch. I am stunned every time. Thinking this should be shown in every school, at every TV station, everywhere - aware of the fact that most people still wouldn’t have the takeaway from it that I have… aware of the loss of meaning it would do to it.

I am sure you know about the greatness that is in this work. I only can hope, you’re aware of how important and meaningful it is for some viewers… to know someone is able to express their emotions, their feeling of being lost in this society, like they never ever would be able to express them themselves!

I just want to say, "thank you"! You deserve the best in your life for letting people see this."

"I don't know what the makers of this video are doing now, but I'm sure they are very special people. You can never watch a video like this anywhere else, you will never see a video with such deep meaning, and you will never find such quality graphic illustrations and directing again."

The experience is enhanced by watching the video in the dark...

Embark on a visionary journey through the fragmented unconscious of our modern times, and with courage face the Shadow. Through Shadow into Light.

“No tree, it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell.” - Carl G. Jung

Michael Dell's Banker Talks about The Evolution of MSD Capital

I listened to this podcast when it came out and it has been stuck in the back of my head ever since. It is a great talk, and if you are interested in knowing more about Michael Dell, his approach to asset allocation and wealth preservation, and how a top investment banking executive like Lemkau fits into it all, you will enjoy this podcast.

Gregg Lemkau is the CEO of MSD Partners, the investment firm with roots as Michael Dell's Family Office. MSD was formed in 1998 to manage $400 million of Dell's capital. In the enduring 25 years, those $400 million have grown to north of $20 billion (mic drop).

Gregg joined MSD two years ago after a 28-year career at Goldman Sachs, where he rose to Co-Head of Investment Banking, served on the Firm's Management Committee, and was widely considered one of a few candidates to succeed David Solomon as Goldman's CEO.

This podcast covers Gregg's career path at Goldman, including lessons learned as well as entertaining stories about his work with fascinating entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Travis Kalanick. Gregg also talks about his decision to join MSD and talks about the firm's history, objectives, competitive advantage, investment strategies and the future of the firm after its merger with BDT Partners.

Monetary Nihilism – Crypto: In Memoriam

Hilarious 3-minute video on the crypto industry published by Liron Shapira.

What sets Liron apart from other people in the crypto space is that, aside from being a YC-backed entrepreneur himself, he was one of the angel investors behind Coinbase, having invested at a $10m pre-money valuation. He made +600x his money on that investment and he still has been an outspoken critic of the crypto industry for the last few years while holding this life-changing investment. Public truth-seeking behaviour with so much money on the line should not be ignored. Hope you enjoy.

See you on the next issue.

Stay curious,

Chief Infopunk