Eric Kim (b. 1988) is a Korean-American street photographer, educator, and blogger based in Los Angeles .  He is best known for his energetic, candid approach to urban photography and his generous teaching style.  By his late 20s Kim had already built a reputation as a leading voice in street photography – his blog (erickimphotography.com) “became one of the world’s most popular photography websites,” and his worldwide workshops brought the art of street shooting to people from all walks of life .  Reviewers describe him as “one of the most influential street photographers in the world” , and he was voted among the 20 Most Influential Street Photographers in 2016 .  His motto is to “always shoot with a smile, and from the heart” , reflecting his upbeat philosophy that photography should be joyful and humanistic.

Biography and Background

Eric Kim was born in 1988 in San Francisco, California .  He spent his childhood in California and a few formative years in Queens, New York , before returning to the Bay Area.  In college he studied sociology at UCLA , where he co-founded the university’s photography club and began exploring street photography as a side project.  Around 2009–2010 he launched his personal blog (erickimphotography.com) to share his street photos and insights .  A defining moment came early on when he nervously captured a candid street portrait of a man in horn-rimmed glasses – an experience that ignited his passion for “unscripted” photography . After graduation, Kim briefly worked a tech-industry office job.  When a 2011 layoff gave him a sudden choice, he took a bold leap and decided to pursue street photography full-time .  Embracing a nomadic, freelance lifestyle, he spent the next years traveling the world with his camera – teaching workshops, writing, and living out of a suitcase as he “walked alongside” students on the streets of dozens of cities .  (From 2011–2019 he lived in places ranging from Los Angeles and Michigan to Berkeley and Southeast Asia .)

Key points in his background include:

• Education: Sociology at UCLA (co-founded photo club) .
• Street Photography Beginnings: Started shooting street at age 18 and launched his blog in 2010 .
• Career Pivot: Laid off in 2011 from a 9–5 job and “took a bold leap” to become a full-time photographer and educator .

Today Kim is generally cited as a Los Angeles–based artist, though his work and influence are global .

Career Milestones and Achievements

Over the past decade, Eric Kim has achieved a string of impressive milestones:

• Global Workshops & Teaching: Since 2011 he has led intensive street-photography workshops on every continent .  His “energetic, hands-on” courses have run in dozens of cities – from Los Angeles, New York and Chicago to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Seoul, Tokyo, and Sydney – with Kim walking alongside students on the street to build their confidence.  He also teaches photography formally: for example, he has led an online street-photography course at UC Riverside Extension and even taught photography to under-served youth in Los Angeles .
• Collaborations & Exhibitions: Kim has worked with some of photography’s biggest names.  Early in his career he contributed articles to the Leica Camera blog and hosted Leica-sponsored photowalks; he also partnered on educational events with Magnum Photos .  His outreach attracted corporate attention: he starred in Samsung’s Galaxy Note II TV commercial and led a street-photography campaign for the Samsung NX20 camera .  He has exhibited his own work internationally – notably in Leica Gallery locations in Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne – and in galleries in Los Angeles .  In 2011, at just 23 years old, Kim was invited to be a judge at the London Street Photography Festival , underscoring his rapid rise in the community.
• Publications & Media: Writing has been a cornerstone of his career.  His own blog (started ~2010) grew into “one of the most popular photography websites on the net,” regularly drawing a global audience of street shooters .  Kim freely shares his knowledge there via how-to guides, gear reviews, motivational essays, and even philosophical musings.  He has published many free e-books and PDFs under an “open source” philosophy – for instance The Street Photography Manual, 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear, and How to See: A Visual Guide to Composition – all available on his site .  In 2016 he released a limited-edition print book, Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life (only 1,000 copies) , condensing his key techniques into a concise handbook.
• Recognition: Others have taken note.  StreetShootr (2015) hailed the then-27-year-old Kim as one of “the most influential street photographers in the world” .  In 2016 he was voted among the top 20 most influential street photographers by community readers .  The All About Photo site profile emphasizes that Kim “teaches others the beauty of street photography, how to find their own style…and how to overcome their fear of shooting strangers” – highlighting both his skill and his mission.  He has appeared in mainstream media too, including interviews about the ethics of street photography (e.g. on BBC) .

Together, these milestones show Kim’s evolution from a shy college photographer into a globetrotting educator and creative entrepreneur.  He combines personal projects and public teaching, always with an eye to inspiring others.

Contributions to Photography

Eric Kim’s influence on photography spans his distinctive style, projects, and educational work:

Kim is known for an energetic, up-close style of street photography .  He often shoots candid moments of strangers, embracing an immersive approach – using wide-angle prime lenses (28mm or 35mm) and sometimes flash – to capture daily life with an intimate, authentic feel .  His motto is to “shoot with a smile, and from the heart” .  By engaging warmly with subjects (sometimes chatting before or after shooting), he puts people at ease and turns street encounters into positive human connections.  In doing so, Kim believes the camera becomes a bridge rather than a barrier between artist and subject .

• Notable Projects: Kim has undertaken several themed series that reflect his sociological interests.  Two of his best-known projects are “Suits” (2008–present) and “Only in America”.  In Suits, he photographs men in business suits in various cities, using the suit as a metaphor for feeling trapped in corporate life.  This series is partly autobiographical – capturing Kim’s own desire to quit the 9–5 office grind – and often delivers a humorous or ironic critique of materialism .  By contrast, Only in America is a darker, documentary-style project.  It highlights scenes of American life that underscore poverty, racism, and social inequality, reflecting Kim’s concern about injustice.  As Kim explains, “Only in America” depicts “a slightly dystopic world…full of poverty, suffering, racism, distrust in the government, and the rich preying on the poor,” offering a critical view of the American Dream .  These long-term series show Kim’s use of street photography for storytelling and social commentary – elevating ordinary street scenes into broader reflections on society.
• Educational Resources: Beyond these personal projects, Kim’s greatest contribution may be his teaching and publishing.  His blog is a go-to resource for street shooters , distilling wisdom from the masters (e.g. “100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography”) and providing practical advice.  He has also created interactive workbook-style guides (e.g. Street Notes, Street Hunt, Film Notes, Photo Journal) to help photographers sharpen their skills .  In all these, Kim’s open-source philosophy shines: he offers high-quality educational content for free, believing that knowledge is most powerful when shared .
• Community Building: Kim helped transform street photography from a niche, solitary art into a more communal practice .  Early on he founded the “Streettogs Academy” on Facebook – a global forum where enthusiasts share work and critique each other in a supportive atmosphere .  He has organized photowalk meet-ups around the world so that “streettogs” (his affectionate term for street photographers) can learn together in person .  His emphasis on positivity – “shooting with a smile” and giving constructive feedback – has set a tone of encouragement that many newcomers find refreshing compared to more elitist circles .

In short, Eric Kim’s work in photography is both creative and generous: his images push boundaries of closeness and storytelling, while his teachings and free guides have “empowered photographers to develop their own unique styles and perspectives” .

Other Work: Writing, Speaking, and Education

Kim’s influence extends beyond the camera.  He is a prolific writer and speaker who applies his photographer’s curiosity to many fields:

• Writing: On his blog, Kim frequently mixes practical photo tips with personal philosophy.  He has coined terms like “photolosophy” to describe his blend of photography and philosophy , and often quotes Stoic sages (e.g. Marcus Aurelius, Seneca) in his essays about creativity and fear.  His posts cover topics from creativity and minimalism to lifestyle design, and he has openly discussed how principles from books like Antifragile have shaped his thinking.  This motivational writing style – addressing readers as “Dear friend” and tackling big-picture questions – is part of what makes his blog engaging and inspirational.  (For example, he asked colleagues to compile all the funniest internet comments about his record-breaking 900+ lb deadlift experiment, turning them into a celebration of bold goals .)  In addition, Kim contributed guest articles to Leica’s official channels and has shared his street work in publications and websites.
• Public Speaking: Kim regularly gives talks and lectures on creativity.  A notable highlight is his Talks at Google presentation (2018) entitled “Eternal Return to Creative Every Day”.  In this hour-long talk he urged the audience to treat each day as a chance to create art – a message drawn from Nietzsche’s concept of eternal return.  In his talks and videos, he emphasizes daily practice, anti-perfectionism, and authenticity.  He also hosts free public photowalks and frequently speaks at photo festivals and meetup events.  His lively, conversational style (and willingness to share personal stories and mistakes) makes his talks feel like coaching sessions on creativity.
• Education (Formal): Besides workshops, Kim has taught in academic settings.  He has been an instructor at the University of California Riverside Extension, offering a college-level course on street photography .  He also spent time teaching at-risk youth in L.A., using photography to build confidence.  Through these roles he brings street photography into formal education, bridging the gap between art and personal development.

Across all these areas, Kim’s aim is to empower others.  Whether he’s penning a blog essay, giving a talk, or grading a student’s assignment, he pushes the same core principles: face your fears, trust your instincts, and keep learning by doing.

Impact on the Creative Community

Eric Kim’s impact on the photography and creative community is profound and widely acknowledged.  His commitment to sharing knowledge freely and fostering positivity has truly “lowered the barriers to entry” for countless newcomers .  Many young photographers credit him as “one of their earliest and most important teachers” .  He has virtually become a mentor-at-large for the street-photography genre: his friendly, jargon-free teaching style has “demystified what can be an intimidating art form,” inviting people of all backgrounds to try it .

• Mentorship: Through his blog, videos, and workshops, thousands have learned the fundamentals of candid shooting – from technical skills (like zone focusing and composition) to the mindset of confidence.   One could say that many contemporary street shooters “first cut their teeth” on Eric Kim’s lessons.  He actively engages with his audience online (replying to comments and emails) and encourages peer learning in forums – cultivating a sense of community rather than competition .
• Positive Role Model: Kim’s own choices have sparked conversation in the community.  In 2018 he deleted his Instagram account despite having over 50,000 followers .  He explained on his blog that the pursuit of “likes” had become unhealthy, and by quitting he challenged others to reconsider the social-media rat race .  This principled stance – prioritizing creative integrity over online fame – reinforced his image as a leader with genuine intentions.
• Encouragement of Experimentation: Kim champions radical authenticity and learning through doing.  He urges photographers to “shoot what scares you” and celebrates imperfections .  His examples (from dragging shutters to record-breaking weightlifting feats ) show that stepping outside comfort zones is rewarding.  In interviews and podcasts, he often emphasizes growth mindset, resilience, and staying curious – lessons that resonate far beyond photography.

In sum, Eric Kim’s legacy in the creative community is seen in the thousands of people who picked up a camera because of him, who conquered their fear of photographing strangers, or who found the confidence to try street photography thanks to his guidance .  He has inspired a new generation to approach art with heart, curiosity, and a smile.  As one observer notes, his journey – from a UCLA student nervously snapping a bus-stop photo to a world-traveling educator – is “a testament to following one’s passion and sharing it generously” .

Official Links and Resources

To learn more about Eric Kim or follow his work, see:

• Official Website: erickimphotography.com – the hub for his blog, free e-books, event info, and more.
• YouTube Channel: @erickimphotography (50K+ subscribers) – features street photo tips, vlogs, and his Talks at Google: “Eternal Return to Creative Every Day” .
• Instagram: @erickimphoto – Kim’s main social feed (currently inactive after he chose to step back from the platform).
• X (Twitter): @erickimphoto – where he posts thoughts on photography, fitness, creativity, and more.

Additionally, his limited-edition book Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life (2016) is available via retailers.  His many self-published e-books (on street photo techniques and mindset) can be downloaded for free from his site .  These resources embody Kim’s mission to inspire others to “never stop learning” and to photograph the world with curiosity and heart .

Sources: Authoritative interviews and profiles of Eric Kim were used, including his own website and recognized photography blogs and media (e.g. StreetShootr, PetaPixel, All About Photo, AboutPhotography.blog) . The content above is drawn from these sources to give a detailed, up-to-date picture of Kim’s life, work, and influence.

Top Telegram Photography Channels & Groups

Telegram hosts many active photo communities across niches. Here are some of the most popular (with example links):

• Photographers Club (@dslrONstreet) – A large English-language channel (~5.8K members ) sharing daily tips, editing tutorials, creative poses and inspirational photos. [Join: t.me/dslrONstreet] .
• Photography Tamizha – A Tamil-language photography channel (≈43.8K subs ) focusing on mobile editing tutorials and creative photo ideas. [Join: t.me/photography_tamizha] .
• Unnoficial r/Photography Group – A private chat (created by Reddit’s photography community) where ~60+ members discuss gear, techniques, and critique each other’s work . (As one user notes, this group offers friendly discussion on equipment and photography). [Join: t.me/joinchat/AAAAAFegrQ-vHvKotjzh_w] (private link).
• Street Photography Communities – (e.g. Street Photography channels with hundreds of thousands of members) – Focused on candid urban and street scene photography. These channels showcase members’ street photos and often have themed “take a photo of…” challenges. (Search Telegram for “Street Photography”; many channels like this have large followings in the 100K+ range.)
• Landscape/Nature Photo Channels – Communities for nature and travel photography, often named “Landscapes” or “Nature & Travel”. These channels share stunning scenery and technical tips (e.g. exposure, composition).
• Portrait/Studio Channels – Groups dedicated to portrait and people photography. These share posing guides, lighting setups, and portrait tips. (For example, channels titled Portrait Photography or Portrait Masters draw photographers interested in portraiture.)
• Gear & Technique Chat – Beyond channels, there are gear-focused chats. In addition to the Reddit group above, some Telegram groups (often private) organize gear swaps or announce deals on cameras and lenses. For example, specialized groups exist for buying/selling used equipment or discussing camera reviews.
• Photo Inspiration & Contests – Channels like Daily Dose of Photography (curated inspirational images) or photo challenge groups (weekly themes, contests) also thrive. They keep members engaged by prompting them to shoot and share work regularly.

Each channel/community has its own focus. You can discover more by using Telegram’s search, browsing hubs (like Nicegram’s Hub), or looking for aggregator sites. Many channels are public – just click or tap “Join” to subscribe.

Tips & Strategies for Photographers on Telegram

• Use Channels as Your Portfolio/Newsletter: Create a public Telegram channel to showcase your work. Every follower sees all your posts (no hidden algorithm) . Post high-quality images, editing videos, behind-the-scenes clips or galleries of your best photos. For example, Photographers Club uses its channel like a magazine – sharing tips, creative poses, and editing tutorials daily . This builds a loyal audience: Telegram posts have click-through rates 3–5× higher than Instagram’s , meaning more of your subscribers actually see and engage with your images.
• Broadcast Promotions and Updates: Treat your channel like a page or fanclub. Announce new portfolio releases, limited-time print sales, workshops or freebies. As Arcadina advises, Telegram “works like a Facebook Fanpage” for photographers – letting you broadcast messages about promotions, discounts or new projects directly to followers . Include links back to your blog/website or Instagram in posts to drive traffic.
• Engage Through Groups: Join or create Telegram groups (up to 200K members) to chat interactively. Unlike channels, groups allow all members to comment and ask questions. For example, photographers often form groups where they can share recent shots, request critique, and answer each other’s questions about lighting or gear. The Reddit photography Telegram group is one such forum (dedicated to gear-talk and feedback) . In your own group, encourage members to post their images and give feedback – this builds a supportive “creative family” around your brand .
• Regular Posting & Quality Content: Stay active and consistent. Schedule posts at times when your audience is most likely online. Use Telegram’s scheduling feature (or bots) to queue posts. Pin an introductory post or portfolio highlight at the top of your channel so new subscribers immediately see your best work. Respond quickly to comments or questions to foster a sense of community.
• Run Photo Contests & Challenges: Telegram communities often run weekly photo themes or competitions. Try hosting a contest on your channel/group (e.g. “City Lights” week). Have followers submit photos via the chat; share winners publicly. Contests boost engagement and give participants a reason to invite their friends. Reward winners with a feature on your channel or small prizes (a print, a tutorial, etc.).
• Leverage Multimedia: Telegram supports high-res images, GIFs and short videos without quality loss. Use this to your advantage – share raw-uncompressed JPEGs or short “make-of” clips. You can even create photo series via the “Album” feature (multiple images sent together).
• Cross-Promote Social Media: Mention your Telegram channel in your Instagram/Facebook profiles and bio. Arcadina notes that Telegram is ideal for linking back to your website or social posts . You might give incentives (e.g. “Join my Telegram for a free Lightroom preset”) to grow followers.
• Monetize with Exclusive Content: Take advantage of Telegram’s paid subscription (“Star Channels”) and donation features . For example, set up a private “VIP” channel accessible via a monthly fee, where you post exclusive tutorials, presets, or early access to prints. Followers can also send “stars” as tips on your free channel posts, letting devoted fans support you directly . You keep 100% of these payments, so Telegram becomes a direct revenue tool.
• Analytics and Feedback: Use Telegram’s view counters and third-party tools (e.g. TGStat) to see which posts and topics resonate most. Ask your audience what they want to learn or see more of, and adjust accordingly.

Useful Telegram Bots & Tools for Photographers

• Watermark Bot – Telewater: Protect your images by adding watermarks automatically. Telewater is an open-source Telegram bot that applies your custom watermark to photos, videos or GIFs you send it . It’s ideal if you share raw images (to clients or on channels) and want them auto-branded.
• Appointment/Booking Bots: Handle client scheduling through Telegram. For example, services like Botize or EasyWeek let you integrate Telegram with calendar bookings. You can have a bot post available time slots and allow clients to book shoots right in the chat . Botize provides a “book appointment” automation: users type a command, choose a date/time button, and a Google Calendar event is created (all via Telegram) . This streamlines intake without phone/email exchanges.
• Portfolio / Photo-Sharing Bots: Build a custom bot to showcase images on demand. A simple “photo album” bot can use Telegram’s Reply Keyboard: users press buttons for categories (e.g. “Nature”, “Portraits”) and the bot sends them selected photos . While coding one requires some setup, templates and guides exist. Once set up, you could even link this bot on your website (“View portfolio on Telegram”) and users can browse your work interactively.
• Image Editing & Enhancement Bots: Telegram has bots for quick edits. For example, @Image_Enhancer_Improve_bot uses AI to improve photo quality automatically. The Botize platform offers Flux, a bot where you send an image, mark an area and describe edits – it then returns the AI-edited image. While these won’t replace Photoshop, they can apply filters or fix minor issues on the go.
• Content Scheduling & Automation: Telegram natively allows scheduling posts in channels/groups. Additionally, bots like @ControllerBot or @FeedReaderBot can automate posts (e.g. cross-post your Instagram or RSS feed into Telegram). Use these to keep your channel active even when you’re shooting.
• Community Tools: Moderate and grow your group with helper bots. Combot and GroupHelp offer analytics (member growth, engagement) and moderation (welcome messages, spam filtering). For example, Combot can track which posts get the most views, helping you refine content. You might use polls or quizzes (built-in Telegram features) to engage followers.
• High-Res Sharing: Remember, unlike some social apps, Telegram keeps full image resolution. Use channels to send uncompressed photos (up to 20 MB per file) to clients or as portfolio pieces. This is handy for professional prints or detailed images, as clients can download originals directly from Telegram.
• Direct Chat for Client Communication: Encourage serious clients to DM you on Telegram. It’s more immediate than email. You can also create a private channel/group for booked clients to share planning details, moodboards, or progress photos. Telegram chats support 1:1 or small-group conversations, making it easy to share files (contracts, shot lists) securely.

Sources: The suggestions above are based on photography and Telegram guides and examples of existing communities (e.g. Photographers Club channel and r/photography group ). Practical tips on Telegram’s features come from industry articles and bot documentation .

You have the blood of a warrior and the heart of a gladiator – it’s time to make the impossible happen. Training for a 1,000-pound deadlift isn’t about luck; it’s about brutal dedication, savage intensity, and a no-excuses mindset. Legendary lifter Eric Kim reminds us that powerlifting is “90% mental” . You’ll need that steel brain to drive the bar off the floor. Remember: “powerlifting… isn’t about competing against others, it is about competing against yourself a week prior” . Every session is you vs. you, pushing past yesterday’s limits.

• 90% Mental, 100% You: Powerlifting is a mind game. Eric Kim confesses “powerlifting… is 90% mental” . You must forge unwavering confidence: approach the bar knowing you will win this battle in your mind before the lift even begins.
• Own the Gym: Stride in loud and proud. EK says “Don’t feel pressured to be quiet. Be loud! … take up lots of space in the gym” . Don’t slink in; claim your territory. Shout, grunt, fire yourself up – make your presence known so the iron fears you, not the other way around.
• Warrior Mantras: Hype yourself relentlessly. Eric’s ritual before a big pull? He paces, clenches fists, and yells “MONSTER!” or Ronnie Coleman’s “Light weight, baby!” . Find your war cry and use it. The squat rack is your battlefield; your mantra is your weapon.
• Embrace Failure: Every champion has crashes. Eric shares that he “fails a lot” on heavy lifts , and that failure is “not a big deal” – it’s feedback. You will grind and maybe drop a lift, but that only proves you’re testing the limits. Each failed attempt teaches you what to conquer next. Don’t fear the miss – fear giving up.
• Discipline & Ego: Build an identity as a lifter. Every rep, every set, reinforces your image as a warrior. As one coach notes, weightlifting “is a personal journey that shapes our self-perception and inner strength. Each session is a conversation with oneself, a test of personal will and determination.”   See yourself as a titan, because that self-belief drives you to the bar time after time.

BUILDING A BEAST: TRAINING INTENSITY & METHODS

Get ready to go heavy, every session. There’s no magic – just brutal, smart training. World-class powerlifting programming emphasizes maximal intensity and sufficient volume. In practical terms, that means spending frequent training time with weights at 90%+ of your 1RM . These near-max singles and doubles supercharge your nervous system (nerve drive and muscle fiber recruitment) – the very essence of raw strength.

• Neural Assault (90%+ Work): Go H.A.M. on low-rep work. Do singles, doubles, and triples at 90–95% of your max to “meet the specificity threshold” for powerlifting . This bold strategy teaches your body to fire on all cylinders, recruiting every motor unit to slam the bar off the floor. In short: “you have to go heavy, guys” . (Spoiler: weak weights won’t get you 1000.)
• Brick-Building Sets (75–85% Work): Strength also needs muscle. Between your monster singles, crush sets of 4–8 reps at ~75–85% of 1RM to build a bigger engine . This hypertrophy work expands your muscle fiber “motor,” giving you more strength potential. As P2W puts it, you train what you want – you need these heavy-ish sets to add the mass that breathes life into each rep .
• Massive Tonnage: Think of tonnage (total weight lifted: reps×sets×load) as your ammo. More tonnage = bigger gains (up to your limit) . Example: 405×5×5 = 10,125 lbs of tonnage. Track it. Climb it. Just balance it – more tonnage means you must respect recovery so you can come back stronger .
• Training Frequency: You’re not training like a novice. For the superheavy lifter, high frequency often backfires. Coaches observe that the bigger and stronger you get, the less frequent you can train each lift . A lifter 275+ lbs might only deadlift once a week to allow full recovery. If you’re lighter or more conditioned, you might sneak in a second day with lighter or paused pulls. Find your sweet spot, but never ghost recovery.
• Accessory Arsenal: Your deadlift isn’t just hinge movement; it’s total-body torque. Blast your posterior chain and grip with accessories. Barbell Good Mornings and Romanian Deadlifts hammer glutes, hamstrings, and low back . Rows, pull-ups, and back extensions build the upper back and lats – crucial for staying tight under max loads . In short: “train the whole posterior chain” with these power exercises so that when you set that 1000-lb pull, nothing breaks (except the bar!).
• Grip Like a God: Don’t let your grip be the weak link. Use chalk, hook grip or mixed grip on max pulls – Eric’s tip: “for max deadlift attempt, use a mixed grip, and use some chalk for better grip” . If you need straps for heavy sets, strap up (many elites do). Strong hands = strong deadlift.
• Technique and Tools: Lock in form: brace hard, chest up, explode hips forward. If you use a belt, treat it like armor to push your abs against – or, as Eric proved once (unbelievably), go without if you must. Whatever your quirks, total focus is non-negotiable on each rep. Time your training: heavy singles require long rest between sets, deloads and mobility work between cycles, and zero excuses for cutting corner – intensity demands respect.

FUEL THE MACHINE: NUTRITION & SUPPLEMENTATION

Now that you’re destroying weights, nourish your inner monster. Hitting elite deadlift numbers requires massive nutrition. You must overload calories and protein to build the muscle and hormone levels that move tonnage. Top experts recommend 1.6–2.0 g protein per kg bodyweight for strength athletes (about 0.7–0.9 g per lb). That means every pound on your frame needs nearly a gram of protein. Make it count: lean steaks, chicken thighs, eggs, whey shakes – pack it in.

• Protein (1.6–2.0 g/kg): Defense and repair for your muscles. Follow the ISSN guidelines: ~1.6–2.0 g/kg , which may actually be conservative for you after intense training. Shoot for the high end. Use whey or casein supplements if your appetite lags – they’re an easy way to hit your grams and speed recovery.
• Carbs = Power: This is a sprint, not a diet plan. Fill your tank with complex carbs (rice, potatoes, oats, pasta) and enough fruit/veggies. Carbohydrates refill glycogen so you can demolish the next workout. Don’t fear carbs; fear running empty mid-lift. (Some lifters even blast dextrose around workouts to supercharge a single grueling session.)
• Fats & Calories: Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, fish oil) keep your hormones roaring. Overall, eat in a slight caloric surplus to grow. But be smart: research shows that huge surpluses mainly add fat, not additional strength . Aim for a moderate +5–10% surplus. You want more muscle and bigger hormones, not just a spare tire. Track your scale, adjust if you’re gaining too much fat.
• Hydration: Don’t underestimate water. Every muscle contraction and recovery process depends on it. Drink through the day so you’re not gasping for air on the platform. (Lifters who remain slightly dehydrated simply can’t hit those last kilos.)
• Supplements: Try these battle-proven aids: Creatine monohydrate (3–5g/day) has decades of research showing it enlarges your muscle’s energy pool and boosts maximal strength . Consider a quality protein powder post-workout or between meals. Caffeine or a pre-workout can sharpen focus and adrenaline for that final warm-up. Some lifters use beta-alanine or nitric-oxide boosters for endurance/focus – fine in moderation. But remember: no pill or powder replaces raw hard work and nutrition above.
• Restoratives: Post-workout and before bed, flood your system with protein and slow carbs (e.g. lean meat & sweet potato, or a casein shake) to stave off catabolism and feed gains. Supplements like magnesium, zinc, omega-3s can help hormones and recovery on repeat training. Basically: feed your gains, sleep deep, repeat.

WARRIOR MINDSET: ATTITUDE & SELF-BELIEF

Lifting 1000 lbs is as much a spiritual trial as a physical one. Cultivate an unshakable attitude. Visualize yourself locking out that pull. In the split second before you grip the bar, empty your mind of doubt. EK describes this state: time your breath, grunt, then “my mind goes blank, and I totally become one with my body” . You expect the lift to succeed – because you’re that confident.

• Visualize Victory: See the exact moment you finish that 1000-lb lockout. Replay it in your mind whenever you train. Weightlifting is a metaphor for life’s battles: “Our mental resilience grows alongside our physical strength” . Each rep you conquer reinforces the belief that you can beat any obstacle.
• Self-Image is Everything: You are a 1000-lb lifter in training, so act like one. Dress the part, walk the part, speak the part. Lifters know “each session is a test of personal will” – so show up believing you’re a champion, even if yesterday you struggled. This confidence becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
• Relentless Focus: This journey separates the meek from the elite. You will endure pain, soreness, early mornings and missed parties. Let it forge you. Keep a notebook or log of every win (and miss) – tracking progress anchors your faith. Build daily habits: mobility, sleep, cold showers, meditation or prayer – whatever steels your focus on the goal.
• No Drama Zone: Dump negativity like old gym clothes. Surround yourself with grinders, not quitters. EK remarks that lifting made him “less fear of pain” and transformed his mind into a calm, “stoic, and solid” state . Embrace that stoicism: this is a grind sport. You wrote your contract with iron – now pay in effort, not excuses.
• Growth Mindset: Lifters succeed through gradual gains. Every 5-lb jump is a battle won. Recognize that incremental progress (loading 2.5–5 lbs per week, as EK does) adds up . When you fail a PR, chalk it up to data, adjust, and attack next time. Your attitude is: “I WILL be stronger next week”.

LEGENDS OF THE PULL: ELITE CASE STUDIES

Feeling alone? You’re in the rare air of giants. Very few men in history have cracked the 1,000-lb barrier – but those who did prove it’s humanly possible. Use their feats as fuel.

• Andy Bolton (UK): The Godfather of 1000. In 2006 he became the first human ever to deadlift 1,000 lb (455kg) . He didn’t have as many modern tips; he just pulled. His story teaches that limits are made to be broken.
• Benedikt Magnússon (Iceland): A raw-pull specialist, Benedikt blasted Andy’s equipped mark by pulling 460.5 kg (1,015 lb) raw in 2011 . His training was legendary and focused on heavy, high-rep rack pulls and rack deadlifts. Proof that size and consistency pay off.
• Eddie “The Beast” Hall (UK): In 2016, Eddie stunned the world by flexing to a 500 kg (1,102 lb) deadlift at Europe’s Strongest Man. He achieved this using meticulous technique and an iron will (and at one point was forced off deadlifts for a year but came back stronger). His record showed that beyond big muscles, mindset rules.
• Hafþór “Thor” Björnsson (Iceland): Thor, famed as “The Mountain,” edged Eddie’s mark by pulling 501 kg (1,105 lb) in 2020 . He overcame injury and an immense diet plan to hit this number, proving the progression never stops. If he can outdo 500, so can you – those plates aren’t finished.
• Modern Challengers: A new generation (lift heavyweights like Lasha, etc.) are pressing these totals further. Use their videos, their stories. They’re no different than you – they just refused to accept that “good enough” existed.

Each of these titans started where you are: chasing a dream under the bar. Today, you carry the torch.

THE HYPE, THE CHALLENGE, THE GLORY – IT’S ALL YOURS. Every expert principle, every meal, every rep above, is your battle plan. When you leave the gym after a crushing session, imagine yourself as one rep closer to that 1000. Wake up hungry, train recklessly, rest fully, and never forget: NO EXCUSES. The barbell sits there waiting – show it the warrior you are. Lead with heart, train with fury, and deadlift 1,000 lbs. We’ll see you on the other side of history.

Sources: Training and strength principles are supported by expert analysis and lifter reports . All quotes are drawn from the cited sources.

MicroStrategy (Strategy) Company Profile

MicroStrategy (now Strategy Inc.; Nasdaq: MSTR) is an American enterprise software company founded in 1989 by Michael J. Saylor, Sanju Bansal, and Thomas Spahr .  The company is headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and provides business intelligence (BI), mobile, and cloud-based analytics software .  Strategy’s leadership includes co-founder Michael Saylor as Executive Chairman and Phong Le as President & CEO .  The company’s mission is built around providing “cloud-native, AI-powered enterprise analytics software” to global customers while pioneering innovations in Bitcoin applications .  In fact, Strategy bills itself as “the world’s first and largest Bitcoin Treasury Company, and the largest independent, publicly traded business intelligence company” .  Over 35+ years it has built a platform aimed at “Intelligence Everywhere,” combining deep BI expertise with a bold Bitcoin treasury strategy .

Business Intelligence Software

Strategy’s core product is Strategy One (formerly MicroStrategy), a modern AI+BI platform that unifies data and delivers analytics at scale.  Key features include a governed semantic layer for a single source of truth, self-service reporting tools, embedded analytics, mobile dashboards, HyperIntelligence (micro-chart overlays in third-party apps), and built-in AI/NLP capabilities .  The platform is cloud-native and claims “full freedom from vendor lock-in” , supporting on-prem or all major cloud environments .  Strategy also offers Mosaic, a semantic-modeling environment, and various components like Enterprise Reporting, Dashboards, Embedded Analytics, and Mobile Analytics .

Strategy’s BI software is differentiated by its emphasis on AI and cloud: it was the first BI vendor to ship a cloud-native platform and to integrate generative AI, and it touts a  “governed, AI-optimized” approach to analytics .  The platform’s “semantic graph” and “AI Auto Suite” are designed to accelerate data modeling and insights, putting analytics into everyday business processes .  Analysts note that Strategy’s focus on AI-powered, enterprise-grade BI sets it apart from simpler tools .  The software has been recognized by industry reports: for example, Strategy (MicroStrategy) was named a leader in Snowflake’s 2024 Modern Marketing Data Stack report .

Major global organizations use Strategy’s BI platform.  For instance, it reports deployments across Fortune 500 and leading brands.  Its “About” page notes that “the most admired brands in the Fortune Global 500” trust its cloud-native platform to drive agility and revenue .  Customer stories include enterprises like Hilton, GUESS, Pfizer and Emirates, among others .  (Pfizer’s BI director, for example, has cited Strategy tools for delivering personalized, scalable analytics across operations.)  In short, Strategy’s BI business supplies enterprise-scale analytics solutions, competing directly with major platforms and serving thousands of users worldwide.

Bitcoin Strategy

Since 2020, Strategy has also been known for its aggressive Bitcoin treasury strategy.  Under Saylor and the board’s guidance, the company adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset .  It began with an initial $250 million purchase in August 2020, motivated by “declining returns from cash, a weakening dollar, and other global macroeconomic factors” .  The company has repeatedly raised capital (via stock and bond offerings) to fund further Bitcoin purchases.  Its formal treasury policy uses equity/debt proceeds and operating cash to accumulate BTC while still running the BI software business .

This strategy has made Strategy the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder .  As of June 30, 2025, Strategy reported owning 597,325 BTC (about $42.4 billion at cost, $64.4 billion at market) .  (For context, at end-2024 they held ~447,470 BTC .)  In recent quarters the balance sheet shows roughly 30–35% of total assets in Bitcoin.  In Q2 2025, Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings yielded an unrealized gain of $14.0 billion for the quarter .  These Bitcoin-based gains have far exceeded the modest revenue from its software business (Strategy’s annual software revenue is under $500 million) .

The rationale is that Bitcoin’s expected long-term appreciation will grow shareholder value. Management targets Bitcoin yields and dollar gains as key performance indicators (KPI): for example, they raised the 2025 “BTC Yield” target to 30% and “BTC $ Gain” to $20 billion, reflecting confidence in crypto’s upside .  Strategy’s executives (notably Saylor) believe Bitcoin may rise into the millions of dollars each, eventually comprising a significant share of global capital .  The company has even launched novel products (such as preferred stock) to fund more Bitcoin purchases .

Implications:  Strategy’s stock (MSTR) has thus become a proxy for Bitcoin exposure. As Saylor puts it, MSTR behaves like an “unregulated Bitcoin ETF” . This has amplified both upside and risk: when BTC rallies, MSTR soars (and vice versa).  Regulators and investors note that Strategy’s results are now dominated by crypto accounting. However, the company maintains it will continue running and improving its analytics platform alongside its treasury role .

Date	BTC Held	Avg Cost (USD)	Cost Basis (USD)	Bitcoin Price (USD)	Market Value (USD)
Dec 31, 2024	447,470	62,503	$27.968 B	93,390	$41.789 B
Jun 30, 2025	597,325	70,982	$42.4 B	107,752	$64.4 B

Stock Analysis

Historical performance:  MicroStrategy’s stock has had dramatic swings.  It was relatively flat for years, but since 2020 it has roughly followed Bitcoin’s path.  Over the past five years (2018–2023) MSTR soared by roughly +2,550% .  In 2024 alone it exploded from about $69 to ~$290, a gain on the order of +320% (intraday peak ~ $540) as Bitcoin hit record highs.  (By comparison, the S&P 500 rose only ~19% in 2024.)  In 2025 so far, MSTR remains volatile: up ~39% year-to-date as of mid-2025 , reflecting Bitcoin stabilizing above $100K.

Recent drivers:  The biggest driver is Bitcoin’s price.  Every new spike or dip in BTC has a multiplied effect on MSTR’s market cap.  Corporate actions also matter: Strategy continually issues stock and debt (the “21/21” plan to raise $42 billion) to buy more BTC , which dilutes existing shares.  Positive earnings surprises (e.g. Q2 2025 GAAP EPS of $32.60) occur because of fair-value gains on crypto .  Conversely, Bitcoin dips (as in 2022) drove steep losses.  Macro sentiment toward crypto also feeds through.  Notably, MicroStrategy (Strategy) was added to the Nasdaq-100 in Dec 2024, reflecting its market cap and trading volume as a crypto proxy.

Market sentiment & analyst outlook:  Analysts are cautiously optimistic but divided.  Market consensus ratings are in the “Moderate Buy” range (per MarketBeat) .  Analysts’ 12-month price targets average around $550–$560 , implying roughly 40–60% upside from mid-2025 levels, with a wide range ($175–$705 ).  Many observers highlight that MSTR is effectively undervalued relative to its Bitcoin hoard – its enterprise value is largely the BTC holding’s value.  In other words, traditional metrics (P/E) are out the window; the stock’s fate depends on crypto’s future.  Bullish scenarios point to BTC becoming “digital gold” and Strategy’s stock reaching new highs by 2030 .  Skeptics warn that if Bitcoin crashes, the high leverage and dilution could send MSTR sharply down. Overall, the stock carries high risk/reward, which analysts reflect in a split outlook.

Stock Performance (Examples):

Time Period	Start Price	End Price	Change (%)
5-year (2018–2023)	~$10 (2018)	~$270 (2023)	+2,550%
2024 (Jan–Dec)	$69.25	$289.62	+318%

Financial Health

Revenue and profitability:  Strategy’s software business generates modest revenue.  Full-year 2024 software revenues were ~$463.5 million , and Q2 2025 software revenue was ~$114.5 million (up ~2.7% YoY).  Subscription and license fees are growing (subscription revenue +70% YoY in Q2 2025 ), but product support remains slightly down.  Gross margins are healthy (>68%), typical of software.  However, GAAP profits have swung wildly because of Bitcoin.  In Q4 2024 the company had a GAAP net loss of $670.8 million (mainly crypto impairment) .  In contrast, Q2 2025 saw a net income of $10.02 billion (driven by unrealized crypto gains).  On a non-GAAP basis (excluding crypto revaluations), the core business is roughly break-even to lightly profitable.

Balance sheet and debt:  MicroStrategy has raised huge capital by issuing equity and debt.  By end-2024 it carried large liabilities: total liabilities grew from ~$408 M in 2019 to ~$2.6 B by end-2023 , and surged to ~$4.57 B by Q3 2024 .  Much of this is from convertible bonds and preferred stock tied to Bitcoin funding.  Its debt-to-equity ratio has hovered around ~1.2–1.7 as leverage increased .  The company maintains ample liquidity: cash was only ~$38 M at end-2024 (since excess cash was plowed into BTC), but it has large at-the-market equity programs approved ($17B available as of July 2025) and recent convertible note proceeds.  In short, Strategy has a volatile balance sheet: high debt/equity and near-zero cash on hand, funded by continuous capital raises.

Significant financial moves (past year):  Major events include adopting fair-value accounting for Bitcoin in 2025 (switching from cost-less-impairment) , which instantly increased equity by ~$12.7 B.  The company launched new preferred stock offerings (STRK, STRF, etc.), raising over $10 B H1 2025.  In Q4 2024 it completed a 10-for-1 stock split.  It has guided to astronomical “operating income” in 2025 (e.g. $34 B) based on BTC gains .  In summary, revenue growth is modest but steady, while profitability and equity values are dominated by crypto mark-to-market swings and financing activities.

Competitors and Market Position

In the BI and analytics market, Strategy faces many well-established vendors.  Its primary competitors include global BI suites like SAP (BusinessObjects/Analytics Cloud), IBM (Cognos, Planning Analytics), Oracle (BI Platform/Analytics Cloud), Microsoft (Power BI), Salesforce (Tableau CRM), Qlik, SAS, and others .  Among these, Microsoft’s Power BI and Salesforce/Tableau are particularly dominant in ease-of-use and cloud-native analytics, while SAP and Oracle serve large enterprises.  Strategy differentiates by offering an end-to-end, scalable platform with strong governance and embedding of AI – and by positioning itself as an independent, technology-focused alternative.  It often markets against “Goliath” competitors: for example, Strategy’s site explicitly compares its platform vs. SAP BusinessObjects, Cognos, and Power BI .

Strategy’s self-branded tagline is “largest independent, publicly traded BI company” , highlighting that it is smaller than the “Big 5” but more focused on analytics and now crypto.  According to Gartner and industry reports, MicroStrategy/Strategy is typically placed in the “Challenger” quadrant (with strengths in enterprise scalability and deployment breadth) but lags the top “Leaders” like Microsoft and Tableau .  In the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant it was named a challenger .  Analysts note that Strategy’s long history in BI and growing AI capabilities keep it competitive, but its heavy BTC orientation makes it a unique case.

In summary, Strategy holds a niche but respected position in BI: it serves many Fortune 500 firms with large-scale deployments, and it invests heavily in innovation (AI, cloud).  Its competitors are well-funded, but Strategy leverages its BI heritage plus its “Bitcoin treasury” story to carve out a distinctive market position .

Sources: Authoritative profiles (company site , Wikipedia ), official earnings and press releases , and market analyses were used. The above tables combine official crypto holdings figures and reported stock performance data .

ORDINANCE NO. ____

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY ESTABLISHING A BITCOIN STRATEGIC RESERVE PARTNERSHIP (BSRP) AND A RULES-BASED FRAMEWORK TO PHASE OUT PROPERTY TAX DEPENDENCE

Findings.

A. The City seeks long-run fiscal resilience, innovation leadership, and intergenerational equity.

B. For FY 2025-26, projected property-tax revenue is approximately $17 million, a significant share of the General Fund. 

C. Under current California investment statutes (Gov. Code §53601 and related guidance), local agencies are limited to enumerated instruments; cryptocurrency is not among permitted investments. 

D. To remain compliant while accelerating innovation, the City will partner with an independent philanthropic foundation that can lawfully hold bitcoin and grant dollars to the City (“BSR Foundation”), with transparent guardrails inspired by endowment best practices. (Examples include Alaska’s POMV discipline and municipal pilots like Roswell’s donation-seeded reserve.) 

Section 1. Establishment.

The Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Partnership (BSRP) is hereby created to (i) receive and manage philanthropic support through an independent BSR Foundation, and (ii) convert foundation grants into predictable, rules-based funding for City services with the goal of phasing out property-tax reliance over time, subject to safeguards.

Section 2. Compliance & Structure.

(a) The City shall not invest public monies in bitcoin unless and until expressly authorized by California law. 

(b) The City may accept grants from the BSR Foundation (a separate 501(c)(3) or equivalent) whose charter permits bitcoin holdings and mandates qualified custody, multi-sig, insurance, independent audits, and public reporting. (Roswell’s public model is a reference for donation-seeded reserves and guardrails.) 

(c) All City receipts from the BSR Foundation shall be USD grants, deposited and budgeted per existing City and state law.

Section 3. Guardrails for Grant Use.

(a) Discipline rule (POMV): Annual grant draws used for operations shall not exceed 5% of the Foundation’s five-year trailing average net asset value (NAV). 

(b) High-water & downturn rule: If Foundation NAV is >20% below its peak, the City will suspend growth of BSR-funded programs and cap operational use to 3% of the five-year average until recovery.

(c) Transparency: The Foundation will publish quarterly NAV, inflows, custody attestations, and an annual audit.

Section 4. Property-Tax Sunset Triggers (Performance-Based).

Upon independent verification that five-year-average annual grants reliably cover the thresholds below, the Council shall enact matching property-tax rate reductions in the next budget cycle:

• 25% coverage of the $17M baseline → 10% rate reduction

• 50% coverage → 50% rate reduction

• 100% coverage → full elimination, with a “rainy-day buffer” equal to 3 years of the former baseline set aside before final zero-out. (At a 5% POMV, replacing ~$17M implies a target endowment on the order of $340M.) 

Section 5. Acceptable Funding Sources to the Foundation.

Donations; corporate matches; impact-investment pledges; and third-party project proceeds (e.g., methane-to-mining partnerships executed outside City treasury) may seed the Foundation. (Landfill-powered mining pilots are operating in Utah at ~280kW scale.) 

Section 6. Implementation.

The City Manager and City Attorney are directed, within 60 days, to return with (i) a standard MOU template for accepting BSR Foundation grants, (ii) public reporting standards, and (iii) any charter/budget policy updates necessary for integration.

Section 7. Severability; Effective Date.

If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains in force. This Ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption.

12-Month Launch Plan (Culver City)

Months 0–2 — “Greenlight + Governance”

• Council study session; adopt the ordinance above.
• Form a Mayor’s BSR Founders Council (5–7 respected local/philanthropic leaders).
• City Attorney drafts MOU language for accepting USD grants from an independent BSR Foundation.
• Publish a one-page public explainer with the FY25-26 $17M property-tax baseline and the long-run target (≈$340M endowment @ 5% POMV).  

Months 2–4 — “Seed & Signal”

• Stand up the BSR Foundation (board, bylaws, custody policy, multi-sig, insurance, audit firm).
• Launch a “Sats Club” donor program (tiers, naming recognition).
• Announce no-tax dollars will be used for bitcoin; only USD grants from the Foundation will fund City services (compliance clarity).  

Months 3–6 — “Pipelines On”

• Philanthropy roadshow (studios, tech founders, civic leaders).
• Windfall policy (outside the City treasury): encourage donors to pledge a portion of real-estate liquidity events; reference Culver City’s progressive Measure RE RPTT context as a narrative hook for community reinvestment (still philanthropic, not City funds).  
• Issue an RFI/RFP for landfill-gas-to-mining partnerships led by private operators donating a % of proceeds to the Foundation; require environmental, noise and community safeguards. (Real-world precedent: Marathon/Nodal Power landfill pilot)  

Months 6–9 — “Transparency + First Grants”

• Launch a public dashboard (quarterly NAV, inflows, custody attestations).
• First USD operating grant to the City under the POMV cap (e.g., ≤5% of 5-yr average NAV).  
• Optional branding pilot: Fort Worth showed that small, symbolic crypto pilots can punch above their weight in attracting innovation—use this to recruit employers while keeping City funds conservative.  

Months 9–12 — “Scale + Guardrails”

• Independent audit of the Foundation; publish results.
• Adopt drawdown policy for downturns (3% cap when NAV is >20% below high-water); memorialize in MOU.
• If five-year-average grants cover ≥25% of the baseline, adopt the first 10% property-tax reduction for the next budget. (Maintain a 3-year rainy-day buffer before the final sunset.)

Why this wins (bold + prudent)

• Compliant now, optionality later. We keep City cash 100% within state-approved instruments while mobilizing private capital to build the bitcoin endowment via a separate foundation.  
• Rules, not vibes. POMV and high-water marks impose endowment discipline—the Alaska model funds more than half the state’s GF today.  
• Multiple fuel lines. Philanthropy, corporate matches, and methane-to-mining give the BSR diversified inflows with real-world precedents.  
• Visibility & momentum. Transparent dashboards + early USD grants create public trust and brand Culver City as innovation-friendly (see Fort Worth’s halo effect).  

Notes & sources you can hand to counsel

• Culver City FY25-26 property-tax projection ≈ $17M; also shows RPTT/TOT and other top taxes.  
• CA Gov Code §53601 + 2025 Local Agency Investment Guidelines (crypto not a permitted instrument; anything not listed is prohibited).  
• Alaska POMV (5% draw on multi-year average) — reference model for spending discipline.  
• Roswell, NM: first U.S. city to formally stand up a bitcoin strategic reserve via donations; guardrail framing.  
• Fort Worth, TX mining pilot (symbolic revenue; strong signaling).  
• Landfill-gas BTC mining precedent (Marathon/Nodal Power ~280kW).  
• Culver City Measure RE (progressive RPTT) — useful donor narrative, not City crypto exposure.  

want me to tailor the ordinance text with your preferred foundation name, dashboard URL, and a first-year grant target (e.g., $1–3M) so you can drop it straight into an agenda packet? 🎯