Welcome back to irl Media NEWS. The only newsletter bringing you the business behind the news, with a healthy dose of sarcasm.

In today’s newsletter we discuss the rise of the ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl, the scarcity effect of Hermès Birkin bags, SpaceX wins NASA contract to destroy the ISS, Gwyneth Paltrow selling $30 LA home, and Shaun White launches The Snow League.

• Kendrick Lamar Bought A $40 Million Dollar Home In LA

• The Scarcity Effect Of Hermes Birkin Bags

• SpaceX wins/Boeing loses NASA contract to destroy ISS

• The ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl is headed to Hollywood

• Gwyneth Paltrow selling $30 Million dollar LA Home

• Shaun White Launches The Snow League

Scroll on!

FROM THE EDITOR

Today marks our 100th issue of the irl Media NEWS Newsletter! I published my 1st newsletter issue back on September 11, 2023 and really found my rhythm and audience starting in January of 2024. Today, we stand at a little over 1,500 subscribers, and I couldn’t be more proud of the content and community we’ve built.

To celebrate, and I'd love to share with you the launch of our irl Media NEWS PODCAST. Basically, each week I write this newsletter, then I select 3-4 of the stories to make Hot Take videos for our YouTube channel. I then record the entire newsletter as a podcast episode, and upload it to our podcast hosting service on Buzzsprout to schedule when it’ll go out. Right now I’m running a few weeks behind, but hope by August to get it so the podcast comes out 1 week after the newsletter.

We’ve syndicated our podcast to all of the major podcast services, so you can just do a search for “irl Media NEWS PODCAST” wherever you get your podcasts from and subscribe/follow up. It’ll really help us grow our podcast numbers.

We’ve also given the irl Media NEWS PODCAST its own YouTube channel, so I hope you’ll all do me a solid and Subscribe. This is probably our quickest path to growing our Subscribers and monetizing our podcast, so I do hope you’ll Subscribe and listen to each of our weekly episodes.

To make it even easier for you here’s a list of where to get our podcast from:

Apple
Spotify
Amazon
iHeart Radio
YouTube
Stitcher
Pandora
Buzzsprout

YOUTUBE

Kendrick Lamar Bought A $40 Million Dollar Home In LA

BUSINESS

The Scarcity Effect of Hermès Birkin Bags

The Hermès Birkin bag stands as a paragon of luxury and exclusivity in the world of fashion. Created in 1984 and named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin, this handbag has transcended its function as an accessory to become a symbol of status and wealth. The scarcity of Birkin bags is a deliberate strategy by Hermès, contributing significantly to their allure and astronomical prices.

The Hermès Birkin bag is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship. Each bag is handmade by a single artisan from start to finish, a process that can take up to 18 hours. The artisans are highly skilled and undergo rigorous training, ensuring that every stitch is perfect. The bags are made from the finest materials, including calf leather, alligator, ostrich, and lizard skins, often featuring gold or palladium hardware. This attention to detail and quality makes each Birkin bag unique and highly desirable.

Beyond craftsmanship, the Birkin bag’s design is timeless and versatile. Its elegant yet functional structure appeals to fashion connoisseurs who appreciate both style and utility. The bag's association with celebrities and high-profile individuals has also cemented its status as a coveted item. Owning a Birkin bag is not just about possessing a luxury handbag; it is about joining an exclusive club of elite consumers.

Hermès employs a strategy of artificial scarcity to maintain the Birkin bag's exclusivity. The brand produces a limited number of bags each year, and they are often not available for direct purchase in stores. Instead, customers must establish a relationship with a Hermès sales associate and demonstrate a history of loyalty to the brand. Even then, there is no guarantee of securing a Birkin bag.

This strategy was recently highlighted in a lawsuit where a former employee alleged that Hermès reserves its Birkin bags for elite clients and those with a strong purchasing history, further fueling the perception of rarity and exclusivity . The deliberate scarcity ensures that demand consistently outstrips supply, creating a sense of urgency and desire among potential buyers.

The scarcity of Hermès Birkin bags has a profound impact on their prices. Retail prices for a new Birkin bag range from around $10,000 to over $200,000, depending on the materials and specifications. However, due to their rarity, many Birkin bags are sold on the secondary market at even higher prices. It is not uncommon for these bags to appreciate in value over time, making them a sought-after investment.

The secondary market is thriving, with auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s frequently featuring Birkin bags in their luxury sales. The record for the most expensive Birkin bag sold at auction is currently held by a Himalayan crocodile Birkin with diamond-encrusted hardware, which fetched $500,000.

The Hermès Birkin bag exemplifies how scarcity can enhance a product's desirability and value. Its exceptional craftsmanship, association with luxury, and deliberate scarcity make it a status symbol coveted by many but owned by few. The strategy of limited production ensures that the Birkin bag remains one of the most iconic and expensive handbags in the world, with a price tag that reflects its exclusivity and prestige.

Hermès lawsuit claims luxury retailer reserves its famed Birkin bags only for its biggest spendersH

SPACE

SpaceX Wins NASA Contract for ISS Reentry and Destruction, and Boeing Loses

SpaceX has secured a nearly $1 Billion dollar contract with NASA to manage the reentry and destruction of the International Space Station (ISS) when its operational life concludes in a few years.

This marks a critical milestone for SpaceX, further solidifying its position as a leading partner in NASA's space endeavors. Just as importantly, it signifies a huge loss for Boeing, who has been plagued with issues after issues like doors on their jets coming off, or their Starliner spacecraft being stuck at the ISS and not able to come home yet (or possibly ever).

The contract outlines SpaceX's responsibilities for ensuring the safe deorbiting of the ISS. This complex operation involves guiding the space station through Earth's atmosphere in a controlled manner, ensuring that it disintegrates safely over a remote part of the ocean. This operation is essential to prevent any potential damage from debris reentry over populated areas.

The ISS, which has been a symbol of international cooperation and scientific research since its launch in 1998, is expected to continue its mission until at least 2030. However, planning for its eventual deorbiting is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the safety of space operations.

SpaceX's selection for this task underscores the company's expertise and reliability in handling critical space missions. It also highlights NASA's confidence in SpaceX's technological capabilities and their successful track record with other missions, including cargo and crew transportation to the ISS.

And you know how probably won’t be getting their calls returned by NASA for any new projects anytime soon?

Boeing!

SpaceX is building a NASA craft to intentionally destroy the International Space Station after retiringH

ENTERTAINMENT

The Rise of the ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl: From Viral Sensation to Hollywood Star?

The ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl has recently taken the internet by storm, for reasons that remain a bit of a mystery. Her rise to stardom began with a viral video showcasing her unbridled personality. This unexpected fame has not only garnered her a significant online following, but has also caught the attention of Hollywood talent agencies.

The turning point for the ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl, otherwise known by her real name Hailey Welch, came when did an interview that somehow resonated with people. Her charisma and story, for whatever reason, struck a chord with audiences. This sudden popularity has led to numerous opportunities, making her a hot commodity in the entertainment industry.

For those of you that don’t know, or wish you didn’t already know, the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl is a viral meme born out of a man-on-the-street interview with Tim & Dee TV. "What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?” one of the hosts asked a then unknown 21-year-old Hailey Welch. Her answer: “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang.”

You can watch the interview for yourself, but full disclosure it’s NSFW:
LINK 

After that interview, which must have made her parents real proud, there’s news that she may or may not be signing with United Talent Agency (UTA) to represent her.

UTA claims to represent the world's best artists, storytellers, entertainers, and brands, and they can now apparently add the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl to their roster of Internet famous quasi-celebrities who are trying to milk their 15 minute of success for all its worth. Getting a fancy Hollywood agent to represent the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl is bound to open doors to various opportunities in film, television, and other media platforms.

The ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl’s sudden rise to fame is a perfect example of how unpredictable and capricious the internet can be. One moment, she was an ordinary person, and the next, she was a viral sensation with millions of followers. It’s a testament to the power of social media and its ability to catapult someone from obscurity to fame in an instant. 

For some reason, the ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl’s unique charm and relatable personality resonated with people, making her a household name in a matter of days. As her popularity grew, so did the opportunities. Hollywood talent agencies quickly took notice of her rising star and began vying for the chance to represent her. 

With UTA’s backing, the ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl is expected to have access to a wide range of opportunities in the entertainment industry. This includes potential roles in film, television, and other media platforms. The partnership with UTA is a major step forward in her career, providing her with the resources and support needed to navigate the complex world of Hollywood.

‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl Signs With One Of The World’s Biggest Agents After Her Life-Changing Interview

REAL ESTATE

Gwyneth Paltrow Selling $30 LA Home

Gwyneth Paltrow is selling her luxurious Brentwood home for $29.99 million. The 8,000 square foot property, located in the Lower Mandeville Canyon area of Los Angeles, is a stunning example of classic California architecture with a touch of Southern charm. 

Gwyneth Paltrow purchased the home in 2012 with her ex-husband, Chris Martin, for $9.95 million. The house, originally built in the 1950s, underwent a complete renovation in 2009 and has been meticulously maintained and updated since. The property sits on nearly two-thirds of an acre and features 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.

One of the standout features of the home is its gourmet kitchen, which includes double cooktops, double ranges, and a wood-burning oven. This space is perfect for a cookbook author like Paltrow, who has spent considerable time here. The kitchen also has a large center island and a cozy breakfast nook. The kitchen overlooks the living room, which is adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a rustic wood-burning fireplace, and a built-in bar.

The estate includes a 1 bedroom guest house added by Gwyneth Paltrow, which boasts a wine cellar, office, gym, game room, and movie theater. That sounds like one heck of a guest house!

There’s also an apartment above the garage, providing additional living space, you know for the nanny or your inlaws.

Outside, the home offers a luxurious in-ground plunge pool, surrounded by mature trees and tall hedges, ensuring privacy. The exterior, designed by Windsor Smith, reflects Paltrow's signature traditional style.

Paltrow is selling the home to downsize now that her children are older. She and her current husband, Brad Falchuk, plan to split their time between a newly finished home in Montecito, California, and another property in Hamptons in Amagansett, New York.

Gwyneth Paltrow Lists Show-Stopping Los Angeles Estate for $30M

SPORTS

Shaun White Launches The Snow League

Shaun White, the legendary snowboarder known for his multiple Olympic gold medals, is starting a new venture by launching his own professional winter sports league to be called The Snow League. Announced at the Cannes Lions Festival in France, The Snow League aims to elevate the sports of snowboarding and freeskiing to new heights, providing athletes with a dedicated platform for competition and fans with thrilling, high-quality events.

This isn’t Shaun White's first experience with entrepreneurship. His company, Whitespace, represents one of his very first entrepreneurial ventures into the world of lifestyle and performance brands. Founded with the vision of blending high-quality performance gear with modern, stylish design, Whitespace offers a range of products including snowboards, outerwear, and accessories. The brand aims to reflect Shaun White's own experiences and innovations in snowboarding, providing athletes and enthusiasts with equipment that embodies both functionality and aesthetic appeal. By leveraging his extensive knowledge and influence in the sports industry, Shaun White's company Whitespace continues to make a significant impact on the market, appealing to a broad audience of outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Shaun White's journey to becoming a snowboarding icon began on September 3, 1986 in San Diego, California, when he was born. Growing up with a love for both skateboarding and snowboarding, Shaun White quickly demonstrated a natural talent for these extreme sports. He was born with a congenital heart defect, necessitating multiple surgeries as a child, but his determination and resilience helped him overcome these challenges.

Shaun White's career took off when he started competing in snowboarding events at a young age. By 2006, he had won his first Olympic gold medal in the halfpipe event at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Games, a feat he repeated in 2010 in Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, and then again in 2018 in Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games. In addition to his Olympic successes, Shaun White has claimed numerous titles in the X Games, solidifying his status as one of the greatest snowboarders of all time.

Over his illustrious career, Shaun White has amassed an impressive collection of awards and accolades. He has won t3 Olympic gold medals and 13 X Games gold medals in snowboarding, along with 2 X Games gold medals in skateboarding. His achievements extend beyond competitions, as he has also been recognized with various honors, including being named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and receiving the Laureus World Sports Award for Action Sportsperson of the Year.

The Snow League, set to debut in early 2025, represents Shaun White’s vision for the future of winter sports. The league will feature men’s and women’s snowboard halfpipe competitions, with plans to introduce freeskiing midway through the first season. Athletes will accumulate points based on their performance across five global events, culminating in the crowning of a world champion. With a prize purse of at least $1.5 million, it promises to be the richest competition in the sport.

Shaun White envisions The Snow League as a platform to discover new superstars and foster fierce rivalries, all while providing fans with unparalleled access and immersive experiences. The league will emphasize innovative competition formats, technological integration, and high-quality broadcast production to captivate audiences worldwide.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Shaun White is also known for his high-profile relationship with actress Nina Dobrev. The couple has been together since early 2020 and frequently share glimpses of their relationship on social media, showcasing their adventures and supportive partnership.

Shaun White’s launch of The Snow League marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career, one that aims to inspire the next generation of winter athletes and bring the thrill of snowboarding and freeskiing to a broader audience. With his extensive experience and passion for the sport, White is poised to make a significant impact on the world of winter sports once again.

Shaun White Is Launching A New Professional Winter Sports League

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So much news, so little time. Until tomorrow we’re signing out.

— Chris Thompson

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