# Deep Fried Everything By [Sunday Bunch](https://paragraph.com/@bunch) · 2024-07-14 --- This edition has got it all: * The Ballad of Jalen Brunson * A $300 million movie trailer * Breakdancing shoes * The dying days of the breastaurant * Cardiac danger at the Texas State Fair _That and much more, this week on_ **_Sunday Bunch_** _(cue the theme music)…_ ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/f97d88d6bd54f4c3496678c4c21c2140.png) ###### 🏀 [Knicks' Jalen Brunson accepts $156.5M, $113M less than '25 deal](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40547744/knicks-jalen-brunson-accepts-1565m-113m-less-25-deal?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/e3a715cb374fa9916158d9b2a7dc29c2.jpg) Brunson agreed to a four-year extension with the Knicks that leaves $37 million over the next three years on the table _(Woj has a_ [_good breakdown of the financials_](https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1811868259597320374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1811868259597320374%7Ctwgr%5Ebea328800b486df591def3308eefb4e3db0adeb8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fnba%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F40547744%2Fknicks-jalen-brunson-accepts-1565m-113m-less-25-deal&utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything)_)_, giving his team considerably more salary cap flexibility than any other star has thus far been willing to offer. A lot of dudes talk about really wanting to win. One just threw down the black card where his mouth is. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/c9f82982b22885f1931234c10e01cf37.png) * * * ###### 🏎️ [Brad Pitt Car Race Movie F1 Drops its First Teaser Trailer](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/brad-pitt-f1-trailer?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) It was a big week for big, expensive movie trailers. We got [**_Gladiator II_**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rgYUipGJNo&utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) (!!!) and [**_Captain America_**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_A8HdCDaWM&utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) (meh), but as cool as the rhinos and Denzel in the Gladiator trailer are…$300 million worth of fast cars, Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt driving at 200mph, _F1_ looks pretty rad: Whether or not it’s any good, it will be awesome on IMAX. The film–directed by Joseph Kosinski (_Top Gun: Maverick_)–was produced with extensive involvement and support from F1, perhaps the most by any pro sports organization for a scripted, non-documentary film. Watch for that to become a trend if this one succeeds. See also: [**The Details Behind Brad Pitt's $300 Million Formula 1 Movie**](https://huddleup.substack.com/p/the-details-behind-brad-pitts-300?publication_id=17922&post_id=146485691&isFreemail=true&r=a1s90&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) _One question: this is an all-time crazy do-your-own-stunt movie, with the director of_ Maverick_, and F1 drivers are supposed to be small kings. How does Tom Cruise not wind up in this role? Not complaining, just asking._ * * * ###### 👟 [Nike Is Killing the App for Its $350 Self-Tying Sneakers](https://www.wired.com/story/nike-kills-adapt-bb-app-self-tying-sneaker/?source=Email_0_EDT_WIR_NEWSLETTER_0_DAILY_ZZ&bxid=5be9d5a02ddf9c72dc1f3cc9&cndid=37629918&hasha=1ce3f82f8e70b5806b65dfc240160cfe&hashb=fbf39476d21ee300d3b9874c3b1ba97c3b8c0c49&hashc=e0018c2a7980325ed6737cf1d92d543e67a2477c719e1af8875ccc7d6aba1424&esrc=growl2-regGate-1120&utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) It was [a rough week for Nike](https://www.marketwatch.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-futures-narrowly-higher-as-investors-eye-inflation-data-earnings/card/nike-drops-sharply-to-become-worst-performing-stock-in-the-dow-CdFIhEIstzKGBSkGRYE3?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) and I don’t need to throw another “here’s what Nike’s struggles taught me about B2B software” thinkpost on the fire. I do feel for the dude who bought Nike’s Adapt BB shoes and found out he [can’t lace up with his phone anymore](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/07/immensely-disappointing-nike-killing-app-for-350-self-tying-sneakers/?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything). _In better Swoosh news…_ ###### 🤸🏻‍♂️ [Check Out Nike's Olympic-Ready Breakdancing Shoe](https://hypebeast.com/2024/5/nike-jam-black-brown-fn0314-200-release-info?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) With [breaking](https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/breaking?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) becoming an official Olympic sport at Paris 2024, Nike is getting ready to [drop its first breakdancing shoe](https://hypebeast.com/2024/7/futura-nike-jam-fz8966-100-release-date?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything)–the Nike Jam–on July 26 on the SNKRS app. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/7fddddff78ff6dd715b8919981e85283.jpg) Added bonus: you don’t tie these with an app. * * * ###### 🏈 [NFL Moves Toward Allowing Private Equity into Ownership Groups](https://www.thedailyupside.com/industries/media-entertainment/nfl-moves-toward-allowing-private-equity-into-ownership-groups/?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) Owners get some liquidity while realizing massive gains, a new class of slightly less rich dudes get to tell their next wife they own a sliver of the Bengals. * * * ###### 🏔️ [The new Paramount logo is the fleece vest of entertainment logos](https://www.fastcompany.com/91153775/new-paramount-skydance-logo?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/a7e45037895fa7588a1167a533bf8851.png) * * * ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/b90f32ee030604e76d48d044a3002c27.png) * * * ###### 🤖 All you really need to know about AI _This is an advertisement. But I use the product daily so hear me out:_ **50% of the AI stories I share here, I find on The Rundown.** From OpenAI and NVIDIA headlines to new companies and products, even job listings, they have you covered. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/80f5c96492b1683af4d7c6547478a514.png) ### Keep up with AI How do you keep up with the insane pace of AI? Join The Rundown — the world’s largest AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date with everything happening in AI with just a 5-minute read per day. [Sign up with one click.](https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/4d03390d-2481-4299-b949-ffd8b38b4c38?email={{email}}&utm_source=beehiiv&utm_campaign={{publication_name_param}}&redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fupscribe.page%2Faa34c745df&redirect_delay=1&_bhiiv=opp_d013e8c3-cf60-48ed-90f5-d5694a131b78_e4221c46) * * * ###### 🦉 [The decline and fall of Hooters](https://www.newstatesman.com/the-weekend-report/2024/07/decline-and-fall-of-hooters?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) > The thing about Hooters is that you’re compromised the moment you walk in the door. You’ve come in for some chicken wings, maybe to catch the game on TV. But there are loads of places that serve these needs. By choosing Hooters you’re confessing: I want all of these things, with cleavage on the side. * * * ###### 🎰 [Gambling Enters the Family Zone](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2024/07/gambling-everywhere-phone-addiction/678913/?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) Dave & Busters is going to become a gateway drug to gambling addiction. Welcome to the age of Skee Ball and Pop-A-Shot parlays. * * * ###### 🔫 [Vending machines for ammunition have hit grocery stores across the south](https://qz.com/ammo-vending-machines-grocery-stores-american-rounds-1851581307?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) Kiosks are back with a vengeance. Just as the founding fathers intended. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/c6ba21d0e29e783c7f9c92729edf64b0.jpg) * * * ###### 🌳 [Texas Has Basically Legalized Marijuana. We Have the Proof.](https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/texas-legalized-marijuana-thc-delta-9/?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) _I’ve told some of you in person:_ the weed situation in Austin and across Texas right now is hilarious, in a Dr. Strangelove sort of way. It’s illegal, but we have dispensaries all over and you can even buy prerolls next to the Zyns at the Kwik-E-Mart. [Russell Gold’s story for Texas Monthly](https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/texas-legalized-marijuana-thc-delta-9/?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) explains how we got here, and does some lab work to see what’s really going on (spoiler: it might not all be on the up-and-up). If you’re like me you might even notice some parallels to the VW diesel scandal, swapping Passats’ emission levels for Granddaddy Purple’s cannabinoid levels. **TL;DR:** Life and drug dealers find a way. * * * ###### 🍔 [Whataburger is an essential service here in Texas](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/07/11/whataburger-power-outage-map-beryl-texas/?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/f4c5db4ae257d5358b82a5ddc8f513d1.png) _In all seriousness, I hope everyone and their loved ones in and around Beryl’s path are alright and able to be at home with power, or at least someplace safe and dry with functioning A/C._ ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/8d2d892d4d0f1e4f22e6bea8abaad16d.png) The State Fair of Texas is still two months away, but a critical part of the preparation is already underway: **picking the new foods for 2024**. We’re down to [25 semifinalists](https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/state-fair-fried-food-2024/?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) across sweet and savory categories. In my bracket, I have these two in the Championship: ##### 🥞 **Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers** > Nashville hot chicken and pimento cheese mixture rolled into a ball, dunked into pancake batter, and fried, drizzled with Sriracha honey and Nashville hot powdered sugar. ##### **💣 Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs** > Beef burnt ends wrapped with shredded potato, bacon, and green onion mixture and fried, with raspberry chipotle barbeque sauce. While we wait for the 2024 finalist announcement on August 10, let’s look back at standouts from last year’s State Fair. Think of it as [‘One Shining Moment’](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbK535vSpaE&utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) but for Big Tex and arterial blockage. ##### Fried Texas BBQ Shotgun Shells ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/0581db9f4518a78c28b98c245ab8c03f.jpg) > Made with slow-smoked, shredded, Texas BBQ beef brisket, melted, gooey Velveeta®, and cream cheese, seasoned with Meat Church Texas Sugar Rub®, then rolled in a pasta sheet, wrapped up in hickory smoked bacon, and rolled in jalapeño breadcrumbs. ##### **Deep Fried Sushi Bombs** ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/26b4056d979afac56f71693c7f0d63cd.jpg) > Sushi rice is generously topped with imitation crab meat and perfectly seasoned salmon for a quick bake. The sushi bake is then rolled in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown and served with a side of seaweed and Yum Yum dipping sauce. ##### The Butcher’s Block ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/4d9ec75a4ed6df5947840b43e21d9de1.jpg) > If you want ALL THE MEATS, then this is the bowl for you! Start off with three-cheese macaroni and cheese, then pile on the good stuff! Topped with 15-hour smoked brisket, crispy fried chicken, candied bacon bits, jalapeño peppers, and a piece of sausage on the side. The macaroni is then drizzled with a brown sugar chipotle sauce that adds a bit of sweetness and a tad bit of spice! ##### Fruity Pebble Pickle ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/7c443e975c3ca3d80fd8f237aa521ed6.jpg) > A delicious, whole dill pickle wrapped in every kid’s favorite fun snack. A Fruit Roll-Up® and Fruit by the Foot®, drizzled in sugar syrup and coated in one of the most popular cereals in the world, Fruity Pebbles®. This is then drizzled again with strawberry snow cone syrup. ##### Deep Fried Candy Pecan Bacon Bread Pudding ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/1887e3bd3f36a35b733830ccbb820fb5.jpg) > The bread pudding is tossed in a perfect blend of cinnamon sugar and candy pecans, which find their home nestled next to crispy chopped bacon. It is topped with a New Orleans praline sauce that perfectly ties together these sweet and savory flavors. Lastly, a touch of salted caramel bourbon sauce is added that creates an explosion of flavor. **Cotton Candy Rita** ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/1826dd14f94582405fb8869088c0e83e.jpg) > Starting with a cotton candy-pink sugar-rimmed cup with the perfect amount of ice, a cotton candy-infused margarita is then added and topped off with a dollop of fresh cotton candy. ##### Fried Fireball Shot ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/60d9ad6e413e3561923d109bc1cb62ff.jpg) > The fluffy, airy, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of angel food cake meets the red-hot and fiery cinnamon flavor of Fireball® Cinnamon malt liquor. * * * Thank you for reading. I hope you have a great rest of the weekend. Cheers, [BUNCH](https://kylebunch.com?utm_source=sundaybunch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=deep-fried-everything) --- *Originally published on [Sunday Bunch](https://paragraph.com/@bunch/deep-fried-everything)*