ELEVATOR | 04.29.25

Why Qualifying for the Kentucky Derby Is 9x Harder Than Becoming a NASA Astronaut ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

@mandiskyes by @michaeldelpriore   Why Qualifying for the Kentucky Derby Is 9x Harder Than Becoming a NASA Astronaut So… you’re saying there’s a chance? That’s one way to look at it. Only 0.11% of North American thoroughbreds make it to the Kentucky Derby. How do the lucky 20 get to Churchill Downs? There’s a whole qualification process, but like any other system, it has its flaws.  Astronaut is not a bad plan B.   The Featherweight Champion of Pocketknives [Partner]  Kershaw’s Covalent folding knife just got an upgrade. New blade steel? Check. Long-lasting M390 to be exact. New handle material? Say hello to Carbon Fiber. Not only does the Carbon Fiber elevate the look, it offers a stunningly lightweight handfeel, making it comfortable for all-day, everyday use. Easily handle the folder, which deploys using a flipper on manual KVT ball bearings (read: extra smooth deployment). The trusted DuraLock secures the blade in place using a solid steel crossbar, and the extra-deep-carry clip is reversible for left or right carry.  With limited quantities available, it’s usually $299.99. For you? $189.99.   SHOP NOW   When Ships Had Wheels: The Curious Case of the Roller Ships We love an ambitious design that can never live up to the hopes and dreams of its creator. The idea? Build a boat that could glide above waves on massive rotating wheels, rather than slicing through them like a conventional hull.  Did it work? We’ll let you be the judge of that.   The Eagle Hunters of Kyrgyzstan A family of hawks has taken a liking to our building’s rooftop patio. They perch on the decorative cement figures up there. Terrifying? Sure. Our fear of birds almost outweighs our love of daydreaming. Almost. Imagine if we could train one. Then, boom, this article surfaces.  This is a wonderful scrolling experience. Enjoy.   The US Island with No Cars and One Horse for Every Person One of our buddies worked up here for a summer. He told us the locals call visitors “uppies” and “fudgies.” The first is a reference to the island being located in the upper peninsula. The second is a reference to the island’s famous fudge.  Another fun fact: It’s home to the only US highway where you’re not allowed to drive a car.   The Mixer One important thing about the size of toilets in Europe. How to boost your home’s curb appeal with hardscaping. The mood ring’s mysterious history. What it’s like to be an ice cream truck driver. 11 plants to grow for fragrance. On the 40-year friendship of Toni Morrison and Fran Lebowitz. 45 years ago, a chance encounter on a train changed gaming forever. No hangover. No pressure. Just a chilled-out buzz in a can.* *Partner     /GTFO @chrishenry | New York City     Our Gentleman's Agreement We'll keep the free daily newsletters coming. You share with a friend if you're enjoying. Capeesh? Forward to a friend.   Love Elevator? You’ll probably dig our other newsletters too. Check out Shift, Jimmy, and Blazer.   Let's Partner Put your brand in front of 800,000 passionate Elevator readers. Get in touch.   Send us a tip    |    Editorial Policy   |    Advertise     @2025 Rotary Digital 300 Witherspoon St Suite 201 Princeton NJ 08542     Preferences  |  Unsubscribe