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12.28.23 Question of the Day
My views have remained consistent but I am less liberal because the goal post moved. Liberal use to mean something different. Liberal use to mean investing tax dollars in things like public parks, libraries, mass transit and social services. Now liberal means godlessness and gender nonconforming. I no longer identify with the liberal political stance. I don’t identify with the conservative point of view either.
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I hope you had a blessed Christmas! 🎄⭐🙏🏿
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Shannon’s Christmas Playlist 2023
This is my updated holiday playlist. Enjoy these Christmas songs from pop and R&B artists. Merry Christmas!
I heard this for the first time recently. I don’t know how I missed this. Kelly’s challenge to Mariah’s Christmas pop classic. Celine contemplates the meaning of the holiday season. Usher’s Christmas tune is like butter! Mary says merry Christmas! The Backstreet Boys covered my favorite Christmas song. Christmas greetings from the UK! -
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Question of the Day 12.18.23
Describe a man who has positively impacted your life.
The pastor of the church I went to growing up died. His church made a big impression on me.
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Christmas 2023 🎄
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Daily Prayer 12.11.23 🎄✝️
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Winter Review: Spare
I finished “Spare” by Prince Harry on audio book this week. It was OK. It is long and listening to Prince Harry talk for about twelve hours was boring in parts but I think the book is worthwhile. “Spare” is an introspective reflection on Harry’s life and his opportunity to explain assumptions about himself.
To sum it up Harry has a deep seeded resentment of the British press. He blames the British press for the death of his mother, not having an opportunity to grieve his mother’s death, a compromised of his military career, the loss of romantic relationships and ridicule. I think his disdain for the press if fair. His relationship and feelings towards the British press were in place long before he knew Meghan.
Harry discussed his family ties. He was very disappointed in his father and brother after marrying Meghan Markle. Harry’s marriage uncovered jealousy among the family, particularly from his brother William and step mother Camilla. Meghan has been the center of media attention and on line debates but she stepped into a well established media circus and family rivalries.
After reading “Spare” I understand why Harry fell in love with Meghan. They’re a good match and I admire their relationship. They have been through a lot of stressful and unusual situations together but they maintained their bond. Harry knew what he wanted before he met Meghan and when he met her he followed through on his personal relationship goals.
Harry comes across as genuine, patriotic, humble and family oriented. I believe this book is the truth from his point of view. I’m glad he took the time to tell his story and speak for himself after being misunderstood for his entire life.
You will enjoy this book if you’ve followed the royal family. I appreciate a middle aged, married father of two taking the time to sort his life out and make sense of it all. Regardless of your background that’s a productive thing to do. I’m not sure it happens enough. There isn’t a lot of action in this book and again, Harry is reading to you for around twelve hours. “Spare” isn’t for everybody. Many will find it boring.
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Question of the Day 12.5.23
Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
Yes. San Francisco, CA 🌉
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Winter Review: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
SPOILER ALERT!
I went to see the film “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” last week. This film is a prequel to the “Hunger Games” series. If you enjoyed “Hunger Games” I think you will enjoy “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”. The story is similar but this film is set a few generations earlier than “Hunger Games”. The character known as President Snow was a young man. “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Coriolanus Snow’s villain origin story.
“Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” was well written, had the right amount of tension with an intriguing love story with surprises, twists and turns and a surprise ending. The tributes were compelling characters. We learned a bit more about the history, culture and conditions of Panem. The film cleverly left an opportunity for a sequel to this prequel. This movie is long but it’s good enough to make up for it.
Viola Davis played the game maker Dr. Volumnia Gaul. Dr. Gaul was a mad scientist with the challenge of making the games exciting and increasing viewership. Public interest was low and some citizens of Panem were outspoken in their opposition to the games. Dr. Gaul was also a mentor to young Coriolanus.
You’ll enjoy “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” if you enjoyed “The Hunger Games” and maybe if you’re new to the franchise. I recommend watching it with a friend so you can discuss the social commentary and subtleties of the film.
Thoughts, Observations, Impressions
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Shannon's Life in the Midwest 