Thoughts, Observations, Impressions

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  • Daily Prayer 12.11.23 🎄✝️

  • 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.

  • Question of the Day 12.5.23

    Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?

    Yes. San Francisco, CA 🌉

  • 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.

  • Question of the Day 12.3.23

    What is one thing you would change about yourself?

    I would like to change my bank account balance. 📈🤑💲🫰🏾

  • My 2023 YouTube Playlist

  • Don’t Let People Talk to You Like You are Stupid: Don’t Let People Lie …

  • Modern Dating Scam: Strong, Independent, Women

    Women have a right to build a life for themselves. Life is hard and it takes strength. It takes self reliance. Adulthood requires being strong and independent. Strength, independence, self reliance, intelligence and making your own living are what competent adults do in the modern world.

    Strength and independence is a matter of survival. That’s even more pronounced in the Black community where most people don’t have generational wealth and professional connections upon entering adulthood.

    Some men see strength and independence in women as a detrimental quality when choosing a partner. Seeing weakness and co dependence in a partner as a desirable quality is questionable. It sounds like a scam to me. Women aren’t left with anything to rely on if their marriage goes south.

    A woman’s strength, independence, education are not a man’s business. None of that has anything to do with him. That’s a woman public life. Women need to have a public life. Adults need to understand how to negotiate modern society. A amorous relationship is her private life. In private a man should treat a woman with respect if he values her as a lover and romantic partner.

    It doesn’t matter if a woman is a lumber jack, kick boxer or marine. If a man appreciates her as a lover treat her like a jewel or exotic flower. In private treat her as your sweetheart and the woman should do the same in return. A relationship between significant others should be affirming and a respite from the rest of the world that requires strength and independence.

    I think that men that praise women for being strong and independent want to do the bare minimum. Some of them want the strong, independent woman to help, invest and lead them. Men that think strength and independence in women are flaws seem like scammers that want to take advantage of women too. Men that want women with no education, career or social skills probably wants a partner that would be afraid or unable to leave an unsatisfying relationship. Everything men say about strong, independent women on either side of the spectrum is a scam.

    There is nothing stopping men from supporting women. There are plenty of women in low or mid wage jobs. There are armies of food service and clerical workers that would gladly let a man support them partially or completely. There really aren’t many girl bosses out there. There are a lot of women that would like to be homemakers. Women can’t pursue that occupation unless it’s sincerely offered and backed up with receipts.

    Women have the right to build the life they want. No one is going to get an adult out of bed in the morning and manage your life for you. Getting up every day and going out into the world takes discipline and strength. There is a lot to navigate in modern society and the workplace. Adults have to figure it out for themselves. That’s an asset not a detriment.

    Men have the right to date and marry who they want but women shouldn’t have to cripple themselves socially in order to be seen as a viable mate. Unless a person has proven to you that they are devoted to you and have you interests at heart you need to look out for yourself. You need to be independent. Men who comment on women being strong and independent need to mind their business. They should be concerned with their own strength, independence, education, career and financial standing.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Oc2WL6JHo

  • Question of the Day 11.27.23

    Who are your current most favorite people?

    Mom. 👩‍👧

  • Question of the Day 11.26.23

    What are your favorite animals?

    My favorite animals are: 🐘🦒🐻🐋🐬🦛🦍