james choice

nestled in the lap of luxury, this hbo series serves as a comedic yet caustic satire, inviting viewers to check in to an exclusive resort to witness the unraveling of its guests' lives—one misplaced room key at a time.

from the mind of mike white, "the white lotus" is akin to a vacation you didn't know you needed until you're too sunburned to turn back. with its first season setting the bar high, the series hilariously critiques the social and psychological complexities of its affluent guests, juxtaposed against the seemingly serene backdrop of paradise. it's like watching a train wreck in slow motion, if the train were a luxury cruise liner staffed by characters so richly developed, you'd swear they were your own eccentric relatives.

the ensemble cast is a kaleidoscope of talent, embodying characters so vividly flawed, you can't help but root for their downfall, all while secretly hoping they extend their stay. jennifer coolidge's performance as tanya mcquoid is a masterclass in comedic timing, blending vulnerability and absurdity in a way that only she can. meanwhile, the resort staff, led by the ever-patient and increasingly perplexed manager armond, navigate the caprices of their guests with a grace that deserves its own gratuity.

what sets "the white lotus" apart is its ability to balance biting satire with moments of genuine emotion. it's a reminder that behind every polished instagram post lies a reality that's messier, more complex, and far more interesting. the show peels back the layers of its characters, revealing their insecurities, desires, and the often misguided attempts at connection, making us laugh and cringe in equal measure.

"the white lotus" is not just a show; it's a social experiment wrapped in a spa robe. it's where the rich come to relax, and the audience comes to revel in their discomfort. with each episode, we're reminded that paradise isn't a place; it's a state of mind—one that's hilariously out of reach for the guests of this ill-fated resort.

--spoiler--
now, for those who dare to dive deeper, let's unpack a spoiler that twists the narrative in an unexpected way. in the finale, the revelation of who ends up dead is a masterstroke of storytelling that both satisfies and subverts audience expectations. the buildup to this moment is meticulously crafted, with red herrings and misdirects that make the payoff all the more rewarding. this pivotal twist not only redefines the preceding events but also leaves viewers reeling and reflecting on the themes of privilege, ignorance, and the human condition itself.
--spoiler--

so, if you're looking for a getaway that promises more twists and turns than a mountain road, book a stay at "the white lotus." just be warned: you might leave with more baggage than you arrived with, but you'll definitely check out with a smile.

elvis presley's "suspicious minds" is a masterpiece for a number of reasons. it is a perfectly constructed pop song, with a catchy melody, driving beat, and soaring vocals. the lyrics are both relatable and universal, exploring the themes of jealousy, insecurity, and the importance of trust in a relationship.

the song was also a critical and commercial success, winning a grammy award for best male pop vocal performance in 1969. it reached number one on the billboard hot 100 chart in the united states and the uk singles chart, and has since been covered by numerous artists.

here are some of the things that make "suspicious minds" a masterpiece:

the song's structure is perfect. it begins with a simple, yet haunting melody, which is gradually joined by the beat and other instruments. the song builds to a climax in the chorus, with elvis's vocals soaring over the top.

the lyrics are both relatable and universal. they explore the themes of jealousy, insecurity, and the importance of trust in a relationship. everyone can relate to feeling suspicious of their partner at some point, and elvis's vocals convey this emotion perfectly.

the song's production is top-notch. the sound is clean and crisp, and the arrangement is well-balanced. elvis's vocals are the star of the show, but the other instruments provide excellent support.

numbers, awards, and fun facts about "suspicious minds":

the song reached number one on the billboard hot 100 chart in the united states and the uk singles chart.

it won a grammy award for best male pop vocal performance in 1969.

it has been covered by numerous artists, including aretha franklin, mark james, and fine young cannibals.
the song was featured in the film "home alone" (1990).
in 2004, rolling stone magazine ranked "suspicious minds" number 91 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
fun fact: the song's original title was "can't help falling in love". however, elvis presley's manager, colonel tom parker, suggested that the title be changed to "suspicious minds", as he thought it would be more appealing to the public.

the 2024 united states presidential election is scheduled for tuesday, november 5, 2024. voters will elect a president and vice president for a term of four years.

the incumbent president, joe biden, has announced that he is running for re-election. his predecessor, donald trump, has also announced that he is running for re-election to a second, nonconsecutive term. a number of primary election challengers have also declared their candidacies for the nomination of both major parties.

the 2024 election is expected to be a close race, with biden and trump as the two leading contenders. other potential candidates include florida governor ron desantis, former south carolina governor nikki haley, and former secretary of state mike pompeo.

steve jobs, the co-founder of apple inc., is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in the realm of technology. known for his innovative ideas and remarkable design aesthetics, jobs revolutionized the way we interact with technology.

but, what made steve jobs steve jobs? what were his daily habits, idiosyncrasies, and fun facts that might surprise you? let's delve into the unseen side of this tech mogul.

distinctive dress code
one of steve jobs' most noticeable habits was his distinctive and consistent dress code. he was almost always seen wearing a black turtleneck from issey miyake, blue levi's 501 jeans, and new balance 991 sneakers. this became his uniform, eliminating the need for decision-making about what to wear each day, freeing up his mind for more important decisions.

tech-free home
ironically, steve jobs, the man who put technology at the fingertips of millions, maintained a tech-free environment at home. he believed in the importance of face-to-face interaction and limited the use of technology, particularly for his children. instead of ipads and iphones, dinner table conversations and books were the norms in the jobs' household.

passion for zen buddhism
jobs had an intense interest in zen buddhism, which greatly influenced his life and work. he traveled to india in his youth to seek spiritual enlightenment and even considered becoming a monk. his minimalist design aesthetic at apple was greatly influenced by zen principles.

vegetarian and fasting
jobs was a strict vegetarian, and he often adhered to extreme diets, sometimes eating just one or two types of food, like apples or carrots, for weeks on end. he also practiced routine fasting and believed that his diet helped to fuel his creativity and keep his mind sharp.

walking meetings
rather than traditional sit-down meetings, jobs preferred walking meetings. he believed that walking sparked creativity and led to more productive conversations. this was a habit he maintained throughout his life.

early bird
steve jobs was a known early riser. he believed in starting his day early, reportedly waking up at 6 am. he would start his day by looking at himself in the mirror and asking, "if today were the last day of my life, would i want to do what i am about to do today?" if the answer was 'no' too many days in a row, he knew he needed to make a change.

the apple in apple inc.
here's a fun fact: when deciding on a name for their company, steve jobs and steve wozniak considered a few different options. jobs had just returned from an apple farm, and he suggested the name 'apple' as he thought the name sounded "fun, spirited, and not intimidating."

it's interesting to see that the man who brought us some of the most advanced technology in the world was, in his daily life, quite simple and minimalist. from his zen buddhism influences to his distinctive attire, steve jobs' life was full of fascinating habits and fun facts that contributed to his unique character. a blend of complexity and simplicity, his lifestyle continues to inspire and intrigue people all over the world.

droit du seigneur, also known as "the right of the first night," was a feudal practice in medieval europe in which a lord or nobleman had the right to sleep with a subordinate woman on her wedding night. the lord or nobleman would typically demand that the woman spend the night with him before consummating her marriage with her husband. this practice was considered a privilege of the feudal lord and was often enforced through intimidation or force.

although there is some debate among historians as to whether the droit du seigneur was ever actually practiced, it has been immortalized in literature and popular culture. one of the most famous examples is in the play "the marriage of figaro" by pierre beaumarchais, which was later adapted into the opera "the barber of seville" by gioachino rossini. in the play, the character of count almaviva attempts to exercise his right of the first night with figaro's fiancee, susanna, but is ultimately foiled by the clever schemes of the other characters.

another example of droit du seigneur can be seen in the legend of robin hood. according to some versions of the legend, robin hood's love interest, maid marian, was to be married to the sheriff of nottingham, who planned to exercise his right of the first night with her. robin hood intervenes and saves maid marian from the sheriff's clutches, leading to their eventual marriage.

in modern times, the droit du seigneur is widely regarded as a myth or a cultural trope rather than a historical fact. however, it continues to be referenced in popular culture and serves as a symbol of the abuses of power and privilege that have occurred throughout history.

the term "coup de grace" is a french phrase that translates to "blow of mercy" or "stroke of grace." it is typically used to describe a final, decisive action taken to end someone or something's suffering, often in the context of war, battle, or other violent situations. in essence, it is a merciful act that brings about a swift end to something that is already in a state of defeat or decline.

here are a few examples of how the term "coup de grace" might be used:

in a battle between two armies, one side might inflict a significant amount of damage on the other, leaving their opponents weakened and struggling. at this point, the victorious army might choose to deliver a "coup de grace" to their foes, launching a final, decisive attack that ends the battle and puts their opponents out of their misery.

in a more personal context, imagine that someone is seriously injured and in great pain, with little hope of recovery. in this situation, a doctor might decide to administer a "coup de grace" by ending the person's suffering through euthanasia or other means.

in some cases, a "coup de grace" might be used metaphorically to describe the final, decisive blow in a non-physical conflict. for example, a company might be struggling financially and on the brink of collapse. a major investor might step in and provide a significant amount of funding, essentially delivering a "coup de grace" to keep the company from going under.

propaganda is a type of communication that aims to influence people's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors towards a particular agenda or cause. it can take many forms, such as advertising, political campaigns, and media messages. essentially, propaganda seeks to persuade people to support a particular point of view or action, often through the use of emotional appeals, misinformation, or selective presentation of information.

the history of propaganda is a long and complex one, with examples dating back to ancient times when rulers used various means to control their subjects. however, the modern form of propaganda emerged during the world war i era, when governments and political groups began using mass media to shape public opinion and gain support for their war efforts. the term "propaganda" itself was first coined by the catholic church in the 17th century to describe its efforts to spread the faith.

throughout the 20th century, propaganda played a significant role in the rise of totalitarian regimes, such as nazi germany and the soviet union, who used it to control and manipulate their populations. propaganda was also used during the cold war by both the united states and the soviet union to influence public opinion and gain support for their respective ideologies.

while propaganda and public relations (pr) both involve communication aimed at influencing public opinion, there are some key differences between the two. public relations aims to build and maintain a positive image of an organization or individual through truthful and transparent communication strategies. it is often used for commercial or corporate purposes, such as promoting a product or service. propaganda, on the other hand, often involves the use of misleading or false information to manipulate people's beliefs and actions towards a particular agenda. it is typically associated with political or ideological agendas, rather than commercial or corporate ones.

george orwell was a british author and journalist who is best known for his satirical and dystopian works, including animal farm and 1984. he introduced several concepts that are still relevant today, including doublespeak, thoughtcrime, and newspeak. in this article, we'll explain these concepts and provide examples of their use.

doublespeak
doublespeak is a term coined by orwell to describe language that is used to deliberately manipulate or obscure the truth. it can take the form of euphemisms, jargon, and other forms of language that are designed to mislead or confuse the audience. doublespeak is often used by politicians, advertisers, and other groups to influence public opinion or sell products.

for example, the term collateral damage is a form of doublespeak used by the military to describe civilian casualties during a military operation. instead of acknowledging the loss of innocent lives, the term "collateral damage" makes it sound like an unavoidable consequence of war.

thoughtcrime
thoughtcrime is a concept introduced in orwell's novel "1984," which refers to the criminalization of thoughts or ideas that are considered to be subversive or threatening to the ruling regime. in the novel, the protagonist, winston smith, is arrested and tortured for thoughtcrime, which includes having independent thoughts and questioning the authority of the party.

while thoughtcrime is not a legal concept in modern societies, the idea of punishing people for their thoughts or beliefs is still relevant today. for example, in some countries, people can be punished for expressing political dissent or criticizing the government.

newspeak
newspeak is a fictional language introduced in "1984," which is designed to limit free thought and promote conformity to the ruling regime. newspeak is characterized by its simplicity and lack of nuance, making it difficult to express complex ideas or concepts that are not approved by the party.

for example, the word doublethink is a term in newspeak that describes the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs at the same time. this allows the party to control the minds of its citizens and suppress independent thought.

doublethink is a term coined by george orwell in his famous novel 1984 to describe the act of simultaneously accepting two contradictory beliefs as true. in the novel, the ruling party of oceania uses doublethink as a tool of propaganda to control the thoughts and actions of its citizens.

it refers to the ability to hold two conflicting ideas in one's mind and believe them both to be true. this is a dangerous concept because it allows people to accept lies and manipulation as truth, leading to a society where facts are distorted, and reality is constantly being redefined.

here are a few examples of doublethink in action:

war is peace: in 1984, the government convinces its citizens that war is necessary for peace. this is a prime example of doublethink, as it is impossible for war to bring peace.

freedom is slavery: another example from 1984 is the idea that freedom is actually a form of slavery. the government claims that by taking away people's freedom, they are actually freeing them from the burden of making decisions.

ignorance is strength: the ruling party of oceania encourages its citizens to be ignorant and uninformed. they claim that this ignorance is a form of strength, as it allows people to focus on their work and not worry about the world around them.

political correctness: in modern times, the concept of political correctness can be seen as a form of doublethink. while it aims to promote tolerance and respect, it can also be used to silence dissenting opinions and limit free speech.

advertising: advertisers often use doublethink to sell products. for example, a company may claim that their product is both "all-natural" and "scientifically proven." these two claims are contradictory, but by using both, the company hopes to appeal to a wider audience.

the term "redneck" has a complex and varied history, and its meaning has evolved over time. originally, the term was used to describe poor, white farmers in the southern united states who had sunburned necks from working long hours in the sun.

in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the term "redneck" was sometimes used as a derogatory term for white people who supported populist or labor movements, particularly in the southern states. it was also used to describe poor, rural whites who were seen as uneducated and uncultured.

during the mid-1900s, the term "redneck" began to take on a more specific meaning, referring to working-class white people who were perceived as conservative, rural, and often politically reactionary. this usage became more common in the 1960s and 1970s, during the civil rights movement and the vietnam war, when the term was often used to describe white southerners who opposed social and political change.

today, the term "redneck" is still used in a variety of ways. some people use it as a term of pride, celebrating their rural heritage and working-class roots. others use it as an insult, suggesting that someone is uneducated, close-minded, or backwards. overall, the meaning of the term "redneck" is complex and multifaceted, and it continues to evolve in response to changing social and political contexts.

"simp" is a term used to describe a man who is overly attentive, affectionate, or submissive towards a woman, often with the hope of winning her affection or approval.

here's a funny example:

imagine a guy, let's call him dave, who has a huge crush on his coworker, jane. dave is always going out of his way to do things for jane, like buying her coffee every morning, offering to help her with work projects, and complimenting her on everything she does. he even starts wearing clothes that he thinks jane will like, and changes his hairstyle to match hers.

one day, jane needs someone to water her plants while she's out of town, and dave jumps at the opportunity. he spends hours carefully watering each plant, talking to them as if they were his own children, and even sings to them. when jane returns and sees how well her plants have been cared for, she thanks dave and gives him a hug.

at that moment, dave's heart swells with joy and he thinks to himself, "this is it! she's finally going to realize how much i care about her!"

but then jane pulls away and says, "you're such a good friend, dave. you're like a little plant-sitting simp!"

and that, my friends, is a funny example of a simp in action.

the 48 laws of power is a book written by robert greene that outlines 48 strategies for gaining and maintaining power in relationships, organizations, and society. the laws cover a wide range of topics including self-promotion, manipulation, deception, and the acquisition of power through the manipulation of perception and image. some of the most well-known laws include: "never outshine the master," "play a suckers to catch a sucker," and "conceal your intentions." the book is written in a historical context, with examples from figures such as machiavelli, sun tzu, and julius caesar. it is intended as a guide for individuals seeking to gain power, but has also been criticized for promoting unethical behavior.

"conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives."

-john stuart mill

socrates believed that the only true wisdom is the knowledge of one's own ignorance. he believed that he was the "wisest" person because, unlike others who claimed to know things that they did not truly understand, he was aware of his own ignorance and was constantly seeking knowledge and understanding.

socrates believed that by acknowledging his own ignorance, he was better able to question and challenge the beliefs of others, and thus more likely to discover true wisdom. this idea is known as the socratic paradox.

in his famous apology, socrates says "i am conscious that i am not wise at all. what is probably happening is that those who meet me take me to be wise because i really do differ from the majority of mankind in that i do not think that i know what i do not know."

so in summary, socrates believed that he was the most wise because of his awareness and acknowledgement of his own ignorance, and his constant questioning and pursuit of knowledge.

"know thyself" is a phrase from ancient greek philosophy, attributed to the philosopher socrates. it is considered one of the delphic maxims, and inscribed in the forecourt of the temple of apollo at delphi. the phrase means to understand one's own nature and capabilities, and to be aware of one's own limitations. in other words, it is a call to self-awareness and self-knowledge.