james choice

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

-john stuart mill

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.

has become one of twitter's biggest shareholders (slightly bigger than 9% stake).

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.

karl marx was a philosopher, economist, and revolutionary who is known for his contributions to the field of sociology and his critique of capitalism. marx is best known for his ideas about class conflict, the labor theory of value, and the concept of historical materialism, which posits that the development of societies and economies is driven by changes in the means of production.

marx introduced a number of important terms and concepts that have had a lasting impact on literature and intellectual thought. some of the most notable terms and concepts introduced by marx include:

alienation: the idea that individuals are separated from their own humanity and from the products of their labor as a result of the capitalist mode of production.

class: a group of individuals who share a common economic position in society and who are united by their common interests.

class consciousness: the awareness that individuals have of their own class position and the ways in which it shapes their lives.

dialectical materialism: a method of understanding social and economic phenomena that involves the synthesis of opposing forces or ideas through the process of conflict and resolution.

exploitation: the act of using or manipulating someone or something for one's own advantage, often at the expense of others.

historical materialism: the idea that the development of societies and economies is driven by changes in the means of production.

labor theory of value: the idea that the value of a product is determined by the amount of labor required to produce it.

proletariat: the class of wage-earning workers in a capitalist society.

surplus value: the difference between the value of a product and the cost of the labor required to produce it.

these terms and concepts introduced by marx have had a significant impact on literature and intellectual thought, and they continue to be widely studied and debated to this day.

to avoid falling into fallacies, it's important to be mindful of the logical structure of your arguments and the evidence that you use to support your claims. here are some tips for constructing arguments and engaging in discussions without falling into fallacies:

clearly state your position: make sure you know exactly what you want to argue and that you can clearly articulate it. this will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked.

use evidence to support your claims: don't rely on unsupported assertions or personal beliefs. instead, provide evidence to back up your arguments. this could include citing relevant research, providing examples, or using logical reasoning.

consider alternative perspectives: it's important to be open to the possibility that your perspective may not be the only one. make an effort to understand the perspectives of others and consider whether they may have valid points.

avoid ad hominem attacks: don't attack the person making the argument, rather focus on the argument itself. personal attacks are a sign of a weak argument and only serve to derail the discussion.

be aware of common fallacies: familiarize yourself with common fallacies such as the ad hominem, straw man, and slippery slope. this will help you spot them in your own arguments and in the arguments of others.

by following these tips, you can help ensure that your discussions and arguments are well-reasoned and free from fallacies.

(see: roman abramovich)
(see: mikhail khodorkovsky)
(see: boris berezovsky)

there are a few different ways in which psychologists have attempted to explain masochistic epistemology. one explanation is that it may be related to an individual's sense of self-worth and their feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy. according to this perspective, masochistic individuals may believe that they are not worthy of knowledge or understanding, and that they must suffer in order to earn it.

another explanation is that masochistic epistemology may be related to a person's attachment style. individuals with an insecure attachment style may have a harder time trusting others and may be more likely to engage in masochistic behaviors in order to feel a sense of control or to avoid abandonment.

it is worth noting that while masochistic epistemology may be a belief held by some individuals, it is not a widely accepted or mainstream view in psychology. most psychologists would argue that knowledge and understanding can be gained through hard work and effort, but that suffering is not necessarily a necessary component.

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.

a failed state is a political entity that is unable to perform the basic functions of a sovereign government. this can include failing to provide security and basic services to its citizens, having an illegitimate or ineffective government, and being unable to control its territory. failed states can be a source of conflict, terrorism, and instability in the region.

there have been many failed states throughout history, including somalia, yugoslavia, and afghanistan. currently, some examples of failed states include south sudan, syria, and yemen.

there are many different approaches to taking revenge, and some argue that seeking revenge is not a productive or healthy way to deal with conflicts or wrongdoings. here are a few examples of different philosophies and approaches to taking revenge:

an eye for an eye: this approach is based on the idea of reciprocity, and holds that when someone does something wrong or harmful to you, it is justified to do something wrong or harmful to them in return. this approach is often associated with the saying "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."

forgiveness: this approach involves letting go of anger and resentment towards someone who has wronged you, and choosing not to seek revenge or retribution. many religions and spiritual traditions advocate for forgiveness as a way to find inner peace and move on from conflicts.

restorative justice: this approach focuses on repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing, rather than seeking punishment for the person who caused the harm. restorative justice involves bringing the offender and the victim together to discuss the harm that was caused and finding ways to make things right.

holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. - buddha

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.

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.