james choice

the hawk tuah girl.
(see: hawk tuah)

ernest shackleton was a prominent british polar explorer renowned for his leadership in the heroic age of antarctic exploration. born in 1874 in county kildare, ireland, shackleton moved to london at a young age. his adventurous spirit led him to join the merchant navy, where he quickly climbed the ranks and developed a fascination with exploration.

shackleton's legacy is largely defined by his leadership in the 1901 discovery expedition and, more notably, the 1907-1909 nimrod expedition, where he and his team set a new record by reaching the latitude of 88 degrees south, just 97 nautical miles from the south pole. this expedition was notable not only for its near success in reaching the pole but also for the spirit of endurance and courage that shackleton instilled in his crew.

however, it is his 1914-1916 imperial trans-antarctic expedition aboard the ship endurance for which shackleton is most remembered. this expedition aimed to achieve the first land crossing of antarctica. the endurance became trapped in pack ice and was eventually crushed, leading shackleton and his crew on a harrowing saga of survival. displaying extraordinary leadership, shackleton led all 28 of his men on a perilous journey over ice and open sea to safety. notably, he managed to keep his crew motivated and alive for over 500 days in the brutal conditions of the antarctic, a testament to his remarkable skills in crisis management and leadership.

shackleton's approach to leadership, characterized by his commitment to his crew's welfare and morale, his capacity to adapt to changing circumstances, and his unyielding perseverance, has become a model in both leadership studies and popular culture. his ability to foster deep loyalty and optimism among his men under the most adverse conditions is often cited as a benchmark of great leadership.

despite his financial troubles and less successful later ventures, shackleton's exploits during the heroic age of exploration have immortalized him as a model of courage and endurance against overwhelming odds. his final expedition, the quest, ended with his death in 1922 from a heart attack while his ship was moored in south georgia. yet, ernest shackleton's legacy lives on, inspiring not only future explorers but also leaders in all fields who seek to embody his indomitable spirit.

"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).

for those of y'all wondering why this keeps popping up everywhere:

so, this girl haliey welch is out with her friend in tennessee, hitting up the nightlife. they've been drinking blue lagoon cocktails, they're buzzed, and their tongues are blue.

the interviewer asks her, "what's one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?" and she gives this viral response:

"oh you got to give him that hawk tuah, spit on that thang"

and then, everyone just bursts out laughing.

her instagram tiktok

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.

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.

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.

if you know you know.

(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.

elon musk’s twitter takeover was one wild ride! it all started back in april 2022 when musk revealed he’d bought a 9.2% stake in twitter, making him the largest shareholder. people were shocked, wondering what his plan was. soon after, twitter’s ceo announced musk would join the board, but then, in true musk fashion, he changed his mind and decided not to join. this left everyone guessing his next move.

not long after, musk dropped a bombshell by offering to buy twitter outright for $54.20 per share, valuing the company at about $44 billion. he said twitter needed to go private to become a true platform for free speech. to fund this massive deal, musk planned to use $21 billion of his own money and got banks to pitch in with $25.5 billion in loans.

twitter’s board wasn’t too keen on this idea initially and put up a “poison pill” defense to stop musk from easily taking over. but as the days went by, they eventually caved in and accepted his offer, probably because the shareholders liked the 38% premium on their shares.

then things started getting messy. musk suddenly announced that the deal was “on hold” because he was worried about the number of fake accounts on twitter. this threw the whole deal into doubt, and some people thought musk was just looking for an excuse to get out or lower the price.

things escalated when musk said he wanted to pull out of the deal, claiming twitter wasn’t being transparent about the number of bots. twitter wasn’t having any of it and took him to court in delaware to force him to go through with the buyout.

just as they were gearing up for a big court battle in october, musk did another 180. he decided to go ahead with the purchase at the original price. by the end of october 2022, the deal was done. musk took over twitter, fired top execs like the ceo and cfo, and immediately started making big changes. he laid off about half the workforce, relaxed some content moderation rules, and even hinted at turning twitter into an “everything app” called x.

now, with a massive debt to handle and some big changes to twitter’s direction, the platform is in a pretty uncertain spot. musk’s moves have made waves, and it’s still unclear where he’ll take twitter (now x) next. it’s been a rollercoaster, and the ride isn’t over yet!