A Drop of Happy

Your Peace Is More Important Than Your Response You don’t always need to react You’re learning that not everything needs an immediate reaction—especially not from you.  It is alright to let things go. Sometimes, some people may feel the need to have a say, or win an argument or be right or have an opinion. In this current time, when everyone has a social media page, a podcast mic, a camera phone or access to an audience, it can be tempting to lend a voice to what goes on around you. Some are compelled to do it. Just because we have access does not mean that we should sound off. Likewise, just because we can react does not mean that we should.  I like to work on this concept particularly in altercations or disagreements, especially when one side of the party is getting significantly worked up, whether it is by displaying anger or strong emotions. We have to ask ourselves what the end goal of this argument is. When I walk away from this, what will either of us gain? Sometimes, I find it is not worth it to just be right.  There are times when the other party is purposely trying to get under your skin. They want to engage you, enrage you even. They want a reaction. Our current media landscape is like this. With the media economy set up the way it is, all that matters is the click and how long they can keep you engaged. That’s what pays the bills. That is what gets the brands to spend money and keep the lights on. Of course, that is serious business. So, clickbait and articles that serve to stir up our emotions are the most reactionary and what keep us around longer. It is usually something negative that is designed to trigger a part of us that compels us to engage.  That constant interaction can be exhausting. It requires a respite because we should not constantly have our buttons pressed and emotions fired. It is not healthy and can lead to ongoing stress reactions. When do we decompress? Between the news on television and the information on social media, our senses are always on high alert, and we do not even notice. Talk about being constantly in stress mode. Fight or flight never turns off, and that leads us to hormonal reactions that lead to chronic stress that leads to disease.  So it is okay not to react. It is okay to turn it off. It is okay to allow your mind some time to just be. Stare at the clouds, breathe, doodle, skip, or do whatever frivolous thing that makes your heart smile, even if it is just for a minute.  Is it easy? Absolutely not. Is it necessary? Absolutely yes! Beyond necessary. It is imperative.  Check out some of our related posts Let Go of The Drama Release What’s Weighing You Down: Today is a Good Day to Let Go of What No Longer Serves You In This Moment: Three Steps to get There Losing You: The Art of Letting Go and Finding Yourself Again Stress Management in Five ------------ Love the show? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts. You can also follow @LiteVi across social media for wellness tips, entertainment commentary, and your weekly drop of happy. www.litevi.com

Rowan is supposed to pick from three men her father has selected for her to marry. On the day they return from battle, she finds out that the one she actually loves, Zane Kane, loves her servant and is secretly plotting against her. He only wants to marry her to get her title, dowry and rewards. Then he will force her to accept Elara, and if she doesn’t, he will divorce her. The other two suitors seemed to hate her as well and are on Elara’s side. So even if she doesn’t pick Zane, they won’t marry her, leaving her with no choice. Hurt, Rowan hatches a plan that will turn their worlds upside down while getting her revenge on all of them for their betrayal. Continue to listenenig for the full recap Follow us on all platforms @litevi.  —------------ Love the show? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts. You can also follow @LiteVi across social media for wellness tips, entertainment commentary, and your weekly drop of happy. www.litevi.com 

US Weekly recently published that Kristy and Desmond Scott agreed to divorce terms over two months ago. The terms include how they will split the assets, custody of the children, and even how they will communicate on the children’s education. I am sure their lawyers left no stone unturned in order to get the divorce done. However, the article also states from the court documents that, “Ten days after filing, Desomnd, 32, filed an answer to Kristy’s divorce petition with a general denial and requested attorney’s fees, expenses, and costs on March 27th. It appears a motion for trial on merits is scheduled for hearing in July.”    There have been a lot of internet discussions about this couple because those who have followed them were weirdly invested in their relationship. I think there was also a fantastical aspect to their relationship because it looked like they were living the American dream. They were high school sweethearts turned married couple turned popular social media influencers with two beautiful children, a beautiful home, and what looked like a loving relationship.  Our investment in them was the epitome of a “parasocial” relationship activity. So when the news of their separation became public, the internet went absolutely crazy with people picking sides. Some were Team Desmond because they felt that Kristy used him, did not allow him to be his authentic self, and would not let him leave the relationship. Some were Team Kristy because they related to being cheated on. I am team let go of what does not serve you. I am team truth, honesty and values.  Continue to listenenig for the full show Follow us on all platforms @litevi.  —------------ Love the show? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts. You can also follow @LiteVi across social media for wellness tips, entertainment commentary, and your weekly drop of happy. www.litevi.com 

Are Parasocial Relationships Healthy… or Getting Out of Control?  What is a parasocial relationship? I have to ask because lately, I feel that’s the new buzzword being thrown around. Everyone is talking about the detriment of parasocial relationships brought on by social media. Discourse is particularly intense on social media and reflects society's obsession with celebrities.  And I am thinking Duh … are we new here? So let’s take a look at parasocial relationships through two articles.  Psychology Today’s Parasocial Relationships Key Highlights What are parasocial relationships, and why do we form them Health vs unhealthy parasocial relationships Do Parasocial Relationships Fill a Loneliness Gap Key Highlights Why do we get into parasocial relationships Pro and cons Fostering deeper connections —------------ Love the show? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts. You can also follow @LiteVi across social media for wellness tips, entertainment commentary, and your weekly drop of happy. www.litevi.com

Disclosure Day Trailer Disclosure Day Release: June 12, 2026 Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Coleman Domingo, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Wyatt Russel, and Josh O’Connor The trailer for this new Steven Spielberg-directed sci-fi film has garnered over 31 million views since its release 2 months ago, and I am intrigued. Where are my science fiction movie lovers at? Better yet, where are my alien conspiracy theorists at? Great cast Intrigue, action and drama We are not ready for the truth Listen to the full episode https://www.disclosuredaymovie.com/ ----------------------------------------------- Love the show? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts. You can also follow @LiteVi across social media for wellness tips, entertainment commentary, and your weekly drop of happy. www.litevi.com

In the list of life's most stressful events, divorce ranks second, right behind the death of a spouse. Now, everything that leads up to that can ramp up the stress meter. In Gayle King’s case, catching her husband cheating red-handed definitely ramped things up a bit. She recently shared during her appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast that she got home and caught her husband fresh out of the shower with someone she thought was a friend.  Not only was Gayle King dealing with the shock of this man, William Bumpus, cheating, but she also had to learn that it was with another person she had some level of trust. They had been married for 11 years and, eventually, they did end up getting a divorce. What got her through that ordeal was reaching out to friends and having people to lean on. Of course, she talked about immediately calling her BFF, Oprah Winfrey, which is what anyone in that situation would do. I am immediately phoning a friend because I may need someone to talk me down from doing something crazy that would only make matters worse.  Divorce can cause a huge impact and the most important thing is that we don’t ignore the effects and seek support like Gayle did to help us through it.  Tips to Cope Tips to manage emotions and stay calm Continue to listen for the full of show Follow us on all platforms @litevi. Subscribe to the show on your favorite streaming platform

Welcome to Shorts & Stories: Quick Escapes for Your Mind  Introducing Shorts and Stories What are Shorts and Stories? My new obsession Books (audio and physical also featuring Pocket FM) Micro-dramas aka Shorts Get to the Library or use Libby Pocket FM, Libby,    Ranks my least to most favorite Galatea TV GoodShort Kalos TV LiteTV Sereal+ ShortMax DramaBox ReelShort New player PineDrama TV   Follow us on all platforms @litevi Subscribe to the show on your favorite streaming platform

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams is a contemporary romance novel about two people who have seemingly successfully survived their dysfunction. It follows the life of Eva and Shane who have become successful writers after creating characters based off each other.  When you fall off your reading game About Tia Williams Perfect Find now a movie on Netflix starring Gabrielle Union Book Summary: After a trauma bonding week of making love, Shane disappears from Eva’s life and shows up years later to shake everything up again.  Rating 7/10 Managing an invisible disability Toxic mamma

Love, Wine, and New Beginnings: My You, Me & Tuscany Review You, Me and Tuscany Will Packer Production Released: April 2026 Director: Kat Coiro Starring: Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, Aziza Scott, Lorenzo de Moor, Marco Calvani, Nia Vardalos (did a cameo), and Stella Pecollo Available: Streaming You, Me and Tuscany is now available to rent on streaming platforms. The romantic comedy theater debut met with a tepid reception in April. The box office performance was disappointing to say the least, with the charming rom-com pulling in 22 million worldwide as of early May.  I have seen it in the theaters twice, and if I had the time before it was out, I would have seen it more. I thoroughly enjoyed it because it was light and cute and funny and a pleasure to watch. Now, I am partial to rom-coms. I expect their predictability and appreciate the happy ending.  What do you do when your life is falling apart? That was the situation that both Anna and Michael faced after losing loved ones, and each faced it very differently.  You, Me and Tuscany follows Anna, played by Halle Bailey, as she navigates her life after losing her mother. The film stars Regé-Jean Page, Aziza Scott, Lorenzo de Moor, Marco Calvani, Nia Vardalos (did a cameo), and Stella Pecollo. I loved the chemistry the cast had together. They were fun and heartwarming. Now, I loved this movie, but, again, I am extremely biased. First, I love anything with a romance spin. So this being a romance is right up my alley. I also am a big Halle Bailey fan. Some say there is nothing special about this movie compared to other romance films. It received 66% from Rotten Tomatoes and 6.2 from IMDb, which is pretty accurate. My rating is about an 8 because, to me, there was just something wonderful about it.  The pacing worked very well for me. The comedic timing of the cast was spot on, especially Francesca, played by Pecollo. The acting was romcom acting. I also loved the setting. It was bright and airy and inviting. Book me a flight to Tuscany!   SPOILER ALERT The movie follows Anna, who, after losing her mom, gave up on all of her dreams, which included cooking and going to Tuscany. She is working as a house sitter and lost her most recent gig because she took liberties with the owner's clothes. She is floating. The only one remotely keeping her grounded is her best friend, Clair. One night after getting fired, she meets Mateo, and they kick it out. They talk all night and vibe. He tells her all about his home in Tuscany and why he left. He also tells her about his villa that is left unattended. She gets invited for a nightcap, but Mateo ends up falling asleep and nothing happens.  The encounter does inspire her, though, and she ends up spontaneously going to Tuscany without any plans. This is where all the shenanigans start. Listen for a full recap and discussion. 

Today is a Good day to Renew yourself Just as trees shed their leaves in winter and renew themselves, the mind can shed its prejudices, barriers and renew itself. - Radha Burnier Every day is a day to renew yourself, your thoughts, your behaviors, and your focus. Truth be told, I feel like I am doing just that regularly. Consistency and focus are my Achilles’ heel. I  envy people who seem to have it more together than I do, but then I remember to turn that energy inwards so that I can work on myself. I have been writing about the need to stay focused and get refocused for as long as I can remember. It is not something that will ever go away.  The reality is, we have to be comfortable with the need to refresh and revisit. Just as nature goes through cycles, so do we, while some of us may have shorter refocus cycles than others, that too is alright. I think the thing that can easily get away from us is realizing that we actually need to take a step back, take that breath, and actually pause, reflect and refocus.    We probably do it in small doses on a daily basis, but sometimes we need to take bigger steps back. This is why practicing mindfulness and grounding activities and working on stress management is important because it all works together to keep us on the right course.  So, just revisit one of the articles or shows I have posted before that may help us.  When Doing IT All Goes Wrong: 5 Life Balance Tips to Get Back on Track  Finding Focus: Today is a Good Day to Believe in Yourself Again

Collect Experiences, Not Stress — That’s Where Living Begins  Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. –Rabindranath Tagore This is a beautiful way of saying enjoy the journey. This is a poetic way of saying count it all joy. This is saying seize the day. This is saying everything is a lesson. As I move through life and gain wisdom along with every strand of gray hair, I am learning to embrace this more and more. Really, I am learning to understand it more and more. As the world gets smaller through 6 degrees of separation and social media and avalanches of information from around the world and headlines meant to pull and tug at our emotions, the one thing that is unchanged, no matter where we are or what we are going through, is that the sun is going to rise and set. Life is going to keep on keeping on. Everything is going to keep on moving. Understanding and appreciating how everything contributes to the flavor of life will help us handle the ups and downs.  This quote is a lovely way of slightly altering a cliché that, when we truly think about it, hits home. When we take the time to try to change our mindset towards the things that happen to us, we may be able to better handle the things that happen to us. The universe and its workings are beyond our grasp at times. How everything, creation, destruction, and everything in between fits and somehow works, and where it doesn’t, the world shifts to make necessary adjustments that we cannot begin to fathom, is awe-inspiring. For many, this is where a deity (God or any other) comes in to help us pull it all together, from some of the marvels of science, and yet for some, simple acceptance. Nevertheless, putting this into perspective and realizing that no matter what, at the end of the day, experience is living, and everything contributes to our tapestry of life. How can we grow and live life to the fullest is to collect experiences and not stress. That’s where living begins.  Today is a good day to collect experiences. The Magic of Learning From Your Experiences

Michael Movie Released: April 2026 Director: Antoine Fuqua Starring: Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Kendrick Sampson, Larenz Tate, Derek Lik, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, Juliano Krue Valdi, and Keilyn Durrel Jones In theaters Loved it! The movie was over, and the whole audience in the theater just sat there waiting for more.  Great casting Make-up artist Rating 10/10 Headlines and Haters The movie stopped in 1988 Black or White video 1991 1994 settlement after 1993 accusations Court Case 2005 Why didn’t we get to see about the accusations and the settlement GQ article Yes, Michael Really Ends Like That    

Today Is a Good Day to Talk About Your Joys (Yes, Yours Matter) Talk happiness. The world is sad enough  Without your woe. No path is wholly rough.  ― Ella Wheeler Wilcox Today is a good day to be positive. I am not talking about ignoring our problems or propagating toxic positivity. I am talking about thinking of the good things in life, having a different perspective and practicing gratitude.  I do love that quote from Ella Wheeler Wilcox because she is basically saying yeah, life is rough, but it’s not only rough. There are moments of joy and happiness that will carve out for ourselves. We have a habit of talking about our woes and pushing our woes. That’s why clickbait is so popular because it tugs on our emotions, and the more negative the better.  Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about our joys. — Rita Schiano Journal Prompt: Your toughest accomplishment

The Drama Review: A Hard Lesson—Everyone Isn’t in Your Corner The Drama starring Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Mamoudou Athie dropped in theaters, and to be honest, I was not too excited about seeing it. Zendaya notwithstanding. However, I am glad I did.  Lesson learned: Some people only care about themselves and do not always have your back Rating 8/10 Spoilers 9:30 marker

After finally watching America’s Next Top Model documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, I have concluded that Natalie Nunn is better than Tyra Banks. Hold up, wait a minute. Let’s get into it before everyone attacks me from all directions. 7/10 for the three-episode documentary.   Listen to the full episode.  Know your Values Article: Stressed Out? Activate Your Core Values for Real Relief and Resilience Is Trya Banks a crappy person? Does she know who she is? Natalie Nunn > Tyra Banks Not another America’s Next Top Model Cycle  

Did you all know about the controversy? Why I know nothing about the movies or previous adaptations About the Movie: Release, cast, critic, Box Office Review: Listen to why I gave it a 9.5. Recap and Spoilers Listen below now

Oftentimes, there are things we want to do. There are places we want to go. There are goals we want to accomplish that may seem unattainable. Sometimes, when we look at the situation we are in, all those things seem dang near impossible. I get that. How can we dream bigger when we are caught up in just trying to survive, or trying to get through the day or battling health concerns or consumed with worry about what loved ones are going through? Sometimes, it never seems like the right time.  How do others do it? How do they overcome? How do they make it look easy? First, I think we should acknowledge that regardless of what success we think we see, everyone has their own personal battles, and although they make it look easy, for them it probably was not. Basically, let’s get out of their business and get back into our own because everyone has their own trials and burdens to bear. But what can we do for ourselves if we are in the pits?  The only limit is you. The only limit is ourselves. The only limit is how big or small we can dream. It sounds impactful, but I want us to take it a step further and make it impactful. I want us to translate that into positive action for our lives. The only way to do that is to change our mindset. To shift it away from all the reasons we cannot to all the reasons we can.  The Power of Mindset Shifting Mindsets

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 was finally released on Netflix with four more episodes. After binging it, I don’t know how I feel about this season. It definitely did not dethrone Season 2 (Anthony and Kate) as my favorite, but I am not sure where it would land. I have to watch the season again to make that decision. For now, my hierarchy remains the same:  The Viscount Who Loved Me (Season 2, Anthony and Kate). The Duke and I (Season 1, Daphne and Simon). Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Season 3, Colin and Penelope) An Offer from a Gentleman (Season 4, Benedict and Sophie) Anthony and Kate did make an appearance for season 4, but if you blinked, you would have missed them. In part 2, my favorite happenings were Hyacinth, Lady Danbury, and the Queen. It was a cute season, but a little disappointing because Araminta seemed to have gotten off light versus how she was treated in the books. She did not catch enough smoke for my liking. Everything else was on point as usual. These are vets by now, so the acting was solid, and I enjoyed the subplots of the other characters.  Let’s discuss, or if you have no intentions to watch, let me spoil it for you.  Listen now or on your favorite streaming platform!

Release What’s Weighing You Down: Today is a good day to let go of what no longer serves you. It is a good day to let go of what no longer serves you. There are times when we not only get stuck in life, but we can also get stuck on people, things, or ideas that we once held dear but have since lost their luster. Sometimes the reality of a thing no longer aligns with the fantasy we have built in our heads. It is no longer serving us or maybe it never was, and we have been waiting for it to meet our expectations, but it, they, whatever keeps failing us or it has run its course. At some point, we have to recognize when it is time to let go and know that it is okay. Letting go is an important aspect of stress management. Learning to let go is a gateway to peace. Peace of mind and peace of spirit.  Article: How to Let Go of What You Can't Control

Bridgerton season 4 is now out on Netflix. It's only the first 4 episodes. The next 4 episodes will air on February 26. This is the story of Benedict and Sophie, and it is a Cinderella affair. Now I already told y'all my favorite is season 2 with Anthony and Kate. I don't believe Anthony and Kate are returning for this season because they opted to go to India with Kate's family, where she will have the baby. So we won’t be seeing them this season, and I don't believe we'll be seeing Daphne this season either. However, I do like that we get to see more Hyacinth. I am excited for her story now because she is showing a little spunk and personality. Again, this story is about Benjamin, and it's a Cinderella-type story where Sophie is being mistreated by her evil stepmother. She finds herself falling in love with Benjamin, but because she's a maid, that relationship would be a scandal. Listen for ongoing discussion and breakdown. Comment your thoughts. 

Primate is out. I have not experienced that much stress and anxiety since I watched Train to Busan. The way this movie had me on the edge of my seat for most of the time was ridiculous. That chimpanzee was absolutely diabolical.

I know many of us are out here who are getting through. You are doing all the things and making it look damn good while you are at it. All the while, you are feeling blah. We are feeling blah. That blah feeling can be for a myriad of reasons, right? Health, wealth, and self can all be taking a hit while we are maintaining. This is a normal cycle. It is life’s ups and downs. But I know, like me, we don’t want to stay with this blah feeling, this hamster wheel feeling. Over the years, I have written numerous articles on resetting, and I have compiled a list of them here for your reading pleasure. I think I write so many of them because I might be the expert in the art of getting stuck and unstuck while making it look like I got it all together. Actually, we might all be experts in our own way.  But can it be that we are fatigued with doing all the things? Especially now, with so much information entering our brains every day. There is just too much social fodder and turmoil to process. This can lead to a level of fatigue that goes beyond physical. Let’s talk about cognitive fatigue. Cognitive fatigue has been described as mental exhaustion, burnout, or brain fog. Brain fog really shouldn’t be synonymous because it is a collection of symptoms that one experiences when they have cognitive fatigue. It is more widely known so often used to describe cognitive fatigue. It is the tiredness of the mind. The problem is that we don’t always recognize it.  Listen for more

The Ryan Davis situation, with him appearing on Club Shay Shay and discussing his daughter in the light that he did, is an example of when trying to be too deep goes wrong. I get it because there have been viral moments out of Club Shay Shay; Davis was hoping to create and capitalize on his turn. Unfortunately, this viral moment came at the expense of his daughter.  Listen for more!

Finding Focus: Today is a Good day to Believe in Yourself Again. Every so often, more than I would like, I fall off my game. The plan not only goes sideways, but it gets completely lost. This happens when an unexpected turn of events interrupts the daily happenings. I get distracted, and then I just stop. I think we have learned to do what is necessary to keep going while cutting off those pursuits that bring us joy or invigorate us or bring us closer to a goal. The chase has come to an end, and we may not even realize or even understand why. It is like we go into our own version of survival mode.  In my effort to get unstuck, I attempted to get back to the basics. One of my basics is researching ways to improve upon my situation and share with you all. Living in our truth or happy place is one of the best remedies against stress that we have access to. So let’s get unstuck together and believe in ourselves again.  Today is a good day to believe in yourself again.  I found this article with great suggestions on how we can start. How to Be Growth-Oriented When You Feel Beaten Down.  My translated article highlights from her suggestions: Be flexible The everyday stuff matters too Get back to basics Be curious The author reminds us to grow outside of the box, and I remind us to be mindful and reassess.  Remember to like, subscribe and share.  A Drop of Happy is available on all streaming platforms. @litevi on most social media platforms Visit us at www.litevi.com  

What’s on the show: stress-well tip/journal Prompt and Lex Luthor ranking Stress-well tip/Journal Prompt: “Nothing Can stop me, I’m all the way up!” When was the last time you felt on top of your game?  Discussion of the article, 9 Actors who Played Supervillian Lex Luthor on Screen, Ranked.

Eyes of Wakanda: A Stunning Dive into Marvel’s Untold Stories What’s on the show: Journal prompt: Perseverance Eyes of Wakanda on Disney Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. –James Baldwin

"The Revival of Self" explores how to heal after loss, reclaim your identity, and rediscover your purpose. In this episode, we dive into personal growth, emotional recovery, and the journey back to wholeness. This is another Happy Drop! I truly hope it gets you to your happy place.   

This Week’s Happy Drop: Old Guard 2 & the Entertainment Buzz You Don’t Want to Miss! Stress Well Tip/Journal Prompt: Believe in you. Think about a time when you let self-doubt take over. What was the outcome? What lessons did you learn? Ultimately, you have to believe in yourself and your capability to be more than what others think of you or to rise to the occasion. Where’s your happy place? Movie review of Old Guard, now streaming on Netflix, starring Charlize Theron, Kiki Layne, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Uma Thurman, and Henry Golding Eyes of Wakanda Highest 2 Lowest A Spike Lee joint starring Denzel Washington Oldboy, another Spike Lee joint

The New Superman Soars — A Powerful Reminder to Believe in Yourself What’s on the show: Justine Timberlake, NPR, PBS, Shannon Sharp, Kamala Harris, Cowboy Carter, Superman Stress Well Tip/Journal Prompt: Believe in you. Think about a time when you let self-doubt take over. What was the outcome? What lessons did you learn? Ultimately, you have to believe in yourself and your capability to be more than what others think of you or to rise to the occasion. Entertainment Shananigans Justine Timberlake's not-so-performances and Lyme disease Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will be shutting down after Congress passed a bill that cut funding for the corporation– NPR and PBS will still function. Smaller stations will be impacted Kevin On Stages Churchy gets a second season on BET+ and a new series, The Hospital Shanon Sharp and Chad Ochocinco- 20 million dollar lawsuit Busta Bust got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Kamala Harris's 107 Days One Music Fest Cowboy Cater Tour comes to an end at 407.6 million gross and Shaboozey, Destiny’s Child Superman Review Superman is back, and it is my Pride and Prejudice, my A Christmas Carol, my Spider-Man. It is one of those movies that no matter how many different versions of it they create, I will watch. Now, I can’t say I was overexcited about this version, but I was looking forward to it. Superman stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Broshahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hould as Lex Luthor, Maria Gabriela de Faria as Engineer, Isabela Merced and Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi and Mister Terrific, to name a few of the cast members. This installment follows Superman as he deals with the media backlash from his attempt to prevent an impending war between two foreign countries. Audiences seem to love it from the ratings on Rotten Tomatoes at 83%, 4 out of 5 from Google reviews, and IMBd at 7/6/10. After watching it, I would say I agree. Before we get into a more robust breakdown, there are a few things about it I did not enjoy. Unfortunately, Lex Luther was one of them. Now, I do think the special effects were pretty cool and well done. The pacing could have been better, but I think that was partially because I did not care for Lex. With that being the case, the writing and bringing it all together could have been done better. The acting was mostly good. Nicholas Hoult committed. He gave it his all. I just don’t think he was given the best material. Maria Gabriela de Faria missed the mark for me. Again, I partially think it was due to the writing of her character, though. Everyone else did a great job acting wise. I thought the special effects were on point, and I do have a special effects-related scene. Superman had a lot to enjoy. Unfortunately, there was enough to distract me from how good it could have been. Superman 7/10 Listen to the show for more of a breakdown with spoilers Clark Kent/Superman Lois Lane Justice Gang Mister Terrific Green Lantern Hawk Girl Krypto The Engineer Lex Luthor Clark’s Family

Your Body, Your Power: Quotes from Rest is Resistance That Hit Deep Powerful Quotes from Rest is Resistance: Tenet 2: Our bodies are a site of liberation What’s on the show: Journal prompt. Tenet 2 from Rest is resistance. Do you know what dehumanization is? Parents don’t want to buy community school supplies. Social media death threats. Journal Prompt: Write this quote down as your affirmation statement. “We are meant to survive, and ultimately thrive, because we are divine.” We have multiple parts to this series, so I am going to stop numbering them at this point. These four tenets are: Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy. Our bodies are a site of liberation. Naps provide a portal to imagine, invent, and heal. Our DreamSpace has been stolen, and we want it back. We will reclaim it via rest. Tenet 2: Our bodies are a site of liberation When I think of this second tenet, I think of how dehumanization is a prominent tool of oppression. It is a tool that allows for violence, genocide, and ruling over other living beings. What is Dehumanization, Anyway? Tricia Hersey Rest is Resistance Tenet 2 Qoutes “When we finally wake up to the truth of what a machine-level pace of labor has done to our physical bodies, our self-esteem, and our Spirits, the unraveling begins.” “We are wrapped up in a web that feels inescapable and hopeless. Will you trust me and trust your divinity enough to believe it is indeed not hopeless? Can you trust, even for a second that we can reside in a rested future?” “The ongoing socialization and manipulation by the systems then become internalized, and we become the agents of grind culture” “In order for a capitalist system to thrive, our false beliefs in productivity and labor must remain. We have internalized its teachings and become zombie-like in Spirit and exhausted in body. So we push ourselves and each other under the guise of being hyperproductive and efficient.” SLOW DOWN “We become rigid and impatient when our checklist isn’t completed to perfection. WE become less human and less secure. We believe we are only meant to survive and not thrive.” “I clearly remember the moment it clicked for me how a capitalist, patriarchal, ableist, anti-Black system could never make space for the success I wanted for myself. The ‘success’ grind culture props up centers constant labor, material wealth, and overworking as a badge of honor. Resting is about the beginning process of undoing trauma so that we can thrive and evolve back to our natural state: a state of ease and rest.” “We are meant to survive, and ultimately thrive, because we are divine.” “Our everyday behaviours and false beliefs about productivity drive us into behaving in a robotic, machine-like way.” “Liberation and oppression cannot occupy the same space.” Happy Happenings Fantastic Four: First Steps Superman Jurassic World Rebirth Streaming Sandman Season 3 Happy Gilmore 2 Previous Post Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey Part 1 Powerful Quotes from Rest is Resistance: Tenet 1 by Tricia Hersey Subscribe to my substack newsletter

Why We Love the Messy Ones: When Celebrity and Fictional Characters Reflect Our Self-Sabotage A Drop of Entertainment Beyonce's 16 carriages malfunction, tour update Beyoncé’s stolen music and other stuff Halle Bailey's new boo, aka Scott Bridgeway, producer for Kendrick Lamar Meg the Stallion and Klay Thompson Jeff Bezos’ Wedding- 50 million bucks Nick Cannon, the 12 kids, and a new show Nelly and Ashanti- We Belong Together ended Kanye West is still off the rails- Shanghai concert gone wrong Nicki Minaj vs Jay-Z vs SZA vs Herself QOD The poor long for riches, the rich long for heaven, but the wise long for a state of tranquility. – Swami Rama   Journal Prompt: Have you ever self-sabotaged? Do you know why? What was the lesson learned? Do you still need to learn a lesson? Is it something you still do? IronHeart series comes to an end. Ironheart, starring Anthony Ramos, Dominique Thorne, Manny Montana, and Lyric Ross, ends with an intriguing cliffhanger.   Let's Talk Self-sabotage Why do we self-sabotage https://insightspsychology.org/self-sabotage-psychology-destructive-habits/ Self-sabotage basics https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/self-sabotage   Hot Drops and Happy Picks Movies: Superman is number one Music: Giveon and Justin Bieber's album drops Books: Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

Ironheart, starring Anthony Ramos, Dominique Thorne, Manny Montana, and Lyric Ross, was released by Disney+ to some controversy and mixed reviews. And by controversy, I mean misogyny and racist hate. So there is this thing that racists do when they can’t help their racism in the entertainment industry. They tank a production with bad reviews when they haven’t even engaged with it. Similar to those who talked trash about Cowboy Carter without even having listened to it. Similar to those who already decided they hated the Little Mermaid live-action movie because Halle Bailey played Ariel. The same people who will hop on social media and leave terrible, disparaging comments on posts that they are hateful towards because they are racist or anti LGBTQ. They have to find a way to express the hate in their hearts when people are just trying to live their best lives. It’s called review bombing, and it was happening to Ironheart of Rotten Tomatoes before it was even released.  Fans rallied to counter the review bombing on Rotten Tomatoes, as it currently sits at 69%. I had the opportunity to watch it, so let’s talk about it. The cast has good chemistry together, and the acting is decent. The first 2 episodes were building up, and the third episode was a good way to end, while we have to wait till July 1st for the final three. I am ready for them now, so that’s a good sign. All in all, it gets a strong 7 right now but may increase after watching the full season.  Ironheart Episodes 1–3: 7/10

Journal Prompt: When have you been your worst enemy? What were the circumstances and outcome? Did you learn anything from it? Entertainment Updates Cardi B - including older songs (W.A.P and Up) to boost album sales for “Am I the drama” Damson Idris on press tour for F1 (Brad Pitt movie) and talks of Black Panther Brandy and Monica are going on The Boy Is Mine tour Prosecutors in the Diddy Case rest. Jury deliberation to begin Mahershala Ali still wants Blade (2019), and so do we. He is in Jurassic World: Rebirth Tiffany Haddish: multiple baby daddy comments Box Office: How to Train Your Dragon, 28 Years Later   We can be so toxic to ourselves. I am trying to be my best friend and treat myself with grace and kindness. That treatment includes how I take care of my body. I would say some of us could improve on how we care for ourselves. Sometimes we need to be better parents to ourselves. We are old enough now to set our guardrails and try to deter ourselves from danger. We are also old enough to allow ourselves to indulge in whatever we want, even if it is to our detriment. Nowhere is that more apparent than in American fitness.    Working out is a wonderful, beautiful thing. The benefits to our body and mind are phenomenal. But the effort it requires is mountainous, especially when it hasn't been a part of your routine in life. However,  moving is detrimental to our quality of life.    In the article Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress, the Mayo Clinic lists 5 benefits that exercise will provide towards stress relief. Again, these are probably things that you have heard or been told before, but repetition will hopefully lead to action, so here goes. Exercise:  Pump your endorphins Cuts down on the negative effects of stress Is meditation in motion Improves your mood. And, throwing in my own contribution to this list, if done right, can contribute to eliciting the relaxation response as well.    Now, on the flip side, a sedentary lifestyle is the kiss of death. I know that sounds quite dramatic, but it’s completely intentional. It needs to be taken seriously.    A sedentary lifestyle is what a lot of us can easily fall into because we might be trying to keep up with life’s ups and downs, and when we get a breather, we just want to rest. However, there is a big difference between resting and consistently not moving. It is spending a lot of time on your butt. It’s a lifestyle in which we hardly engage in physical activity. In the article, Health Risks of an Inactive Lifestyle, Medline Plus lists 10 health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle. Interestingly enough, these 10 health risks are very similar to the risk associated with poor stress management.    These risks include: Obesity Heart disease, including CAD and heart attack High blood pressure High cholesterol Stroke Metabolic syndrome Diabetes (Type 2) Certain cancers Osteoporosis and falls Increased feelings of depression and anxiety The article goes on to give some suggestions on how to start working on increasing our level of activity.  Personally, I am trying to get back into it because time waits for no one, and neither does age. It is not easy until it becomes habitual, and you don't stop. So here I go again because it is important. Exercise is a great stress reliever and helps to keep the mind sharp. Let's release some stress, balance ourselves out and get moving! The below pin from Pinterest is a good suggestion to kick-start a workout.  

In this Show Short & Stories A Drop of Happy Shorts and Stories coming Journal Prompt: What’s the one thing you do that always brings you some level of joy Teaser: coming up, entertainment shenanigans cocoa, Tyler Perry lawsuit, Hot new couple, tiktok ban, main impacts of missed opportunities Entertainment News R. Kelly hospitalized Congratulations, Colman Doming,o for Native Son Award Beyoncé Carter’s Cowboy tour is killing the chitlin circuit Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre make a beautiful couple Mariah Carey's new song BET Awards with Kevin Hart hosted: Glorilla, Snoop The American Music Awards, with host J-Lo Tyler Perry lawsuit, Straw Brit Eady 20 million Bravo lawsuit Shannon Sharpe lawsuit Chris Brown May arrest in the UK Justine Baldoni $400 million counter lawsuit dismissed Diddy Trial follow Mona TikTok ban but not ban again Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try –Jack Canfield Let’s talk about The 5 Types of Overthinkers Let’s talke about FoMO. Cleveland Clinic Article: FOMO Is Real: How the Fear of Missing Out Affects Your Health So missed opportunities can increase and impact the feelings associated with FoMO. I also think it affects our morale as well. As discussed in the Cleveland Clinic article as to why it happens, the link to low self-esteem and then depression makes sense.  The cause and cure is you. –Xscape.  I cannot stress enough the impact of trying vs not trying at all. It is like the act of living. We have to shift our mindset and find success in the doing because sometimes the ultimate outcome may not be all that we thought and then we will look for the next journey.  However, if we do nothing, we will have nothing or be in the same spot

The Power of a Proactive Mindset You don’t have to chase what’s meant for you. What’s meant for you, will find you. -Alex Elle What is meant for you will find you, but you must be ready to receive it. I often imagine that some people may hear that quote and believe that if they think it or dream it, it will come. That is a wonderful sentiment but lacks a basis in reality. Because you have to lay the groundwork to not only receive it but, most importantly, first, recognize it. Sometimes that thing can be staring you down, but because you are not in a space to notice, the moment passes you by. Recognize and receive. Are you ready for it? What’s meant for you can be life-changing but only if you are ready to go in that direction. So it is not enough to dream about it, although that is a start, but we have to do the work. Of course, we don’t have to chase that thing down because if you are doing the work, I genuinely believe things will start to fall into place. You will notice, and the momentum will continue to guide you in the right direction. It’s a balance of being prepared to recognize and receive. Taking this a step further, we are not chasing down anything that is not for us, but we can be proactive in preparing for our success. Being proactive shows that we believe in ourselves, our efforts and have faith in our future. Article highlight from Psi Chi: Proactivity: The key to personal and professional success Listen to the podcast for further discussion on the key highlights Poractivity is impactful. Proactivity is a skill you can develop by engaging in: Self-efficacy Growth mindset Future focus Five Strategies to be more proactive: Set SMART Goals Approach goals with a growth mindset to anticipate obstacles and remain resilient Believe in yourself and strengthen your self-efficacy Seek opportunities Envision your future success

Stress management tip inspired by Anotinette: Know when to lean on your support system Know that I took one for the team and watched this so you don’t have to. Listen to the podcast to get the real deal. I am giving you all the spoilers as well because you should not have to watch this to know what happens. Sorry, not sorry. She the People, a Tyler Perry Production, stars Terri J Vaughn as Antoinette Dunkerson, Jade Novah as Shamika, Jo Marie Payton as Cleo Dunkerson, Regi Davis as Butler Donald, Karon Riley as Michael, and Terrence “TC” Carson as Danny, to name a few. It follows Antoinette Dunkerson as she becomes the Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi. Tyler Perry Hater Pride and Prejudice Check out my Mea Culpa Review Antoinette is losing the race for Lieutenant Governor until she is caught on video, protecting her daughter. Well, she punched her underage daughter’s older boyfriend, who took her to an adult party. After the video went viral, she surprisingly won the election.

The first step is getting to know yourself. Start the process by reflecting on what your values are and how they tie into your life.

Sinners: The One Thing That Stopped Me from Giving It a Perfect 10 Stress Management Tip inspired by Sammie: Follow your heart You must become unshakable in the belief that you are worthy of a big life –Kristin Lohr Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, was released on April 18, 2025, to high critical praise and a strong box office showing for an R-rated horror movie. It is poised to become a classic.

The quote “Life is a balance between holding out and letting go” is one of my favorite quotes by Rumi because it is so on point. When I think about how things got so out of wack so quickly and put it against this quote, I see that’s exactly what I’ve been doing wrong. Fighting for my life, holding on to the way that I thought was right. We sometimes do that thinking we are on the right track and it falls flat because we end up hurting ourselves. Here are five simple tips that I hope will help with the balancing act of life because we really all need a little grace and grounding sometimes. Start your day off with Intention- Reflect on your day and what you want out of it. Set a positive tone. Breathe and relax. Focus on one thing at a time- multitasking is not real. Give the one thing your full attention. Presence = Peace Protect your “no”- No is a full sentence. You don’t have to do everything for everybody. Boundaries are important. Schedule your joy like it’s an appointment. Whether it’s a walk, a dance break, or watching a show, block out time for things that make you feel good. Don’t treat yourself as a side project. Rest before you are exhausted. Do not wait until you are about to drop because then it is too late.

Captain America: Brave New World – A Hero’s Journey Against All Odds Journal Prompt: What are three things I can do this week to take care of myself? Captain America: Brave New World starting with Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford was released in theaters on February 14th. Now, I admit that I did not have high hopes for this movie based on a couple of things. Ever since Avengers: Endgame Marvel hasn’t been hitting it like it used to and the trailers I’ve watched for Brave New World did not get me excited enough about this new Marvel movie. Nevertheless, I was determined to see for myself because the racist trolls were trying to take it down before it even got the chance all because they did not like a black Captain America. They did not even care that the storyline followed the comics and even had one host talking about how Steve gave the shield to some random black guy. Random (in my Soldier Boy voice)! We will not have it oh. So my son and I decided to check it out on opening night. Captain America: Brave New World finds Sam, the new Captain America, working closely with the President of the United States on a mission that ends up going sideways. Eventually, they find themselves on opposite teams again while Sam tries to get to the bottom of an evil plan to spark off a potential World War Three situation. Starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka Captain America, Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross, Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder, and Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley to name a few, Captain America: Brave New World does not disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised and entertained to the point that I will be watching it again. The pacing was well done and I appreciated it more the second time around. It started a tad slow but that was necessary to build the background and get us acclimated with the new Captain America and where he fits in the landscape of things. The acting and special effects were on point, but I particularly enjoyed the cinematography, especially with the air shots. The character development in this film was well done as they had layers of complexity and realism considering having to deal with the aftermaths of End Game. They did a great job showcasing the new Captain America’s strengths and skill set. I also enjoyed how they brought past movies to the current plot and tied up loose ends while potentially introducing the next Avenger phase. Overall, I enjoyed it and found it more substantive which I discuss further when I get into the spoiler sections. Let me just say my favorite character is Isaiah followed by Thaddeus and that’s because both actors, Carl Lumbly and Harrison Ford, did the darn thing. There were a couple of things that left me with a question mark which is why it will not end up with a 10. Captain America: Brave New World 9/10 Spoilers ahead So it starts with Sam as the new Captain America and the wannabe Falcon, Joaquin Torres assigned to a secret mission to retrieve a valuable item that was en route to Japan. We later find out the item was an adamantium sample that is at the center of a treaty Thaddeus is working on with three other countries. He is looking for collaboration on further mining and production of said mineral found in Celestial Island after the events of The Eternals movie. After which, we learn that the president invites Sam and Joaquin to the White House where Isaiah Bradley, a super soldier who was wrongfully imprisoned and tested on for 30 years, along with a few other personnel shoots up the white house event. It looks like, Isaiah was trying to kill the president but then runs off. Sam catches up with him and urges him to turn himself in. Sam then tries to talk to the president into letting him investigate but Thaddeus digs at him not being Steve Rogers or essentially not being the real Captain America. Sam gets upset and decides to investigate himself. He eventually finds out that Samual Stern is the master manipulator behind everything that has been happening with his ultimate goal for Theddues to turn into Red Hulk. Thaddeus, pushed to the edge by Stern's antics, eventually does turn into the Red Hulk, and Sam swoops in to save the day. In the process, they have an impressive air fighting scene involving Sam, Joaqui,n and a couple of other fight jets. Unfortunately, Joaquin gets badly hurt during this process and requires life-saving surgery which he gets and survives. We also have a Bucky sighting amid all the craziness. Listen for more on Sam Wilson played by Anthony Mackie Thaddeus Ross played by Harrison Ford Isaiah Bradley played by Carl Lumbly Secret Agent Leila Taylor played by Xosha Roquemore Sidewinder played by Giancarlo Esposito Ruth Bat-Seraph played by Shira Haas Samuel Stern played by Tim Blake Nelson Commander Dennis Dunphy played by William Mark McCullough

Harlem The Final Season: It comes to an end on Prime Journal Prompt: How does my body feel today, and what does it need from me? I just finished the last season of Harlem and I am sad. I am sad because it was so good and now it has come to an end. Harlem was giving Sex and the City Harlem edition. I have said it before. Quinn played by Grace Byers is Charlotte. Camille played by Meagan Good is Carrie. Angie played by Shoniqua Shandai is Samantha. Last, Tye played by Jerrie Johnson is Miranda by default. Ian played by Tyler Lepley is Aidan if Carrie didn’t keep leaving his ass for Big. I mean, I am definitely simplifying it but you get the drift. So there are three seasons to Harlem that follow the four ladies through the ups and downs of trying to live their best professional lives and find love as they do it. I found this series to be fun and entertaining while touching on some real-life concerns that professional black women have as they navigate the dating scene. I enjoyed the peek behind the veil into their family dynamics. This gave an insight into who they are and why they made some of the decisions that they did. Quinn is the seemingly sweet, innocent, and idealistic one. She is flowers and roses and everything nice. Her family has money and she does pretty well for herself as a boutique owner and designer. It took her a while to find her way but she finally did focusing on her craft. Camille is hot-headed and impulsive and like a little hurricane. But she is loyal and cares deeply about her friends. She eventually does find the love that she deserves. Angie too is searching for herself and also finding good sex wherever she can get it. She is definitely the free spirit of the crew. I love that she often throws caution to the wind but struggles with her true calling at the same time. Tye appears to be the confident and secure one in all ways, and that’s where her complexity comes in because in reality, she is not secure at all. Tye pretends to have it all together, financially and emotionally. She is an open lesbian who loves playing the field. Ultimately that confident facade is nothing but a smoke screen to hide the fact that she is scared of facing rejection and the consequences of real-life choices. When things get emotional she runs. We follow these four through 3 seasons of ups and downs and family drama and finding themselves. Season three is by far my favorite season because it gave me a happy ending that was also fun and captivating. Lesson Learned: Know your worth Harlem Series 10/10 Season three spoilers Camille was a little crazy and neurotic but I would like to blame that on her pregnancy and hormones. To catch you up to speed at the end of season 2 after she broke up Ian’s wedding and got back together with him, they spent some time in the honeymoon phase until Camille found out her chances of having a baby were slim. Then she decided she did not even want a baby. I had a problem with how she handled that whole thing because she never confided in Ian about her fertility issues which led to her deciding that she did not even want a child. This left Ian out in the cold because he wanted children and a family with Camille so badly. They end up breaking up over it. Fast forward to season three they decide they can be exes with benefits and spend some time sleeping together. It turns out that Ian is seeing other people and ends up getting together with his childhood friend. This throws Camille into a state. She is acting a little crazy to me but then she finds out that she is pregnant. She tells Ian, he is somewhat happy but does not seem overjoyed. At first, she does not want to keep the baby because she is afraid she will be a terrible mother like her narcissistic mother. She gets comforting advice from Ian’s aunt and decides to keep the baby. Ian tells her that he will help her but he is staying with Portia because he cares for her. Meanwhile, they bonded over her wanting to have children. She came to town to freeze her eggs and they ended up starting that process together. As time goes on, Ian is helping Camille with her pregnancy, Portia realizes that he still has feelings for Camille which he does not deny when confronted. She leaves and he gets back together with Camille. Ian really shouldn’t have started the relationship with Portia. It was clearly a rebound situation in which he was filling in all the gaps he had with Camille with what Portia could do for him which was ultimately give him a child and a family. The only problem is that he still really wanted those things with Camille. Ultimately, I am glad Portia had the sense of self-worth not to put up with that and she left. Quinn too had a bout of getting her sense of self and self-worth tested because she got with a gorgeous baseball player who she fell in love with and promised to give her everything she wanted. He stated he had strong feelings for her too and saw her as his main chick. Turns out that he is polyamorous and had a partner who was down to share him. Quinn went to meet with them and was overwhelmed by the girlfriend asking her 201 questions and talking about her STD testing regimen. It was a complete turn-off for Quinn and she was done. Again, knowing your boundaries and your self-worth is extremely important and allows her to make the right choice. She ends up deciding that she will freeze her eggs and have a baby alone. At the appointment, she meets her ex from season 2 and looks to be the start of something good. Tye and Angie are the most interesting for me this season. Listen to the podcast for the rest of the breakdown.

Rest is Resistance Part 2: Tenet 1 Rest is Resistance It has been a while since I did Part 1 of Rest is Resistance and it is appropriate that I hop into it now because as things are happening around me, I need to remind myself that we are resting. I need to rest and focus on me and doing me and growing me and enjoying me. If there was ever a time to take rest as resistance it is now because I am tired! For the rest of the parts, we will look into my favorite quotes from the book. For a review of the book and my thoughts, please return to part 1 (The Book Review Part 1). Mind you these quotes are pulled from the introduction where Hersey introduces us to the four tenets of the nap ministry. These four tenets are: Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy. Our bodies are a site of liberation. Naps provide a portal to imagine, invent, and heal. Our DreamSpace has been stolen and we want it back. We will reclaim it via rest. “Grind Culter weekend or love of self and community” Tenet 1: Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy. “The systems have manipulated and socialized us so that we stay exhausted.” “Capitalism was created on plantations. The roots of it are violence and theft. We as a culture gloss over this historical truth. But, to dive into the cracks of this reality is where a profound part of your deprogramming from grind culture resides.” “The possibilities are infinite, although living under a capitalist system is to be confronted with a model of scarcity. This space makes you falsely believe there is not enough of everything: not enough money, not enough care, not enough love, not enough attention, not enough peace, not enough connection, not enough time. There is abundance.” “Keep repeating to yourself: I am enough now.” “All of culture is working in collaboration for us not to rest, and when we do listen to our bodies and take rest, many feel extreme guilt and shame.” “To understand that we are spiritual beings navigating life in a material world opens us to the possibilities of rest as a spiritual practice. Our entire living is a spiritual practice. Much of our resistance to rest, sleep, and slowing down is an ego problem. You believe you can and must do it all because of our obsession with individualism and our disconnection to spirituality. Nothing we accomplish in life is totally free of the influence of spirit and community. We do nothing alone.”

The Wolfman 2025 Movie Review The Wolfman starring, Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott has been out for a couple of weeks now. Released in the US on July 17th, it had a lackluster box office opening weekend of just a little over 10 million. Currently, it is sitting at around 28 million with a mid-performance on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. The movie follows a family who returns to a secluded town to take care of family affairs after learning of a relative’s passing. While they are in this remote part of the country, they encounter a ferocious beast and have to do all they can to survive the night. Now, you all already know, I don’t do scary movies anymore. There was a time when I would have been all over this but that time has been long gone for me. So naturally I had no interest in seeing this but I ended up watching it by default because the timing was right and we wanted to watch something. However, I was surprised that I ended up enjoying it. I consider it more of a thriller than horror. Nevertheless, it had me at the edge of my seat. The acting was well done. Christopher Abbott (I don’t know who this man is) did a phenomenal job. Julian Garner was solid as well and the little girl, Matilda Firth, did a good job portraying a scared confused daughter. It was just creepy enough and thrilling enough to keep me engaged. The pacing was just right as well. They let you find a false sense of security right before having you jump out of your seat. I also enjoyed how they let us see things from the wolfman’s perspective which was interesting and different and contributed to the viewer feeling closer to what was happening on screen. I give it a sold 7/10 Spoilers

The Wind Down Entertainment Rewind 4 What are you doing to manage your stress? Remember to create and cultivate your safe space. Top 10 Box Office for the weekend Tonight’s Conversation and Kita Rose Derrick Jackson on repeat. But why are ya’ll still listening to him? Harlem is Back! Hillmon TikTok University. How did I get enrolled? Bruno Mars getting nasty with Sexy Redd- Fat Juicy and Wet I Am Legend 2 trailer is fake DeepSeek shaking things up in the tech sector Tabitha Brown backlash because of Target and other DEI detractors Casting of Children of Blood and Bones Colleen Hoover gone ghost in the Blake Lively Justine Baldonie Drama

One of Them Days Movie Review One of Them Days premiered at number two at the box office with Mufasa: The Lion King rising to the top again after being dethroned by Den of Thieves: Pantera the previous weekend.  One of Them Days starring Keke Plamer and SZA is produced by Issa Rae, the mastermind behind HBO’s hit Insecure. The film follows the two best friends and roommates as they navigate a wild and crazy day trying to gather their rent money so they do not get evicted. It is currently doing well with moviegoers staying with a strong 94% from Rotten Tomatoes and 7.2/10 from IMDb. The cast is popping with fan favorites from Katt Williams to Keyla Monterros Mejia to Lil Rel Howery. I was excited to see Joshua David Neal get his break because I have been watching his talents on TikTok for the past few years, and he’s got skills behind the camera more than in front of it.  One of Them Days is worth the high audience marks. I laughed out loud a few times in large part to Janelle James. Overall I thought it was an enjoyable movie. I love Keke Palmer but don’t usually love her acting. I think she tends to be a touch over the top but in her role as Dreux, she gave just the right amount of energy needed. Her chemistry with SZA is on point. Although it was a comedy, I found there were subtle layers that made the antics of their day a little more interesting. The pacing was just right, the acting was solid and the vibe was chill. Oh, I did not find Katt Williams funny in this one, but I appreciated his presence.  One of Them Days 8/10 comedy score Listen to the entire show

Mufasa: The Lion King Sound Track So by now, you know how much I adore Mufasa: The Lion King. It is leaps and bounds better than the live-action version of The Lion King. However, that soundtrack though! It is composed by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda and that might make me biased because of how much I love the music for Hamilton and Encanto. Mind you this soundtrack only has seven tracks but each one is impactful. Ngomos- I loved this opening to the film because it took me back to the first time I went to the movies. It was to see Coming to America and I got the same feeling from the beginning of that movie when Mbube Wimoweh by Ladysmith Black Mambazo started playing. It was more of a nostalgic moment for me but a great way to start the movie. Milele—This is a beautiful song that takes the time to lay the groundwork for the viewer to see and be a part of Mufasa’s destiny. I also really enjoyed hearing Anika Noni Rose’s voice again. I Always Wanted A Brother- This is the song that everyone is having fun with on social media, and I can understand why. It is fun upbeat and showcases the cubs getting to know each other, having fun, and getting into a little trouble. It also gives us a peak into Taka’s tendency towards entitlement in comparison to Mufasa who seems to have more compassion. This is particularly evident when they are talking about the birds being free vs Taka wanting to command them. When Mufasa tries to enlighten Taka, he gets bored with the topic. Taka basically spends the entire song making commands even though he is defending Mufasa. The song itself is a joy though featuring the cubs growing into lions. Bye Bye- My daughter was not a fan of this song but I enjoyed it. It is the villain’s time to shine and it comes across a little tongue and cheek. He is menacing and mocking at the same time. My favorite part is the “bye-bye” and when the chorus joins him and the cadence goes a little faster. We Go We Together- This is the song of the ragtag crew led by Rafiki, which, to me, was the heart and soul of the movie. This is my favorite song of the seven. You can get up and dance around and feel the beat. The melody and joining of voices are infectious, especially towards the end. We get to see the group grow closer and a glimpse into Taka’s delusion that Sarabi is somehow his. “If you wanna go far we go together!” Tell Me It’s You- This too is a well-crafted song between Mufasa and Sarabi as Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone’s voices really complement each other. This is when we see their relationship start to take form as Taka watches with growing jealousy. But here’s the thing, Sarabi was never into Taka. Not ever, not at all. Brother Betrayed - Taka gets his solo moment to shine and again this song hits especially since we know how things turned out with Scar. He’s still not a complete villain but he’s a spineless idiot. By now the audience knows he’s a coward because he ran when he was supposed to save his mother and he hid when he was supposed to save Sarabi leaving Mufasa to come to the rescue both times. Bother Betrayed is the last track and the strings and melody lead us nicely into the true treachery, which is Taka betraying his “brother” to Kiros.

The Wine Down Entertainment Rewind 3 California Fires Protect your safe space Squid Games 2 Chloe Baily and Burna Boy Megan Markle Megan Thee Stallion Megan Goode Aaron Pierre Mufasa Wicked Don Lemon Jamie Foxx Short Drama's Allison Holker Blake Lively, Ryan Reynold, and Justine Baldoni

Mufasa: The Lion King- A Majestic Prequel Worth Roaring About Subscribe, like, share. Available on most streaming platforms. Mufasa: The Lion King tells the story of a young Mufasa’s journey to become the Lion King. Along the way, the audience learns how Scar became Scar and how the two brothers came to have a falling out. Before I get into the spoilers, I have to say that I enjoyed the cinematography and setting. The voice acting was on point. I was surprisingly impressed with Blue Ivy as the voice of Kiara. Upon first watching, I gave it a 7/10 but then went home, and listened to the soundtrack after which I watched it again in the theaters. I definitely had a much more enjoyable experience the second time around because I was ridiculously engaged. I might as well have been one of the kids at that point. I have to say, this was so much better than The Lion King live-action. The soundtrack track is a banger. Lin Manuel Miranda strikes again. Beyoncé can't act Blue Ivy potentially can Mufasa: The Lion King: 9/10 What the internet is saying: Chat GPT Summary "Mufasa: The Lion King," released in December 2024, is a prequel to Disney's 2019 "The Lion King," directed by Barry Jenkins. The film explores Mufasa's origins, depicting his journey from an orphaned cub to the revered King of the Pride Lands. The narrative begins with a young Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, who is separated from his parents, Masego and Afia, due to a catastrophic flood. Alone and vulnerable, he is adopted by a royal lion family, becoming a brother to Taka, the future Scar, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr. This relationship is central to the story, highlighting the complexities and eventual rift between the two lions. As Mufasa matures, he faces numerous challenges, including defending his adoptive pride from rival white lions led by Kiros, voiced by Mads Mikkelsen. His bravery and leadership during these conflicts pave the way for his ascension to kingship. The film also delves into Mufasa's romantic relationship with Sarabi, adding depth to his character development. The story is framed through a narration by Rafiki, voiced by John Kani, who recounts Mufasa's tale to Kiara, with Blue Ivy Carter providing her voice. This storytelling approach enriches the film's depth, connecting past events to the present. Critics have praised the film for its photorealistic animation, compelling storytelling, and musical score composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Notable songs include "I Always Wanted a Brother" and "Bye Bye," which enhance the narrative's emotional resonance. The film's exploration of themes such as orphanhood, family conflict, and the struggle for power has been highlighted as particularly engaging. The Times "Mufasa: The Lion King" has also performed well at the box office, leading the Christmas Day earnings with $14.7 million from 4,100 theaters, and accumulating a total domestic gross of $64.3 million shortly after its release. Entertainment Weekly Overall, "Mufasa: The Lion King" offers a rich backstory to one of Disney's most iconic characters, blending stunning visuals, a captivating narrative, and memorable music to create a compelling cinematic experience.

Exploring Looper’s Ultimate Sci-fi Countdown: A Dive into the Top 107 Best Sci-Fi Movies Part 2 My first look into Looper’s list was last June 2024. Obviously, I should have looked at the rest of the list to create a part 2 review long ago but here we are. Over six months later, they have updated from 98 to 107 which is understandable since new movies continue to make an entry. Will there be a part three? Yes, but I will try not to wait so long for the next installment before they change it up again. Link to the full article is below.   Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse 93 from 76 Lilo and Stich 79 from 71 Men in Black 78 from 70 Gravity Gattaca Black Panther Pacific Rim Sorry to Bother You Looper  The Iron Giant Minority Report Frankenstein Predator Edge of Tomorrow The Invisible Man Everything Everywhere All at Once Total Recall Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Superman: The Movie Annihilation Looper's Best Sci-Fi Movie of All Time Ranked

Curiosity Unleashed: Why Wonder, Not Doubt, Fuels True Knowledge Wonder rather than doubt is the root of all knowledge. To wonder is to be curious but also to be in awe. I think we can sit back and be in awe of things and admire them and appreciate them while still maintaining a sense of self. Having states of awe, I believe, inspires ingenuity and curiosity. It makes sense to me why then you can be in wonder of something and also wonder about something. Wonder opens our minds to exploration. Articles Eight Reasons Why Awe Makes Your Life Better Awe may improve your mood and make you more satisfied with your life. Awe may be good for your health. Awe may help you think more critically. Awe may decrease materialism. Awe makes you feel smaller and more humble. Awe can make you feel like you have more time. Awe can make you more generous and cooperative. Awe can make you feel more connected to other people and humanity. The Mental Benefits of Seeking Awe Why You Nee to Protect Your Sense of Wonder- Especially Now