Netflix & Chill: Jessica Jones

It appears most people are aware of and have taken part in the widespread phenomenon referred to as "Netflix & Chill"; perhaps it wasn't Nextflix for you but spanning from On Demand programs to DVR as well as HBOgo to Amazon Prime the basics are the same across the board: watch, chill, repeat.

In my latest "Netflix & Chill" session I stumbled across the Jessica Jones Series. To my knowledge it's a Netflix Original series meaning it only airs on Netflix; similar to how Orange is the New Black started out.  This series is also a Marvel Series which boils down to: it's got superheroes; Jessica Jones is one herself! 

Without giving too much away about the series, which I'm halfway thru in just 2 weekends, she's trying to use her powers for good and attempting to live a regular human life with the exception of "taking out" Kilgrave which appears to be the villain. So far this series has everything from love to scandal and lost paired with a bunch of twists and turns throughout the plot.

As the story continues to reel me in; I can't resist the question: if I could choose a super power what would it be? And would I use it for good or evil? 

On first thought the latter question seems pretty easy- I'd be a "good guy"; however let's not forget that so often "good guys" sometimes finish last and often times go rogue which leads to a pathway of the villain lifestyle.  On the other hand if you pick a villain life going in, you know what you're up against from the beginning; you'd likely prepare and move forward with your ultimate plan. However I'm a firm believer that in the end good always conquers evil; it's just the natural order of things. 

The more puzzling question is which superpower would I pick? Of course I don't think i can recall any movie or book/story where individuals  head out to order their superpower similar to how one can order a sandwich at a shop. But what if they could?! Would people take the invitation to do so seriously? I mean- often times, superheroes live a life filled with strife. 

Today, I would rise to the occasion or at least try my very best. I think I currently have the mentality of a hero everyday so if asked to become a superhero I'd be up for the challenge. I'd request the power of invisibility, I think this would give me the upper hand in lots of situations, those superhero related and in the context of everyday.

What do you think? Would you answer the call or ignore the invitation to become a super? What would your requested superpower be?  Do you think you would do good or evil? 

P.S. Don't forget to check out Jessica Jones.

Romeo & Juliet

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Romeo & Juliet ballet at the wonderful Fox Theatre. It was a great experience. I had previously attended a couple of other plays but nothing quite like this. After all this one is a classic based on world renowned literature.

The performance itself was artful, beautiful, and appeared effortless.  There was nothing less than top notch talent on the stage.  These things were obvious observations; however in regards to the storyline itself, I was a little absentminded, baffled, and confused (note to self and friends- next time review the storyline before showtime).  Admittedly so, I was a little lost on a few scenes in the First Act; but luckily I recalled a few major turning points as the story progressed and during intermission noted the cliff notes in the program to follow along so the Second Act was much more informative and enjoyable.

I will also admit that Romeo and Juliet isn't my favorite love story or preferred piece of  Shakespearian literature (Othello stole my heart). But I have always thought the story itself was powerful; one of true love and poor circumstance.

However, as I watched, and perhaps it was the all white costumes or the continual silence as nothing but emotion through action and music played out; but I thought this epic love story was truly a gruesome tragedy. And moreover pondered how many school curriculums still included. I mean in a world and time of cyber-bullying and public shaming is this book still appropriate; can today's teens truly handle and conceptualize its content.

I wondered why today I felt so moved. Perhaps as a teen myself I overlooked the tragedy for what it is. Or perhaps because there was an active leader, the teacher, to guide the reading and assist with proper processing of the events that took place. Or maybe I just thought I was immune to feeling a love so strong that to not have them at all is worse than living.

Have you ever loved someone so deeply? Have they loved you back the same? Do you know of anyone who falls into these categories? I only know of Prim and Peta, were the odds in their favor...

Hello...my name is ___(Tamara)___

We all know the proper way to introduce ourselves whether it's when conducting business or being cordial in a relaxed setting. Recently, I was talking to a group and a hot topic came up: atypical names.

Initially the conversation made me think of a not to long ago, now gone cold, hot topic; Raven-Symonè. This childhood television show star, now talk show host, had lots to say on a segment of talk show "The View" when speaking on segment "Are You Judged by Your Name".  Mainly stating that some names she herself would not entertain for possible employment under her; then later she added  she herself has likely been overlooked or possibly discriminated against of not for her name then some other non-changing quality like her skin or size.  

Going back to the early 2000s the media placed a spotlight on names being literally viewed as "black" or "white" and how this perception, on a resume, became the reality of that potential employer. The results were clear; indicating that even résumés denoted with "black" names including  more experience were passed over for "white" named resumes with lesser experience. 

Comments on the research was popular.  For some the take away was simply choose a culture neutral name.  For others it was choose ethnic names and ensure appropriate milestones through education and experiences take place. 

As the inital conversation unfolded about names my group decided on the top 5 most remembered :

1. La--a (La-dash-a)
2. Abcde (Ab-sa-duh)
3. Dmaggélic (Da-ma-ja-leak)
4. Bles'sed
5. How'rianna

For me I think: I love my name; but it has been mine my whole life! But when I think of parents giving their children names to create uniqueness or as a label for a positive self-fulfilling prophecy, I'm torn. Luckily for me I don't have children yet- but what a huge responsibility; after growing a life to name it for greatness and help it to flourish in this world. (Brushes off brow)

A reference that's old as time and relates to names was presented in a classic by Shakespeare. 

                           ’Tis but thy name that is my enemy:
                                    Thou art thyself, though not a Montague,
                                          What’s Montague? It is not hand nor foot,
                                                  Nor arm nor face. O be some other name
                                                              belonging to a man!
                                                                      What’s in a name? That which we call a rose,
                                                                                  By any other word would smell as sweet.'

Makes me remember that a name can be just that- a name; we don't even give it to ourselves. A name is who we are called but not who we are and not who we are destined to be. So go be great! 

Tuesday Blues

Today is Tuesday and yesterday was Monday (no brainer right). Well for me today was the first day back to work after a festive and joyful holiday season in the work place. It was interesting and I must admit even amusing to see lots of selfies yesterday with tired faces and grumpy captions; most of them referring to the Monday Blues in one form or another.

But today as I began my work week, I wondered: "Is there a such thing as Tuesday Blues? If so I don't think most people have heard of it. Upon arrival at work I was immediately the winner of the grumpy cat award; seems like I was a day late with my scowl and burrowed brow as I braved the coldfrom parking to cubical and removed my Eskimo wear.  Meanwhile all I'm thinking is yesterday while everyone else was a grumpy cat I know wouldn't have been the winner of this award. Now don't get me wrong my workplace isn't a judgment zone and it's not like I'm penalized when I arrive without a smile like a walking Chick-Fil-a member; but I definitely needed some time to shake the blues off and get in the back to work groove.

The thought of the Tuesday Blues got me to thinking and I contacted to my good friend Google to explore the concept. Although the my search was brief it was clear- there seems to be little information about having the blues on a Tuesday. To my pleasant surprise social media on the other hand has a good bit or memes and images which reminded me that I'm not alone.  After all, social media is the voice of the true population.  All in all I'm happy today is over and looking forward to tomorrow--HUMPDAY! 

Proposals: Kneelers POV

Today I watched a reality television show with my roommate and a major moment happened: a proposal.  It was really interesting to see on the show because although I do believe reality television is loosely scripted at minimum, when the moment took place it looked and felt genuine.  

Just a little background: the couple on this show has been together for several years and over the last few seasons the next step in their relationship (AKA marriage) has been a huge focal point. In a previous season he stated he had commitment issues but was willing to work on them, with a therapist, to overcome the problem because marriage was his true goal with her.  Also in a previous season he gave her a ring on a string which caused an uproar; this promoted her towards a verbal ultimatum of a proposal within her time limit or cutting all ties. This verbalized time limit expired but she continued to weather the storm as she saw him taking smaller steps towards developing long term commitment with her: a dog, her name tattooed on his body, etc.

Well tonight was the night! The episode really took the time to build the drama between these two on the topic and didn't not disappoint with providing lots of behind the scenes snippets of his preparation for the big wurst ion. He was shown planning the location, his fashion,and coordinating times with others to be there to unknowingly share the moment.  He was also shown discussing which should come first: the speech or the ring.

As I was watching it was interesting because as a female, who will eventually be proposed to, I never really thought about the possible amount of planning by the party doing the actual proposal. The more I thought about it the more I began to to think: is the proposal about one partners wants then the wedding about the other partners? 

I mean I've often heard females say: the wedding is about me.  So does that then imply then the proposal is about their mate? After all, with this episode it appears as though lots of thought and preparation comes into play for the proposal as well- who knew?!  Of course I'm sure this varies from person to person and couple to couple across various culture and lifestyles; but definitely made me think! #foodforthought #vanderpump

Food For Thought

I'm kicking off the new year right, no this is not a "new year, new me" but rather an "I've missed blogging and writing freely" situation.  Over the past year I've spent lots of time brainstorming and reflecting and even doing a little research on how I can blog better and more specifically what I want this blog to be about.  Long story short- after a full year I've learned  a whole lot about other blogs but still didn't have much clarity with what I wanted.

Just today I realized: this is my blog and I do what I please. I really sat down and brainstormed all the things I liked from before and all the things I didn't, and the result was as simply to simplify! How simple is that.  This is not a research forum or ploy for writing newspaper columns; it's just a fun hobby. And with that I decided to begin sharing my "Food For Thought". Why not?! I mean I hear, read, and watch things daily that truly deserve a second look or deeper reflection. I have a great functional mind filled with randomness, ideas, thoughts, goals, and dreams; but seriously who doesn't?! After all, how often do you have thoughts that cause a double take or prompt a quick google search- for me this happens quite often, and going forward you're invited to a front row seat of the think tank. Believe me the struggle of figuring out life is still real but with this seat you get an inside glimpse to some inner most thoughts and hopefully some thought provoking conversation💭💡😎

Superheroes and Heroes

Growing up we all had a superheroes; for some this was the excitement of Saturday morning (...cartoons); for others this was a daily past time- be it watching television or reading comics.  Not only were we watching these shows, we wanted all types of merchandise as well; clothes, camping gear, school supplies, and games.  And, let’s not forget the endless hours of play filled by reenacting our favorite episodes with friends.

 

Superheroes have super powers- flying, invisibility, living forever.  They have capes and a side-kick complete with secret signals and communications as well as a secret hide out; groups of super heroes have matching outfits, catch phrases, and rituals they display before embarking upon saving the world or completing their specific mission.

I have no idea where or when I realized the distinction between superheroes and heroes.  It’s something I had not thought about.  Is this a natural occurrence that took place due to age and maturity or a change of thought based on more knowledge about the world or just simply letting go of fantasies?  We could go on and on to debate about who is the greatest superhero of all time; but now as a grown-up, I wonder if a better question is: who is the greatest hero of all time?

Upon first thought the two titles appear almost interchangeable or one being a subculture of the other; but they are literally worlds apart.  Heroes are the real life superheroes; they save the world, complete missions, and start movements; all with nothing more than the same ordinary materials that I myself posses too.  Heroes take a stand and develop organization, empower the people around them, and serve their community.  Their work and legacy is remarkable.  They do not seek out fame or honors or even recognition for what they do; in fact some remain nameless in regards to what they have contributed.

So where is the struggle in that?  Not so much a struggle that is visible but one that could possibly be within.  Are you a hero?  Have you taken a stand, been an outstanding leader, encouraged your community for growth, or empowered a group of your choice?  I challenge you to do so.  This is far beyond a donation. This is an effort to cause change simply because you see a problem and have solutions to offer.  This is an effort to bring awareness not because it’s the media’s hot topic of the hour, day, or week but because you seek growth for the future.  This is an inward reflection of self: Are you leaving a legacy? 

Perhaps this is not a desire you have; or you haven’t yet found a cause to be passionate about.  Perhaps you have no experience that sparks inspiration and ignites a yearning for change.  This is me- I have several thoughts but not one that truly captivates my heart.  So instead I thought about who my heroes are; both historical and present day.  So I challenge you to do the same.  Much like my favorite superheroes; I wanted to be them; so by identifying my heroes, I can better myself in the process and honor them by paying homage.  So go out be great.  Inspire the next generation and respect the generation that came before.