2.19.25: The Day of the Jackal

The Day of the Jackal is easily one of the best TV shows I’ve seen in years. Everything about it just works—the acting is top-notch, the script is razor-sharp, the action sequences are gripping, and the cinematography is absolutely stunning. On top of all that, the soundtrack is an absolute banger, perfectly complementing the intensity of each scene. It’s rare to find a show that excels in so many areas, but this one delivers on every level. From start to finish, it’s a masterclass in storytelling, production, and pure entertainment. If you haven’t watched it yet, you’re seriously missing out.

2.18.25: Long Live Xiaomi

Over the past month, I’ve grown to genuinely appreciate Xiaomi as a home appliance brand. I’ve picked up a Xiaomi air fryer, rice cooker, tower fan, both big and small air filters, and motion-sensing lights—and every single one works flawlessly. There’s something refreshing about a company that stays consistent with its design aesthetics, delivers quality products, and offers them at a price that doesn’t feel like a ripoff. Xiaomi seems to have cracked the code for blending functionality, affordability, and sleek design. It’s rare to find a brand where you can buy this many products and love every one.

2.17.25: Uncomfortable Chairs

Why is there such a thing as an uncomfortable chair? We as humans design them, and we understand that most humans are built roughly the same. So why do we design things that are intentionally not comfortable? A chair has one purpose: to be sat on. How did we manage to complicate that? Somewhere along the way, priorities shifted—style, cost, or even control overtook comfort. Maybe it’s a reflection of how we overlook the basics in favor of appearances. Whatever the reason, it’s baffling that we’ve let something so simple become unnecessarily problematic. It’s time to fix that, isn’t it?

2.16.25: The Algorithm

We’ve become slaves to the algorithm. Social media users, content creators, and companies all chase metrics instead of making meaningful or enjoyable content. We’ve traded authenticity for soulless formulas, following the same patterns over and over. Take Hallmark Christmas movies: their cookie-cutter approach has crept into every corner of what we consume. Content now feels sterile, calculated, and uninspired. It’s less about creativity or connection and more about hitting engagement targets. In this endless pursuit of clicks and likes, we’ve lost something vital—genuine quality, originality, and the joy of creating or experiencing something real. It’s time we reclaim that.

2.15.25: Time

Time moves forward—or so it seems. We aren’t controlled by time; instead, we exist within it. Our senses interpret time as something that flows or marches on, but in truth, that’s just our limited perception. Time itself doesn’t move; it simply exists, like gravity—an ever-present force that shapes our reality. We impose ideas like movement or progression onto time because that’s how we make sense of it. But time doesn’t pass or flow; it just is. Our perception of its motion is more about us and how we experience change than about the true, unchanging nature of time itself.

2.14.25: Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day: the one day a year when your relationship status determines if you’re spending the evening in a candlelit restaurant or aggressively adding extra cheese to your solo pizza order. Couples post love notes online, single people post memes about capitalism, and someone, somewhere, is panic-buying gas station flowers because they forgot again. Meanwhile, restaurants double their prices, and heart-shaped everything invades stores like a romantic apocalypse. But hey, whether you're cuddling up to a significant other or your dog (who actually deserves it), just remember: February 15th means all that overpriced chocolate is 50% off. True love wins.

2.13.25: Zombies

I’ve always loved zombie movies and novels because there’s endless variation in how they’re portrayed. Are they triggered by sound? Do they only eat brains? Are they fast or slow, aggressive or passive? Do they hunt in packs, or are they loners? Every story offers a different combination, and that’s part of what makes it so fascinating. You can even learn a lot about someone based on their favorite type of zombie. Whether it’s the relentless runners from 28 Days Later or the classic, shambling hordes of Night of the Living Dead, their choice says something about their personality.

2.12.25: So Many Jobs

Sometimes I’m struck by the variety of jobs people have, and then it hits me—they’re just skills, or combinations of skills. These are regular humans who chose to dedicate time and effort to mastering something. Yet, even knowing this, I’m still constantly in awe of certain professions. Graphic designers who bring ideas to life, website builders crafting digital spaces, and surgeons who operate with such precision—it’s incredible. It reminds me that expertise, no matter how specialized, comes down to commitment and practice. Still, there’s something about their work that feels almost magical, even though it’s rooted in pure human effort.

2.11.25: Chiang Mai Needs a Library

I don’t know what it would cost or if it’s even legal, but I’d love to open a public library in Chiang Mai. There isn’t one here, and the idea of creating a space where people can relax in air-con, read, learn, and maybe even grab a coffee sounds incredible. It’d be a place for the community to connect and for me to share my love of reading with locals. It’s a dream project I’d love to take on, but, like everything else, money stands in the way. Still, I can’t help but imagine the impact it could have.

250kg of Clothes, One Big Thank You

Sometimes, the simplest things make the biggest impact. Over the past few weeks, we pulled together 250kg of clothes for Child’s Dream Foundation, and now they’re on their way to families who actually need them.

This wasn’t just a dump-run of old stuff—these are clothes that’ll keep people warm, that’ll be worn daily, that actually matter. And it only happened because a whole lot of people showed up, donated, and made it happen.

So, huge thanks to everyone who pitched in. Whether you dropped off a bag, spread the word, or just helped move all that weight—this was a team effort. Feels good to do something real.

2.10.25: Dystopian Genre

Why is it that when submitting manuscripts for publication, there’s never a proper dropdown for dystopian? It’s always lumped into “sci-fi,” as if dystopian doesn’t deserve its own recognition. Sure, they share some DNA, but dystopian isn’t about futuristic tech or aliens—it’s about society gone wrong, a reflection of our fears and failures. It’s its own genre, with unique themes and audiences, and calling it sci-fi feels lazy and dismissive. It’s like cramming thrillers into “mystery”—close, but not the same. Give dystopian its due respect! Writers pour their hearts into these worlds; the least publishers can do is acknowledge them.

2.09.25: Free Minds

In the crumbling remains of the library, Bosh sifted through ash-stained shelves. Books were relics now, hunted and burned by the Regime for the ideas they carried. But Bosh searched for one in particular—a banned volume his father once spoke of, The Manifesto of Free Minds. Hours passed before his fingers brushed the cracked spine of an old, leather-bound book. Pulling it free, he saw the faded title embossed in gold. Inside the cover was a name scrawled in trembling ink—his father’s signature. Heart pounding, Bosh clutched it to his chest. The spark of rebellion had never felt so alive.

2.08.25: Retirement

Retirement feels like it’s a million miles away, but it sneaks up on you faster than you’d think. One day, it’s 30 or 40 years down the road, and the next, you’re being bombarded with articles screaming, “ARE YOU WHERE YOU NEED TO BE TO RETIRE?!” It’s overwhelming. For me, the magic number has always been $1 million, but that figure feels so unbelievably out of reach. Between the cost of living, unexpected expenses, and trying to enjoy life in the present, saving that much feels impossible. The whole thing is stressful, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel behind.

2.07.25: ESPN UI

I really wish ESPN would revamp their UI for fantasy football. It honestly feels like it’s been stuck in the 90s forever, and I can’t figure out why they haven’t embraced modern design trends. Other platforms have sleek, intuitive interfaces that make managing teams and stats a breeze, but ESPN’s feels clunky and outdated by comparison. For such a massive platform with so many users, it’s surprising they haven’t prioritized bringing it into the 2020s. A fresh, streamlined UI would make the whole experience so much better and might even attract more players. Come on, ESPN—time to update!

2.06.25: Laser Measure

If you own a home, apartment, or any kind of space and haven’t invested in a laser measurer, you’re seriously missing out. It’s basically a mini range finder, and it’s been a total game-changer for me. I got the Xiaomi Smart Laser Measure, and I can’t even begin to tell you how much easier life has been since. Knowing the exact dimensions of a room or space without fumbling with tape measures is such a relief. Whether it’s for furniture, renovations, or just satisfying your curiosity, this little gadget has made everything so much simpler and stress-free. Highly recommend.

2.05.25: Movie Names

When I was young, I used to think people who make movies would eventually run out of names for them. This was back before TV shows were even as mainstream as they are now. I genuinely believed we’d hit a wall where every possible title was already taken. But here we are in 2025, and somehow, we’re still coming up with fresh, original names. It’s kind of amazing how creativity keeps evolving, proving that human imagination has no real limits. Even in a world overflowing with content, there’s always room for something new to surprise and inspire us. It’s wild.

2.04.25: AI Meets AI

I recently read that AI is now being trained on AI-produced content, and I can’t help but think this marks the downfall of the internet. It’s like an echo chamber, with algorithms learning from their own recycled outputs rather than genuine human insight. The originality and authenticity that once made the internet a treasure trove of ideas feel like they’re slipping away. If we keep going down this path, will creativity and nuance be replaced by endless loops of regurgitated information? It’s a strange, unsettling cycle that makes me question where this all leads—and if we’ll even notice the shift.

2.03.25: Job Hunting

Job hunting has gotten to an absolutely insane point. There are AI filters, ATS systems, and recruiters who have to sift through hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications just to find a match. It feels less about showcasing your skills and more about beating an algorithm. The entire process is exhausting before it even begins. I’m thankful to be employed right now, but I can’t help but dread the thought of ever having to apply again. It’s become a game of who knows how to outsmart the system, rather than who’s the best fit for the job. It’s truly overwhelming.

2.02.25: Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are undeniably awesome. Yes, they’re an indulgence, but sometimes you just need to treat yourself. Whether it’s the soft, fluffy dough, the warm, gooey cinnamon center, or that sweet, velvety icing on top, every bite feels like a little celebration. They’re the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort, and they somehow manage to feel like both a dessert and a meal. Plus, they’re versatile—great with coffee in the morning or as a late-night snack. If you’re looking for something tasty, satisfying, and unapologetically indulgent, cinnamon rolls are the clear winner. They’re irresistible and absolutely worth it.

2.01.25: Airport Books

I’ve always had a soft spot for airport books—those fast-paced, exciting adventure novels by authors like Michael Crichton, Robert Ludlum, and, if I’m in a quirky mood, even Dean Koontz. They might not have been written with literary acclaim in mind, but that’s part of the charm. These books are fun, gripping, and perfect for getting lost in a story. And let’s be honest, writing something that keeps people hooked from start to finish is no small feat. There’s a kind of genius in crafting a page-turner, and I’ll always appreciate the escapism they offer, especially during long layovers.