Canceled Thoughts

The Redline Being Extended Isn’t A Good Thing

January 24, 2024

The Redline is the longest-running public transit route in the city of Chicago. It's been an integral part of many memories for many people, from all walks of life. In recent years, that train line has become home to many of the city's disenfranchised homeless population.

Mark Twain once famously remarked, "History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes." This statement holds true even today, especially when it comes to the issue of gentrification and urban development. The Redline extension project in Chicago is a prime example of how history may be repeating itself, and how gentrification is likely to run rampant as a result.

Redline Project

The Redline extension project is an ambitious plan to expand Chicago's public transit system, specifically the Red Line, which currently runs from the city's South Side to its North Side. The extension would run the Red Line further south, connecting the city's downtown core to the far South Side. On the surface, this seems like a positive development: improved transit infrastructure can bring more opportunities and accessibility to underserved communities.

However, the reality is often more complicated than what appears on the surface. Historically, urban development projects like the Redline extension have been used as tools for gentrification. New transit infrastructure causes property values to increase, which displaces long-time residents due to increased cost of living and property taxes. This process disproportionately affects low-income communities, people of color, and other marginalized groups.

History Of Gentrification in Chicago

Chicago has a long history of gentrification, dating back to the 1950s when the city's government implemented the infamous "slum clearance" program. This program was designed to eliminate poverty and improve housing conditions but displaced thousands of low-income families instead. In the years since, Chicago has continued to undergo waves of gentrification, with neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Logan Square transforming from working-class enclaves into trendy, upscale destinations.

Given this history, it's reasonable to be concerned that the Redline extension project will lead to further gentrification in the city. Already, there are signs that this may be happening: property values near the planned route of the extension have already started to rise, and there are reports of landlords evicting tenants in anticipation of these increases.

In conclusion, Mark Twain's words about history rhyming may be particularly relevant when it comes to the Redline extension project in Chicago. While the project may have positive effects on the city's transit system, there are valid concerns that it will also contribute to the gentrification of historically marginalized communities. As the city moves forward with this project, it's important to be mindful of these concerns and to work towards equitable development that benefits all Chicagoans, not just those with the means to afford higher property values.

Everyday Life

Some People Are Dangerously Stupid

January 17, 2024

Being dangerously stupid has become an overwhelmingly abundant occurrence since the advent of social media and technology as a whole. Furthermore, with the world continually trending toward technological dependence, the reality is that this trend is only going to exacerbate. That fact of the matter is, we're living in a society in which the average person is more knowledgeable about the life of their favorite celebrity than they are about the laws of nature. That said, if you find yourself engaging in unintellectual conversations with unintellectual people, you must find ways to remove yourself from those situations expeditiously.

At the heart of any thriving society is the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. When stupidity prevails, discourse suffers a severe blow. Ideas become shallow, reasoning becomes fallacious, and meaningful conversations become elusive. This erosion of intellectual depth diminishes our ability to address complex challenges, stifling innovation, progress, and critical problem-solving. By devaluing intellectual pursuits, we undermine the very foundation of an enlightened society.

The Stupid Spread like Wildfire

Stupidity breeds ignorance, and ignorance, in turn, breeds misguided decision-making. When individuals lack the capacity to think critically and assess information objectively, they become vulnerable to manipulation, propaganda, and misinformation. Such a state of intellectual negligence paves the way for ill-informed choices, whether in personal matters or within the broader political landscape. In a democracy, where collective decision-making shapes the future, the consequences of widespread stupidity can be catastrophic.

Stupidity thrives in echo chambers, where people surround themselves with like-minded individuals who reinforce their existing beliefs without challenging them. In this environment, confirmation bias becomes the norm, and critical analysis takes a backseat. As a result, society becomes divided into factions, each driven by its own irrational convictions and biases. The dangerous consequences of tribalism and polarization are witnessed in the erosion of empathy, understanding, and the breakdown of civil discourse, which ultimately hampers societal progress.

Other Implications of Stupidity

Intellectual negligence and stupidity often go hand in hand with a lack of personal responsibility. When individuals fail to engage in critical thinking, they absolve themselves of the obligation to seek knowledge, question assumptions, and make informed decisions. This abdication of responsibility allows ignorance and mediocrity to flourish, leading to a society that is devoid of accountability and personal growth. Ultimately, the erosion of personal responsibility hinders societal advancement and perpetuates a cycle of stagnation.

In a world that demands intellectual acuity, the dangers of being stupid cannot be overlooked. Jordan Peterson, a voice of reason and intellectual rigor, reminds us of the perils that arise when we neglect the pursuit of knowledge and embrace ignorance. The diminished discourse, misinformed decision-making, propagation of tribalism, and erosion of personal responsibility are all ramifications of intellectual negligence that endanger the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that we reject complacency and strive for intellectual growth, embracing critical thinking as the cornerstone of progress. Only through a collective commitment to intellectual rigor can we navigate the complex challenges that lie ahead and build a more enlightened and prosperous future.

https://www.youtube.com/@CanceledThoughts

Sports (mainly basketball)

Implications Of NBA Superstars Requesting Trades

October 10, 2023

In the NBA, the power and influence of NBA superstars has reached unprecedented heights, leading to a wave of trade requests and player movement. While player empowerment is an important aspect of professional sports, it is essential to examine the potential unfairness it poses to role players and other NBA players. In this blog post, we will delve into the consequences of NBA superstars requesting trades, focusing on the impact it has on role players and the league as a whole. By adhering to readability and Google SEO guidelines, we aim to shed light on this pertinent issue.

Superstars Disrupt Team Dynamics

NBA teams are built on a delicate balance of skills and chemistry. When a superstar requests a trade, it can significantly disrupt team dynamics and the roles of other players. Role players, who are often integral to a team's success, find themselves in a state of uncertainty and potential upheaval. The departure of a superstar can result in diminished opportunities and increased pressure on role players to fill the void, impacting their performance and overall career trajectories.

Financial Impact On Role Players

Trade requests by superstars can have financial implications for role players and other NBA players. When a team undergoes significant changes due to superstar trades, it often necessitates adjustments to the salary structure. As a result, role players may face salary cuts, reduced contract opportunities, or even find themselves without a team. This financial uncertainty can create an unfair disadvantage for those players who have committed their skills and efforts to the team and organization.

Limited Control Over Their Destinations

While superstar players often have the leverage to dictate their preferred destinations, role players typically have limited control over their trade destinations. They may find themselves abruptly uprooted from familiar environments, support systems, and communities without much say in the matter. This lack of agency can be deeply unsettling, affecting their personal lives and overall well-being. The imbalance of power between superstars and role players in trade negotiations underscores the potential unfairness of the current system.

Superstars Shift Competitive Imbalance and Diminish Opportunities

Superstar trades can lead to competitive imbalances within the league, as certain teams become loaded with talent while others struggle to maintain competitiveness. This dynamic creates a scarcity of opportunities for role players to showcase their skills, secure playing time, and contribute meaningfully to their teams. The concentration of talent on a few teams can limit the prospects for growth and development for role players, hindering their ability to establish themselves and potentially impacting the overall quality of play in the league.

Conclusion

While the empowerment of NBA superstars has brought positive changes to the league, it is essential to acknowledge the potential unfairness it creates for role players and other NBA players. The disruption of team dynamics, financial impact, limited control over trade destinations, and competitive imbalance are all consequences that warrant consideration. Striking a balance between player empowerment and fairness for all players involved is crucial to maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the NBA. By addressing these concerns, the league can foster an environment that promotes equal opportunities, enhances player welfare, and ensures the continued success of the sport we all love.

A.I. Should Replace Teachers 1st

August 23, 2023

A.I. is officially here and it's not going away any time soon. A.I. is going to change the world in ways that are currently incomprehensible to average minds. That said, I'm not a major advocate of A.I. because it's likely going to put most people out of work. However, if there were a sector I would support and advocate completely removing the human element from, it'd be education. Education is the one sector of western civilization that needs to be completely overhauled from top to bottom. The education system has been failing students and broader society for decades now and I think the implications of A.I. would be far more beneficial than they would be detrimental to society.

The Situation

First off, school(particularly college) has become an absolute joke. Once regarded as a rite of passage towards success, college nowadays is viewed as an over-expensive waste of time. Theoretically, education is supposed to be where students enter "stupid" and leave "smart", or at least smarter than they were. However, over the last decades, kids are not only not coming out "smarter", they're coming out noticeably stupider. Nowadays, parents are more frustrated than ever because schools have essentially become activist factories. Furthermore, I think this shift is a direct consequence of faculties/administrations that are quite frankly, terrible at their jobs.

How A.I. Would Help

Secondly, the value of a degree has plummeted because they give one to everybody, and everyone is not deserving. Throughout college, I've met countless intelligent people who got lower grades in class simply because they weren't ass-kissers or because they disagreed with a professor. Conversely, I've seen even more complete fucking idiots get great grades in classes they had no business in, simply because they were great ass-kissers. I think A.I. would eliminate biases of that nature almost entirely.

In conclusion, college has become one of the most expensive investments a person can make in their lifetime. I think the number comes out to something like 100x more expensive now than in previous generations. Therefore, I would support A.I. replacing people for this reason as well. Once you invest in the initial cost of acquiring the machines, you no longer have to worry about paying teacher salaries, which should theoretically drive down the cost. Of course, you'd probably need to employ more security guards to maintain the peace in classrooms but their salaries are much lower than that of teachers and administrations. Peace!

Everyday Life

Pornography Is A Danger To Society

July 13, 2023

Carl Jung once noted, "The healthy man does not torture others – generally, it is the tortured who turn into torturers." These words hold profound relevance when examining the impact of pornography on our society. Today, we will explore the hidden dangers that pornography presents and the potential harm it inflicts upon individuals and the fabric of our community. By delving into the insights of Carl Jung, we will shed light on the consequences of unchecked pornography consumption.

Distorted Perceptions of Intimacy and Relationships

Pornography often portrays a distorted version of intimacy and relationships, presenting unrealistic expectations and depictions of sexual encounters. These exaggerated portrayals can lead individuals to develop skewed perceptions of what constitutes a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship. As a result, real-life connections may suffer, as people struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality. The erosion of genuine intimacy can strain relationships and contribute to emotional disconnection, impacting both individuals and society as a whole.

Objectification and Dehumanization

Pornography frequently objectifies and dehumanizes individuals, reducing them to mere instruments of pleasure. This objectification perpetuates harmful power dynamics, reinforcing gender stereotypes and inequality. It can contribute to the normalization of sexual exploitation, feeding into a culture where consent and respect are overshadowed by a quest for instant gratification. The dehumanization propagated by pornography erodes empathy, fostering a toxic environment that undermines the dignity and well-being of individuals.

Psychological and Emotional Consequences

Consuming pornography can have profound psychological and emotional consequences. Frequent exposure to explicit sexual content can lead to addiction, desensitization, and an increased tolerance for more extreme material. This can escalate into a vicious cycle, where individuals require increasingly explicit content to achieve the same level of arousal. Therefore, potentially leading to the objectification of individuals in real life. Moreover, excessive pornography consumption can contribute to feelings of shame, guilt, and diminished self-worth, exacerbating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Social and Cultural Ramifications

Pornography's influence extends beyond the individual, permeating social and cultural norms. Its widespread availability and accessibility can shape societal attitudes and expectations regarding sexuality, relationships, and consent. The proliferation of pornography can contribute to the objectification and sexualization of individuals, particularly women, perpetuating harmful narratives and reinforcing oppressive power structures. This not only impacts the well-being of individuals but also hampers efforts to create a society built on equality, respect, and mutual understanding.

Conclusion

In the spirit of Jung's wisdom, we must confront the dangers that pornography poses to our society. Its distorted perceptions of intimacy and relationships, objectification and dehumanization, psychological and emotional consequences, and social ramifications are all factors that demand our attention. By acknowledging the profound impact of pornography, we can work towards promoting healthier attitudes towards sexuality, fostering genuine connections, and cultivating a culture of consent, respect, and empathy. Only through open dialogue, education, and a collective commitment to change can we reclaim our humanity and forge a society that embraces authentic intimacy and mutual well-being.

https://youtu.be/BGCuyMmjLv0

Sports (mainly basketball)

Booty Shorts Will Save The WNBA

June 3, 2023

The WNBA is a league that is in dire need of a makeover. Since the induction of the WNBA, the league has struggled to gain notoriety and turn a profit. About a year or so ago, the WNBA raised about $75 million to "take their league to the next level". I just hope some of that 75 million is actually going to put toward schemes that will actually work, like getting booty shorts. Now, the immediate reaction this will get is, "you're a misogynist" or "you just want to objectify women". However, lets take our feelings out of this for a minute, booty shorts are the only way the WNBA is going to start making any real profit.

The existence of the NBA and male sports in general is the primary barrier to profitability in all female sports. Men are typically bigger, stronger, and faster than their female counterparts. Furthermore, people tune into sports to watch the best athletes in the world do what they do best. Since this reality isn't changing any time soon and men are the objectively superior athletes, leagues like the WNBA have to utilize other avenues to boost their revenue.

Nature had made it so that men are more gifted athletically while women are more gifted aesthetically. . Furthermore, the reasons people will watch women and men engage in certain activities (sports) are different. Sports like Basketball and Soccer(Futbol) are just a few glaring examples of this reality. People tune in to watch the men do athletically spectacular things. People are not/will not tune in to watch women do the exact same thing men do because the men already have that aspect covered. Therefore, what the WNBA, I believe has known but dreaded they'd have to do is find a way to highlight the aesthetic aspects that they have the advantage in over men. Therefore, booty shorts are the first step to making that happen.

Lastly, just like sci-fi movies, men are the market for sports as a whole. Like it or not, men do not want to turn on the television to a channel or pay money for tickets to see women trying to emulate men in a sport. Men want to see attractive girls on the television screen. Its why things like "only fans" have become such lucrative businesses. Now I know a good portion of the WNBA is lesbian. Therefore, doing anything to please men may not sit well with you. But, women aren't fans of sports, and if they aren't supporting you, then that only leaves men as your market. Do you want to make more money or not? Its basic supply and demand. Furthermore, if you decide you don't, just stop fucking complaining about your outcomes because people are really tired of hearing it. Peace & love!

https://www.youtube.com/@canceledthoughts

I Love Harry Potter & I Always Will

May 17, 2023

Well, well, well. It seems like everyone's got an opinion on Harry Potter these days. But you know what? I'm still a fan. And I always will be. Here's why:

First off, let's get one thing straight. J.K. Rowling may have said some controversial things lately, but that doesn't change the fact that the Harry Potter books are a work of art. They're beautifully crafted, with richly drawn characters and a detailed, immersive world that readers can't help but get lost in.

And sure, there are some valid criticisms of the books themselves. Some people say they're too long, or too convoluted, or that they rely too heavily on tired fantasy tropes. But you know what? Those people are missing the point.

Harry Potter isn't just about magic and dragons and prophecies. It's about friendship, and bravery, and standing up for what's right even when it's hard. It's about growing up and finding your place in the world, and learning to overcome your fears and weaknesses.

And that's why I'll always love Harry Potter. Because even though I've read the books a dozen times, they never get old. They're a reminder of the best parts of childhood - the sense of wonder, the excitement of discovery, the joy of reading a truly great story.

Now, I know some people will say that we shouldn't support J.K. Rowling because of her recent comments. But you know what? I'm not going to throw out something I love just because of one person's views. I'll continue to enjoy the books, and I'll continue to critique the author's words separately.

As Mark Twain once said, "A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read." Well, Harry Potter may be a classic, but I'll keep reading it over and over again. And I'll keep loving it, no matter what anyone else says.

So, haters gonna hate, and critics gonna critique. But I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for the Boy Who Lived, and the world of magic he inhabits. At the end of the day, Harry Potter is about something bigger than just one author's views. It's about the enduring power of storytelling and the magic that comes from immersing ourselves in a truly great book.

Lori Lightfoot’s Reign Of Terror Is Finally Over

March 6, 2023

Tuesday, February 28th, 2023, Lori Lightfoot's reign finally ended! Truth be told, finding out she'd lost gave me a delight eerily reminiscent of when Joffrey died in Game Of Thrones. Watching her give a concession speech after that was just the icing on the cake. Now, I'm sure the mindless shills will say some poorly thought-out version of "you just don't support black women". Not true, I don't support bad leaders who seemingly have no fucking clue how to lead. The fact of the matter is, under Lightfoot's watch, Chicago became one of the most crime-infested cities in America. All the while, rents have skyrocketed with no end in sight leading to the homeless population increasing by the minute.

Chicago Under Lori

Although I'm an immigrant, I've spent most of my life in Chicago and I've grown to call it home. Growing up in Chicago, there have always been pockets of crime, mostly on the south and westside's and even smaller pockets on the Northside. However, today, I can say undoubtedly that I've never seen the city in this bad of shape. In 2019, Lightfoot's campaign ran on cleaning up the city and people ate that shit up. Then, for four years, we watched the complete opposite happen. Actually, now that I think about it, she did manage to make "Boystown" a more central neighborhood in the city.

That said, I lost all hope in the political system a long time ago so I don't think we should be excited in any way about the next person to fill that role, they'll probably be as corrupt as all politicians are. Whoever they are, I just hope they understand that hundreds of murders every weekend isn't good for anyone. I want to take this opportunity to wish Lori Lightfoot the best in her future endeavors. I hope she finds a better career in something other than politics but with the way politics works, she might end up the president before the end of the decade. Peace!

Everyday Life

You Pretend To Like Your Co-workers Everyday

February 28, 2023

Pretending to like your co-workers has become a survival mechanism for any 21st-century job. Throughout my adult life, I've worked at several places in vastly different sectors and there's one constant, fake people. At every job I've ever had, I've always slowly become known as one of the more disliked people. Some of it was my fault and that can't be denied. However, the majority of it came from the realization of others that I'm not the type to pretend I like people that I don't. I'm the kind of person that's perfectly fine coming to work, doing my job, and going the fuck home. I don't need you to make "small talk" or any of that nonsense. I'm good with only interacting when strictly necessary.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not blatantly rude to my co-workers and I don't condone rude behavior. However, its become clear that people have a nasty habit of conflating lack of interactions with having bad interactions. It's simply appalling to imagine that people truly believe they have the right dislike someone for not interacting with them the way they want you to. In my opinion, there's no more narcissistic element to our society than that.

Lastly, most people work shitty jobs for shitty pay and have nothing to be cheery about. If you're a happy-go-lucky person at work knowing that reality; good for you. On the hand, I choose not to be a professional ass kisser, particularly when I'm not compensated even moderately for it. Furthermore, if you're the kind of person that thinks other people have to interact with you the way you want them to; you're what's wrong with the world. The reality is, your co-workers are not your friends. If they could afford to never work again, you'd never see them again. Peace!

Everyday Life

Peaceful Protest Is Bullsh*t

February 23, 2023

Peaceful protest is nonsense that has been propagated by elites/mainstream media to keep average people complacent. Quite frankly, it's bullshit. I want you to think about all the times that innocent people have been taken advantage of throughout history. The Great Depression and Slavery are the 1st things that come to mind for me. Now, take whatever instance came to mind for you, and tell me what prompted it to get resolved. I bet you it wasn't done through loud chanting and verbal stances. It was aggression, force, and violence.

Peaceful Protest Fail At Amazon

Just a few years ago, we saw it first hand with amazon. For years, amazon employees had been working under shit conditions for shit pay. They'd complained to their bosses, requested raises, tried to unionize and advocate for better working conditions but been foiled at every turn. Then, as with everything, it hit a breaking point. The workers decided to start striking and not working which Bezos still didn't necessarily care about. But, then they occupied the blocks of some of his mansions, they even set up a guillotine in front of one of them and guess what, they still didn't get the minimum wage increase they wanted. However, if they'd actually started recking his mansions and breaking shit, they would've probably made some progress to towards their goal.

One of the best philosophers of our time, Jordan Peterson rightfully says, " the threat of violence keeps interactions between men civil". He's completely right because men largely know what its like to be punched in the mouth. However, I would amend that statement slightly by saying, "the threat of violence keeps situations among people civil. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not openly advocating for violence against anyone. However, in that situation, clearly Bezos understood that the protesters outside his homes posed no real threat to him. Now, he would've probably taken them more seriously and actually increased their wages had they actually done something to force his hand. Well, that's it for today. Peace!

Woke SJW’s Should Have Their Own Country

February 21, 2023

For a time, being "woke" was a badge of honor in society. It meant that you saw/acknowledged the implicit injustices and prejudices prevalent in the world. It didn't necessarily mean you were trying to do anything about them but it did mean you acknowledged their existence. Over time, the term has morphed into something more insidious. When you hear the term "woke" now, you immediately think of a person who's ideologically driven to the point of madness. They're typically very passionate about their cause and view themselves as the worlds leading moral arbiters. Furthermore, they believe this pseudo-morality gives them the latitude to appalling ideas and rhetoric that have no logical foundation. What's worse, is that these people seem to be multiplying as the year's progress.

Who The Woke Are

These people tend typically have the same characteristics as well. They are progressive leaning, activist types that champion LGBT movements, which aren't inherently corrosive things. However, once you see how these people attempt to apply their ideology practically, you get a sense of why they're so insufferable. The American political system was founded upon the principle of respectful discourse; its the basis of the 1st amendment. Furthermore, the 1st amendment provides latitude for the best, most sound ideas to manifest themselves. Over the past years, it has become clear that this principle is under siege. The "Woke mob" as they've become commonly known as, do not engage in respectful discourse, and they don't want to. Any discourse with one of these people typically degenerates rapidly primarily because most of their ideas have no logical foundation to support them.

Why They Should Have Their Own Society

That said, I think the "woke" should have their own country apart from the rest of us. I think they should have their own society and be granted land that's capable of sustaining their basic needs (food, shelter, etc.). Then, we should bid them farewell and good fortune as they navigate the intricacies of developing a new functional nation. I say this because some of their points do have an ethical basis. For example, they should feel like they can express themselves free of judgement, and they should be able to call each other what ever pronoun they choose on what ever day they feel like choosing it. However, the rest of us should not have to participate in the practice of their ideology either.

To that end, I think it'd be relatively easy to get them their own country because they make up a small percentage of our overall societal population even though they seem to be the loudest on social platforms. I also think their ideas and practices would be so stupid that their society would collapse into chaos within a decade, so we'd just be able to reclaim the land once they've destroyed themselves. We'd just have to redevelop once they've had their way with it. Peace!

Sports (mainly basketball)

Why Is Allstar Weekend in Utah

February 17, 2023

Outside of the finals, Allstar weekend is the biggest attraction of the NBA. It's typically a spectacle that's geared toward the fans. However, for some reason, this year they're having it in Utah, which is clearly not geared toward the fans. Utah is probably the most bumble fuck state in the country. I mean seriously, who wants to go to Utah for an "extravagant" weekend in the Mormon capital of the world? Now, no disrespect to Mormons, we respect all religions, but no one's clamoring to visit that state. I actually wouldn't be shocked if there were only celebrities and Mormons there all weekend.

Now, why would the NBA even choose to hold it there to begin with? My guess, Salt lake city, Utah is a particularly small market and events over the past few years may have left the Jazz organization financially crippled. Therefore, the NBA is doing this as a way to generate revenue for the Jazz organization. At least that's the only thing that makes any sense about this. Historically, Allstar weekend has usually been held in mid to large market sized cities because they attract the most spectators and generate the most revenue. This move is unprecedented for the NBA so something has to be up. Peace!

Everyday Life

People Who Write Bad Reviews

February 16, 2023

If you're the kind of person who writes shitty reviews for fast food places, you have serious issues. For you to take the time out of your day, to go out of your way to write any review, let alone a shitty one, tells a lot about you. It says you're vindictive and that you don't have shit better to do with your time. What's worse is the expectation that most people that work in the places you frequent are happy all the time. I'm gonna burst some bubbles here; they aren't. Typically, they work for a shitty company, get paid a shitty wage, and have to deal with shitty people often. So, next time you walk into one of these places, keep that in mind and check your privilege at the door.

Writings Reviews Is Petty

The only thing you should be expecting from any of these people is that they provide you the goods/services you requested. Now I'm not saying you should accept disrespect from anyone. If an employee is going out of their way to disrespect you, by all means, get offended. But, to think these people have to be uppity just because you walk in is delusional and narcissistic. Furthermore, when you come at someone with negative energy, you should expect the same energy to be reciprocated.

Conclusion

"I had bad customer service"; shut the fuck up. The term "customer service" in itself is just a blanket term people use when they want their asses kissed. The truth is, you want people to kiss your ass and make you feel special and when they don't, you get upset. But guess what, you're not special. I'm not special. As a matter of fact, there are very few people in this world that are truly special. The very fact that you're the kind of person that leaves shitty reviews proves it. Grow the fuck up and keep your animosity to yourself. Peace!

Lonely Women Get Spiteful Around Valentines Day

February 14, 2023

For most people, Valentines day is a day to celebrate love. I think it's a day that was manufactured for businesses to make money off of female emotions. But, that's a story for another day. Almost every single year of my adult life, I've noticed a disturbing trend around this time of year. Women, typically college educated, get a little more irritable than usual. They're set off by things that seem benign by nature and that anger gets exponentially larger the closer Valentine's day gets. I've realized that these women are lonely and angry as a manifestation of that.

Valentines Day Impact

Women are much more socially influenced than men are, its just a fact. So, I can imagine that watching your friends go on dates and receive flowers and chocolates while you're not getting so much as a text can be very upsetting to these women. You work hard, have a good job, and deserve love. Actually, you don't deserve shit. No one cares about how hard you work, and you don't deserve anything you don't earn in this world. So save yourself the pity party and start learning how to make yourself more attractive so you don't have spend Valentine's days buying yourself chocolate and crying on the couch. That brings me to my last point; Galentines.

Galentines

Galentine's for those who don't know was a marketing spin on Valentines day to include all the lonely bitches out there. Its one of the saddest things I've ever seen. Women who don't have any meaningful intimate relationships are being told its ok that they have no one, which is obviously a lie because it make them unhappy. Then again, I see the genius behind the idea. Monetizing the insecurity of lonely women can be profitable, particularly if they're too naïve to realize it. So, while I don't think it's an ethical way to make money, I understand business isn't always ethical.

That said, speaking to women(people) directly, "your loneliness is not anyone else's problem. You're not entitled to act like a cunt because you don't have a significant other". Become a better version of your, so next year when this time comes, you'll have someone to celebrate it with. Peace!

Sports (mainly basketball)

Brooklyn’s Final F*** You To Kyrie

February 10, 2023

Kyrie being traded to the Dallas Mavericks is the biggest trade of this NBA season so far. For those of you that don't know, get out from under the rock you've been living under. That said, kyrie made a power move last week by demanding the Nets franchise offer him a contract or trade him. The contract he was seeking was reportedly worth over 200 million dollars for the next 4-5 years. If I was a betting man, I'd bet Kyrie thought the nets would just cave and offer him the contract. But, the Nets didn't want to commit all that money to a player that they don't think is dependable. So they traded his ass. By the way, I think they have ample evidence to support their skepticism. But, I still don't think they should have traded him.

Brooklyn's Kyrie Trade Scenario

At the end of the day, you should always do whatever you can to retain talent given its rarity. But since they did end up just trading him, lets just talk about that. Typically when a player as talented as Kyrie requests a trade, a frenzy ensues for teams to try and acquire them. But in this case, that didn't really happen. There were only 4 teams that entered the fray (the 2 L.A. teams, Phoenix, & Dallas). For days after the trade request was made public, the speculation surrounding the situation was that Kyrie would eventually end up with the Lakers which was what we all wanted to see and reported where he wanted to go. However, he ended up in Dallas with Luka Doncic which clearly wasn't by choice.

So, how did he end up with Dallas? The truth paints a picture about human nature that's actually pretty hilarious. So, throughout his tenure in Brooklyn, from an organizational perspective, Kyrie was a tumultuous figure to say the least. In my opinion, Kyrie's stances were commendable, but then again, I'm not a multibillion dollar corporation trying to make money. The reality is, the Brooklyn Nets wanted to stick it to Kyrie with this trade. They traded him to Dallas and took back a haul that really doesn't help them despite him wanting to be with the Lakers whose trade assets would've suited the Nets better. What I think happened was, the Nets owner was so pissed with the totality of Kyrie's tenure and that he had gave them an ultimatum that his anger overrode his logic so much that he wasn't even trying to make their team better.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kyrie Irving should be a Laker, but the pettiness of the Brooklyn Nets owner didn't allow it to manifest. I do have to say, I am a little bias because I'm a LeBron fan so take that with a grain of salt. I just really wish Kyrie's ended up with my Lakers. Thanks for reading. Peace!

Sports (mainly basketball)

Year 20 LeBron Is Better Than Apex Melo

February 1, 2023

LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of his generation. In my opinion, He's the G.O.A.T., but others are entitled to think what they want. Anyways, in year 20, I repeat, in year 20, LeBron James is averaging 29 pts a game, 8 rebounds and 7 assists a game. He's not only putting up those numbers, but he's doing it on 51 percent from the field. Typically, when stars begin aging in the league, their stats and efficiency plummet as well. In the case of LeBron James, both his stats and efficiency have remained constant. In some cases, particularly with his points, they've actually increased in recent years.

Melo Stats Compared To LeBron

Growing up, people considered Carmelo Anthony one of the best scorers of all time. At his peak, whichever year you want to choose, Melo averaged 29 pts a game, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. However, when you look deeper into the numbers, Melo put up his 29 on about 45% or 48% (depending on the year you choose) from the floor which isn't bad, but also isn't better than 51%. Also, you can make the case that basketball is a sport where players have to play both offense and defense, and the stats I've presented don't mention that, it'd be valid. However, even at his absolute best, Carmelo Anthony was a average-below average defender. LeBron, who clearly isn't the "All-NBA" defender he once was, is still average-above average on that side of the ball.

Lastly, it should go without saying, but LeBron is lightyears ahead of Melo when it comes to facilitating for his teammates. Therefore, if LeBron in year 20 is as good, if not better on defense as apex melo was, better at facilitating, and better/more efficient from the floor, then he's clearly the better player. That being said, Carmelo is a legendary basketball player. He was and probably still is a better shooter than LeBron, we don't want to disrespect him in any way. But, there are levels to this and LeBron is just in a class of his own. No one ever thought we'd see this man doing what he's doing in year 20. It's an absolute spectacle to watch him work. LeBron, thank you for your service. We will miss you when you're gone. Peace!

Everyday Life

The Worst Kind Of Racism

January 31, 2023

Racism is woven into the fabric of this America. But, what isn't talked about enough is the forms it manifests in. There's interpersonal racism, systemic racism, and intrapersonal racism. Now, there are probably many more, but I don't feel like looking them up and delving into all of them today. I'm not delving into all the ones I've mentioned either. Today is strictly to talk about the racism that hits me the most profoundly, intrapersonal. I don't even know if it's a real term, but that's what I'm calling it. Intrapersonal racism, like all racism, affects black people the most. It is the racial prejudice that's shown by black people to black people. I have both perpetrated it and been on the receiving end of it several times.

Past Racism Experiences

For example, I've seen people that look like me walking around late at night (at a time I probably shouldn't be out either) and had a visceral defensiveness to the fact that another black man was in my vicinity. However, I noticed a white guy walk past me one day at around the same time and I didn't have that same reaction. Why did I feel less threatened by this person who for all I knew, could have had way worse intentions. I've seen my father assume a driver that cut him off on the freeway is black simply because they had tinted windows. I say that to say this, this runs very fucking deep.

The worst way I've seen this racism manifest, is in the people we choose to support. Most black people would rather support someone of another ethnicity in any endeavor than support another black person. To me, this is the most egregious of them all because, I see the racism from ethnic groups coming a mile away. But, when people who look like me and share my experiences also don't want me to succeed, its hits different. It's like a gut punch of the highest magnitude. That being said, we need to do better. I take responsibility for my role in it, but I'm only one person, it has to be all of us. We've been at the bottom for too fucking long, and this is a primary reason. Peace & love!

Dating/Relationships

The Unholy Trinity: Short, Fat & Broke

January 24, 2023

If you're short, fat, and broke, why should women want you? Now we speak critically about women a lot on this site, so it's only fair to keep the same energy for men too. Some of us guys are out here being just as delusional as women are. I've been broke for a good portion of my life and still am now. I can't be out here thinking I'm gonna attract top-shelf, bad bitches man. I'd be delusional to think that way, and some of you truly believe that you deserve bad bitches. Now, this doesn't mean you won't get lucky and think don't sometimes happen, but you cant start expecting that.

That said, if you want those top shelf, bad bitches, focus on what you can control. You can't control that you're short. However, you can get fit, and you can get your money up. If you're not willing to do that work to acquire the things those girls want, don't complain when they don't want you. First off, I'm assuming most people have been alive for quite some time so you should know that complaining isn't going solve any of your problems. In order to get the outcomes you want in life, you must work for them, anyone who thinks otherwise is foolish. To reiterate, fellas, you cannot be short, fat, and broke, you can be one of them, but not all three. Thanks for reading. Peace!

https://www.youtube.com/@canceledthoughts

Everyday Life

Music Isn’t Music Anymore

January 15, 2023

Music is a transcendent, centripetal force. It binds the human race across generations of time. Music is a record of history that symbolizes the creativity and intellect of its era. The 60s gave us disco, the 70s gave us rap and punk rock, the 80s/90s gave us great hip hop and the 2000s gave us pop. Throughout these eras, we've seen an evolution of the greatest compositional genres of human history. The 2010s gave us mumble rap, a genre defined by lyrics so bad that no one can understand them. Throughout my lifetime, I watched music devolve into degenerate garbage and its permeating into broader society.

Mumble Rap Music

Mumble rap tends to glorify drugs, violence and really just stupidity. As I mentioned earlier, music is a manifestation of the intellect and creativity of society during its era. Therefore, what does "mumble rap" say about our era? It certainly doesn't say we're creative or intelligent. As a matter of fact, I would argue that it displays the exact opposite. If you think I'm lying, I'd ask you to find 10 widespread mainstream hits from the last decade that you can understand the words and promotes positive productive depictions of society. It's almost as if there's been a rapid "Benjamin Buttoning" of music since the middle of the previous decade. Its actually gotten do bad that people have just began looking towards music from other parts of the world which isn't necessarily a bad thing but, is clearly an indictment on the music in their own country.

I love music. It has helped me through some of the toughest times off my life. However, I don't see how the garbage that's been polluting or soundwaves can possibly be having the same impact on other people that it had on me. As a matter of fact, I think some the increases in suicide, assault, battery, and a host of other crimes are directly correlated with the degradation of musical proficiency we've seen over the years. America needs transcendent music, particularly through the tough times. Please bring it back. Peace!

I Stand For Free Speech, Now Put My Microchips In Your Brain

January 14, 2023

Are microchips a good thing? Elon Musk seems to think so because his company's developing microchips he eventually wants everyone to insert into their brains. We hold the firm belief that to achieve the unprecedented levels of wealth Elon Musk has attained, there is a degree of intelligence/insanity that one must possess. The wealthiest people in the world are oftentimes either driven by greatness or by power. One of those characteristics is beneficial to society while the other is oppressively destructive to society. Furthermore, here lies the problem; as mentioned earlier, a degree of intelligence is required to achieve what Elon has achieved. Therefore, we know he's intelligent.

As Jordan Peterson has stated in the past, "greatness can be mimicked by those who seek power". Particularly, because we want the great to be powerful. However, what tends to happen with people only seeking power is that once they get it, they only seem to want more of it. In the case of Elon Musk, he may be truly great, which is rare in our species. He's created electric cars and shot rockets to space. However, while his intentions my seem pure on the surface, some of his recent actions may require a bit of skepticism. On one hand, he's purchased Twitter under the publicly stated motive that he stands for free speech. However, a case could be made that he only bought it because he wanted the power to control it instead.

Neuralink Microchips

Then there's the variable of "Neuralink", the microchips one of his companies is developing. This microchip inserts directly into the brain and supposedly gives a person direct access to the internet. However, I'd be remiss not to ask, what else could this microchip do, could it be accessed at will by its manufacturer and used to literally control people's minds, or could it quite literally just blow someone's fucking head off? In the past, people have been quite skeptical about such things, particularly because of their potential to cause catastrophic damage. Also, if Elon were a power hungry maniac, what better way to sell people on the idea of putting your chips in their brains than to point to your track record of building electric cars and "fighting for free speech". Not to compare the them, but no one predicted Hitler and Stalin's capacities for the atrocities they committed.

Close

All in all, we are not condemning Elon Musk, merely stating that there are reasons to skeptical about some of his moves. Being great is rare and there are very few people who are truly great. Elon might be one of them, but he could also be an evil narcissist. We should learn from the mistakes of the 20th century and ensure they never manifest again. Greatness doesn't seek power, but power does seek greatness. Peace & Love!

Media (Movies/Tv Shows)

What Was “The Matrix Resurrections”

January 12, 2023

The Matrix is one of the most beloved film franchises of my generation. From a film critiquing perspective, looking back on it, aside from the 1st film, they weren't written all that well. While I appreciated the other two films, my personal favorite was "Reloaded" because it was action-packed. Then they decided to release a fourth movie. I admit, when it was announced I was geeked, I'd always hated what happened to Neo at the end of "Revolutions" and the way it ended. Then, I watched it and in one movie, they annihilated an already mediocre franchise. Bad writing decisions would be an understatement. This film was the epitome of garbage.

Actually Watching The Matrix Resurrections

That said, I take full responsibility for my disappointment. I fully should have known what I was in for with the recent trend in Hollywood. I'm honestly just glad that I watched it on HBOMAX and didn't waste any of my hard-earned money on it. I seriously couldn't believe what I was witnessing, I wonder if Lawrence Fishburne read the script and decided he wanted no part of it. I also think the actor they had play Morpheus was one of the few bright spots of that abomination. Furthermore, the nonsensical need for this "equality" agenda being pushed in all our movies is the main reason the box office is seeing record lows in terms of profitability.

Lastly, I will say this again, women do not make good superheroes, nor do they want to. Women want their men to be the superheroes. Sure, a small minority of women might, but its just that, a small minority. The idea of both Trinity & Neo being omnipotent inside the matrix seems ludicrous and unrealistic. It almost seems like a gross (naïve) misinterpretation of the laws that govern nature and people are seeing through it. Not only are they seeing through it, their rejecting it in the only way that matters, we aren't paying for it anymore. Peace!

Media (Movies/Tv Shows)

I’m Not Mad At Warner Brothers for Rebooting The DCU

January 11, 2023

Warner Brothers, James Gunn in particular, has come under fire for the decision to recast some roles in the "detective comics universe" (DCU). Furthermore, I'm not mad at it. At first, when I heard Henry Cavill was being replaced, I was pissed! But when I thought about it deeper, it made sense. For the last decade or so, Warner Brothers has been the worst-run media entertainment company in America. They've made nothing but bad decisions for as long as anyone can remember. Since a new regime's in place at the company, it's wise that they want to have a clean slate. Furthermore, the reboot allows the company to erase any lingering artistic debacles from manifesting themselves going forward.

As an aside, we as fans are finally going to get to see just how good James Gunn really is. As he's going to have free rein to do whatever the hell he wants with this universe that's in dire need of saving, there will be no excuses. I for one, have never really been a huge fan of Gunn. I thought the GOTG movies were ok but by no means lifechanging. Furthermore, I thought what he did with the suicide squad was better than the previous iteration but again not as good as the hype it received. I just hope Warner brothers will finally start doing right by the fans before its too late. Peace!

Pop Culture

Dear Gen-Z, All Your Favorite Rappers Will Probably Be Dead Soon!

January 10, 2023

Gen-Z might be killing their favorite rappers indirectly. Throughout human history, music has provided our species with an escape from the harsh realities of life. Particularly, for black people during the era of slavery, music made life bearable. Throughout history, that music has undergone several transformations. However, this recent iteration of music has taken a turn for the worst, particularly in the "rap" genre. Rap is the most popular genre of music in the modern world. The most widely consumed form of rap is the rap that's promoting the drug dealing/consuming lifestyle. Some may say, that rap has always promoted that and they'd be right. However, the issue with that is, just as music has evolved, drugs have evolved as well. Where "rap" of the past promoted drugs like weed and cocaine, rap of today promotes synthetic drugs(Molly, Fentanyl, Xanax, Percocet's, etc.). Now I'm not a doctor, but these synthetic drugs are much more potent than weed and cocaine.

Lil Peep

That being said, in recent years, there's been a trend of rappers fatally overdosing. From rappers like Juice Wrld to people like Lil Peep just to name a few, that have died recently. What's more concerning is that this trend of music seems to not be course-correcting. Their rappers are continuing to live a drug-infested lifestyle, which is being portrayed in the music their fanbases are listening to, and they're ultimately dying as a manifestation. Lastly, the market decides what the popular, so there must be some accountability for the fans because the artists curate their music based on their preferences. Peace!

Everyday Life

Inflation Is Rising But Nobodies Gotten A Raise

January 8, 2023

Inflation has almost become a buzzword over the past few years or so. In particular, over the past year, the cost of living has increased dramatically. Companies across the board have been raising their prices succinctly. However, these companies haven't done a damn thing to help their employees account for the price increases they all know are happening because of inflation. What's more insidious is the stupid employee surveys that companies circulate. The surveys ask questions like "what can we do to make the workplace more enjoyable?". You can't imagine how patronizingly stupid a question this is. Employees since the beginning time have been asking for more money, the idea that anything else will make them happy is just wishful thinking. Peace!

Technology

We’re More Connected & Disconnected Than Ever

January 7, 2023

Social media has connected us in an unprecedented way. Suddenly, the physical distance that previously regulated our interactions has been made obsolete, which is a tremendous innovation. I mean, I can talk to my father who's in Nigeria from my Chicago apartment with little to no effort. I am thankful to the Mark Zuckerberg's and Jack Dorsey's of the world for creating and maintaining such revolutionary inventions. However, these inventions are not all upside. There are major downsides to this technological revolution that I don't think we quite know the implications of just yet. If you have the time, "the Social Dilemma" on Netflix is an intriguing documentary that everyone should watch. It outlines some of these deficiencies thoroughly from the perspectives of some of the very people who developed these applications.

How Disconnected And Connected We Are

Today, I'm only going to talk about one of the major deficiencies I've noticed in my time on social media. During my time on these social media networks, I've noticed that they've had a paradoxical effect on me as well as others around me. The very thing they are designed to do is connect us. But, recently I've been feeling more disconnected from the world than ever before and I think it's a manifestation of this tech. I find myself staring at my phone screen far more than I ever thought possible. I've been doing it so often that I've been missing out on some the innate beauty that's prevalent in my city. I find that I often times notice random pieces of architecture on streets that I walk on everyday, I notice less beautiful girls than I once did, and it feels like it's only accelerating.

Lastly, these devices we've become addicted to have made us completely forget how intersexual dynamics work. Men and women nowadays are living in our own bubbles, with very few of us venturing out of them. What's happened as a consequence, is that men and women have forgotten the fundamentals of the opposite sex. Men have started acting feminine, while women have started acting masculine. Therefore, dating has suffered catastrophically. We really need to so something to fix this issue because the survival of our country/species depends on it. Again, this is just on of the ways technology has connected and divided us, hopefully we'll be able to go into more depth in the future. Peace!

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