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Authentic Integrity by Justin Staples


Original post on LinkedIn @JS Interactive

Captain Jack Sparrow captivated my imagination. Did you see the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie? It was so compelling and intriguing. 

I couldn’t look away from the screen. I had no clue what was going to happen next. The story hinged on old Captain Jack. 

But you couldn’t tell if he was “good” or “bad.”  Would he help the heroes – or sabotage their hopes?

I won’t spoil it for you. 😉

While unpredictability makes for a compelling story, it creates terrible dynamics in real life. I never want people to feel that way about me. That is, to wonder if they can trust me. If I’ll follow through. 

Over the past year, AI has taken the internet by storm. But I’d like to invite you to consider joining me in the AI revolution our world desperately needs – Authentic Integrity.

Be Authentically You

“Just be yourself” is easy advice to give, but challenging to live. At least consistently and with integrity. 

You cannot be authentic online, at work, or in your personal life unless you truly know yourself. 

And love who you truly are. 

Theologian Tim Keller wrote that to have self-awareness is one thing. To have self-regard is another. 

Who you are is a mixed bag of beauty and brokenness, pain and courage, resilience and cowardice. Human beings have the mind-boggling capacity to squander charmed opportunities – and endure through unspeakable horrors. 

The key is being honest about all of who we are. Our history. Our strengths. Our weakness. Our successes. Our failures. 

And perhaps most importantly – our desires. That is, what motivates us at a visceral level.

Recognizing and embracing our whole selves allows us to live authentically and not as a projection of what we think we should be. 

Authenticity empowers us to have integrity. 

Can You Just Be Yourself – When No One is Looking

C.S. Lewis said, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

You can live this way by embracing your strengths, weaknesses, and desires.

Motivation is everything. People will hear your words, but they will feel your motives. The subtext.

Just like you, others will “read between the lines” of what you say and what you desire. 

With your day-to-day decisions and big-picture ambitions – why are you doing what you do? Is it to benefit yourself regardless of what it costs others? Or is it to serve others even when it costs you?   

What tempts you to take a shortcut? 

What could cause you to take a stand?

Who would you take a stand for?

What would drive you to do the right thing even if you never see the benefit?  

You can use whatever words or techniques you want to lead or influence others. But the people you lead, serve, and report to will feel your motivation. We must be honest with ourselves. 

Sometimes, doing the right thing is simply saying – “I’m sorry. That was my fault.”

Admitting our mistakes isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength – integrity. When my team at JS-Interactive makes a mistake, my response is simply, “To err is human.” 

Why? 

Because it’s true, I know firsthand! I make plenty of mistakes. I require patience and forgiveness. And I sincerely believe the best about the people on my team. I hope for the best for them.

I try to treat them as I’d like to be treated. And sometimes, that means having uncomfortable conversations. 

Respecting Others Requires Speaking the Truth in Humility

An ancient Proverb says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”   

As a business leader, I believe I can “call people up” rather than “call people out.” 

Equipped with self-awareness and self-regard, we can believe and pursue the best for our colleagues, clients, and employees. 

That will require having uncomfortable conversations about performance, soft skills, and more. 

At their deepest level, I believe that people want to do a good job and lead a meaningful [life] filled with purpose while contributing to the betterment of society. 

When we cultivate a culture of cooperation and encouragement, we can offer constructive criticism without negativity or selfishness. 

And receive it. 

We Will Rise and Fall Together

The AI revolution is upon us. There’s no going back. People will flip through their news feeds and wonder – did a robot write this? 

Underneath that question is a deeper one – Is this real?

I believe AI is what will differentiate brands in the not-too-distant future. And I don’t mean Artificial Intelligence. I mean Authentic Integrity. 

You be you. 

Know yourself. Love yourself. 

Be dependable. Consistent. Be a blessing. 

In a world filled with artificial hope and inconsistent follow-through, we can under-promise and over-deliver. 

Let’s courageously and humbly step into the revolution our world is desperate for: Authentic Integrity.

Join the conversation

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ChatGPT: Africa 

https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

From my first session with ChatGPT   

I find most of these ChatGPT answers unsatisfactory. ALKEBULAN is the ancient indigenous name for the continent we call Africa. In Kemetic History of Afrika, Dr Cheikh Anah Diop writes, “The ancient name of Africa was Alkebulan. Alkebu-lan “mother of mankind” or “garden of Eden”.” Alkebulan is the oldest and the only word of indigenous origin. It was used by the Moors, Nubians, Numidians, Khart-Haddans (Carthagenians), and Ethiopians. The word *Africa* is European (derived from Greek or Roman words referencing Northern Alkebulan People). This chat dates everything to Roman and Greek occupation. The continent is obviously much older than those civilizations.

LJ: Where was Judah in Africa? 

ChatGPT: Judah was not located in Africa, but rather in the Middle East. In ancient times, Judah was a kingdom in the southern region of the Levant, which is roughly equivalent to the modern-day regions of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. The Kingdom of Judah emerged around the 9th century BCE and was centered on the city of Jerusalem. It was one of two kingdoms that emerged after the division of the united Kingdom of Israel following the death of King Solomon. The other kingdom was the Kingdom of Israel, which was located in the northern part of the Levant. 

LJ: What does the Kingdom of Whydah translate to in English? 

ChatGPT: There was a historical kingdom known as the Kingdom of Whydah, also spelled as Ouidah, which was located in what is now the West African country of Benin. The name “Whydah” or “Ouidah” is believed to have originated from the local Fon language, and its precise meaning is not entirely clear. However, it is thought to be a combination of two words: “wé” meaning “water” and “dah” meaning “shore” or “landing place”. Therefore, one possible interpretation of the name “Whydah” is “landing place on the water” or “shore by the water”. 

LJ: Why do people think Whydah and Ouidah are the same as Judah? 

ChatGPT: There is no factual basis for linking the names of the Kingdom of Whydah (Ouidah) in West Africa and the Kingdom of Judah in the Middle East. The two kingdoms were located on different continents, separated by thousands of miles, and existed in different historical periods. 

It is possible that some people may have been confused by the similarity in the sound of the names and attempted to draw a connection between them, but such claims have no basis in historical fact. It is important to rely on verifiable sources and evidence when making historical and cultural connections, rather than relying on unsupported claims or misconceptions. 

LJ: What is the original name for Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia? 

ChatGPT: The names of Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia have evolved over time and have been referred to by different names in different periods of history and by different cultures and peoples. 

The name “Africa” is believed to have originated from the ancient Roman word “Africus,” which referred to the winds that blew from the north across the Mediterranean Sea. The term was later used to refer to the land to the south of the Mediterranean, and eventually came to encompass the entire continent. 

The ancient Egyptians referred to their country as “Kemet,” which means “black land” in reference to the dark, fertile soil of the Nile River delta. The Greeks and Romans called the country “Aigyptos” and “Aegyptus,” respectively, which is the origin of the modern English name “Egypt.” 

Ethiopia, which is located in the Horn of Africa, has been known by different names over the centuries. The ancient Greeks called the region “Aethiopia,” which means “burnt-faced” in reference to the dark-skinned people who lived there. In the Amharic language, the official language of Ethiopia, the country is known as “Ethiopia” or “Ityop’iyā.” 

It’s worth noting that the names of regions and countries are often influenced by the languages, cultures, and perspectives of the people who use them, and may change over time as a result of shifting political and cultural dynamics. 

LJ: What did Egyptians and Ethiopians call Africa before the Greeks and Romans arrived? 

ChatGPT: The ancient Egyptians and Ethiopians had various names for their respective lands, but there is no record of a name that referred specifically to the entire continent of Africa before the Greeks and Romans arrived. 

The ancient Egyptians referred to their land as “Kemet” or “Kmt,” which means “black land” or “the land of the blacks,” in reference to the dark, fertile soil of the Nile River valley. The term “Kemet” was later used to refer to the entire region of Egypt and Nubia (modern-day Sudan). 

The ancient Ethiopians referred to their land as “Habesha” or “Abesha,” which is still used today as a term for Ethiopia and its people. The name “Ethiopia” is believed to have been derived from the Greek term “Aithiopia,” which referred to the lands to the south of Egypt and was used to describe the people who lived there. 

It’s worth noting that the concept of a single continent known as “Africa” as we understand it today is a relatively modern construct, and was likely influenced by European colonialism and the scientific exploration of the continent in the 19th and 20th centuries. 

LJ: What was the longest reigning civilization in Africa? 

ChatGPT: The question of which civilization was the longest reigning in Africa is a difficult one to answer definitively, as the continent has a rich and diverse history with many different civilizations rising and falling over time. 

However, one of the most well-known and enduring civilizations in African history is Ancient Egypt. Founded around 3100 BCE and lasting until its conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, Ancient Egypt spanned thousands of years and saw the rise and fall of many different dynasties and rulers. During this time, Egypt developed a complex system of writing, religion, art, architecture, and government that influenced not only its own people but also neighboring cultures in Africa and the Mediterranean. 

Other long-lasting African civilizations include the Kingdom of Kush (also known as Nubia), which flourished in what is now Sudan from around 2500 BCE to 350 CE, and the Aksumite Empire, which ruled over what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea from the 1st to the 8th century CE. 

LJ: What do Africans say about the transatlantic slave trade? 

ChatGPT: The transatlantic slave trade is viewed as a deeply traumatic and tragic event in African history. Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and families, and sold into slavery in the Americas, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world. The effects of this trade continue to be felt today in the form of economic and social inequality, as well as cultural trauma. 

However, it is important to note that Africa is a diverse continent with many different cultures and viewpoints, and there is no single “African” perspective on the transatlantic slave trade. Some Africans may feel a deep sense of loss and anger over the atrocities committed during the trade, while others may be more focused on the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. 

LJ: What is the relationship between Egypt and Canaan in the Bible? 

ChatGPT: In the Bible, Egypt and Canaan are often depicted as neighboring regions with a complex and sometimes adversarial relationship. The biblical account of the relationship between Egypt and Canaan begins with the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt. Eventually, Joseph rises to become a powerful figure in Egypt and is able to bring his family, including his father Jacob (Israel) and his brothers, to live in Egypt. 

In the Book of Exodus, the relationship between Egypt and the Israelites, who are living in Egypt as slaves, becomes strained as Moses demands that Pharaoh let the Israelites go. After Pharaoh refuses, a series of plagues are sent by God to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Eventually, the Israelites are able to leave Egypt and begin their journey to the Promised Land, which includes the land of Canaan. 

Throughout the Old Testament, there are references to conflicts between the Israelites and their neighbors in Canaan, including the Canaanites, Philistines, and other groups. Egypt is sometimes depicted as an ally or a potential enemy, depending on the historical context. 

Overall, the relationship between Egypt and Canaan in the Bible is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the historical realities of the ancient Near East. 

LJ: What is the relationship between Egypt and Israel in the Bible? 

ChatGPT: The relationship between Egypt and Israel in the Bible is complex and multifaceted, with various events and interactions recorded throughout the Old Testament. Here are some key points: 

  • Exodus: Perhaps the most famous event involving Egypt and Israel in the Bible is the story of the Exodus, in which Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and towards the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the book of Exodus and is a cornerstone of Jewish and Christian theology. 
  • The patriarchs: Before the Exodus, the Israelites were living in Egypt as a family of 70, as recorded in the book of Genesis. The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) had all visited Egypt at various times in their lives, and Joseph (one of Jacob’s sons) famously became a high-ranking official in the Egyptian government. 
  • Interactions with pharaohs: The Bible records several interactions between Israelite leaders and Egyptian pharaohs. For example, Joseph was favored by Pharaoh and helped him during a time of famine. Later, Moses and Aaron had a series of confrontations with Pharaoh, demanding that he release the Israelites from slavery. 
  • Conquests and alliances: After leaving Egypt, the Israelites frequently came into contact with Egyptian armies and other neighboring nations. At times, they formed alliances with these nations (such as the Amorites) in order to conquer other enemies. 

Overall, the relationship between Egypt and Israel in the Bible is complex and multifaceted, with a mixture of cooperation, conflict, and cultural exchange. 

LJ: Is there historical documentation of the Biblical interactions between Egyptians and Israelites? 

ChatGPT: Yes, there is some historical documentation of the Biblical interactions between Egyptians and Israelites. The most well-known historical event involving the two groups is the Exodus, when the Israelites were said to have been enslaved in Egypt and then led out of slavery by Moses. While there is no direct historical evidence for the Exodus story as told in the Bible, some scholars believe that there may be some basis for the story in historical events such as the Hyksos invasion of Egypt in the 16th century BCE, which involved a group of foreign rulers and may have led to a large-scale displacement of people. 

There are also some references to Israelites in ancient Egyptian texts, including the Merneptah Stele, which dates to the late 13th century BCE and contains a reference to “Israel” as a group living in Canaan. Other Egyptian texts mention a group of people called the “Apiru” or “Habiru,” who may have been related to the Israelites. 

Overall, while there is some historical evidence for interactions between Egyptians and Israelites in the ancient world, the exact nature of these interactions and the accuracy of the Biblical accounts remains a subject of scholarly debate. 

LJ: Does ChapGPT include data from African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries?  

ChatGPT: Yes, as an AI language model, ChatGPT has access to information from various sources, including data from African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries. The model’s knowledge is based on the training data it was fed, which includes diverse sources of information from around the world. However, it is important to note that ChatGPT’s responses are generated based on patterns and correlations in the training data and do not necessarily reflect objective truths or the full complexity of any given topic. 

LJ: Why does it feel as if I’m receiving westernized answers to my global and historical questions? 

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I strive to provide unbiased and factual information based on the data available to me. My responses are generated based on the information that I have been trained on, which includes a wide variety of sources from different parts of the world. However, the availability and accessibility of data can sometimes be limited by factors such as language barriers, cultural biases, and historical perspectives. 

Additionally, it is important to note that the perspectives and interpretations of historical events and cultures can vary depending on the source and the person interpreting them. It is always recommended to seek out multiple sources and viewpoints to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a topic. 

LJ: How many languages are you able to read, translate and communicate in? 

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I can understand and generate text in many languages. My primary training data includes English, but I can also work with languages such as Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and many others. However, my proficiency in each language varies based on the amount and quality of training data available. 

LJ: What would I have to do to relocate from the United States to Dakar, Senegal or Accra, Ghana or Cairo, Egypt? 

ChatGPT: Relocating from the United States to Dakar, Senegal, Accra, Ghana or Cairo, Egypt would involve a number of steps and considerations. Here are some general steps you may need to take: 

  • Research the country: Before moving to any new country, it is important to do your research. This includes learning about the culture, language, customs, and laws of the country you are considering moving to. 
  • Obtain a visa: Depending on the country you choose, you will need to obtain a visa to legally reside and work there. You can find information on visa requirements from the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to relocate to. 
  • Find housing: Once you have obtained a visa, you will need to find housing. This may involve renting an apartment or house or purchasing property. You can use online resources to research housing options and connect with real estate agents in your desired location. 
  • Plan your finances: It is important to plan your finances before moving to a new country. This includes setting up a bank account, obtaining health insurance, and understanding the cost of living in the country you plan to move to. 
  • Arrange for transportation: You will need to arrange for transportation to your new country. This may involve booking a flight and arranging for transportation from the airport to your new home. 
  • Learn the language: Depending on the country you plan to move to, you may need to learn a new language. It is important to start learning the language as soon as possible, ideally before you arrive in the country. 
  • Connect with others: Finally, it is important to connect with other expats or locals in the country you plan to move to. This can help you navigate the culture and make new friends. 

Overall, relocating to a new country can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is important to plan carefully and do your research to ensure a smooth transition. 

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Marriage or Happiness?

(Thoughts on a thread of comments from social media earlier this year.)

Joy like breathing

He said, “Committing to joy is like breathing. You don’t have to think about it. Joy is easy. Commitment is hard. Commit to hard things.”

This viewpoint seems incredibly detached from a life lived in reality and truth. It comes across as untried and devoid of any emotional awareness.

After reading this comment, I spent most of the day thinking about the people and activities that have brought me joy and how difficult or illusive maintaining connection or a routine has been.

On a very basic level, nothing makes me as euphoric as a long bike ride with amazing scenery and long breaks to take it all in. Yet I haven’t been on my bike in nearly two years.

I call a nice hot sauna the joy of my life. Yet I’ve only been able to enjoy three sauna visits in the last five years.

These two relatively simple things are easily within my power, resources and ability to enjoy daily or at least as often as the thought crosses my mind, yet it’s been years since I’ve committed to making them part of my regular self-care routine. Why? Because commitment requires time. Commitment requires focus. It requires attention and intention. There is always something more urgent or important to do with my limited time and energy than cater to myself. Or so I keep telling myself.

I responded to a comment on a thread about a woman choosing to love herself over remaining in an unhappy marriage. Many of the commenters called the woman selfish. Nearly all of them scoffed at her happiness. Quite a few seemed to scream: Marriage is duty! Not happiness!

Quite frankly, I’m flabbergasted.

While it’s true I don’t know anyone who is happily married, I have always thought that carefully choosing a compatible partner could lead to a happy union. With this in mind, I commented, “Commitment should be rooted in things that bring joy. If you’re committing to a painful, distressing situation, that’s your prerogative, [but not] the purpose of marriage.”

Comments from the from the original Facebook post:

Marriage is not about self love. Marriage is a duty. It’s commitment. This is more that just about how you feel after reading, self-help books and doing yoga. Marriage requires obedience to your vowels [sic].

Found self love and destroyed her family.

Sorry I have to disagree, marriage is work and is a covenant and to simple say it’s about me and my happiness shows me she didn’t seek God first.

Unpopular opinion: Screaw [sic] your happiness when it breaks up your family. I didn’t’ hear anything about her husband cheating, beating, or talking down to her. It was all “my happiness” “self love” me” and “I”. this is a very selfish outlook. It’s an outlook that’s going to cause a lot of woman to grow old and die alone. Marriage is not about your happiness it’s about commitment. This annoying.

Bullshit. You decided to commit to someone and bring in life… then decide you needed to be happy? I hope she realizes how ridiculous she sounds.

WOWOOOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!

thejuicypeach: those comments aren’t wrong through. Marriage is all those selfless things…. Which is why I’ll NEVER do it again. You’re literally supposed to put your commitment above everything including your happiness. Damn that.

HarvestPhoto [me]: Commitment should be rooted in things that bring joy. If you’re committing to a painful, distressing situation, that’s your prerogative, that [but not] the purpose of marriage.

thejuicypeach: The issue lies in the fact that you can only choose what YOU’RE rooted in. You can still fall victim to your partner choosing something or someone else. Then you’re stuck bc of some stupid vow you took. No thank you.

Harvest Photo: How are you stuck? Every day consists of choices. Choose different. Especially if your spouse isn’t choosing you or your relationship.

NothingToSeeHere2023: By definition, you don’t need commitment if the only thing you are committed to is your own happiness.

[….]You don’t need commitment if what you are committed to 1st and 2nd is your own happiness. Vows are made for difficult circumstance, not shit that’s already easy to do. Committing with the caveat of happiness being paramount at all time would be like me vowing to breathe.

HarvestPhoto: Read for understanding. You’re inserting a lot of things that weren’t said or implied. Joy is not easy to maintain, yet it can be a natural occurrence. If you want to commit to a difficult thing that bring you no joy, by all means do so., it’s your prerogative (as originally stated).   

What remains shocking about these comments is the idea that a woman’s joy or happiness in her marriage is a selfish nonstarter. How dare a woman seek to not be at war with her humanity and her choices? The fact that so many women commented with deep vitriolic disgust tells me that many are as deeply unhappy with their choices and partners than they want to admit. So unhappy, in fact, that they insist that those seeking to self-correct their course, forget about their own self-care and continue to suffer in silence for the sake of the “union” and children.

What union is their in discord. If two people are not content with one another, there is no way they are living in harmony. If there’s no harmony, how are they living as one? Do people still believe children don’t sense discord? That children aren’t affected by their parents’ unhappiness?

My parents never divorced but my dad was out of the house for the last eight years of my mother’s life (my pre-teen/teen years). He was abusive and I did not want a relationship with him. More importantly to me, I wanted my mother to have a man who was worthy of her goodness. I was her divorce advocate and her cheerleader when she expressed interest in suitors. My mother has been gone for nearly thirty years. I usually write a poem or journal to her on her birthday. This year’s piece wistfully wondered if she had ever found joy in life.

If you are unhappy, don’t allow your legacy to be overshadowed by your child’s sadness for your unlived life. No parent wants their child to be unhappy. Yet most fail to show happiness to their cHildreth.

Self-care is a beautiful practice that infiltrates the hearts and minds of children and improves their outlook and expectations.

One action changed my worldview

After years of witnessing my mom and an aunt get beat by their husbands; and of me being a victim of sexual violence by these same men, it took only one instance of witnessing another aunt call the police on her husband the first and only time he put his hands on her. She was in the wrong that day. She was yelling at him about something. She followed him from room to room twice over in the apartment. He kept saying OK, OK. He didn’t want to argue. Finally, he grabbed her by the shoulders, perhaps he shook her, and he said, “OK! Leave me alone!” That’s it. She called the police. They came. He was taken away, not charged, but he slept someplace else that night.

I was fourteen. That was the first time I saw a woman fully protect herself. No matter my opinion on the circumstances, my aunt became a superstar in my eyes. Their marriage didn’t last long. Because discord and she had no respect for him. Yet his gentleness and earnestness showed through in everything he did. Of all the uncles I have, he is the only one I called uncle.

This aunt is indeed very selfish. She thrives on conflict. And she pursues her pleasures above everything and everybody. She’s on her fifth marriage. She loves carnal love and wants nothing more than to be adored, but she’s not a good partner or supporter. Everyone she has ever loved has been scorched in some way, myself included. However, she is the most wonderful counterbalance to staying in a situation for the sake of someone else. Or staying for the idea of duty and marriage. I needed to see her in action. I needed to understand that the options in front of me are never everything I have access to.

In me, both sides of my family see this aunt and my mom. My mom was the caring strength of the family. She was the nurturer, the feeder, the gentle lover, and forgiver of everybody and everything. My aunt’s focus is solely to enjoy life on her terms. Now that she’s in her latter years, she may be hurt that her children and exes have grown and moved outside of her will, but that doesn’t stop her from looking for her next great adventure.

It may seem incongruous to have such disparate women as my life models. I admit it took years for me to accept their warring personalities within me. Fortunately, over time, I settled into my personalities as I learned more about my needs, wants, and goals. I’m okay with the way I share my gentler side and the way I erect and maintain my boundaries. I’m fine working to exhaustion then resting and pampering myself beyond any period of time folks deem reasonable.

We are so much more than what others would limit us to.

My aunt is content with who she is and has shared no regrets with me.

Even though I wonder if my mother experienced joy in her short hard life, she was clear about her priorities and what she wanted. She was intentional about doing what she had to do to get to her next level. And she knew I was rooting for her to enjoy all that she could.

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Why are men so frustrating?

Why are men so frustrating? The older I get, the less patience and interest I have for their foolishness, especially when unsolicited and unnecessary. This particular interaction resulted from me asking two professional contractors for information on day laborers.


I didn’t cover in the video that I was also extremely taken aback by how forcefully these two men (black) were against the idea of me getting help for anything less than an exorbitant amount of money. Even as I repeatedly explained that I could move the materials (70 drywall sheets from driveway to second floor) over a period of days on my own, but getting 3 to 4 men to help would reduce the task to about an hour or so. Definitely less than two hours. Not only did they insist the task helpers get paid, but they were insisting on union rates of $85 to $100 per hour per person. I asked repeatedly if they were serious, and they never deviated from this ridiculous opinion.

As an active laborer on a project I’m personally financing, it’s hard for me to take anyone seriously when they speak condescendingly from a one-dimensional perspective. The union contractor bragged about keeping a full wallet and being on the job for 35 years, but his 2 examples of paying more than double a decent rate for basic services told me he doesn’t know anything about money or project management.

I may seem frugal, but I’m working with what I have. Becoming reckless with my limited resources will not get me to a completed project.

That being said, I’ve learned a great deal from most of the contractors I’ve worked with and those who bid on work but didn’t follow through. Without a doubt, the best information initially came from me knowing nothing and the men happily talking my ears off. However, I took notes. Most provided fuller contextual information when I followed up with my progress updates and questioned what they meant when they said xyz.

I’m still a novice, but I don’t require hand-holding. And I certainly don’t have time for outright foolishness.


#homerenovation #tools #toolcenter #contractor  #union #uniontradesman #realestate #labor #diy #realestatefinance #getitdone #how you can

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Beach Day: Ebb and Flow of Life

Every year, for as long as I can remember, I’ve tried to make time for a beach day.

Varying degrees of access

In New York City, getting to a not-so-crowded beach meant commuting for over an hour. Walk to the subway. Take the subway to Penn Station for a Long Island Railroad train to a beach of choice. I usually went to Jones Beach, which was a short walk from the train stop.

I rarely arrived while the sun was high and super hot, but I do recall struggling as I roasted with no shade on the hot sand.

That being said, I lived on an island – Manhattan. Every day outside was an opportunity to see, walk by, ride alongside, or sit near the water. So, getting to the beach once a year to put my feet in the ocean was a symbolic goal.

I didn’t realize how much water was part of my daily life until I moved to Tucson, AZ. The closest beaches were four hours south,  Rocky Point/Puerto Peñasco, Mexico on the Baja Peninsula, and six hours west to San Diego, CA. The highway ends at the Pacific Ocean.

I figured I could do a road trip a year for beach time, and life would be fine. I made it to San Diego one time before leaving the Southwest.

In Milwaukee, Lake Michigan, a practical sea, is less than ten minutes from my door.

Me touching water for the year.

Though I get to the water often, to peek at it, moon over it, decompress with it, I rarely get close enough to touch it. To wade in it. Certainly never to swim in it.

Lake Michigan is more accessible than the Hudson and East Rivers were in New York. Certainly more accessible than the Pacific Ocean is to Arizona.

Now that I think of it, I don’t think I heard waves from the piers in New York City. The city is full of so many sounds, it’s hard to isolate soothing rhythms.

Appreciating greatness

Perhaps that’s why I love Lake Michigan so much. The sound and the power. It’s expanse. Within minutes of sitting near the water, all I hear is its symphony, engulfed in its fresh smell. The breeze coming off of the water is both flirtatious and nurturing with eye-catching color changes and luminosity.

Get out and touch water

Bodies of water are rejuvenating, envigorating, life-affirming.
The push and pull of the waves. The retreat and reach of foam caps. The way the water ripples and shimmer as it stretches into the horizon, connecting with heaven at the end of our sight and with our feet planted on the earth at the beginning of our frame of vision.

Ah, maybe that’s the lure. The attraction. The beauty. Touching something that seemingly touches eternity infuses the moment with vigor and greatness in a drop of simplicity.

Such is life. Full of simple moments waiting to be seen as great opportunities for whatever a life needs.

Don’t resist the Ebb and flow

As much as I’ve been pulled into the unknown vastness of the sea, I’ve also been returned to the comfort of the shore every time.

Often, people seek the rush and highlights of life. Rarely taking time to sit in nature and be reminded by the breeze of purpose. Take time to see power in the unity of drops. To recalibrate their vision with the vibrancy of nature’s color palette and sound board. Rarely do we simply exist in the space we occupy, ebbing and flowing with creation. Like a drop of rain joining with the sea to form a wave before greeting the land.

When we crash, we think it’s the end of all things. What if we viewed the crash against shore as the beginning of a cycle. No longer part of the wave, separated briefly from the sea. Until the next wave comes to gather all the drops stranded in the sand. Ebb and flow. Pushed and pulled. Retreat and advance. Wherever you are, keep moving. Ride the wave. Crash. Jump back in. Life gets better with every cycle.

Peace.

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AMC 10:1 Reverse Split + APE Conversion

Okay, folks so we are at a critical point in the AMC APE drama.

I’m not going to pretend to understand anything. We are far beyond any sense of certainty I may have had early on. We are firmly in the deep faith quadrant where my mantra is, “God has not brought me this far for nothing.

In an effort to keep it simple, this is what we need to know:

The record date and time is August 24, 2023, at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (4:00pm EST). This point in time will determine shareholders of record who are eligible to receive the Litigation Settlement Payment of one AMC share per 7.5 AMC shares held as of record day and time (8/24/23, 4:00pm EST) post-reverse split.

The Litigation Settlement Payment is different from the reverse split which are both different from the conversion. Frequently Asked Questions are linked and copied below.

The reverse split of AMC shares will happen first for AMC shares only. For every 10 AMC shares you own as of record date and time, you will receive 1 new AMC share as your Settlement Payment.

August 24th is also the last day that APE units will trade on the New York Stock Exchange. On Friday, August 25, 2023, APE units will convert to the new AMC shares at the 10:1 rate. Upon the AMC reverse split the night prior, 1 APE unit becomes 1/10th of the value of the new AMC shares. APE was not part of the class action lawsuit so it’s not part of the settlement. I believe this is why the APE conversion is a separate event on a separate day.

My only advice:

  • Be alert.
  • Watch your accounts.
  • Make sure your phone apps are up to date and ready to trade should you decide to do so.
  • Log in to make sure you have the functionality you need to buy, sell or transfer.
  • Know your numbers for profit and loss.
  • Have a strategy for shifting, exiting or continuing.

AMC Form 8-K filed August 11, 2023 with SEC

Link to Edgar: https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1411579/000110465923090981/tm2323643d1_8k.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who receives the Litigation Settlement Payment? Just the plaintiffs or all AMC shareholders?

Following and contingent upon the Reverse Stock Split and the Conversion, AMC will be required to make the Litigation Settlement Payment to all record holders of AMC common stock (not just the plaintiffs) as of a record date, which will be fixed for the purposes of determining who is eligible to receive the Litigation Settlement Payment. The record date for these purposes is scheduled to be as of the close of business on August 24, 2023, which is the same date on which the Reverse Stock Split occurs but prior to the Conversion. Once the Conversion occurs, which is scheduled to occur on August 25, 2023, AMC will issue to the record holders of the AMC common stock the additional shares of AMC common stock in the Litigation Settlement Payment on or after August 28, 2023.

2. At what date is it determined who will get the Litigation Settlement Payment?

The record date for determining the record holders of AMC common stock who will be entitled to receive the Litigation Settlement Payment is scheduled to be as of the close of business on August 24, 2023, which is the same date on which the Reverse Stock Split occurs but prior to the Conversion. After the Conversion occurs, which is scheduled to occur on August 25, 2023, AMC will issue to the record holders the additional shares of AMC common stock in the Litigation Settlement Payment on or after August 28, 2023. 

3. When will you implement the Share Increase, Reverse Stock Split and the Conversion and in what order?

The Share Increase and Reverse Stock Split must occur before the Conversion can occur in order to create the capacity in our authorized shares of AMC common stock to effectuate the Conversion. The Share Increase and Reverse Stock Split will occur on August 24, 2023 and the Conversion will occur on August 25, 2023, the business day following the Share Increase, as required by the terms of the APEs. 

4. When will the Litigation Settlement Payment be made?

After the Conversion occurs on August 25, 2023, and contingent up the Reverse Stock Split, the Litigation Settlement Payment will be paid on or shortly after August 28, 2023 to holders as of the close of business on August 24, 2023. 

5. After the Reverse Stock Split, the Conversion and the Litigation Settlement Payment, will I see applicable adjustments to my brokerage account immediately?

If you hold AMC common stock or APEs in brokerage accounts indirectly through DTC, such as an online brokerage account, the timing of adjustments appearing in your brokerage account for the Reverse Stock Split, the Conversion of APEs to AMC common stock, the Litigation Settlement Payment and any corresponding treatment with respect to fractional shares will depend on your individual brokers. If you experience delays, we encourage you to contact your brokers with any questions. If you hold AMC common stock or APEs directly with the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare, the timing of registration of shares of AMC common stock in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, the Conversion of APEs to AMC common stock, the Litigation Settlement Payment and the settlement of fractional shares and the mailing of updated statements and checks is a process that is expected to occur over several business days.    

6. Can you provide examples of how my ownership will be affected by the Litigation Settlement Payment if I own 100 AMC shares and 100 APE shares? 100 AMC shares and 0 APE shares? 0 AMC shares and 100 APE shares?

100 AMC shares and 100 APE shares: On August 24, 2023, your 100 AMC shares would become 10 AMC shares (after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split), and your 100 APE shares would be convertible into 10 AMC shares (after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split, instead of being convertible into 100 AMC shares). August 24, 2023 is also the record date for the Litigation Settlement Payment with respect to the 10 AMC shares you hold as of that date. On August 25, 2023, your 100 APE shares will convert into 10 AMC shares, at which point you will hold 20 AMC shares in total. On August 28, 2023 or shortly thereafter, once the Conversion occurs, based on the 10 AMC shares you held as of the record date on August 24, 2023, you would receive 1 additional AMC share as part of the Litigation Settlement Payment (i.e. 10 AMC shares x 1/7.5 = 1.3333 AMC shares). No fractional shares will be issued by AMC to record holders. With respect to the 1/3rd share-equivalent entitlement, if you are a record holder that holds shares directly on the register of the transfer agent (rather than through a broker), the transfer agent will accumulate fractional entitlements, sell them and distribute cash in lieu thereof. Please note: if you are not a record holder, your broker may have a different way of dealing with fractional shares, such as recording a fractional entitlement in your account or delivering cash in lieu thereof. 

100 AMC shares and 0 APE shares: On August 24, 2023, your 100 AMC shares would become 10 AMC shares (after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split). August 24, 2023 is also the record date for the Litigation Settlement Payment with respect to the 10 AMC shares you hold as of that date. On August 28, 2023 or shortly thereafter, once the Conversion occurs, based on the 10 AMC shares you held as of the record date on August 24, 2023, if you are a record holder, you would receive 1 additional AMC share as part of the Litigation Settlement Payment (i.e. 10 AMC shares x 1/7.5 = 1.3333 AMC shares). No fractional shares will be issued by AMC to record holders. With respect to the 1/3rd share-equivalent entitlement, if you are a record holder that holds shares directly on the register of the transfer agent (rather than through a broker), the transfer agent will accumulate fractional entitlements, sell them and distribute cash in lieu thereof. Please note: if you are not a record holder, your broker may have a different way of dealing with fractional shares, such as recording a fractional entitlement in your account or delivering cash in lieu thereof. 

0 AMC shares and 100 APE shares: On August 24, 2023, your 100 APE shares would be convertible into 10 AMC shares (after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split, instead of being convertible into 100 AMC shares). On August 25, 2023, your 100 APE shares will convert into 10 AMC shares. Following Conversion, since you held 0 AMC shares as of the August 24, 2023 record date you would not be entitled to any additional AMC shares as part of the Litigation Settlement Payment. 

7. How will the Reverse Stock Split and Conversion affect trading prices in AMC common stock and APEs?

Although we cannot predict specific trading prices, on August 24, 2023, the AMC common stock will start trading on a split-adjusted basis, which means one new share of AMC common stock is equivalent to 10 shares of AMC common stock prior to the Reverse Stock Split, and we expect trading prices will adjust accordingly. For comparability, the closing NYSE stock price of AMC on August 23, 2023, will be multiplied by 10. 

August 24, 2023 will also be the last trading day for APEs, which will cease trading on the NYSE on August 25, 2023 as a result of the Conversion. However, during this last day of trading, the APE trading price will not adjust in the same way as the AMC common stock trading price, because after giving effect to adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split, 1 APE is convertible into 1/10th of a share of AMC common stock. 

Accordingly, during the trading day of August 24, 2023, while the AMC common stock trading price post-split is comparable to 10x the AMC common stock trading price pre-split, the APE trading price post-split will remain comparable to the pre-split APE trading price.    

8. How will the Litigation Settlement Payment affect option contracts?

AMC does not determine and is unable to provide interpretive advice on the impact of the Litigation Settlement Payment on the contractual terms governing options contracts. 

9. How will the Reverse Stock Split and Conversion affect option contracts?

AMC expects that the deliveries under option contracts will be adjusted in the regular way to account for the Reverse Stock Split or, in the case of options contracts on APEs, the Conversion. However, AMC does not determine and is unable to provide interpretive advice on the impact of these events on the contractual terms governing options contracts. 

10. Will short sellers be required to cover their positions before the Reverse Stock Split and Conversion?

AMC expects that the deliveries under stock borrowing arrangements will be adjusted in the regular way to account for the Reverse Stock Split or, in the case of contracts on APEs, the Conversion. However, AMC does not determine and is unable to provide interpretive advice on the impact of these events on the contractual terms governing stock borrowing arrangements. 

11. How will short sellers be affected by the Litigation Settlement Payment?

AMC does not determine and is unable to provide interpretive advice on the impact of the Litigation Settlement Payment on the contractual terms governing stock borrowing arrangements. 

12. What are the key dates?

Please see the Expected Timetable of Events above for more details. 

August 11, 2023•       Status Quo Order is lifted
August 24, 2023•       Reverse Stock Split occurs•       Record date set for Litigation Settlement Payment as of close of business
August 25, 2023•       Conversion of APEs into AMC common stock
August 28, 2023 or shortly thereafter•       Once Conversion occurs, Litigation Settlement Payment in shares of Class A common stock to be made to holders of Class A common  stock as of the August 24, 2023 close-of-business record date

13. Will there be large failure-to-deliver (“FTDs”) like when the APE was distributed?

While we cannot predict the trading impact of these corporate events, given the significant transactions that will occur over successive trading days, it is possible there are large FTDs like when the APE was distributed. 

14. Will I be taxed on the settlement?

AMC believes the Litigation Settlement Payment is a tax-free stock distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 305(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Stockholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of the Litigation Settlement Payment. 

15. What is my cost basis for the settlement?

The tax basis of a share of AMC common stock held prior to the Litigation Settlement Payment (“Old Share”) is allocated between the Old Share and AMC common stock received in the Litigation Settlement Payment (“New Share”) in proportion to the relative fair market value of the Old Share and the New Share on the date of the Litigation Settlement Payment. Stockholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of the Litigation Settlement Payment.

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Year 48: Touching Grass

The morning of my birthday, my uncle called and greeted me with, “Happy Birthday, Old Lady!”

I laughed and responded, “Half of me feels old and wants to stay in bed for the rest of the day. The other half feels quite young and wants to go ride my bike!” I don’t think he expected such a response. One full of life and vibrancy.

By the end of my birthday weekend, I realized I don’t feel old at all. I’m simply tired. Exhausted. The last two years have been spent working far too much and way too hard far out of reach of anything touching my comfort zone. I haven’t focused on joy or spent time enjoying myself at all. My only pleasure has been occasional visits to Lake Michigan to sit, reflect, meditate and take pictures. No walks. No bike rides. No friend time or conversations. Very little writing and journaling.

My birthday present to myself this year was to only do things I enjoyed doing. By birth day, I mean the month of August.

Enjoying Lake Michigan from Milan to Chicago

The month began with planning a weekend trip to New York City. I really wanted to visit my former home. Take pictures, fly my drone, walk through the City, ride through Central Park take in a Broadway show or two. Eat at a few of my favorite restaurants. Oh, how I miss NYC food! 😋 Anyway the cost of such a weekend, even as budget conscious as I am now, would have been what I need for a drywall order to finish walling the second floor of my rehab.

Then I remembered InvestFest is happening the same week in Atlanta. So, I pivoted my plans to ATL. About the same cost. And the only food I’m interested in is Dinosaur beef ribs, which my stomach can’t really process. I was willing to talk myself into the expense. I needed to get out. I need to network. I need to continue learning about investing. A work trip with some good food and possible opportunities looked and sounded good.

I got as far as comparing flights. Trying to figure out arrival and departure times stumped me. InvestFest was less than three weeks out and there was no agenda posted anywhere. I reached out via social media asking for an agenda and speaker schedule. Anything I could plan around to justify spending money needed for my biggest investment, my first gut-rehab, on a trip.

As I type, InvestFest starts in three days and there is still no agenda. No schedule. Just a glob of names on a post.

Having worked at a very senior level with executives for whom I planned many townhalls, conferences, and events, nothing happens without an agenda. When you want people to show up, they need to know what, when and who they are showing up for. And speakers are not signing on without locking in the time they are expected to speak. They could’ve shared the speaking time of each daily headliner. I could’ve worked with that.

Needless to say, I didn’t book the flights. As cash strapped as I am, my time is still too valuable to be sitting in someone’s convention hall hoping to hear a speaker I want to see, then having to leave right before they start.

I’m okay waiting for the YouTube uploads.

So that’s how the month started, wanting to get away from my current daily life to enjoy moments that have no connection to me.

The way the month is going is much preferred. I love the coupons and rewards retailers and venues send email and app subscribers. I structure my shopping, eating and entertainment accordingly. A whole month sprinkled with happy moments and good food.

A few years ago, I decided the day of my birthday would be for me only. It started off as a no travel day. Wherever I was, there I would be content with whatever the day brought. Celebrations with people were for before and after.

Bitmoji joy

This year, my sister unexpectedly joined me. She was fresh out of the hospital and trying to speak to her on the phone was beyond aggravating. I was headed out for food and asked if she wanted to join me. She did. She showed up. She talked and opened up more than ever before. She shared some truths she’s never spoken on before. I was happy for the opportunity to have a whole conversation with her.

Shortly after dropping my sister off, I headed to Milwaukee Harbor to enjoy twilight. I took some very unsatisfying blurry selfies in the shadowy darkness. Sensing a challenge going night of photography, I drove around to a boat launch park for a view of the Hoan Bridge that I was standing behind while at the Harbor.

Twilight at Milwaukee Harbor

On the drive around the river bend, fireworks started blasting over the water. I must say, this was the second time in memory my birthday ended with fireworks. It’s quite the special feeling in mid-August. 🥰

I tried to get my drone up for aerial shots of the lit bridge with fireworks overhead, but the battery was nearly dead. My phone was on its last bars too, but I managed something to remember the day for.

Fireworks over the Hoan Bridge, Milwaukee, WI, August 17, 2023

All told, my forty-eighth birthday was deeply pleasing, satisfying, and full of love. I saw my sister and had a meaningful, lucid conversation with her. I spoke with an old friend. I enjoyed a favorite pastime at a favorite location. I shared plans for a future I hadn’t been able to plan for until last week.

So I commend enjoyment, for there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat and drink and enjoy themselves, for this will go with them in their toil through the days of life that God gives them under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15
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First post on Substack

Subscribe to me there!

My welcome and intro to Harvest Lifer on #Substack.

Link to Substack welcome and intro video
Harvest Life on Substack

I’ve been trying to transition platforms, formats, and models for a while. I like the idea of Patreon and may still post and share rewards from there, but I don’t  seem able to post long-form videos from my phone. Waiting to get home to my desktop will be the end of all sharing for me. 🫠

So, Substack is up for a try. Looks like I can also connect my fledgling Poscasters podcast to my Substack account which is great. We’ll see how posting audio and video to the two platforms blends with written and photo posts.

I will be uploading my email subscribers to both new accounts as I’m feeling confident these two may go a distance. There will be free and paid subscriptions. No pressure. Paid subscribers will qualify for digital and hard copies of selected images and books.

If you have any suggestions, I am open to hearing them.

I look forward to sharing more, more deeply.

Cheers and blessings,

LaShawnda

PS: Please bear with me as I navigate and learn new platforms and connections.

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Thread: Bouncing Back from Trauma by Tito Idakula

Twitter/X @TitoIdakula

Original thread post on Twitter/X

When my daughter was 18 months old, she figured out how to get out of her crib. Every time we put her in it, she found her way out. She’ll turn up at our room grinning with pride because she “escaped.” It was frustrating, but we got used to it. Everything was okay until one day…

I was downstairs in the kitchen and heard a BANG! A few seconds later, I heard TEARS and it was all I needed to know that our special climber had fallen during one of her escape missions. I ran upstairs & was relieved because the fall wasn’t too bad. Her leg had simply slipped.

It was more the shock and the unexpected nature of the fall that had her CRYING so loudly. It was understandable. Of course I gave lots of hugs and kisses until she calmed down. Needless to say, she refused to climb out of her crib after that.

Her crib is big and she still uses it. So for a whole year, she never took the risk of climbing out of the crib. Not because she didn’t know how to but because the trauma from her previous fall had her locked in a prison of fear. I tried many times but it was always a NO!

I have thought about this often. How traumatic experiences keep us bound. We don’t become all that we have been created to be because the fear of failure or pain is overwhelming. We hide our potential and pretend we don’t know it exists because it is safer that way.

At some point, we have to decide: “Would I rather try & fail or stay where I am and never be more?” God has placed so much in our hearts, but like the children of Israel, we let the fear of the unknown stop us. We just keep thinking, “What if it doesn’t work?”

But what if it does?

Today, my daughter climbed out of her crib again after over a year of being too afraid. She was ready! I noticed she climbed with a bit more caution & with a new strategy. So maybe the fall was the lesson she needed to do things “better.” Her fall was not so bad after all.

I don’t know what you have experienced or what you are dealing with, but I feel I should remind you that what does not destroy you can only make you stronger. It is time for you to face your fear and try again. It’ll either work out brilliantly or you’ll learn something.

For that person who God is calling to take bold, scary steps of Faith! Don’t let past disappointment, trauma, or even “failure” make you doubt that God is on your side and He is with you. Greater is He who is in you than anything in this world. It’s time to go again!

P.S. This is also for me. I haven’t been able to write anything for weeks, and it got harder to try. I literally wrote this because I had to accept that it won’t be perfect, but I didn’t want my fear to stop me. Praying this helps someone!

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1691522007806992384.html?s=09

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Poem: What you wanna do?

If you truly want what you want
Get up and come get it
Subliminal messaging won’t
Move you closer to touching,
caressing or holding me

Unfetter yourself
Reach out, ask, receive,
speak us into existence
Come close
Do what you wanna do
So I can be fully who I am
A blessing and a comfort
Beyond dreams and satisfaction

As you linger in the background
Answer me this:
Is we or ain’t we?
You got this?
or do I have to get you?
If I got you
Then, who got me?
Do what you want as long as
you cover and keep me
Build and cultivate relationship
Grant the joy of proximity

The grace of shared presence
until there’s no doubt
Of who WE is
You are me
I am you
We together are One
One breath
One thought
One heart
One spirit
One body

So, what you gonna do?
Stay motionless or move forward
You, me or we?
All in for everything or
Stay back for nothing but the status quo