Today, lovelies, I offer my thoughts and  simultaneously introduce you to a unique  and interesting  story. One sure to leave you in awe upon completion, when the realization truly  sets in that it is a tale of truth rather than fiction.   Trust and Betrayal: The Levit Fernandini Story by Louis Romano  offers us a perspective from a darker corner  of life. A chance to wade the large, complex, waves of family, crime, and the justice system alongside Mr. Levit Fernandini from the comfort of our seats. Who is this man, you might ask? Well, many things come to mind. A troubled youth turned criminal? A man on the run. A man staring down the cold, steel, barrel of turmoil and betrayal. Even an infamous ex-drug lord. Fernandini checks all those boxes and more.   His story will give you reasons to suspect nearly everyone he knows. Perhaps too, Levit himself. Though it is also my job— yes, a self-appointed position —to warn you that you may find yourself the same as me. A spectator, in any way that matters, looking for a life raft to bring him ashore despite knowing what he's capable of.   Although, having finished the story before the likes of any you can get your hands on it, it may be just  as fair to call Fernandini a loyal man with a difficult past, a muddled  future, and famous  friends (if you haven’t heard of Daddy Yankee or Nicky Jam  then you've lived your life under a smaller rock than me and it’s about time you get some air).   You'll find it a fairly simple and comfortable read for the reality of its complexities— trust me when I say you'll be thankful for the careful consideration of the audience. Clear in its explanations, where given, and short enough to read away. While you’re there, weighed with the ups and downs of Levit's life and so too where they intersect with every individual with the potential to drag him from his throne, remember that the story is just one  truth among the billions on the planet that deserves telling. No matter the past, present, or future.   Please keep celebrating every voice, every pen stroke, keystroke and mind that brings stories to life and attention to differing perspectives, like those of Levit Fernandini, and everyone in-between.   Happy reading! You can find the book and more by Louis Romano HERE .

Most people have heard the saying "people don't quit jobs , they quit bosses " right? And with the tides on a wayward course to unseen waters, especially with younger generations no longer aligning with the stringent bold lines of those who came before them, I'm reminded of that very sentiment. Although I've been out of the workforce under someone else's rule for several years now (albeit the circumstances that brought forth that change weren't ideal), I still remember all the days and nights reflecting on my workplace environments. I can intimately recall every unappreciated moment, every time I was underm ined by a supervisor or manager, the boulder-weight expectations higher ups never had to be responsible for, the soreness of working too many hours on my feet and knowing my body would feel worse tomorrow. Scraping pennies together, the false "like family" statements for the most toxic places, and much more. Today, these practices still exist despite the damage. And with the horror sh ow that is the current and conflicting job market, there's an idiom that speaks the quiet parts out loud: when it comes to not keeping a job or the ones people refuse to work altogether, there's more than meets the eye. So, as I am making my way uphill with the rising potential to break the chain as a boss of my own team on the horizon, I thought it a perfect time to address this topic. Regardless of the generation or spitting daggers for different experiences, bad leadership is bad leadership . If a workplace can't keep or retain workers, it's not always the little guys' fault. Sometimes, it starts at the top. Taking on that point of view... Here's 10 Red Flags that could make for a very rotten workplace . 1. Lacking respect . It's never hard to spot disrespect within the job. As jobseekers or current employees, we as a whole tend to ignore these things. Maybe because we assume it won't always be there, or perhaps we feel it is too late and we must deal with a degree of it to keep the job. Even customers are sometimes lacking, right? It is true that everyone has their days and the 'customers always right' attitude is still very prevelant in society, but lacking respect in the workplace shouldn't be normalized. Even more, it encompasses more than this. Lacking respect for employees/co-workers includes not respecting boundaries (like personal questions after voiced objection), often wanting you to work overtime without adequate breaks, the boss telling you to clock-in early just because you're there and hour early, cheaping you out of overtime pay, and requesting more work after the end of shift. 2. Lacking accountability. As surprising as it is that this problem still exists, most workplaces have a dotted line that leads around the chain. On one end you'll find a shroud of underpaid, undervalued and tired workers whose bright ideas and work ethic is often fed to the higher-ups like an ugly game of telephone version human centipede . Yikes! And on the other, the people who get the better pay and all the credit. So, this one is for all the people that have had a supervisor, manager, and/or director turn a blind eye to a problem they were a large part of. Or when they took credit for another co-worker's task completions, work or ideas. Especially for any position that has command over others, you'll find that a lack of accountability in the workplace is a large step in a downward spiral. 3. Not sticking up for what's right. For the most part, this one speaks for itself. I don't know about you, but if I had a nickle for every time someone other than me should have spoken up on another person's behalf, more so in the case of a leader in the workplace but didn't, I'd have been rich after my second job. Not only does it go a long way for building trust with employees, it also holds every worker accountable for their own words, actions, emotions, decisions or lackthereof. Sound familiar? Even if that meant facing another supervisor just to give someone under you a voice. That's the kind of workplace that gains and wins over their people. Falling short in this area not only breeds insecurities but shines a light on a company's lack of morals, too. 4. Dismissive words and actions. Similarly to the last, dismissive words and actions in the workplace also spells disaster for all who enter a job. For example, ignoring the list that workers bring to your attention which makes their jobs more difficult, or what makes them unhappy. Not only does this make it more likely that workers will not inform you when problems arise, but it will also disrupt any harmony among all employeed. Sometimes, this might even include taking down the posted board in the breakroom with "harmless" jokes pinned to photos of employees faces on them that half the workplace contributes to. 5. Affable flappable . You may wonder why this one is in its own category and perhaps even, what affable means. First off, affable means friendly, good-natured, easy to talk to. Although it has some similarities to the previous mention on the list, this one goes beyond dismissing. It is the Inflexible. Not being open to ideas. Never making room for one-on-one talks and group meetings. It's not giving everyone the opportunity to have a voice because, for some reason or another, it's deemed unimportant. Where you would normally seek to follow a leader that is affable, it falls short. Hence, flappable . For most things, 'importance' is subjective but that does not diminish its impact on the workplace. Regardless of how big or small something seems to be from our own point of view. Higher-ups need to leave the door of communication open , be receptive to what they hear, and keep the environment comfortable enough that everyone can speak of their feelings and thoughts in a respectful manner. A workplace where communication is not a priority is a workplace bound to failure . 6. "Family" values. Next up is something that probably needs to be chucked out of the heads of every leader in every workplace. Most of us have been there. Sitting at a job interview, nervous and trying not to show it. Likely really needing a job as soon as tomorrow. We conjure up our remaning energy, not knowing if we will be hired in the first place. Among the interviewer's questions and comments comes that dreaded sentence: "we're like family here." Most often, your stomach drops at the sound of it and you're no longer sure you need the job that bad. That adverse reaction, my friends, bubbles up in the tummies of most workers and job seekers because the reality is that statment and the truth usually orbit different galaxies . In today's world, these words signify a strict, heavily toxic workplace that is not only unforgiving, but will guilt trip you into more work in some shape or fashion. Not to mention, never have any true "family values" to speak of. Perhaps just as bad, they are the first to mention that a friend or family member stopping in the establishment, even if you're perfectly doing your job without distraction(s), "gets in the way of work." If you were like me, you might have experienced this several times over until the thought of those well-mannered friends (in my case) presented a moment of benefit to the company itself. For example, when I worked at a popular company known as FROYO, I was asked not to let my friends come and sit to enjoy the yogurty goodness simply because we were close. Disregard the fact that they were paying customers who frequented the area, their own friends and family members stopping by, and that part of the enjoyment was being able to see a friend for five minutes in the checkout line. Of course, one of the nights that my manager would not be in on the bussiest day of the week in summer heat and I worked the entire store myself from opening to closing, I was quickly allowed to "request" those friends' help to clean and close so I wouldn't get paid overtime-- SIGH . So, yeah. It would be a million times better if the person saying such words were a current worker who was being genuinely honest and happily offered their opinion on the job, but if you really must say it, at least do your part to back it up. Do business and treat the workers like friends and family, or don't claim it. The reputation already speaks for itself. If anyone else uses it and doesn't go against the grain, there's no coming back from it. The company would have to consider itsellf lucky that they managed to reel anyone in after the initial claim in the first place. 7. OYO, Sorry! This one is yet another that practically speaks for itself. It is a common occurance in a workplace with broken leadership. It could be your first day, a random weekend of little to no training, or during a time where it feels like the building is on fire and crashing down around you. The OYO, or the "you're on your own" approach that has never helped anyone. Not far from the feeling of being tossed into a year three Chinese language course when you don't know a word of the language--it is always unwelcome. The sorry is just a false sense of politeness. It probably goes without saying but, all workplaces that leave their employees stranded aren't far from losing them forever. 8. Dishonesty. I know what you're thinking. Didn't I cover the "dishonesty" under "lacking accountability" on the list? Well, I did mention a kind of dishonesty that might be displayed by a higher-up taking the credit for someone else's work, but this one might come as a surprise. This shadow under the umbrella is about lying about the job. I might ruffle a few feathers with this one. Contrary to popular opinion, sometimes it's the employers that lie, not just the occasional job seeker on their resume. Not being upfront about what the job requires (especially cold-calling or door-to-door sales), the workload, or working expectations are all lures and lies all too often utilized in the market. Bonus points here for lying to customers, while expecting employees to do the same , and making it a norm in the workplace. And in case you didn't get it, if you're doing so then absolutely no bonus points for you. In fact, negative 1000 points for each lie you've told. Employees swallow a lot of bitter pills in the workplace, but this kind of lie only sends bile up the back of their throats on their way out the door. If dishonesty is how you gather your team, you need a better plan and marketing team. As they say, honesty is the best policy. Otherwise, assuming your company feels it cannot retain a team while being honest about the job, get going on hiring workers through visas. If it is really true that you cannot hire anyone/no one else wants the job(s), you have every reason to show it and outsource the work. 9. Perfection Expectation. Onto number nine, yet another on the list that explains away itself. If you have a new job where you are expected to be perfect from the moment you walk in and carrying that weight around in every task, that workplace just might be rotten. If you are still questioning the circumstances I'll give an example. This happened to me when I answered an ad in the window of a popular sushi place. Although I was told directly that experience wasn't needed, I should have known from the side eyes as I walked in for my first shift that it was going to be rough . The shop was in an affluent area. Its Japanese owner greeted me nice enough. He fetched a paper pamphlet menu from behind the counter, pointed in a general direction towards the back of the place not far from the buffet line, and told me to seat guests. This was definitely an OYO moment (with a sprinkle of dishonesty) as he did not give me any time to learn the menu nor have anyone on the floor train me. It became evident, however, that absolute perfection was expected of me in the first 15 minutes. The third time I was told "those aren't your tables" I was pulled to the side. The owner asked how I thought I was doing and I responded "terrible." He nodded at me and I just told him "thank you for the opportunity" and that I would just go. It was long before the planned end of my shift, but I was glad for it and never looked back. I was so mortified, confused and offended that I didn't even go back to claim my 40 dollar check from the resturant the next day. It was one of the longest 3 hours of my life . And the only time I left a job the very first day. All said and done, I still look back at that memory and feel glad that I learned several other things to look out for when stepping onto the floor of a new workplace but no one should expect a single employee to be perfect. Of course, there were multiple failings that contributed to my negative experience in the downtown Sushi Ai that day, most of which are already listed here. However, it could have been a simple learning experience and considering the no-experience-necessary assurance, that's exactly what should have been happening there. Just don't end up like me. As for the management, practice makes perfect, right? And first, the inexperienced has to learn. It's your job to teach the job. Strive for quality rather than an illusive and false concept like perfection. Otherwise, your rotten fruit will chase away your company's potential. 10. Workplace bullying. Number 10 is probably your largest red flag that a workplace in a path to ruin. The moment that you see the job placing gossip on a pedestal, or managers, supervisors and owners look the other way during incidents of harassment, defamation, slander, libel, and passive aggressive behavior, it's alredy time to get out. That's right, bolt to freedom, don't collect your 200 dollars (unless, of course, that's really your check because you'll obviously need that). In any case, it's a sign, no matter what position you have within the workplace, that things probably need an entire overhaul just to get rid of the problem. That, and many people are obviously getting away with subjecting others to terrible treatment. That's not a "little guy" problem. Not only should any leader aim to create and upkeep a safe environment for anyone under their employ, they should care just as much about not scaring their workers by the time they've left. It hurts their chances of having any good workers return, the employees could suffer debilitating or irreversable damage to their psyche, and of course there's also the possibility of a lawsuit on the doorstep. If this sort of thing is happening at your workplace, even worse if you are/were like me and had your supervisor join in or co-workers lock you in the industrial freezer , don't expect it to simply blow over. And for the leaders ? Do better. So, there you have it. 10 Red Flags in Workplace Management . Re-living some of these moments, it's almost surprising how easy it is to be plagued with all my original emotions. And if that isn't a deterrent to the general workplace environment of the modern world then I don't know what is . Less surprising, I know I'm not alone. We've collectively, as a people, developed scars from the very experiences that are supposed to help us live out, and afford - that's a conversation for another day-our place in society. There's always a common thread somewhere. No matter if you're considered to be Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, or whatever label surfaces next. Now imagine the way it should be. How impactful a good workplace environment would be. One where it isn't always hard to be heard or understood. Where it isn't just blamed on the people at the bottom . Where management and the rest of the higher ups treat you like the human being you are . A place no one wants to leave because the statement "like family" is an embodiement there. Imagine green flags . That's what everyone wants and there's nothing wrong wth younger generations knowing their worth , let alone striving for it. The truth is, workplaces like that exist but they are a rarity and near extinction . All of us, no matter our own experiences, should encourage a world where the young continue to fight for a better future. If you have room to be offended by that then you are comfortable despite the damage because it isn't happening to you , are benefitting from the current system, or you're perpetuating it.

Hello, Hello! It's been a while since I've posted a blog and even longer since I suggested films for some action-packed weekend fun! Life has been a little crazy on my end (let's not get into the details), and I realized I needed a break. Since I'm still away from my games (😭), I thought I could at least fall back to something else I liked. For some much needed time to recuperate. Maybe, just maybe, I'm not the only one? Here's some action movie suggestions for you and the family, some of which you might have never seen. Please expect more suggestions, and blogs, to come! Kill Me Three Times (2017). Let Simon Pegg take you on an a one-of-a-kind actiony adventure. Phone Booth (2002). A man with secrets stalked by a man who is a secret? A mystery in a phonebooth. A Janitor (2022). A Japanese action film about a janitor named Fukami (Fukushi, Seiji) with a bloody past. Don't worry. We get to enjoy from afar. The Childe (2023). A film following Marco (Kang Tae-joo), a half korean half Filipino taking care of his sick mom who needs surgery. Hunted and bombarded with danger, he's in for a shock. Set It Off (1996). Even if it's just been a while, it's worth a re-watch. If you haven't seen it, you just might have been living under a rock. An awesome film with 90s ladies leading the way to greener pastures. Starring Queen Latifah, Jada-Pickett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise. Level 16 (2018). A Canadian science fiction movie. Two girls are about to learn that their "school" has a trove of hidden secrets. Who says they aren't perfect after all? Honestly not much action, more thriller but an interesting watch. Breach (2007). Eric thinks he's getting his big break in the FBI once he gets the chance to work with a big-shot in the field. Unfortunately, things aren't so simple. The Girl With All the Gifts (2016). Sennia Nanua stars in this film as Melanie. A girl who is immune to a virus plaguing the world, trying to understand herself and carrying the future's possibilities along with her. More wholesome than action. The Jason Bourne Film Series (2002-2007). Could you imagine being part of the CIA as a killer but diassociating the entire time and not sure you remember it? Five movies starring Matt Damon. Emphasis on the third film, The Bourne Ultimatum. The Witch: Subversion (2018) & The Witch 2: The Other One (2022). Out of Korea comes something interesting. An action-horror film about a high school girl, a group of strangers, and its sequel. Mayhem (2017). An action-packed performance from Glen--I mean Steven Yeun. It's not TWD but things do get messy! Chronicle (2012). Three teenagers gain powers from contact with the unknown, changing their lives and the bond they'd built. Anyone else sure that Michael B. Jordan's body levels up throughout his years in film but he forever has a baby face? BKO: Bangkok Knockout (2010): A Thai film showcassing a group of teens with a variety of martial arts under their belt kicking butt? Scoot over. Eastern Promises (2007). What does the death of a teenager, a pregnancy, and the Russian mob have to do with each other? In this movie? Everything. And Naomi Watts is about to find out. Deliver US From Evil (2020). Who says assassins are the only ones who chase? In this film, an assassin is chased down for a murder he committed while in Thailand to solve a kidnapping case. Re: Born (2006): Japanese action film about a supernatural soldier. It was new to me. Who knows, you might like it. Plane (2023). A pilot and a prisoner work together to save passengers. A film starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter. It's worth a watch just because these two are in the same movie. The Departed (2006). Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Mark Walhberg star in the same crime thriller. Expect action and corrurption my friends. Safe House (2012). When Denzel Washington is smirking at you from the other end of the screen do you ask questions or just watch? I thought so. Ryan Renolds is there too. How neat is that? Clash (2009). A Vietnamese action film, also known as Bay Rong, for some extra Asian drama fun. Enjoy all the martial arts Veronica Ngo and Johnny Tri Ngyune have to offer as they team up for another movie (previously starred together in a film called The Rebel). Searching (2018). Although this film is a bit more thriller than action, John Cho made waves in the industry with this role, a father on the search for his 16 year-old daughter. It gives a similar feel to the 2013 film Missing starring Nia Long and Storm Reid. The Fearless (2006). Jet-Li is at it again in this martial arts film. I think that answers most of your questions. Just enjoy the butt kicking. Haha. Black Panther (2018) & Wakanda Forever (2022). I don't think that there's anyone out there (at least with the internet in the past 6 years) who hasn't seen these two beautiful- visually appealing-movies. I still can't believe how they did Auntie Angela Bassett in the second movie, but that's okay, we can enjoy them both a hundred times. There better be a third film to make up for the second. R.I.P Chadwick Boseman.

< Back Fae or Foe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Cracklock Saga ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars. Fae or Foe? By C.A Deegan. A true moment of not judging a book by its cover. This story plays all the right mindgames with the audience! True to its name, the story will make you wonder which of its intriguing characters truly have alterior motives or pose no harm. Particularly in its beginning. There were many things that changing perspectives accomplished very well, for example, a good deal of foreshadowing and explanations. It was also nice to have a peek into the other characters' minds. Personally, I think it was a great choice for their tale. Speaking of characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the part Jack played in the story. The moment he stood up to the LeFey twins, the blossoming of friendship between him and Jimmy (who I found myself particularly fond of), and the narrow escape(s) to freedom from a moment of good intentions. He's a good boy. Aunt Elsie, though a quite boisterous woman, was a lovely addition to the story. I immediately surmised that she likely held a pivotal role in the mysteries Jack was trying to solve. I always adore characters that are more than they appear, and I found Elsie to be all that and more. She has a wonderful personality and a lovely spirit. I also loved how caring and passionate Dorcas was. She is both sweet and feisty in the best of ways. Although. I must also say I was thoroughly relieved to see more personality come out of her. I especially worried, given the mismatched patterns of her accent and the vague connections of a house slave that constantly resurfaced in my mind (albeit she lacks any such force or confinement). Likely, it is unintentional, though not altogether negative even if it had been otherwise, but her descriptions also align with this thought. So, compounded, these gave me pause and made reading the story take a bit longer when her character came into any scene for me. However, it doesn't take away from her. Most of all, I loved that Dorcas lived up to her reputation and was not written off as a useless character. So, there it is. And here I am, invested and interested to see how events will unfold throughout the series. I found the power dynamic to be a bit odd, the switch at the end leading into part of what we as the audience can reasonable assume to be a/the focus of the next book a little awkward, and the meshing of Jack and Jimmy's personalities towards the end of the book unexpected but any small qualms were just that. To me, they don't warrant taking off any stars. I hope that each character will continue to be as memorable moving forward.

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