*Hey guys, before you read this, I want to offer a foreword to my own post ahha! Look, I know this is written for guys yet it is about guys as if guys do not know themselves. That is not my intention. My intention is to provide ideas on how to better communicate and explain this topic to other people and help take the stigma off a major need I know you have. Time to legitimize it! ;)

Dearest readers, let us start with a truth bomb: relationships can be messy, complicated, and full of unspoken tension. Toss in the occasional mismatched libido, and suddenly, it is not just the dishes piling up—it is resentment too. Enter an unlikely hero: OnlyFans and pornography. Yes, you heard that correctly. Let us unpack how these two marvels of the modern world might not be the relationship wreckers everyone assumes they are. In fact, they might just be the unlikeliest of saviors, offering a unique outlet that gives men (primarily, though not exclusively) something they often crave while reducing the strain on their partnerships. Now, let us be real: for a lot of guys, sex is not just about deep emotional connection or making babies. Sure, those are meaningful layers, but at its core, sex often falls into a category that women sometimes find confusing: it is an activity, a stress reliever, even a hobby. Think of it like gaming or watching sports, except instead of jerseys and consoles, there is nudity involved. This perspective does not diminish the love or commitment you may feel toward your significant other; it is just a different kind of wiring. And here is where OnlyFans and pornography come in.

In traditional dynamics, men often lean on their girlfriends or wives to fulfill all their sexual needs. That can create fun times now and then, but the rest of the time it creates tension- especially if the libidos do not always match. And let us face it—libido mismatches are as common as mismatched socks. It is nobody’s fault; it is just biology doing its unpredictable thing. When one person constantly feels like the “gatekeeper” of intimacy, things can get dicey. Cue frustration, unmet needs, and you get relationship-wrecking tension.

Men have found outlets for many needs, norms and genetic drivers that have become socially acceptable over time. Moderate drinking, moderate legalized drugs (not the greatest start but hey...true), Call of Duty, playing sports, practicing martial arts... The only aspect of manhood that is still taboo in our society is the sexual outlet. Well, with OnlyFans and platforms like Pornhub, maybe we are on the road to this not being the case any more. 

Let us clear something up first: this is not about men preferring porn stars or OnlyFans creators over their partners. It is not even about dissatisfaction in the relationship. It is about compartmentalization. Just as a woman might go out for a jog to clear their head instead of hashing out every single stressor with their partner- or read a steamy romance novel with sex scenes bordering on consensual rape- men often use their preferred outlets as a way to scratch an itch without rocking the relationship boat. It is not emotional infidelity; it is more like a personal escape hatch.

For women who feel hurt by this, it is important to shift the narrative. This is not about a lack of attraction or love. Quite the opposite, actually. Having access to these outlets can make a guy less likely to put unfair pressure on his partner to fulfill every facet of his sexual appetite. It means fewer arguments over frequency or experimentation, and more room to appreciate the intimacy that does happen naturally. Think of it as outsourcing—not the core connection, but the extracurriculars.

There is another aspect to consider: variety. Yes, the dreaded word. Humans, by nature, are curious creatures. That does not change just because you put a ring on it. Variety does not mean a man loves his partner less or finds her less appealing; it is about novelty, plain and simple. And no, novelty does not have to threaten the foundation of a relationship. Platforms like OnlyFans offer a safe, virtual space where men can explore this novelty without the complications of real-world involvement. It is a controlled environment where curiosity can be satisfied without stepping outside the relationship. No awkward coffee dates, no emotional entanglements—just an acknowledgment of human nature.

This leads us to another sneaky benefit: better communication. Wait, what? Is porn not supposed to be the silent relationship killer? Actually, no. When handled openly and honestly, it can spark conversations that might otherwise feel too taboo to broach. A guy might learn more about his preferences, fantasies, or triggers and feel more comfortable discussing them with his partner. Likewise, a woman might feel less burdened to guess or meet every unspoken expectation. The key here, of course, is communication—acknowledging the existence of these outlets without secrecy or shame. The moment you de-stigmatize something, it becomes a lot less scary.

But what about the emotional side of relationships? Does this all sound a bit clinical, like sex is being reduced to a transaction? Not really. If anything, taking some of the performance pressure off sex can deepen emotional intimacy. When the act is not weighed down by unmet expectations or frustration, couples can enjoy each other in a more relaxed, genuine way. Sex becomes a choice, not an obligation, and that shift makes all the difference. There is something liberating about knowing your partner is not keeping a mental scorecard of how often you “deliver.” So, I guess you could say that porn, OnlyFans and really enjoying such content gives men a taste of the same power women have- the power to refuse sex as often as they go for it. The usual trope of a guy constantly begging for sex and the girl he is with constantly refusing it is something that proper utilization of porn and OnlyFans can make a trope of the past- leave it behind like a bad memory. 

Critics might argue that OnlyFans and pornography foster unrealistic expectations or set people up for disappointment in their real-world relationships. Sure, that can happen, but so can excessive scrolling through Instagram or binge-watching romantic dramas. The issue is not the medium; it is the lack of balance. When used responsibly, these outlets do not erode relationships—they strengthen them by providing a pressure valve.

And let us not forget the practical side of this equation: OnlyFans creators and adult performers are not physically there in your lives (unless we talk about someone like me ahha). There is no drama, no emotional baggage, no strings attached. For men, this can be a clean slate—a way to enjoy something visually or recreationally without complications. It is far from a replacement for the love and depth they share with their partner; it is an entirely separate lane on the relationship highway.

Of course, this perspective is not one-size-fits-all. Some couples might find the idea unsettling, and that is okay. The point is not to force everyone into a single mold but to offer a reframed way of looking at what has traditionally been seen as “threatening.” For many men, OnlyFans and pornography are not threats to their relationships; they are tools for managing an aspect of themselves in a way that keeps the partnership harmonious.

At its core, this is not about men wanting less from their partners—it is about wanting to protect what is most sacred in the relationship by meeting certain needs elsewhere. It is like hiring a babysitter to enjoy a stress-free date night. The babysitter is not replacing the parent; they are enabling a better experience for everyone involved.

At the end of the day, relationships are about balance, compromise, and understanding. If OnlyFans and porn help strike that balance by giving men a healthy outlet for their needs, then maybe, just maybe, they are not the villains they are made out to be. Instead, they are quiet contributors to a relationship dynamic that feels less strained, more stable, and—dare I say it—even a little more loving.

Dearest readers, imagine you are shopping for a new computer. You find three models with identical hardware; same processor, memory, and storage. But each one has a different operating system—Windows, Mac OS, or Linux. Now, you might know exactly which one you would pick based on your experience or preferences. Just as an operating system impacts your experience on a computer, culture shapes our experiences in life. This analogy of OS preference to cultural compatibility helps shed light on why people care so deeply about culture and why we search for people who “get” us.
Think about it. People are creatures of habit, and we rely on what feels familiar. When you have been using the same OS for years, whether it is Windows, Mac, or Linux, it starts feeling like home. You know all the shortcuts, the quirks, and the little details that make it run smoothly for you. It is comfortable. Switching to a new OS would mean unlearning and relearning all your habits, which can be uncomfortable or even frustrating. Culture works the same way. When we are with people from similar backgrounds, it feels easy and natural, like they are using the same “OS” as we are. They know the same cues, speak the same unspoken language, and understand the same rules. This sense of familiarity is reassuring and makes us feel understood and connected, much like the OS we have known for years.
Now, every OS has its strengths and weaknesses, and so do different cultures. Some people love the streamlined simplicity of Mac OS, others appreciate the flexibility of Linux, and many prefer the wide compatibility of Windows. These preferences develop over time, and they are based on what suits our style and meets our needs best. It is similar with culture; people tend to find environments that reflect their values and support the way they see the world. That is why cultural compatibility often means finding people who look at things in a similar way or who prioritize similar things in life.
It is like finding a group that uses the same “shortcuts” and shares the same “interface.” This is why people feel comfortable in environments where the cultural background matches theirs. It is not just about the superficial stuff; it is about the values, norms, and unspoken ways of understanding the world. When that is missing, it can be as awkward as working with a completely foreign operating system.
Then, think about compatibility. Hardware is just machinery on its own, but software—your OS—is what allows you to actually do anything with that hardware. You could have the most powerful computer, but if it runs an OS you dislike, it becomes a poor match. In life, cultural compatibility often makes or breaks relationships and environments. People might struggle to feel at ease in settings that clash with their core values. If you have ever been in a place where you feel misunderstood or out of place, you know how it feels like using a computer that just does not seem to “get” you. Imagine working on an OS that keeps throwing you error messages and making simple tasks feel like a chore—well, that is how cultural incompatibility feels.
Of course, there are those who can adapt to any OS or cultural setting and make the best of it. Some tech-savvy people love switching between Mac, Linux, and Windows and enjoy the challenge. Similarly, there are people who thrive in culturally diverse settings, soaking up new customs and norms along the way. But even adaptable people have limits. Think of it like this; you may be able to learn to work with a different OS, but you still probably have a favorite, the one you feel most comfortable with, the one that makes you feel most “yourself.” Culture works in a similar way. Even if we can adapt to new cultural environments, there is usually a baseline that feels like home to us, where we do not have to put on a different “interface” to get by.
If people will choose or reject a computer simply because of the OS, even if the hardware is top-notch, it is no surprise that culture plays such a big role in human connections. Culture goes beyond just appearance or preference; it touches on how we relate to one another, how we communicate, and ultimately, how we find meaning in the world. Sure, you can “get things done” with an OS that is not your top choice, but it may feel inefficient and frustrating. In the same way, people can function in culturally mismatched environments, but there may be that sense of discomfort, of not quite belonging, and that can make it hard to fully engage and feel at home.
This is why cultural compatibility is so important. It helps us find people and places where life feels a little easier, where we do not have to constantly adjust or explain ourselves. When you find the right cultural “match,” everything clicks into place, and you feel like you can truly be yourself. It is like picking the right OS for your work style or lifestyle. The experience feels smoother, and you do not have to think twice about how to navigate the little things because they come naturally.
In the end, choosing the right cultural fit is as meaningful—if not more so—than choosing the right OS. Both decisions shape our day-to-day experience, impact how we connect with our environment, and influence our sense of satisfaction. And just like in the world of computers, there is no single “best OS.” It is all about finding the one that works best for you. Cultural compatibility does the same for our lives. It helps us find the connections, communities, and environments where we can truly thrive and feel at home.
So, if I were to go for a digital nomad type of vacation- you know- the type where you rent a condo in Da Nang for a few months and live on the beach in a resort neighborhood vs a resort... I would choose it not because the influencers make it seem amazing, but also because I feel I can be compatible with and respectful of the local culture. I would want to blend in at least a little bit. On the other hand, if I were to move somewhere forever... it would not be Da Nang. I would have to be very careful about picking a country with a culture I can embrace. You see, when you move to a different country, you can survive on your own OS- but you cannot thrive. What you have to do to thrive is you need to start with either finding the country that runs your OS or a familiar variant of it, or you need to find one where you can run your OS but then run that country's OS in a Virtual Machine within your OS environment ahha! It is tough as it affects your overall performance, but you can give and get best of both worlds, thereby enriching the OS of your new home and the OS you came with. There is no successful third option- if you want to thrive. By this analogy, these two options are the only perfect recipes for you to have a chance to thrive. 

I discussed this analogy with like 6 different people from different backgrounds and walks of life before deciding to write this. While not everyone wants to agree with the conclusions that are easily drawn from this analogy, no one could deny that the analogy is solid. Now, I guess it is your turn. ;)

Dearest readers, I have done what many of you may have done as well or are doing right now; I have been looking into the carnivore diet! :) Yes, the diet that initially seemed crazy and as something to dismiss, may not be so crazy any more! Mind...blown! :) Here, I wanted to reach out to anyone else looking into carnivore or doing it, and share with you my thoughts as someone who understands the importance of animal-based protein, of low carb diets and as someone who has a fairly advanced knowledge about different supplements compared to the average person out there (not gloating- I have been told this by others!) 

Here goes- a lot. 

So, carnivore diet seems to revolve around exclusively protein and fat intake, and only from animal sources. Whether you can afford organic or not, those who are on it swear by it. While you still have to pay attention to calories in versus calories out as you can gain fat even on this diet, there are also sub-categories of this diet to pay attention to. So far, carnivore diet sub-types seem to go along the lines of:
-Beef only diet, with beef tallow and butter used for cooking.
-Any meat, with beef tallow butter or some oils (avocado, olive).
-Any meat and fish (watch out for mercury) with the above fats for cooking
-Any meat and fish with some vegetables deemed a bit safer, some fruits as well (e.g. dates, avocados).
All of these diets also limit spices and seasonings significantly, mostly down to salt and pepper. Also, all of these diets require you to consume both muscle and organ meat as it is a more natural way to consume meat and it ensures you get vitamins from organ meats that you would never believe were there to begin with! :P

Now, the question is why. Well, here it goes. All of the sources I went through and listened to have discussed or interviewed people who had degraded health or autoimmune diseases, sometimes extremely severe. Nothing else, not even keto, has helped them; medical treatments helped manage decline but not stop or reverse it. Carnivore diet ended up being their last ditch effort and it worked, from well enough to completely. Next, many people went on it because they simply could not lose weight or keep up their diet long enough to get things done- not even keto worked for them. Overall though, most people I came across who were helped by carnivore had a combination of obesity and autoimmune issues or other illnesses. 

Having said this, here is a medley of my observations and findings based on my experience as well as the information about the carnivore diet that I discovered so far:
- People still do not understand one bit that what they call keto flu and experience even on carnivore is simply because their electrolyte intake is completely off. Most people out there still do not know that keto flu is a misnomer and it does not come from cutting out carbs and sugars or your body resisting the new diet. Keto flu is the result of you cutting out lots of foods that may have some electrolytes and then you improperly supplement electrolytes and suffer the consequences. The most important ones are sodium, potassium and calcium; there are more and you need enough of all of them or you will not be ok.
- Related to this first point, some people on carnivore think you do not need supplements. I completely disagree. You need supplements and that is that. Which ones, how much... that is on you; except for electrolytes- the guidance on them is very clear out there in reputable sources. Everyone says they take enough electrolytes and still get keto flu; they are wrong or they are lying...
- Organ meats have enough vitamin C, for example, and when you decrease your sugar and carbs intake to near zero, your body is more efficient at taking in vitamin C. Pick your fav.
- I would still use something like date powder for my spice rubs because I like a hint of sweetness for my savory meat dishes and dates do not mess with your blood sugar much even though they are sweet- or so they say. 
- I would still go for milk, cheese, some yogurts because I like them and they are a good way to get in additional vitamins, minerals and especially iodine. 
- I would keep bananas (one per day) and avocados (one per day), as well as avocado oil as I do not have any serious medical issues that need regular medicine and on top of it the strictest carnivore diet. 
- I would use eggs quite a bit, especially liquid egg white.
- I would go to the doctor and get my bloodwork done before starting, and then maybe a month or so later to see how things are going. 

Bottom line, it comes down to this. When was the last time you- a magnificent man (mwah)- ate 100g or more of protein in a day? Not long ago? How about for a whole week without fail? Not too long ago either? How about for the last six months almost every single day? Been a while, eh? I think that a lot of the slowly progressing health issues and abnormal weight gain that people experience are due to low protein intake over a prolonged period of time. Solve that, and you solve a lot with it.  

That would be it for now, dearest readers. I hope you have a fun Friday night and enjoy your weekend.

Until next time,


​Mwah! :)

Dearest readers, loneliness is a funny thing, isn’t it? It has this sneaky way of showing up, especially when we are least expecting it. But what is even sneakier is how, when it strikes, it can make us feel like diving head-first into a relationship is the ultimate cure. After all, relationships are supposed to fill that void, right? Well, not always.

We often think a partner will be our go-to for every need—emotional, social, and everything in between. Yet, here is the truth: Sometimes, we are not as relationship-ready as we believe. Sometimes, what we really need are the kinds of connections that cannot always be found in a romantic relationship. I know this might sound a bit like a wait up moment, but bear with me—this could be a game-changer for how we all approach love and friendship.

Let us talk about friendships, dearest readers. Solid friendships, the ones where you can share the good and the bad, agree to agree and agree to disagree, are a foundation for a fulfilling life experience. I know people who rely more on their friends than anyone else for a reason. When you have a couple of friends you can really depend on (without being codependent, mind you), you are already well on your way to a life filled with real support. Even more than that, good friends can often provide a type of connection that a romantic partner, especially a barely compatible one, may not. 

What about communities? Let us look beyond just one-on-one connections, though. One of the best ways to defeat loneliness is through community. Clubs, hobby groups, or even volunteer work can create a strong support network. Sure, sometimes we cannot find the time, the resources or the energy to do it, but in that case it might be a good idea to work towards being in a position where you can do so. Think about it; if you are not in a position to join communities, you may not be in a position to date either (hooking up and booking appointments are excluded, of course ahha but that is a different topic). 

Once you have the right friends and participate in communities, you can pick someone to date with a lot more clarity, confidence and also because you are looking for someone to make your great life better, not your isolated life good. When we are not looking to a relationship as a cure for loneliness, we are able to choose someone based on compatibility, respect, and genuine connection, rather than on the fear of being alone. Also with a strong support network, you are less likely to settle for someone who is just “good enough” for now. Instead, you will feel empowered to take your time, to let the right person come along rather than rushing into something that does not truly make you happy. When you are feeling fulfilled and whole from the friendships and communities around you, you become someone who brings that positivity and contentment into any romantic relationship, making it that much healthier and enjoyable.

In the end, the best relationships come from a place of fullness, where two people bring their own unique strengths and happiness to the table. When we build up our circle of friends, embraced our interests, and connected with communities, we are in a much better place to find a partner who truly complements us. So let us take our time, get a life if we do not really have one right now, and remember that loneliness is often just an invitation to discover a whole new way to connect.

Until next time, happy TGIF and enjoy your weekend! 

​Mwah! :)

Dearest readers—when it comes to relationships, there is often a focus on what is being said. Words matter, but the tone, delivery, and intent behind them often hold greater significance than the words themselves. How we communicate with our partners can either strengthen our connection or drive a wedge between us. It is not merely the content of a statement but the way it is delivered that can change the entire meaning. The difference between saying, "You cannot speak to me like that" and "You cannot say that" serves as a powerful example.
When you tell someone, "You cannot speak to me like that," you are addressing the way something was communicated rather than the actual words. The emphasis here is on the tone or manner of speech that is deemed unacceptable. It implies that while people are entitled to their own opinions and free to express themselves, the delivery should not be abusive, demeaning, or otherwise hostile. The problem does not lie in the fact that something was expressed, but in how it was conveyed—whether the voice was raised, the words chosen were laced with contempt, or the delivery was simply hurtful. In contrast, when someone says, "You cannot say that," the focus shifts entirely to the content. It sends a message that certain topics or phrases are off-limits. While this could be warranted in situations where extremely offensive language or harmful subjects are introduced, it is usually the tone, rather than the exact phrasing, that can most deeply wound a partner and damage the relationship.
It is entirely possible to express a hard truth or criticism in a gentle manner, just as it is to say something entirely mundane or factual in a way that feels hostile. Consider the case of a couple discussing finances. One person may say, "We need to talk about your spending." If that is stated with a neutral tone and a focus on working together to solve a problem, the conversation may be productive. However, if it is delivered with a sneer, eye-roll, or in an accusatory tone, it changes from a simple expression of concern to an implicit attack on the partner's habits and character. Suddenly, the same statement carries with it blame, condescension, and the potential to provoke defensiveness or hurt feelings. The difference was not in the words spoken but in how they were spoken.
Imagine another scenario: a disagreement over plans for the weekend. One partner might say, "I really do not feel like going out tonight." If this is expressed calmly, the other person is more likely to feel that their partner is simply being honest about their feelings. But if it is said with an exasperated sigh or a tone of annoyance, it sends a different message altogether. It is as though the partner's preference not to go out is not only a matter of feeling tired but also carries an underlying implication of irritation or frustration toward the other person. That subtle shift can escalate a simple difference in plans into an argument.
The truth is, everyone has freedom of expression and can share their thoughts and frustrations. Still, there is a fine line between being open about one's feelings and allowing those feelings to manifest as verbal aggression. For relationships to thrive, it is necessary for both partners to feel respected and valued, not only in what is being discussed but in the tone and spirit with which discussions are carried out. Setting boundaries around how we communicate—and expecting a certain level of decency and civility—is crucial. When a partner steps over that line and uses hostile tones or abusive language, it begins to erode the foundation of trust and mutual respect. In time, repeated episodes of this nature can create a toxic dynamic that is difficult to break out of. Even if both people genuinely love each other, love is not enough to overcome the damaging effects of persistent negative communication patterns.
It is often said that how you say something is just as important as what you say, but perhaps it would be more accurate to state that how you say something is the key to whether it is received as constructive or destructive. The content itself is not necessarily harmful—disagreements are a natural part of any relationship—but when delivered harshly, even minor complaints can feel like serious affronts. For instance, telling your partner, "You never help around the house," may not be intended as an attack, but if spoken with irritation, it comes off as an accusation. The same sentiment could be phrased as, "I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with the housework, and I would appreciate some help," which invites the other person to participate in finding a solution rather than putting them on the defensive.
Even in moments of genuine anger or frustration, taking a pause to consider how to phrase something can make all the difference. If your partner made a mistake, lashing out with "How could you be so careless?" not only highlights the error but does so in a way that makes the person feel demeaned. On the other hand, saying, "You really dropped the ball on that one", opens the door for a productive conversation because you are talking about a specific issue or instance that came and went. It is the same thing being addressed, but one approach is you attacking your partner while the other one criticizes a particular instance that you feel was mishandled badly enough that it needs to be addressed. 

Setting boundaries around communication style is not about limiting free speech or controlling what someone can say; it is about cultivating a healthy dynamic where both people can express themselves without fear of being belittled, yelled at, or verbally attacked. It is about recognizing that language, tone, and delivery have the power to either build a stronger bond or drive a wedge between partners. The phrase, "You cannot speak to me like that" serves as a reminder that respect is non-negotiable in a relationship. It signals that while the content of what is being said can be discussed, the way it is being communicated needs to adhere to a standard of mutual respect.
Maintaining this boundary may require frequent reminders or even serious conversations, especially if one partner has a tendency to raise their voice or use hurtful language during disagreements. It is crucial to understand that accepting disrespectful communication styles, even once, can set a precedent. It signals to the other person that such behavior is permissible, making it more likely to occur again. Over time, patterns of disrespectful communication can become ingrained, and the relationship may begin to deteriorate under the weight of unresolved tensions and hurt feelings.
In the end, love alone is not enough to sustain a relationship. It requires ongoing effort, respect, and understanding. When conflicts arise, as they inevitably will, remember that it is not only the issue at hand that matters but the manner in which it is addressed. Speak with kindness even when you are frustrated. Disagree without being disagreeable. Criticize the behavior, not the person. If both partners commit to these principles, they will find that disagreements can become opportunities for growth rather than sources of resentment.
Therefore, let us be clear: you are free to say whatever you want, but if you choose to express yourself in a violent, hostile, or abusive way, you are choosing to harm your relationship. It is never just about the words spoken; it is about the message those words convey through their tone and delivery. When you look at it this way, you will soon realize how many arguments you can prevent before they even begin, and how you can make sure your relationship does not sour and end prematurely! :)

Have a great weekend guys. Mwah! :)

Dearest readers—whether you are North American or not, you may be interested in the stock market, crypto trading, options and so on. Lately, aside from talking about charts and screeners on one side and fundamentals and news on the other side, I have been talking to people about the purpose of the markets. Now, I know that might sound boring, but I promise we are not going to talk about numbers in the usual way. Instead, we are pulling back the curtain on a problem that many do not realize exists—the idea that the “safe” and “steady” market everyone seems to love might actually be holding a lot of us back.

Let us start with what we are told to believe: a stock market that goes up slowly and predictably, with the help of things like ETFs (those funds that just buy a little bit of everything), is supposed to be a good thing. It helps retirees and older folks who rely on their RRSPs and 401K's to live comfortably in their later years. The market does not swing wildly, so they can count on their investments growing steadily over time. But is that really the best thing for the rest of us? For younger people, workers, and anyone who is not sitting on a big pile of savings?

I am here to argue that it likely is not. In fact, it might be part of what is making life so much harder for so many. When the market is smooth and calm, thanks to all these diversified funds, we lose something important—real movement. When stocks just crawl upward at a similar pace, we miss out on the natural ups and downs that used to make the market exciting. We lose the chance to spot real opportunities, to jump in and take advantage of the rises and falls that used to happen more often. The market becomes more like a slow escalator, and less like a lively rollercoaster. To illustrate this point, just look at the wild moves during the major Covid years. I know a few people who made lots of money trading large caps when they all of a sudden moved like small caps ahha- if you know, you know. :)

Now, you might be thinking, "What’s so bad about stability?" It is comfortable, I will give you that. But that comfort comes at a price. A smooth market is only good for those who have enough money to sit back and watch it grow slowly. For the rest of us who are not rolling in cash, it is not doing much to help. A less volatile market does not give you the chance to make quick profits or recover from small losses. It just drags on, and any opportunity to make a useful amount of extra money from short-term trades is hard to find.

What if we tried something different? What if we let the market be more volatile again even among large caps, moving in natural waves instead of this artificially controlled crawl? I know that sounds risky—some of you might even say it is a terrible idea—but let us really think about it. If the market was allowed to fluctuate more, with prices going up and down over shorter periods, that would create more chances for regular people to make money. It could turn trading stocks into a kind of side income for anyone who is willing to put in the effort to learn. Instead of just being something for rich investors, the market could offer a way for everyday people to earn a little extra cash.

Imagine this: a market that swings up and down every week or even every day. Those swings could be predictable if you paid close attention, allowing people to jump in and buy low, then sell high, over and over again. Sure, it would still be risky, and yes, some people would not succeed. But the difference is that you would not need a fortune to get started. In fact, you would encounter a much lower barrier than starting a business in today’s economy, where rent, taxes, and regulations make it nearly impossible to get ahead.

Here in Canada, where the cost of living is through the roof, wages are stuck in neutral, and everything feels more expensive by the day, having a lively stock market could give people a chance to earn on the side. Low-paying side jobs like Uber driving or delivering food are great and many people are happy they exist, but a volatile stock market could be a better option. Swing trading, buying when prices dip and selling when they climb (grabbing the meat of the move as the pros say), could become a common way to supplement your income. It would be a financial safety net that you create for yourself, not something you have to wait for the government to provide.

Now, I can hear some of you asking, "But what about retirees? Won’t this kind of market hurt people who depend on their investments?" It’s a fair question. But it also brings up another point—why is our entire financial system built around making sure that those who already have money keep making more of it, without much risk? Shouldn't there be some balance, where people with smaller amounts of capital can also take some risks and possibly gain big rewards?

The thing is, the way our current system is set up actually makes the boom-and-bust cycles worse. When the market is artificially kept steady, it means that when a crash does come—and it always does eventually—it is way more severe than it would have been if prices had been allowed to correct themselves along the way. Think of it like a pressure cooker. The longer you keep the lid on, the bigger the explosion when you finally take it off. If we let the market breathe and have more natural ups and downs regularly, we would likely not get these massive crashes that seem to come out of nowhere and take everyone by surprise.

A more volatile market would let prices adjust naturally and more often, like a series of little waves instead of one giant tsunami. It would give people the chance to learn how to ride those waves and make some money along the way. Sure, the investor class—the people who sit back and count on steady, predictable growth—might not like it. But it could actually make the market more useful for the rest of us. It could become an open field of opportunity, rather than a walled-off garden where only the wealthy can profit.

Imagine if, in times like these—when inflation is high and wages just are not keeping up—the government encouraged swing trading as a legitimate side gig. What if there were tax breaks for small-time traders or other incentives that made it easier to make money from short-term trades? TFSA does not count as it is currently set up in Canada as CRA can arbitrarily tax you if they feel you did too well.  Done right, government incentive could open up financial opportunities to more people, not just those who already have investment advisors and portfolios stuffed with blue-chip stocks. One idea I had lately would be to write off some trading losses against your income tax payable. Yay or nay? ;) Of course, there would still need to be some new rules in place to make sure things do not get out of hand. We do not want to repeat the mistakes that caused past market crashes. But allowing for more natural ups and downs in the market could actually bring back the excitement and opportunity that used to be there.

So, to sum it up, take a moment to think about this. The stock market, in its current state, may seem stable, but it is also stagnant. Every new all time high is getting us closer to the next major crash. Also, it is set up to protect the interests of people who already have money, while leaving everyone else with very few ways to improve their situation. Maybe it is time to rethink what we want from the markets. Maybe it is time to embrace a little chaos, a little unpredictability, if it means giving more people a fair shot at making a better life for themselves.

Dearest readers- you might be American, you might be Canadian, or you might be visitors from elsewhere who connected with me on occasion, yet remained forever fans (thank you, mwah!). Now, you know that Miss Z is not a parrot- I do not just speak back to others what has been said to me. But sometimes, that is precisely what I should do. These days, people are very cautious about what they say because of our impending Gulag Archipelago meets 1984 dystopian future many of us fight tooth and nail to prevent. In Canada, I know people from all sides who care a lot about this country of ours. Americans care because they do not need their next door neighbor destabilizing; us Canadians care about Canada because- need I say why?! Sheesh, it ought to be obvious! So, people talk to me about things going on, and they are coming up with either great new ideas or they are expressing the desire to reinforce some oldie but goodie ideas out there. I do not always agree, but I always show appreciation when people care about more than just themselves. 

So, let me share with you some common themes and really decent ideas that might help us going forward. If we talk about them enough, the political class might hear us loud and clear enough. 

First, and I am pretty sure you fully agree with this, laws regulations and bylaws need to be enforced. From Porsche girl to excessive noise nuisances to shoplifting and theft, to mattresses being rented in apartment hallways for 500-800 dollars per month- all of this has to stop. Laws need to be enforced, and if there were any amendments made to laws that make them less enforceable, they need to go away. I feel that even if this happens tomorrow, it will still take years for us to see more peace. The sooner we start seeing a lawful society again, the better. 

Second, the growth of the homeless and the precariat populations (look up precariat- way too many people are in this new social class) has gone way out of hand. Many people suggested along these lines that our rental market and community housing capacities everywhere are devastated, so more and more people who do not have bidding power will lose everything. As such, we need in situ programs immediately. Such programs have been tried in places like Halton region and perhaps Hamilton here in the wider Toronto area. These programs pay a portion of the rent for very low income people so that they stay in their rental versus facing homelessness while waiting for subsidized housing that is not even built yet. With this, I cannot tell you how many people want rent control back on all rental units until rental inventory increases one way or another. 

Third, many people feel that major urban areas are now so overflowing with people that the return to office and commuting demands by companies in Canada are degrading our country even more. People are pretty pissed off and they expect every company in Canada that can have remote jobs to explain its position. Either they still need Canadian citizens who live in the country to work for them whether remotely or not. Or, they will declare that they do not need Canadian workers for anything except their physical presence, otherwise they would outsource all remote-ready jobs to foreign workers who would work for a fraction of the cost, like it was done with manufacturing. People feel terrible about themselves when they feel like their physical presence is the only thing keeping them employed- and who knows how much longer that would keep them safe either. Maybe a tax break per remote employee residing in Canada for every company having such employees would entice companies to be friendlier to remote work, but who knows...

Fourth, people feel increasingly threatened by the state of our medical system. More and more people are going overseas to get important faster medical care including diagnostics and surgeries. In Canada, there are now more and more medical networks where you pay for a doctor to talk to you and then get a referral for any testing or specialists you require with little to no fuss compared to going through the regular family doctor/GP route... Also, we have a terribly small number of CT scanners and MRIs compared to other developed countries and people want this solved either through taxes or through partial privatization. 

Fifth, green light more self defense devices ASAP.

There is plenty more, of course. But, these are the biggest gripes people of all (legal) ages and backgrounds talk to me about the most. Anything you would like to add? :)

Have a great week you wonderful people and keep talking about our need for change and improvement if you love this country and how much better it can and must get! :)

You know what grinds my gears these days? Also, it is the reason I skipped a weekly post because I had to formulate and research this topic. What really grinds my gears is how our culture, lately more so than not, tries to obscure or erase the past, take an eternal socio-cultural dynamic as a new thing, then blame it on a fringe group and try to eliminate it out of society or even human nature. Really, really grinds my gears it does! One of the latest things affecting some of my male relatives and close friends is this whole idea that men's spaces, men's content and the whole manospehre as they newly minted it, is something new fringe and toxic. Do you have a brother or a cousin who just wants to be a guy and they do not want to let him be one? Are you one of those guys? I feel for you- truly. Guys having guys' nights out, solo gym time, watching porn, playing video games, and listening to men's types of content and podcasts- none of this is new or toxic. To reinforce this and give people out there some verbal ammo, I wanted to explore this today from the modern and historical perspective to show none of this is new and none of this is wrong or bad. 

It is without a doubt that men have always maintained personal spaces and men-first hobbies. I wanted to jump in history across hundreds of years and look into just how far this goes and what shapes it used to take over time. 

Let us start with Rome- my favorite ahha! :) Roman baths were places not just to clean up in style and perhaps umm, experiment, but most importantly they were places where men bonded, discussed politics philosophy and everyday life. These spaces were essential for the fabric of Roman society just as much as the women's sphere of influence and their spaces- if not more because it was the legions that ensured the ladies remain Roman- not Carthaginian or some thing or another ahha. Also, men were together away from home and family for extended period of time, whether daily during field work or for weeks, months or years at a time due to public service or military campaigns or merchant expeditions. 

Fast forward to Medieval Europe- The Mad Max version of Rome more so than not... This period saw the rise of fraternal societies such as guilds, where men networked and perfected their skills- resulting in more money for their families and better connections in times of need. In times of war, knights and common soldiers alike were also away from home a lot. In addition, we have the merchant class often spending extended time away from home, surrounded by other men all working towards the same goal of turning a profit despite the chance of shipwrecks, bandit attacks, disease, war and other such stuff. Then, you have monks- all organized in their brotherhoods and serving their religious duty away from everything secular as much as possible. This was useful to the society as a whole as monasteries were often centers of knowledge and learning. 

Finally, the Industrial Revolution. The industrial economy required men to spend long hours in factories, mines, or railroads, often leaving little time for family life. The demands of work meant that many men spent more time with their coworkers than with their wives or children. Oh, and after work- well- if you worked as hard as they did, you would go to the local pub too and get shitfaced a few times per week as well; I am pretty sure I would. 

Now, dearest readers, do you see a common invisible thread through these three periods all the way to today? Do you? That thread is YOU! You were born, your ancestors were born. Now, do not let them fool you. You were not born despite men's spaces, men's content and men spending a long time away from home; you exist today because of all that! Oh, and so do I! :) None of these facts of life that exist since the dawn of mankind have stopped men from having wives and children! So, do not ever let things you like to do for fun away from women and children be called by people a toxic new phenomenon because it is a feature of what humanity is, not a bug. 

So, let us now ask ourselves why men in the West and West-like countries in the East are being accused of choosing their spaces and their way of thinking over marriage and children? It is simple. For an intellectually declining civilization of the West (sad but true), it is far easier and more expedient to scapegoat men for society's problems instead of acknowledging that the society as a whole is experiencing systemic, pervasive problems and disruptions that take unity and compromises of all involved parties in order to solve them. Say what you will about the previous three eras I mentioned, but at least their social norms said you must marry, have kids and in order to do that you must have a job and a purpose. They knew, implicitly, that without a job and a purpose you will starve to death, never marry, never have kids. Once you have a civilization without such explicit knowledge, well, hmm, the primary unit of that civilization is no longer the family, but instead the autonomous, decentralized, disconnected and self-interested individual. Once your instincts sense that, you retreat into your most logical space and operate from there. Deep down, you know you cannot fix it. The only ones who can fix it are those who broke it in the first place. 

I hope this resonates with you in a useful, supportive and positive way. Trust your instincts, embrace your spaces and your hobbies, and more immediately- Have a great weekend!

​Mwah! :)

Dearest readers, they say that classy, high end intimate companions are so hard to find these days because they also have to be well-educated and/or curious about a variety of topics that men are passionate about. They also say the search is over in the best of ways when they find me! ;) Ok, fine, back to humble land ahha. On the menu today-pun intended- are my two favorite diets- the keto diet and the carnivore diet. I am somewhere in between these days, maybe best of both worlds haha, but lately I have been watching so many YouTube videos about both and I see that many smaller and bigger creators alike have not solved the one problem that plagues almost everyone who tries these diets and may have messed you up big time as well if you tried either of both of them. I am of course talking about keto "flu"- the weakness, aches, so called sugar crashes, energy dips, fatigue, decreased performance, foggy brain, mood issues and more along these lines. Not so long ago, I discovered what personally works for me to make all of these issues go away! If you are even a little curious- stick around and thank me later in the comment section or just text me! ;)

Let us begin. (Oh and not a doctor- just sharing personal research, experiences and observations.)

Both keto and carnivore diets are elimination diets and they have two phases. The first phase is when a person tries to use this diet to lose weight and/or eliminate a health problem or make it a lot better. In the second phase, which less people get to, you decide to live on it for the rest of your life with rare occasional exceptions such as holidays etc. Now, why do people fail the first phase and/or the second phase of this diet? Cravings? Maybe. More often, people experience bouts of keto flu and the symptoms I mentioned earlier, and they do not want to deal with it even for the sake of weight loss or, once they lost the weight- for the rest of their lives. Sooo, something is clearly missing. 

The lack of this something is not making you feel sick, although you do feel sick. It is actually causing a bottleneck. Most elimination and calorie restriction diets inadvertently eliminate a portion or all of something very important. This would be- ELECTROLYTES! :) More specifically, I am talking about sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. 

Why are these important? There is a whole long list of bodily functions that they support. However, in terms of weight loss, metabolism and energy levels, some of them are extremely important. They are so important that the lack of them, especially sodium and potassium, may be largely responsible for starvation mode, water fasting difficulties, and abandoning diets alongside all the other symptoms. You see, you cannot effectively utilize the food you eat and the body fat you burn without adequate supply of electrolytes. For example, sodium and potassium, in a correct ratio, ensure proper energy transport in and out of every cell in your body. You lack either or both, and you will experience crashes as your body struggles to function. Some people fear a higher sodium or a higher potassium intake; everything I heard, read and experienced tells me that they work quite fine if you take a correct ratio of both instead of overdoing one and ignoring the other- that is why all problems really seem to happen. Then, look at phosphorus. It plays such an important role in fat burning that some companies thought about making it into a weight loss pill. Consider the study on phosphorus linked here. There is also a promising study regarding magnesium as it relates to weight loss linked here. 

Intrigued? I sure was.

Now, let us say you are looking to eat better but have already lost weight. Even if you did not choose keto or carnivore for life, getting enough electrolytes will help a lot because anything that optimizes your metabolism, energy production and supports all of your various tissues is not to be ignored. Otherwise, you may start overly relying on sugar and caffeine to deal with energy dips and afternoon fatigue as well as horrible mornings. 

That is it for now, dearest readers. I hope this helps and while I do not have a book in mind to refer you to, I think you can use this info as a springboard into your own custom approach to using electrolytes to get the most out of your body and hopefully your life while on keto, carnivore and frankly many other diets you may prefer. 

Have a great upcoming weekend everyone.

​Mwah! :)

Dearest readers, did you know that even bad, evil people- for the most part- do not like to be called bad or evil. It makes them feel... bad haha. For the most part, even bad people want to be seen as good by as many people as possible. This is something I talked about with a family friend over coffee not long ago, and it took the conversation in the direction of the concept of outcome awareness. After the conversation ended, I thought it would be a very useful topic as our modern society, for a while now, has a blind spot for it and I do not think that is good- you may agree.

Outcome awareness, the way I see it, is the most likely speculative projection of a series of actions, of a chosen path in life, or similar. ChatGPT lays it out a lot better and nerdier haha: "Outcome awareness is a concept that involves being conscious of and understanding the potential results and consequences of actions, decisions, or events. It emphasizes the ability to anticipate, evaluate, and reflect on outcomes to make informed choices and adjustments. This awareness often includes considering both short-term and long-term effects and weighing the benefits and risks associated with different options." Now after reading this, you may say "Miss Z, we already do this and quite a lot." 

Oh yeah? Let us move on to bursting that bubble or at least deflating it by a lot. 

ChatGPT states that outcome awareness "emphasizes the ability to anticipate, evaluate, and reflect on outcomes". Based on everything I have seen over the years, many people anticipate, evaluate- that is for sure. However, they do not reflect on most or any outcomes. Willful blindness to unfavorable outcomes is rampant- it has permeated our culture and society. Start a small business? Have you anticipated, reflected on and internalized the possible outcome of total and utter failure, bankruptcy, a downward spiral and worse? How about body positivity? Does anyone taking this concept to its extreme anticipate and internalize the horrific consequences of morbid obesity? Not everyone can help it, but many can... How about a relationship with someone clearly toxic just because they are super hot? Many of us simply do not anticipate, reflect on and internalize the worst of the worst. We call it being doomer or gloomer or classically pessimistic. Looking down on pessimism- some might say it is a symptom of sickness that advanced, safe and peaceful societies eventually get infected with...

To be honest with you, the entire concept of pessimism and especially the way it is looked down on has always been foreign to me. Over time, I have come to realize that pessimism- the way it motivates you to consider, anticipate and reflect on potential negative outcomes- helps you sharpen many useful skills. Your planning skills, time management, goal setting, expectations, your analytical skills and your decision making. To me, it is often a no brainer as to what a person could do if they got a few million dollars- invest in a diversified portfolio, live off it and sell courses online haha (or something). Your skills really sharpen the hell up if you work with the possible outcome of being deep in the red financially or at any number of other difficult circumstances. 

Another thing that even I fall victim to, and probably many of you out there do as well, is the fact that we mistakenly connect pessimism with being negative. You show pessimism, and your friends, family and coworkers (glad I do not have coworkers, let me tell you haha) start calling you a negative person and shaming you for it. Sometimes, it is difficult to do a quick comeback to that or easily explain how they are wrong. Well, I have a way now. Negative is when you think that you will ultimately fail at anything you do and that you cannot become better or fix your problems. Being a pessimist is recognizing, planning for and therefore successfully dealing with all of that stuff! So, being a pessimist is about being hopeful and ready precisely when you need to be hopeful and ready. 

If that is the case, then you may ask what optimism is. Well, I think optimism is a form of being positive about life while also maintaining willful blindness towards the outcomes that you should prepare for the most. 'Nuff said. :) What is a realist then? A realist- if defined as a person who sees things the way they really are- is a figment of our imagination. Outside of STEM (at least for now), there is nothing even remotely approaching the state of seeing things as they really are. There, I said it so no one else has to! ;)

People, I like you guys a lot. But remember one thing; you do not need to get drunk or high to sit down and think about stuff like this. Find people who enjoy do it so. Sit at a cafe like an old fashioned boheme and think and talk about things that live in between or ordinary life and thought. :)

Have a great weekend,

​Mwah!