Books Villains Are Lost Heroes 7:05 AM Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath. -Eckhart Tolle Villains are lost heroes. At least most of them are. Read the life stories of famous villains and you will realize that they’re just normal (or supernatural) beings who went through something that changed the course of their lives. Sometimes it’s a traumatic and devastating event. Sometimes it’s loss and heartbreak. It could be betrayal. It could be too much pushing around and getting tired of being misunderstood. Here’s a look at some lost heroes we know: Loki (Thor) He's always wanted to make his father proud. He wanted to be a king, but his father wanted his brother Thor to take over his throne. He finds this hard to accept because he believes he's more capable and worthy (or been wanting to be good but no one but his mother notices or appreciates). Electro (Spiderman) He was a hardworking dude whose effort was unappreciated. He just wanted to be noticed, to feel relevant, and to have friends. His inferiority complex made him assume that Spiderman betrayed him. He's a good guy who was unfortunately electrocuted on his birthday (that caused him to have superpowers) and who's emotions got the better of him. Medusa (Greek Mythology) She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. There are different versions of how she turned into the monster that she's known. In one version, she was raped and punished by gods. In another version, she vowed celibacy but was wooed by Poseidon, and so was punished by Athena. No matter, I think it's unfair that she was stripped of her natural beauty and punished in such a way. Magneto (X-men) At a very young age, he was exploited due to his special gift. His mom was murdered in front of him just so he would unleash his powers. He wanted justice. He wanted to free the world from what he believed are the real antagonists of the story---normal human beings who are evil. He wanted to protect his fellow mutants. Plus of course, someone who's been broken that early and that bad will have a hard time forgiving and living "normally". Voldemort (Harry Potter) He's known as the most powerful wizard in the world of Harry Potter. Tom Marvolo Riddle's hunger for power and hatred for Muggles mainly root from his being abandoned by his Muggle father. He wanted to prove his place in the magical world. Plus of course, he's a direct descendant of Slytherin who's known for his thirst for power. He was also conceived with his mom using the love potion to his father. No real love there. You have to read the Half Blood Prince to really understand where all his wrath is coming from. Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty) She was betrayed by the man she loved, and she lost her faith in love and in humanity. She was a good fairy who was deeply hurt. (More on: Life Lessons From Maleficent) Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear (Toy Story) He was unintentionally left in the park by his owner. After all his effort of going back home, he discovered that he was replaced. Again, the feeling of abandonment, rejection and betrayal turned another good character into a cold-hearted villain. Severus Snape (Harry Potter) He was hopelessly in love with Lily Evans. He became a favorite target of bullying of the Marauders and eventually became rivals with James Potter for Lily. The man he loathed ended up with the woman he deeply loved until his last breath. Poison Ivy (Batman) An environmentalist and botany enthusiast, Dr. Lillian Rose was poisoned by Marc LeGrande for fear that she will implicate him on his theft. Obviously, the poison did not kill her, but unleashed the crazy side of this timid girl. The Duke of Monroth (Moulin Rouge) He was an eager investor in the show Spectacular Spectacular, who fell in love and eventually became obsessed with the star, Satine. When he found out Satine was in love with someone else, he threatened not only to withdraw his investment, but also tried to kill Satine's lover, Christian. Love makes you do crazy things. For these villains, they could be doing the world a favor by being the evil that they are. Or they may just be crying for justice. A villain is a hero in his own story. We'll never know and appreciate good without evil. Hate them or love them. The world will be boring without villains. Gifs from Google images. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Music Music: Earth Song (Michael Jackson) 6:00 PM I'm saying heal the planet, heal the world, save our children, save the forest. There's nothing wrong with that, right? -Michael Jackson We can't turn a blind eye and shrug off what's currently happening in the real world. Tweet The graphic, heart-wrenching images and disturbing news about war, school shootings, and animal cruelty remind me of the Earth Song. If you haven't heard the lyrics or seen the video of Michael Jackson's Earth Song, now is the right time. If after listening to it or watching him belt out his emotions and you're still not moved, I'm not sure if you're human at all. You better have yourself checked. Earth Song is one of, if not the most genius, honest, awakening, emotive songs ever written. It questions and rants about our planet's situation and what we do about it. It will make you stop in your tracks and wonder: "What on earth are we doing to the world and to ourselves?" It will make you ask for maybe the nth time, "What on earth are these wars for anyway?!" Caution: contains some graphic images (all photos from Google images). Earth Song Michael Jackson What about sunrise What about rain What about all the things That you said we were to gain What about killing fields Is there a time What about all the things That you said was yours and mine Did you ever stop to notice All the blood we've shed before Did you ever stop to notice The crying Earth the weeping shores Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh What have we done to the world Look what we've done What about all the peace That you pledge your only son What about flowering fields Is there a time What about all the dreams That you said was yours and mine clip from the Earth Song video Did you ever stop to notice All the children dead from war Did you ever stop to notice The crying Earth the weeping shores Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh I used to dream I used to glance beyond the stars Now I don't know where we are Although I know we've drifted far Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh Hey, what about yesterday (What about us) What about the seas (What about us) The heavens are falling down (What about us) I can't even breathe (What about us) What about apathy (What about us) I need you (What about us) What about nature's worth (Ooo, ooo) It's our planet's womb (What about us) What about animals (What about it) We've turned kingdoms to dust (What about us) What about elephants (What about us) Have we lost their trust (What about us) What about crying whales (What about us) We're ravaging the seas (What about us) What about forest trails (Ooo, ooo) Burnt despite our pleas (What about us) What about the Holy Land (What about it) Torn apart by creed (What about us) What about the common man (What about us) Can't we set him free (What about us) What about children dying (What about us) Can't you hear them cry (What about us) Where did we go wrong (Ooo, ooo) Someone tell me why (What about us) What about babies (What about it) What about the days (What about us) What about all their joy (What about us) What about the man (What about us) What about the crying man (What about us) What about Abraham (What about us) What about death again (Ooo, ooo) Do we give a damn Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh During an Earth Song performance "I respect the secrets and magic of nature. That’s why it makes me so angry when I see these things that are happening, ya know. And every second, I hear the size of a football field is torn down in the Amazon. I mean, that kind of stuff really bothers me. That’s why I write these kind of songs, ya know. Gives them sense of awareness and awakening and hope to people." -Michael Jackson on Earth Song Oh, If we only listen. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Events Halloween Reminders & A Touch Of Dazzle Jewelry Giveaway 6:00 PM Can you believe it? It's almost Halloween! Where have all the days gone? What does Halloween remind you of? Here are some Halloween reminders for me: 1. Scary ghost storiesEvery channel it seems air ghost movies or documentaries during Halloween. It is after all believed that as this day marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, this transition between the seasons was a bridge to the world of the dead. (Source: History) Giphy 2. FallThe dramatic change of nature begins. The weather becomes cooler, but the surrounding looks warm and inviting; like a crackling fireplace on a cold night. The way the colorful leaves fall to the ground while I walk makes me feel like I'm in a romantic Hollywood movie. Giphy 3. ChristmasYou can almost feel it. Only a few more days to go and it's Christmas!The thought of Halloween coming is also coupled with the idea that Christmas is on the way. Thanksgiving too, but you get the picture. Giphy 4. Halloween CostumesWhat is Halloween without costumes? Who doesn't like to be somebody---or something else and get away with it even for just a day?And it doesn't stop as we get older. We still enjoy dressing up for Halloween as adults. Giphy Halloween is cool. Do you know what makes Halloween cooler? A Touch of Dazzle. A Touch of Dazzle is a jewelry designer, manufacturer, and retailer of unique fashion jewelry on Amazon that designs scary, fabulous Halloween Floating Charm Lockets. What's even better is that they're giving them away to 5 lucky winners! Check out their website and see other gorgeous products that are all high quality, individually shipped in a beautiful jewelry box. Since Halloween also means almost Christmas, Christmas shopping is at hand. So, A Touch of Dazzle is giving away: coupon code LOCKET15 for 15% off ANY locket in their storeand a $10 GIFT CARD for one lucky reader. Just enter below and this early Christmas present could be yours. Easy breezy. The contest has closed. Congrats to Barbara Riffe!!! Thanks to everyone who entered. Touch Of Dazzle Halloween Jewelry Giveaway Get a chance to win not 1 but 3 fabulous prizes from A Touch Of Dazzle Halloween Jewelry Giveaway!!! Amazon is restrictive on jewelry shipping internationally, so this contest is only for US residents.
Listicle 10 Things You'll Only Understand If You're A Woman 9:00 PM 10 Things You'll Only Understand If You're A Woman I'm a woman of the desert. But above all, I'm a woman.-Paulo Coelho How hard is it to be a woman in this patriarchal society?Are women just making a big fuss out of it because they like drama?Do women really love drama in the first place?Women make it look effortless to be a female in a male-dominated world.But there are things you'll never understand if you're not a woman yourself. 1. The physical transformation from a girl to a grown womanThe shift from a little girl to full-blown womanhood is beautiful but physically painful at the same time. Your breasts become sore and sensitive. You deal with the unfamiliar and torturous pain of dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps.The physical transformation can make you feel clumsy. The psychological change makes you awkward.Welcome to womanhood! Something you'll never understand if you're not a natural-born woman. Giphy 2. The vulnerability that comes with being a woman No matter how brave you are, a woman's physical strength is no match for men. There are some exemptions, of course, but generally speaking, men are still stronger physically.As a woman, you're an easy target for an assault.If you're not a woman, you won't understand what it's like to be a walking sexual object. You'll only understand the vulnerability of being a woman if you're one. Giphy 3. Dealing with the annoying and scary catcalling Sometimes catcalling can be easily ignored and are harmless. But it can also get abusive, offensive, and scary. Catcalling is not about how you look or how skimpy your dress is. It's because you're a woman, and some men are disrespectful, seeing women as sexual objects more than human beings. You could be all wrapped up and still be catcalled. Because it's not you. It's them.Only a woman who has had to deal with catcalling, probably since she was 11, will understand how terrible it is to be on the receiving end of jeering. Giphy 4. The pain of menstrual cramps, pregnancy, labor pain, and actual birth-giving.Oh, the excruciating period pain a woman has to deal with. Every. Single. Month.As your uterus contracts, you feel sharp poking pain and tightening around your lower abdomen.But it doesn't end there.No, gentlemen. It's more complex.You also feel soreness in your breast and around your hip and lower back.Your legs feel as though you ran miles for hours and back again.As a bonus, you'll even get a splitting headache sometimes.You're in a constant ruthless circle of pain.Doctors acknowledge period pain can be almost as bad as a heart attack.A heart attack!And the world expects you to keep going like nothing's happening.Because women can.They carry on as if everything's normal.Women make being a woman easy even when many things happen in their bodies simultaneously.Like you're being tortured, you feel murderous, but you have to keep that sweet smile on your face. And let's not forget that giving birth is life-threatening. There's a 50/50 chance that a mother will not survive.Only a natural-born woman can understand the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps, pregnancy, labor pain, and actual birth-giving.This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Giphy Here's a fun reaction from Joshua Caldwell-Clarke when he found out about period pain. 5. The crazy hormonal change only a woman goes through. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is a heartless bitch. And from what I've heard, so is menopause. Know how postpartum severe depression could get?Some lead to suicide.When a woman experiences hormonal change, the term mood swings don't give it justice.Your hormones are going crazy, and no lessons about the human anatomy can prepare you for the onslaught of irritability, sudden sadness, and sensitivity.Sometimes you just feel like crying for no apparent reason.There's also this weird craving for something so badly, often during the middle of the night, but not knowing what that something is. Giphy 6. The uncanny intuition of a woman. It's been planted in every woman's DNA to sense danger fast for her to protect her child. It comes in handy for other instances too. FBI should hire more female investigators. They can unearth secrets better. According to a study, women generally access their memories faster than males and date them more precisely.A woman can tell something's wrong even without clear evidence. Yet.A woman would remember what you said on March 19, 2001, at exactly 11:27 am. 😏From experience, a woman's intuition has never been wrong. Giphy 7. The stereotyping and labels that are given to women. If a man dates around, he's cool. He's suave. If a woman dates random guys, she's a slut. If a man stays single, he's an eligible bachelor. So he becomes a prize women should compete for. People are excited to know if he'll settle down anytime soon. If a woman is still single in her 30s, she will become a lonely, desperate spinster for the rest of her life. People pity or make fun of her. Where a man is called driven and assertive, a woman is too ambitious and bossy. Where a man is applauded for speaking his mind, a woman is called a bitch and a know-it-all.You'll never understand why women must fight harder to break the stereotype unless you're a woman too.Tenor 8. Gender discrimination and the need to fight for equality Even in our progressive society, some women are still paid less than their male counterparts.This is sad since studies show that female-led companies perform better.Meryl Streep said, "I was offered three witches [roles] when I turned 40 - in one year. And I thought: 'Oh, this is how it's gonna go?'"It seems the world thinks women are less bankable than men, especially as they age, so they deserve lesser pay.Gender discrimination is everywhere and has been around since time immemorial. Women have been underestimated, overruled, pushed aside, and pushed around for a long time.If you're a woman, you'll only understand the struggle and the need to fight for equal rights. 9. The joy and beauty of carrying and giving birth.I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men. They are far superior and always have been. Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. - William GoldingFrom conception to childbirth, a woman's body does not stop growing a miracle in her womb---a beautiful baby.According to studies, residual fetal cells stay in the mother's body after giving birth. So her children will always be a part of her. Literally.And you'll never understand childbearing and childbirth unless you have a uterus. Tenor 10. The unique qualities only a real woman is privileged to possess.Are women better than men?Indeed there are many ways where men excel, and they deserve to be celebrated and honored.But women also possess qualities that are unique only to them.Here are 20 things women do more and better than men.If you don't have the xx chromosomes, you don't and can't have them.Giphy All these beautiful and not-so-pleasant things a biological woman goes through and possesses are precisely what makes her what she is. Being a woman is more than what meets the eye. It's more than physical. To become a woman, you need more than a makeover or a sex transplant. Just because you grow breasts, wear a dress, put on some makeup, and identify as a woman, doesn't make you one. You'll never know or understand what being a woman really is unless you were born as one.
