Hey Reader,
As things change your approach to those things to change. And or if you want things to change, sometimes you must deploy new strategies and do things differently.
Update from Ken
This is your last Newsletter from Life with Ken for the summer season. Starting next week I will be on vacation. I am going on vacation for the month of September. I mentioned this earlier this month, but now the time has come. This time off is going to give me a chance to re-calibrate, get things in order, and come back raring to go. September is also my birth month so this time off will also give me a chance to fully appreciate the aging process in this season of my life.
I will still be active in various ways so I won't completely be MIA. Be sure to follow myself and Life with Ken on our social media accounts to stay up to date with all the happenings taking place. Last week for example, when there was no Newsletter, we announced it on our social media, so again, that is a way for you to keep engaged with us as well.
Review Get Your Mind Right
My forthcoming non-fiction debut title, "Get Your Mind Right" releases this November 19, 2024! I would be humbled and appreciative if you are willing to review it. Book reviews especially in the pre-release phase is how books are setup for success when they do release. If you want to review the book I will send you an advanced reader's copy, so a copy of the book for free before it releases; and all I ask is you leave a comment about the book on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and or Goodreads. For more information about "Get Your Mind Right" you can visit it's sales page.
Click here to review the book. Thank you for your support in this endeavor.
Spotlight
Last month Life with Ken celebrated it's 5 year anniversary! It was a great time with various deals and offers taking place. We concluded that celebration with a celebratory video and post on our Substack. Click here to view Life with Ken's 5 year celebration post.
What I am Interested in This Week
Free Speech Crack Down
Free speech is an American right that is often lauded as one of if not the cornerstone of democracy. Every healthy person, God willing, has a mouth and a brain. So it doesn't make sense period, no matter where you live, if you can't use those things. Most of planet earth is also suffering under the tyranny of big brother. Large intrusive governments who unassuming people throughout the course of time, may or may not have endorsed to ensure a certain level of a sustainable existence, have in many ways encroached on the privacy of individuals. Invasion of your privacy is everywhere, being spied on by your government is common, and it's up to you to jump through the hoops required to protect your sanctity of life in this area. One of the ways 900 million people across planet earth have decided to do this is with the app Telegram.
Telegram is a text encryption app that allows people to communicate with each other on the platform without having the content of their conversation spied on. On Saturday August 24, 2024, It's CEO, Pavel Durov, was detained in France. Officials are claiming that Durov is responsible for abusing taking place on the platform by criminals, because of a lack of moderation on the app. Telegram has released a statement saying that this is absurd and that the company and it's CEO have nothing to hide. While unclear if Durov is a Russian citizen, he does have dual citizenship in the UAE and France, and he is a Russian native, being originally born there. He's sometimes endearingly referred to as the "Mark Zuckerberg of Russia," and the Kremlin has raised alarms of his arrest, suggesting that there doesn't appear to be a reason for Durov's detainment.
Other free speech activists like the CEO of Rumble, who since this story broke has left Europe, and Elon Musk of X, who has been under attack by European countries for some time are also speaking about against this. This matters because you should be able to speak anywhere no matter what and on any subject. The first step to tyranny is taking away your autonomy to use your brain and your mouth. And just to be clear, for those of you who are unsure, tyranny is a bad thing. Click here to read an article on this story.
Russian Missiles and Drones Attack Energy Infrastructure in Ukraine
It's been a while since I've last mentioned the Russia Ukraine war in this Newsletter. Things have been relatively stalemated. Prior to the events I am about to highlight the most notable thing has been that the United States leadership has sent F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. This was a significant development because Prior to doing so, the Biden Harris administration has been reluctant as to not escalate the war. Obviously that sentiment has somewhat changed. Since acquiring the jets in mid August, Ukraine as struck infrastructure deep within Russia and has taken territory in it's southern region.
This morning Russia attacked critical energy infrastructure around 10 regions in Ukraine with 100 missiles and drones. In a statement Russia's defense ministry said that the high precision attacks were done to weaken Ukraine's military forces. This is of interest because this is Russia's most intense attack on Ukraine in weeks. Of course NATO members close to the region remain on high alert. It's important to remember that this conflict in particular is the one that has the closet potential as of right now into turning into an international hot war, AKA WWIII. All it takes is a detrimental mistake for things to haywire and the world is due for an October surprise soon. Click here to read an article on this story.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Drops Out of Presidential Race and Endorses Donald Trump
On Friday August 23, 2024 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of the presidential race. in a 45 minute speech he outlined everything his campaign had done up to this point. He decided to drop out because he did not see a path of victory to the white house. During his speech he talked about being a Kennedy Democrat in the legacy of his father and uncle. He also talked about the challenges he's faced in his campaign. He stated that the Democratic party of today is unrecognizable to him and that it no longer upholds the values of his father.
He admonished the undemocratic practices of the Democrat party this cycle including not having a primary, the media blackout he had to endure, the various forms of lawfare he has had to face in his campaign in virtually every state, the wars perpetuated by the military industrial complex, and more. He then proceeded to talk about an issue near and dear to him which is the health of Americans in general, and specifically American children. During his remarks he endorsed Trump saying that while they still disagree, they are willing to find unity on the issues they agree on, and Trump is willing to offer him a position in the Trump administration should he be re-elected.
What is critical to note is that RFKJr. is still on the ballet in most states. He took his name off the ballet in key swing states to help Trump win, but he is still encouraging his supporters to vote for him in the states where his name is still on the ballet. If he can crack 5% on election day he could qualify to start a third party. Many people see third parities as the only positive way forward in the American political system and within this political environment.
Additionally, RFKJr. doesn't want to dismiss the effort that all his supporters and volunteers have put forth up to this point. Following his speech RFKJr. took the stage with Trump at a rally in Arizona where he received a thunderous applause from an excited and energized crowed. Since this development some in the Kennedy family particularly RFKJr.'s sister, took to repudiating him and creating even more distance from him as they seek his endorsement of Trump as a betrayal to the Kennedy name and legacy. Pundits are saying that this helps Trump, but the verdict is still out on how much.
Honorable Mention
DNC Recap - In a thread on my X account I highlight my takeaways from the DNC National Convention that took place last week. You can click this link/embed to view my take:
Word of Encouragement
This week (and I guess for the next month) I want to encourage you to take some down time. Why not!? Everyone's life and schedule is different and I empathize with that, but if you can get away from yourself for a little while, do it. I plan on going to a football game, a concert, and embracing the freedoms I enjoy in an intimate and internal way. Acknowledge your efforts. Also don't let your efforts be for not. Time off can give additional perspective to why you do what you do in the first place. That being said, also don't lose momentum. Continue to set yourself up for success, whatever that looks like. There is still plenty of 2024 to go, try to find some time to refresh as we enter the back half of this year.
Thank you for being part of Life with Ken! We enjoy having you with us and hope you are getting as much value as possible.
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Have an outstanding week!
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