relationships - The Latremie Post

Social life impacts health, happiness

You and I are social animals. Our two-legged and four-legged friends are also “social” creatures. They are usually in pairs or in herds. Like us humans, these animals apparently also value, long for, and enjoy companionship. The loners among them usually do not survive long.

Most obviously, social life—a sense of belonging, a comfortable feeling of security in numbers, a natural mental sense of community—is essential to health, mental and otherwise. That social nature starts the day we are born, in the arms of our mother, nurtured in the crib, and developed into a complete positive mental state through interactions with parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends.

All these experiences enable us to develop lasting relationships and a rewarding mental health, which affects and influences all other lives we touch. Human beings’ capacity to live a stable and happy life, and our survival as a species, heavily depend on our social skills, attitude, and social behavior.

### The Importance of Social Connection

The history of mankind shows that cavemen started forming small groups, literally for security and survival against the harsh and unforgiving environment, and vicious attacks from predatory animals. That dependency on one another is still very evident today, even in this modern, technologically advanced society of ours.

Indeed, no man is an island. A loner is, comparatively, at a much graver risk of ill-health and attrition. Like our need for proper nutrition and shelter, humans also need that sense of belonging—within the family, among friends, in a community, in society, and in the world at large. These support-group structures and interactions—emotional, recreational, and even informational—are vital to people’s health and life.

The last has led to the popularity and proliferation of social media. This modern-day phenomenon is a tangible testimony to the value of social behavior as a natural need of Homo sapiens.

A lonely person, alone without friends, is doomed to be more depressed and more likely to suffer ill-health, or even take their own life, compared to another lonely individual who has a ton of family and friends providing love, friendship, inspiration, and moral support.

### The Power of Belonging

A sense of belonging keeps us connected with our fellow human beings—within our own circle, our community—conferring upon us the reward of acceptance, a gratifying inner satisfaction that we are “in” and “one of them.” It is akin to being a member of a club, fraternity, sorority, or party.

This sense of belonging is fundamental for our emotional and physical well-being. It is a powerful prescription that effectively enables each of us to cope with sometimes unfriendly and harsh environments and social orders.

### Attitude and Social Skills

Our social skills, vital to our acceptance as members of a group or community, are developed or impeded by our attitude. Like social prowess, attitude significantly impacts our life and health. Both are prerequisites to health, happiness, and inner peace.

Show me a man with a bad attitude, and I will show you one abandoned by his friends and scorned by strangers he irritated and riled. A good attitude complements and boosts our social skills and acceptability to belong.

### Words of Wisdom for a Positive Attitude

Here are some inspiring quotes I have come across—philosophical parachutes in life for those who, like many of us, sometimes find themselves falling towards discouragement and despair. With the proper attitude, these sage proverbs lift our spirits by allowing us to view and accept the trials and tribulations of life in their most positive light.

– Anthony J. D’Angelo, in *The College Blue Book*, said, “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

– Oscar Wilde said, “If you don’t get everything you want, think of the things you don’t get that you don’t want.”

– Voltaire expressed it beautifully: “Life is like a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.”

– An ancient Persian proverb puts things in perspective: “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet.”

– Cavett Robert offers these poignant words: “If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.”

Indeed, every day is a good day, although some are better than others. Each day is a gift. Not waking up to another day is a deadly waste, but not appreciating each new day as we open our eyes in our journey through life is a tragedy.

How we greet the day depends greatly on our attitude. Attitude impacts our health, our life, and our everyday happiness and success.

### The Impact of Attitude

A person with a chip on their shoulder, a negative attitude, or a pessimistic view of life will obviously be miserable most of the time. Conversely, as Annette Goodheart brilliantly points out: “Just because you’re miserable doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life.”

Happiness is basically an attitude. Gaining inner peace is an attitude. We have that God-given power to feel what we want to feel, and we can even psyche ourselves—I do.

Our attitude and social behavior play an important role here.

In a world where global peace is still a dream, a world beset with economic crises, terrorism, greed and corruption, shortages of energy, food, and water, global warming, and its devastating effects on typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding, good social skills and attitude are among our best weapons against helplessness, despair, and depression. They truly impact our health and life.

With all these complex problems confronting us, we often find ourselves in the gutter of hopelessness, where, as Oscar Wilde suggests, we can look up at the heavens and “see the stars.”

Indeed, a positive attitude and a happy outlook—especially these days—can help us tremendously in conquering fears, insecurities, and dilemmas. Without total surrender, when we sometimes lose or fail, we should remind ourselves to get up and fight even harder.

After all, “defeat is not bitter unless you swallow it,” as Joe Clark states.

To this, I will add my own: “No one can succeed in life who does not have the courage to fail,” and, “The greatest risk in life is not taking any risk at all.”

Someone wisely said, “You cannot adjust the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sail.” Very true, indeed. Simple words of wisdom that could make our day, if not our lives.

### Taking Responsibility and Showing Compassion

But, of course, we should not simply leave everything to God. We must do our share. He promises to help those who help themselves.

While we cannot cure the cancer of poverty in our country, we— as more blessed individuals—can at least open our hearts to help the homeless and the hungry, and gain that sense of satisfaction and inner peace.

As I have stated before, let us not wait for surgery to open our hearts. Let our social behavior, good attitude, and compassion for our fellowmen reign.

As I live my life each day, I remind myself of an ancient proverb that says, “To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates to hell.” It’s indeed a matter of personal choice.

And that choice inevitably depends on our attitude in life.

Some people believe their fate is predestined and that they can’t do anything about it. Others, inspired by a good attitude and a positive social frame of mind, design, create, and chart their own destiny.

Finally, I strongly believe that leaving this world after this life is not a tragedy. Dying without significance, without making a difference, without leaving behind a good legacy as a social being, is.

Let’s all develop good social skills and a positive attitude to help us enjoy life. It’s a potent prescription for health and happiness.

***

*The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board, and staff.*
https://asianjournal.com/life-style/health-wellness/social-life-impacts-health-happiness/

Julia Roberts’ Kids: Meet the Oscar Winner’s Children

Julia Roberts has been captivating audiences for over 30 years, from her breakout role in the 1990s hit *Pretty Woman* to more recent successes, including her latest movie, *Ticket to Paradise*, which she starred in alongside longtime friend George Clooney.

Julia and George have known each other for years, famously working together on the film *Ocean’s 12* during a very crucial time in Julia’s life—her first pregnancy! Julia starred alongside George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon, and she shared that they were all incredibly sweet to her while she was expecting.

“It was such a sweet shift in our relationships because originally, it was all pranks and teasing each other,” Julia told *Allure*. “And here I am pregnant, so it’s like, them pulling out my chair and just making sure I have enough water and, ‘Are you feeling okay?’”

Julia is now the proud mother of three children: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, and their younger brother Henry. She shares her children with her husband, Daniel Moder, a cinematographer whom she met while working on the 2000 comedy *The Mexican*. They married in 2002.

Her kids have grown up quickly and are now teenagers! Like many parents, Julia has found it challenging to adjust to this new phase of parenting.

“Danny and I really don’t know what it’s like to be a teenager today. Sometimes my kids ask me things, and I just say to them, ‘I’m going to say no, and I’m going to look into it because I don’t even know what we’re talking about,’” she told Oprah Winfrey in a 2018 interview for *Harper’s Bazaar*.

Here’s everything you need to know about Julia Roberts’ children:

### Hazel Moder

Julia and Daniel’s first children were twins born in November 2004. Hazel Moder has grown up a lot and looks remarkably like her mom! She made her red carpet debut in July 2021 when she accompanied her dad to the premiere of his movie *Flag Day* at the Cannes Film Festival. Dressed in an off-white dress and black shoes with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, Hazel resembled Julia in many ways.

Besides their physical similarities, Hazel seems to be following in her mother’s footsteps to some degree. She made her big-screen debut with a small role in Julia’s 2016 film *Mother’s Day*, where she played the “cartwheel kid,” according to IMDb.

Julia and Hazel also share a bond over political issues. The actress revealed that she brought her daughter to the 2017 Women’s March in Washington D.C. in a CBS interview. Julia wanted Hazel to understand the ideas and beliefs she holds as a woman.

“She had a very strong interest in the election, and I think the result was so surprising to her, as it was to many of us. And I felt it was important for her to feel a sense of participating—you know, that you’re not just in your house and this thing has happened,” Julia explained.

Hazel also shares a close relationship with her dad. Daniel Moder posted a selfie of Hazel on his Instagram in September 2019, praising her as his daughter and commenting on her fun personality.

When Hazel and Phinnaeus turned 19 on November 28, 2023, Julia posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute featuring a throwback photo of the twins as babies.

“There are no words for the joy, the fun, the wild rumpus of life together,” she wrote.

### Phinnaeus Moder

Hazel’s twin brother, Phinnaeus Moder, appears to share his father’s interests more closely. The two were spotted wearing matching white t-shirts in June, and Phinnaeus seems to have a passion for skateboarding.

Julia revealed that her kids were the reason she joined Instagram, although the Academy Award-winning actress seldom posts pictures of her children. On the other hand, Daniel Moder occasionally shares glimpses into their family life, highlighting his bond with Phinnaeus.

Daniel has posted photos of himself surfing and also shared snapshots of Phinnaeus skateboarding. He even displayed his photography skills by posting a stunning photo of Phinnaeus tossing a bottle in the desert in June.

### Henry Moder

Three years after the twins, Julia and Daniel welcomed their youngest son, Henry, in June 2007. Like Phinnaeus, Henry also shares an interest in extreme sports.

Daniel has shared many videos showing Henry shredding on his skateboard, just like his older brother. Besides skateboarding, there are clips of Henry performing flips on a trampoline, highlighting his active and adventurous nature.

In a July 2018 photo, Daniel referred to his youngest as “one cool kid,” revealing just how proud he is of his son.

—

Julia Roberts’ family life reflects a close-knit and loving bond, with her children growing up surrounded by creativity, adventure, and the support of their famous parents. As her kids enter their teenage years, Julia continues to navigate parenthood with humor, love, and dedication.
https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/julia-roberts-kids-4490476/

Moore reflects on SHS tenure

SALISBURY Principal Dr. Marvin Moore announced his intentions to leave Salisbury High School earlier this week to take the principal job at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology in 2026. Moore said he is excited about the next step of his personal journey, but called his departure bittersweet. “I gave all I could and was able to work with and build a really good foundation at Salisbury with some really good people and families,” Moore said. “I feel like I’m at a point where if I needed to leave this would be the time.” Moore became the principal at Salisbury High School over the summer of 2020. He came into the administrative position during a tumultuous time when the world was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and school officials were trying to figure out what the upcoming year would look like. Thanks to support from the surrounding Hornet community, Moore said they exceeded expectations. “We noticed that we had some work to do in some areas,” he said. “Jumped right to it. Had a very strong community in Salisbury who loved the school that jumped in and supported us both on the academic side, athletic side and the community side.” As for those academic achievements, Moore said he is particularly proud of the standards they set. “We were able to do some really special things here,” Moore said. “When you talk about academics, each year, we moved our composite scores up and met growth. This past year, we exceeded growth. “We really honed in on making sure our graduation rates went up for 70 percent to 85 percent in the last four to five years.” Off the field, Hornets were excelling under Moore. On the field, they were doing the same. “We also did a really good job, I felt like, of setting the expectation that we would be a state championship athletic program,” Moore said. “We have won a state championship in football, two in women’s basketball, one in golf last year. We won in track, both indoor and outdoor. “Then, on top of that, we made some deep playoff runs in every sport, tennis, women’s and men’s, almost every year. The same thing in soccer. We really just tried to make sure we were really competitive in all aspects of the word.” Some of Moore’s proudest accomplishments came through building community bonds. “I felt like the partnerships we were able to build with the churches and the booster club meant so much,” Moore said. “Promise City Church moved into the school and is doing a good job with us.” He pointed to partnering with Next Gen Academy, led by former Salisbury Hornets Romar Morris and John Knox, as one more of those relationships that made everyone better for it. However, it has not always been easy for Moore and the Hornet family. “We have had a lot of tough moments from student deaths to staff deaths, but we have galvanized around that work and been able to love each other,” Moore said. “One of my phrases is ‘We love like a family, function like a team.’ We have been able to do that and keep that in perspective.” That was just the impact that Moore wanted to have. “No one can say when I walked away from here that I did not love on our students and staff,” he said. “I did what I could to make sure I was present and that what we did mattered.” Moore mentioned that it was always about being forward faces and tackling things head on even when it was not easy. “I am really big on you should not be a coward in these spaces,” he said. “If you want to be a leader, you have to be willing to take the hits.” However, he acknowledged that having the right pieces around him helped make the mission a successful one. “I feel like I put a team around me of assistant principals that really helped to lead and I am really proud of what we have done,” he said. Moore has been working in the Rowan-Salisbury School System long enough that he has seen students he knew from elementary school graduate high school. He served as the principal and Isenberg Elementary before taking over at Salisbury. “A lot of these kids, some that graduated last year, I was their principal for 10 years,” Moore said, adding that being a part of those journeys is something he’ll always hold onto. Moore will miss the halls, but it is the people inside the building and the adjacent community that will stay with him. “I am going to miss that,” Moore said. “I tell people often. Until you have lived and worked in Salisbury and worked with the family in Salisbury, you don’t understand the true value of what happens here. It is magic, man.” It might be hard to say goodbye, but Moore believes this move is a step that he needs to take. “I’m going to miss it but it is time,” Moore said. “My wife said something the other night. Honestly, I was struggling with it. I am happy about the opportunity but I was struggling with leaving. She said two things can be right at the same time.” He added that he feels like this is one of those examples.
https://www.salisburypost.com/2025/11/23/moore-reflects-on-shs-tenure/

How Exaggeration Sabotages Your Relationships

Exaggeration is often used, sometimes habitually, for two reasons. Some individuals use it as a form of emotional self-expression. Other times it is used to manipulate others. In either circumstance, it leaves others feeling deceived, tricked, manipulated, exploited, and abused. While exaggeration may sometimes be successful at achieving some short-term goals, it causes significant damage to relationships. There are ways of achieving the same short-term goals without hurting others in your life. Exaggeration as a Form of Self-Expression Some individuals use exaggeration to emphasize the expression of their feelings to others. The following dialogue is a typical example: Red: Why don’t you pick up your phone? I called you like 10 times yesterday. Rho: You called me 10 times yesterday? Red: I don’t know if it was 10 times, but I kept calling you all day. Rho: I only saw your caller ID come up on my telephone twice. Red: I just know it was more than once. In this example, Red claims to have called Rho 10 times, when they actually only called twice. What Red meant to say was “it felt like I called you 10 times.” After this exchange, Rho is likely to feel lied to. If Rho perceives a pattern where Red routinely exaggerates facts, then Rho will question Red’s credibility. Rho is likely to eventually discount Red’s information, or possibly disregard it altogether. Red can communicate his feelings more effectively to Red if he speaks of them directly. For example, he might have said, “I tried really hard to reach you yesterday, and I was disappointed when I couldn’t get through.” After hearing this expression, Rho is likely to feel that Red is being genuine and perhaps respond affectionately. Exaggeration as a Tool of Manipulation The use of exaggeration to manipulate others is often overtly deceptive. A common example is when it is used for material gain, for instance, exaggerating how many hours it took to complete a task to increase compensation, also known as “padding” a bill. People exaggerate the value of assets in order to get more favorable loans from banks. Some people exaggerate their level of pain or discomfort in order to get to see a medical provider quickly. Another use of exaggeration is to manipulate the behavior of others. For example, telling someone who occasionally interrupts that they “always interrupt” will probably decrease their spontaneous speech. Telling someone who is occasionally late that they are “always late” might make them more punctual for a period of time. When people or institutions become aware that they are being manipulated by exaggeration, which is a form of lying, they often get annoyed. In some cases, they might lash out against you. An employer who finds that an employee or contractor is padding a bill may fire that employee. If they don’t, they will probably carefully scrutinize other invoices. Banks that find that they have made a loan based on exaggerated information might initiate legal charges of fraud. They will likely report this to the credit agencies and damage your credit rating. Individuals are often offended when you exaggerate their interrupting, tardiness, etc. They may also lash out by telling you to mind your own business. They might react defensively and argue your characterization of their behavior. In either case, the relationship, as well as your credibility, is likely to be compromised by these exaggerations. Accomplishing These Goals Without Exaggeration Starting negotiations with honest and direct communication is likely to yield the best results in most situations. If you need more income, let your employer know. Ask if you can negotiate a raise in pay rate or work additional hours. If you do not qualify for the loan you want, ask the banker what you can do to qualify. You can also ask where else you might be able to secure funds. You might not get what you want 100 percent of the time, but you won’t risk losing your job or being prosecuted for fraud. When trying to change someone’s behavior, an honest expression of intent and feelings is more effective than manipulation through exaggeration. For example, if someone interrupts you, ask them nicely to wait until you are finished expressing yourself before they respond. Thank them when they comply. If they need to be reminded, do so gently and appreciatively. This will encourage them to maximize their efforts to not interrupt you in the future. Telling someone who is occasionally late that punctuality is appreciated is more likely to get them to put their effort into being on time than insulting them by exaggerating their undesirable behavior. You can increase the chance of compliance by sharing your feelings directly-for example, “It would mean a lot to me if you could arrive before the party gets started.”.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/my-side-of-the-couch/202511/how-exaggeration-sabotages-your-relationships

I quit JPMorgan and took a 70% pay cut. It was a scary decision, but I finally feel meaningfully busy, not calendar busy.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Meet Semlani, a 33-year-old startup cofounder based in India. It’s been edited for length and clarity. I was two years into my time at JPMorgan when I realized how disillusioned I’d become with my life. It felt robotic. I was following the motto “30 VP,” a phrase I’d heard at the company. It means the goal is to reach vice president status by the age of 30. I’d seen my seniors have these glamorous investment banking careers, so that’s what I thought I was supposed to do. At 26, every day felt the same. I’d be in the office by 9 a. m., go to the same meetings, do the same actions, and leave at 7p. m. During that time, I lost friends and relationships. On a whim, I signed up for a 10-day silent meditation retreat with the intention of taking a digital detox, and came back with the clarity that it was time to quit. My time at JPMorgan shaped my career, but quitting helped me redefine success and eventually raise over $6 million for my startup. I was chasing a goal that wasn’t mine at JP Morgan I started working at JPMorgan in 2015 as an intern on a US visa. Later, I moved back to India and became an associate within the asset management department. I was focused on climbing the corporate ladder. At the same time, I felt like every conversation with coworkers was about having kids, buying a house, paying loans, and planning for the future. But I didn’t see a future for myself at JPMorgan. I had just grown accustomed to the status, validation, and money it provided. I wanted to make a real impact and keep learning, but I was afraid to quit. I had associated my identity with working at JP Morgan If I went to an event and said I worked at JPMorgan, it meant something. People seemed more curious about me when they learned where I worked. I liked the validation and didn’t want to give it up. The idea of leaving a good salary was also a hesitation. I got used to buying the best gadgets and going to nice restaurants. I definitely experienced some lifestyle creep, and I wasn’t sure how I’d maintain my habits without that salary. I knew I needed a break from work I had no idea what to expect going into the meditation retreat. There were no screens, no talking, just breathing. The first few days felt depressing, but when I really settled into the meditation, it gave me space to question everything. I asked myself, “Do I really want to live like this? Is this how I want to be known?” The answer was no. I questioned what’s the worst that could happen if I left JPMorgan, and kept coming back to the idea that, no matter what happens, at least I’m not dead. When I returned home, I felt a sense of calm and a knowingness that I was ready to let go of my job. I didn’t know what was next for me, but I knew it was time to forge a new identity. The day I returned to work, I told my manager I was thinking about quitting. I ultimately stayed a few more months, until February 2018, to hand over my work as smoothly as possible and ensure the team wouldn’t be negatively impacted. I took a 70% pay cut to work for a startup that fulfilled me I was living with my parents rent-free at the time, but I still had some expenses. That’s when I began looking into startups. I applied to some jobs and ultimately got hired as a customer service associate at a startup. I really resonated with its mission of helping international students go abroad through scholarships, loans, or grants, because of my shared experience as an international student, which motivated me to take a 70% pay cut from JPMorgan. I had to scale down on a lot of things I was doing before, like eating out at nice restaurants and traveling, which was tough. There were even moments where I considered going back to JPMorgan because of it, but I’m so glad I stayed. The learning and access I had in a startup environment were unbeatable Being able to grab coffee with the CEO, share ideas, and see decisions happen in real time changed me. It was a real startup hustle, and I was actually building things, not just attending meetings. I felt meaningfully busy, not just calendar busy. That’s when it clicked for me that success isn’t only about money or titles. If I focused on becoming truly competent and useful, the success and money would eventually find their way. In late 2019, the startup was having fundraising issues, and I was asked to leave. It came as a bit of a shock, and I felt like I hit a professional roadblock. I thought about going back to a secure role at a place like JPMorgan, but I realized I wouldn’t fit into a structured setup again. The pandemic hit shortly after, and oddly, it gave me time to explore ideas. I decided to go all in on my startup idea as a cofounder. Leaving JP Morgan helped me redefine success The early days of fundraising and building were hard. There was a point in time about six months in where I went to bed crying every day, thinking, “When will this end?” But I’d wake up the next morning and remember that this is what I signed up for. This is what I wanted to do. Since then, our startup has raised over $6 million from global investors and we’ve built Tartan into a leading data-infrastructure platform. I still feel like JPMorgan was an integral part of my career. It shaped me into becoming disciplined and structured. Sometimes I think about what my life would be like if I stayed there. I’d probably be a managing director with a corner office, but that’s not what success looks like to me anymore. These days, success isn’t about title, big paychecks, or nice things. It’s not even about chasing a goal 10 years down the line. It’s about what keeps me going every day. If I’m waking up in the morning smiling and going to sleep smiling, I think I’m good. Do you have a story to share about taking a risky or unconventional career pivot? If so, please reach out to this reporter at tmartinelli@businessinsider. com.
https://www.businessinsider.com/quitting-jpmorgan-risky-move-helped-launch-startup-redefine-success-2025-11

FX’s “English Teacher” Cancelled After Two Seasons

**FX Comedy Series “English Teacher” Cancelled After Two Seasons**

The FX comedy series *English Teacher* will not be returning for a third season, as Deadline has revealed the show has been cancelled.

Created by Brian Jordan Alvarez, *English Teacher* stars Alvarez as Evan Marquez, a high school teacher in Austin, Texas. The series follows Evan as he navigates the complex intersection of personal, professional, and political challenges within a high school setting. Throughout the first season, Evan works through his relationships, interactions with students, and dealings with fellow faculty members, while trying to answer the question: can you truly be your full self at your job?

The first season of *English Teacher* premiered in 2024 across FX, Hulu, and Disney+, with the second season arriving on those platforms earlier this year.

**Critical Acclaim and Awards**

*English Teacher*’s first season earned widespread critical praise, receiving three Critics’ Choice Awards nominations including Best Comedy Series. It also garnered four Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations, including Best New Scripted Series, along with two Writers Guild Award nods for New Series and Episodic Comedy.

The show quickly became one of the best-reviewed series of the year. It appeared on numerous critics’ year-end Top 10 lists — notably ranked as the #1 Best Show of the Year by both Decider and Consequence. The first season holds a Certified Fresh score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Must Watch score of 83 on Metacritic. Its second season achieved an impressive 100% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

**Cast and Production**

Alongside Brian Jordan Alvarez, the series stars Stephanie Koenig, Enrico Colantoni, Sean Patton, and Carmen Christopher. Alvarez not only created the show but also served as an executive producer, alongside Paul Simms, Jonathan Krisel, Dave King, Kathryn Dean, Jake Bender, and Zach Dunn.

Both seasons of *English Teacher* are currently available to stream on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the United States, and on Disney+ internationally.

**Looking Ahead**

As with many cancelled shows, if you haven’t yet watched *English Teacher* or want to revisit it, now is the time. Cancelled series are often removed from streaming platforms to cut costs.

**Roger’s Take**

It’s unfortunate that *English Teacher* wasn’t given more time to find its audience, especially since comedy shows often need longer to build momentum. There is speculation that the show’s future was impacted by allegations of sexual assault made last summer by Jon Ebeling — a collaborator of Brian Jordan Alvarez on *The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo*. The warning signs appeared when FX gave minimal promotion to the new season upon its release earlier this year.

What do you think about *English Teacher* being cancelled? Share your thoughts on social media!
https://whatsondisneyplus.com/fxs-english-teacher-cancelled-after-two-seasons/

Chaim Bloom reflects on Mookie Betts trade more than 5 years later

Chaim Bloom is settling into his new role as the St. Louis Cardinals’ president of baseball operations ahead of a busy offseason. However, the 42-year-old baseball executive will also be remembered as a central figure in an infamous chapter of Red Sox history.

Appointed as Dave Dombrowski’s successor as Boston’s chief baseball officer in October 2019, one of Bloom’s first orders of business with the Red Sox was to determine the future of franchise star Mookie Betts. Unable to come to terms on a long-term extension with Betts, Bloom and the Red Sox ultimately traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 2020. The trade also included David Price going to the Dodgers, with Boston receiving Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong in return.

The move proved disastrous for Boston. Betts went on to win three World Series titles, earn four All-Star selections, and secure several top-five finishes for the National League MVP over his six seasons with the Dodgers. Among the players Boston received, only Connor Wong remains on the Red Sox roster as a backup catcher. Alex Verdugo was eventually traded to the New York Yankees after the 2023 season. Jeter Downs appeared in just 14 career games with Boston and last played in MLB in 2023.

Speaking to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas, Bloom expressed that his stance on trading Betts has not changed despite Betts’ incredible success with the Dodgers.

“It’s never fun to take a player of that caliber in the prime of his career that I had seen right in my face as an opponent for so many years with the Rays, then be on the same side as him very briefly and end up moving him,” Bloom said. “Obviously, there was a bigger picture than that deal. That deal wasn’t about the valuation of the talent. It was just about where the organization was.”

Bloom was eventually fired in September 2023 after the Red Sox posted a combined 267-262 record during his four seasons and made only one postseason appearance. Still, Bloom maintains an affinity for Boston, especially with several players drafted under his tenure—such as Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Connelly Early—emerging as key pieces for the Red Sox in 2025 and beyond.

“It’s cool to see them, in a lot of cases, start turning into and in other cases, continuing to be the players we thought they could be,” Bloom said. “Even in just four years in that organization, I developed a lot of really strong relationships and friends for life. Some people that I care about that I was really happy to see enjoy pieces of that success.

“I’m proud of a lot of the things we did in Boston. It has been exciting from afar to see that work come to fruition. Bigger things continue to be ahead for that franchise.”
https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2025/11/12/chaim-bloom-boston-red-sox-mookie-betts-mlb-baseball/

Dakota Fanning makes candid confession about becoming a mother in her 30s

Dakota Fanning recently opened up about motherhood in an interview with Byrdie, sharing her hopes to welcome children during her 30s.

“Every year that goes by, you’re more in tune with who you are and with what you want and don’t want,” she explained. “I’m associating this decade with the next part of my life. I’ve always wanted to have kids—that’s something I’ve never questioned and has always been really important to me. So, hopefully, dating will end soon, and this next decade will bring that into my life.”

Known for keeping her romantic relationships private, Dakota has been candid in the past about her strong desire to become a mother. In a 2024 interview with Porter, she shared, “Being an actor is a huge part of my identity. I don’t really know who I am without it. But I also have a desire to set up my life and career so that I always have a choice. Having kids is probably more important to me than anything, even being an actor.”

She continued, “If somebody said I had to choose, I would choose having kids. I’m one of those people who has always felt that pull.”

Dakota is likely to raise her future children away from the spotlight, having grown up in Hollywood as one of the industry’s most successful child stars. She first rose to fame at just seven years old with her award-winning performance in the 2001 film *I Am Sam*. Since then, she’s starred in hits such as *The Cat in the Hat*, *Man on Fire*, *War of the Worlds*, *Charlotte’s Web*, and *Coraline*.

Despite her early success, Dakota enjoyed a relatively normal childhood, thanks to her grounded parents, Steve and Heather. Reflecting on her upbringing in an interview with NJ.com, she said, “I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on any milestones. I think acting’s only enhanced my life. I’ve been to so many more places than the average 16-year-old, I’ve met so many people from so many walks of life. I feel really lucky, and I think it’s got a lot to do with my family.”

She added, “Our parents are so removed from this business, and so happy just to be our parents. I can honestly say I have a completely normal life. Probably more normal than normal people!”

Dakota shares a particularly close bond with her mother, a former professional tennis player. At the IndieWire Honors ceremony, she paid tribute to her mom’s sacrifices, saying, “She changed the course of her own life for me. She put her own dreams to the side so I could achieve mine. She allowed me to have my own independence and stand on my own two feet, to find my footing as a young woman and as an actor, but she was always there.”
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/867004/dakota-fanning-makes-candid-confession-about-becoming-a-mother-in-her-30s/

A New Documentary Oscar Campaign Stop Launches in London

Apple TV‘s *Come See Me In The Good Light*, a documentary about poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley, will kick off the inaugural London-based documentary showcase LLDNDOCS on November 21.

The newly formed three-day event will feature a lineup of 10 documentary features that explore how memory and time shape our relationships and the lasting impact they leave. In addition to Ryan White’s *Come See Me In The Good Light*, the lineup includes fellow Oscar contenders Ben Stiller’s *Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost* (Apple TV), Brittany Shyne’s *Seeds*, and Tamara Kotevska’s *The Tale Of Silyan* (Nat. Geo.).

The majority of screenings will be followed by post-screening Q&A sessions with attending directors, producers, and special guests, offering audiences deeper insights into the films. The showcase will also feature a short film program comprised of Palestinian filmmakers creatively engaging with archival footage and images from Palestine.

LLDNDOCS was created and launched by Ben Fowlie, former Points North executive, artistic director, and founder of the Camden International Film Festival. Fowlie moved to London in 2024 and has an extensive background in documentary festivals. He conceived the Camden International Film Festival (CIFF) in Maine in 2004, with the inaugural event taking place in 2005. In 2016, he co-founded the Points North Institute, which produces an annual documentary festival each September, alongside Sean Flynn and Caroline von Kuhn.

Fowlie says he launched LLDNDOCS “to build greater access to bold, ambitious nonfiction filmmaking in a city that continues to be a vital center for the global creative documentary community. It’s exciting to be helping to expand the awareness of the artists and stories pushing the form forward. For a city of nine million, London still feels intimate, and we intended to curate a program and create an experience that felt similarly.”

The 2025 LLDNDOCS showcase will take place November 21–23 at the Curzon Bloomsbury Cinema in the Brunswick Centre, London.

### LLDNDOCS 2025 Lineup Highlights:

– **The Bend In The River**
Director: Robb Moss
This film is the final installment of Moss’ documentary trilogy about a group of free-spirited friends navigating their way through life.

Stay tuned for more details on the full lineup and ticket information for this exciting new documentary festival in London.
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/lldndocsa-new-documentary-festival-london-1236566473/

Why twice-born men and women are needed in Holy Matrimony

Becoming a Christian—experiencing the new birth in Christ—transforms each individual who embraces it. In his letter to the Ephesian Christians, the Apostle Paul explains this supernatural experience of being born again from above by accepting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Savior.

In the second chapter of Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that while we “were by nature the children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3) and “dead in sins,” God “quickened us together with Christ” (Eph. 2:5). When we respond to the Holy Spirit’s convicting work, confess our sins, and accept Christ as our personal Savior, He regenerates us through the work of the Holy Spirit.

This miraculous process transforms believers—both Jew and Gentile—into “a new man” (Eph. 2:15). The Greek word Paul uses for “new” signifies a completely new and different kind of person.

After the coming of the Holy Spirit in a mighty way at Pentecost, these “new men” were indwelt with God’s Spirit in a never-before-experienced way. A supreme example of this transformation is the astonishing difference in the Apostle Peter. Before Pentecost, Peter was confused and uncertain; after Pentecost, he was commanding and confident, preaching powerfully to thousands.

It was as if Peter had stepped into a spiritual telephone booth and emerged wearing a spiritual Superman suit. The point is that after Pentecost, God created a new kind of man—one who did not exist before the Spirit personally indwelt twice-born believers.

Understanding this is critically important. Why? Because only such twice-born men and women can fulfill their biblical roles, especially in Holy Matrimony.

Only a twice-born man can consistently love his wife with agape love, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. Likewise, only a woman who has been born again from above can consistently submit herself under the spiritual leadership of her husband.

Being born again—a “new” kind of man or woman—should transform all our relationships if we are surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

Another spiritually significant relationship transformed by the Holy Spirit is the pastor–church member relationship. There are close parallels between the New Testament model for pastors and church members and the husband–wife relationship.

God instructs pastors through Peter not to “lord over” God’s flock but to be good shepherds who lovingly serve the people (1 Pet. 5:1-5). Correspondingly, church members are admonished to “submit yourselves” (Heb. 13:17) to their spiritual leaders who have “spoken unto you the word of God” (Heb. 13:7).

The phrase “submit yourselves” uses the same Greek verb—and in the same unusual middle or reflexive tense—as the one used for wives submitting to their own husbands “as unto the Lord” (Eph. 5:22).

Becoming a born-again Christian should change every relationship in our lives. God never commands us to do something that we cannot accomplish with His help. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live transformed lives that honor God in all our relationships.
https://www.christianpost.com/voices/why-twice-born-men-and-women-needed-in-holy-matrimony.html