All posts by Kimberly

Book Reviews, Memoirs

Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins

Let me tell you, never has a book made me feel like such a loser. I have worked hard in my life, but honestly, I can be lazy, and sometimes I just give up. This was such an inspiring novel. Truly, not in the way that makes me want to make such extreme changes in my life, because I still am a little lazy, but mostly so tired from trying to survive everyday life. A friend recommended this book to me, and I told him, “God, I’m such a loser…” His reply? “No kidding… me, too.”

In Can’t Hurt Me, David Goggins shares his life story and philosophy of mental toughness. Raised in an abusive household and struggling with racism, poverty, and learning disabilities, Goggins faced enormous early hardships. As an adult, he transformed himself from an overweight, depressed exterminator into a Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner, and record-setting endurance athlete.

Goggins argues that most people only tap into 40% of their potential — what he calls the “40% rule.” He emphasizes the power of embracing pain, pushing through suffering, mastering the mind, and seeking personal accountability to unlock true potential. Throughout the book, he offers challenges to the reader, encouraging self-discipline, resilience, and relentless self-improvement.

At its core, Can’t Hurt Me is a tough-love manual for overcoming self-doubt and achieving greatness through extreme mental resilience.

Time management has never been my strong suit. Exhausted and pressed for time, I opted for the audiobook version of Can’t Hurt Me — a decision that proved unexpectedly rewarding.

Narrated by Adam Skolnick, with frequent appearances by David Goggins himself, the audiobook blurs the line between memoir and podcast. Between chapters, Skolnick and Goggins engage in candid conversations that dive deeper into the former Navy SEAL’s harrowing life story, grueling training, and unyielding survival instincts. These interludes offer a richer, more intimate portrait of Goggins, transforming the listening experience into something far more expansive than the printed page alone.

Whether you prefer to read or listen, Can’t Hurt Me deserves a place on your reading list.

Book Reviews

Spare by Prince Harry

Spare by Prince Harry is an outstanding memoir. As someone who has long admired him, I am glad he finally had the opportunity to tell his story in his own words. Prior to reading the book, I was unfamiliar with the true meaning behind the term “spare.” I knew that Prince Charles had once told Princess Diana he had successfully produced “an heir and a spare,” and I had always assumed it simply meant that Harry would step into the line of succession should anything happen to William. However, Harry’s account revealed a far more painful reality. He writes, “I was summoned to provide backup, distraction, diversion and, if necessary, a spare part. Kidney, perhaps. Blood transfusion. Speck of bone marrow.” He also reflects, “Two years older than me, Willy was the Heir, whereas I was the Spare,” conveying the unsettling idea that he existed in part as a biological reserve for his brother.

I believe Harry never truly felt loved by his father in the way he might have been had he been born a girl — a second daughter instead of a second son. I am not saying Charles didn’t love Harry, only that Charles could have loved Harry just a little more.

At a recent event, host Ayesha Hazarika introduced him by saying, “He wants to say a few words to kick start the day and he’s made it clear that we are all just to call him ‘Harry.’ So, ladies and gentlemen, please give a big Scottish welcome to Harry.” It speaks to his desire to be seen simply as himself — Harry. Just Harry.

I absolutely loved his book. His story made me feel deeply for both him and Prince William. I was reminded of the sorrow I felt when I read Princess Diana’s book years ago, wondering how being burdened with the well-being and survival of an entire country and commonwealth could ever be worth the personal cost. Harry’s pain, his sense of not belonging in his own family, echoes the struggles his mother endured.

I sincerely hope he is finding peace here in California. As a fan, I even find myself wishing he and his family would move to Newport Coast — maybe then I might have the chance to meet him. In my daydreams, I imagine that with a little help from Ben striking up a conversation with “Just Harry,” about their military experience, we might even become good friends, perhaps over a casual coffee.

I highly recommend this book. It is eye-opening, informative, and at times both humorous and heartwarming, offering a perspective that allows readers to see the royal family in a new and more nuanced light — whether for better or for worse.

Book Reviews

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Summary

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak takes place in Nazi Germany during World War II and centers on a young girl named Liesel Meminger. After the death of her brother and the disappearance of her mother, Liesel is placed with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, in the small town of Molching.

At first, Liesel struggles to adjust, but she gradually finds comfort in books, despite not being able to read. With Hans’ guidance, she learns to read and develops a deep love for words. As the war intensifies, the Hubermanns hide a Jewish man, Max Vandenburg, in their basement. Liesel and Max form a powerful bond, and he gifts her a handmade book that inspires her own writing.

Throughout the story, Liesel steals books—starting with one from a graveyard and later from the mayor’s library—finding hope and freedom through reading. But the war brings devastating losses: air raids destroy much of her town, and a bombing ultimately kills almost everyone she cares about. Liesel survives because she was in the basement writing her story when the attack happened.

The novel is uniquely narrated by Death, who observes Liesel’s journey and offers reflections on humanity along the way.

Review coming soon – Coming soon

Book Reviews

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Born a Crime by political commentator Trevor Noah is one of my favorite autobiographies. I learned so much from him about the apartheid, the political climate of South Africa and how segregation still exists today. Even before the release of this autobiography, I’ve always been a fan of Trevor Noah and was sad to see him leave The Daily Show. This autobiography is not about learning about a man or for entertainment. It is for education as well, and I recommend this autobiography to people of all ages.

Children, Education

Lucas and the Cloud Library – A Story About Early Onset Alzheimer’s (For Kids)

Lucas was 20 years old and loved books more than anything in the world. He worked at the town library, where he helped kids find stories about dragons, space explorers, and talking squirrels. He always remembered where every book belonged—even the tricky ones!

But lately, Lucas had been forgetting little things. One day, he shelved a book about sharks in the fairy tale section. Another day, he forgot the name of his favorite story, even though he’d read it a hundred times.

One afternoon, his little cousin Emma tugged on his sleeve. “Lucas, you put The Pirate Picnic in the cookbook aisle,” she giggled.

Lucas smiled, but it was a tired smile. “I think my brain is playing tricks on me,” he said.

That week, Lucas went to a doctor. After some tests, the doctor said something surprising: “Lucas, you have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.”

“Wait,” Lucas said. “Isn’t that something only older people get?”

“Usually, yes,” the doctor explained. “But sometimes, a person’s brain starts having memory problems much earlier. That’s called early-onset Alzheimer’s. It means your brain is having a harder time keeping track of thoughts, names, and memories. It’s not something you did—it’s just how your brain is wired.”

Lucas felt a little scared. “Will I forget everything?”

“Not all at once,” the doctor said. “And you’ll have people to help you along the way. There are ways to make things easier—notes, reminders, and friends who care.”

Lucas thought about that. The next day at the library, he started making colorful labels for the shelves and sticky notes to help him remember tasks. He also made a Memory Journal, where he wrote down funny moments, favorite book quotes, and kind things people said.

Emma helped too. “You’ll never forget who you are, Lucas,” she told him. “You’re the best book guide ever.”

And even if some memories slipped away like sand in an hourglass, Lucas knew one thing would always stay: the love of the stories—and the people—who made his life special.

The End

About Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a form of Alzheimer’s that occurs in people younger than 65, often appearing between ages 30 and 60. It accounts for less than 10% of all Alzheimer’s cases and is marked by the same symptoms as late-onset Alzheimer’s, such as memory loss, confusion, and changes in thinking and behavior—but it happens much earlier in life.

Key Facts:

  • Cause: While most cases have no known cause, a small percentage are genetic—called Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD)—caused by inherited mutations in one of three genes: APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2.
  • Symptoms:
    • Memory loss
    • Difficulty with planning or solving problems
    • Confusion with time or place
    • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
    • Changes in mood or personality
  • Diagnosis: Involves a combination of medical history, cognitive tests, brain imaging, and sometimes genetic testing.
  • Treatment: There is no cure, but medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Sources:

Children, Education

Ellie and the Electric Storm – What is Epilepsy? (For Kids)

In the sunny town of Maplewood, there lived a curious and kind-hearted girl named Ellie. Ellie loved to read mystery books, draw comic strips of superhero hamsters, and build elaborate forts with her best friend, Jayden.

But Ellie had something called epilepsy—a condition that made the electricity in her brain sometimes act a little wild, like a thunderstorm. Most days, Ellie felt just like any other kid. But once in a while, a seizure would happen, and that’s when her brain’s signals got mixed up.

One Monday morning, Ellie stood in front of her class for show-and-tell. “This,” she said, holding up her drawing, “is Sparkle Hamster. She’s a superhero who wears a helmet and zaps bad guys with her tail.”

The class giggled.

Then Ellie added, “And Sparkle Hamster has epilepsy, just like me.”

The room went quiet.

Ellie took a deep breath and said, “That means sometimes my brain gets too much electricity and I have a seizure. It’s not scary if you know what to do.”

Jayden raised his hand. “What should we do if you have one?”

“Great question!” Ellie smiled. “If I fall down or start shaking, don’t try to hold me. Just move stuff away so I don’t bump into anything. And tell an adult right away.”

“What happens after?” another classmate asked.

“I might feel sleepy or confused, and I might need a few minutes to rest,” Ellie said. “But I’ll be okay. And guess what? You can’t catch epilepsy. It’s not like a cold.”

Later that week, during art class, Ellie had a seizure. She dropped her paintbrush and fell to the floor. Jayden quickly remembered what to do: he moved her chair away and called for the teacher.

Ms. Torres knelt beside Ellie, keeping calm until the seizure passed. When Ellie opened her eyes, the class was quiet, but smiling.

“You were brave,” Jayden said, handing her a juice box.

Ellie sipped it and grinned. “Thanks. I’m okay.”

That afternoon, the class made posters about epilepsy awareness. They wrote things like:

  • “Stay calm. Get help.”
  • “You can’t catch it.”
  • “People with epilepsy are awesome.”

Ellie felt proud. She might not have superpowers like Sparkle Hamster, but she had something just as powerful—friends who understood her.

And in Maplewood, that made Ellie a hero, too.

Author’s Note for Kids: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain. People with epilepsy can live full, exciting lives—just like Ellie! If someone has a seizure, the best thing you can do is stay calm, move objects away, and get an adult. Learning and kindness make a big difference!

Children, Poetry

Kim’s Grumpy Cat

In a cozy white house near a tall garden gate,
Lived a girl named Kim who stayed up quite late.
She dreamed of a pet, not a dog, not a rat—
But a whiskered, wide-eyed, grumpy old cat.

She went to the shelter, her smile full of glee,
And pointed and said, “That grumpy one’s for me!”
The workers all chuckled, “She hisses and hides…”
But Kim only nodded, her joy hard to hide.

She named her The Duchess and brought her back home,
But Duchess just growled and wanted to roam.
“Come play with my yarn!” Kim said with a spin—
The cat gave a glare and refused to join in.

Kim offered her tuna, all smelly and wet,
A meal that most kitties would never forget.
But Duchess just sniffed and turned up her nose—
She leapt to the bookshelf and started to doze.

At bedtime Kim whispered, “Come snuggle with me,”
But Duchess just stared and jumped out with a “Whee!”
She slept in the closet, far out of sight,
While Kim wished and hoped she’d cuddle at night.

One morning The Duchess slipped out for a stroll,
Exploring the garden, each pebble and hole.
When—Ruff! came a bark from a slobbery pup!
Poor Duchess panicked and started to jump!

She scrambled and scrambled, then climbed up a tree,
Yowling and yelping, “Please someone save me!”
Kim heard the cries from her window above,
And ran to the tree full of courage and love.

She climbed every branch with her heart full of care,
Till she found The Duchess all puffed up with hair.
She cradled the cat and said, “You’re okay now,”
And Duchess just stared with a soft little “meow.”

From that very moment, through sunshine and rain,
The Duchess was never aloof again.
She followed Kim close like a shadow so small,
From bathtime to storytime, down every hall.

She’d purr when she played, she’d nap on Kim’s bed,
She gobbled up tuna and let herself be fed.
No longer so grumpy, not scratchy or mean—
Just the happiest kitty that Kim’d ever seen.

So if you adopt one with a grouchy old face,
Be patient and kind, and give them their space.
One day they might climb to a high, scary place…
And you’ll be the hero who earns their embrace.

Author’s Note: Duchess became a grumpy puss again after we adopted 3 kittens.

Current Events

Pro-Palestinian Message and Political Commentary Emerge at Coachella Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

The Irish rap group Kneecap continued to stir controversy during Coachella’s second weekend, criticizing Israel over its war in Gaza and leading a “free Palestine” chant during their performance. The group also projected anti-Israel-agression statements onto the Sonora tent backdrop.

These projections, reportedly used during the first weekend as well, appeared to prompt the cutoff of the band’s livestream. By the second weekend, sets in the Sonora tent were no longer streamed—presumably in response to the messaging.

The projections read: “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. It is being enabled by the U.S. government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes. Fuck Israel; free Palestine.”

While the initial weekend saw limited reaction, the second weekend drew greater scrutiny. Numerous online commentators demanded that Coachella organizers Goldenvoice and parent company AEG Presents address the incident.

Representatives for both companies did not immediately respond to Variety’s requests for comment.

Last week, the band claimed on X that Coachella had censored their protest, but reassured followers that they would be “back next Friday” and that the matter would “be sorted.” During their second-weekend set, the group led a “free, free Palestine” chant and declared, “the Irish are not so longer persecuted under the Brits, but we were never bombed under the fucking skies with nowhere to go.”

Kneecap was not the only act to voice support for Palestinians. British punk duo Bob Vylan displayed a Palestinian flag during their first weekend set and also commented on Gaza. The duo also performed in the Sonora tent, though it’s unclear whether similar messages were delivered.

Former music executive Scooter Braun, who last year helped stage an exhibit in Israel and Los Angeles about the October 7 Hamas attacks, took to Instagram to defend Goldenvoice founder Paul Tollett.

“This is my friend Paul Tollett, the founder of [Coachella],” Braun wrote in a Sunday post. “He is someone who lives and breathes the festival community. He fights for artists and he fights for all people. When I invited him to the opening of the Nova music exhibit in Los Angeles, he was the first person from the industry to accept. He came on his own time and spent five hours in the exhibit and then met with survivors of nova and invited them to the festival this year as his guest. He cried with them, he laughed with them, and he continues to advocate for them. Let’s not lose sight of who this man is, and let us stand with him in this moment when a group, without his knowing, took advantage of his festival and created hate in a place that’s filled with love.”

1. Mass Civilian Casualties in Gaza

  • Over 30,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children and civilians, have been killed in the 2023–2024 Gaza conflict (according to Gaza’s Health Ministry).
  • The scale and intensity of Israeli airstrikes in densely populated areas are cited as evidence of disproportionate force.

2. Forced Displacement and Starvation

  • Israeli military orders for civilians to evacuate large areas of Gaza have displaced over 1.8 million people.
  • Humanitarian agencies report that Israel has severely restricted access to food, water, and medicine, contributing to famine-like conditions—which some experts argue can qualify as genocidal acts (e.g., Article II(c) of the Genocide Convention: “Deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to destroy a group…”).

3. Destruction of Infrastructure

  • Systematic targeting of hospitals, schools, refugee camps, and homes may be viewed as acts aimed at dismantling Palestinian society in Gaza.

4. Statements by Israeli Officials

  • Some international lawyers and UN officials (like UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese) have cited statements by Israeli political and military leaders that dehumanize Palestinians or suggest an intent to wipe out entire communities. For example:
    • Defense officials describing the need to “flatten Gaza.”
    • Politicians referring to Palestinians as “human animals.”
Uncategorized

NAKASEC Launches New App: “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants”

NAKASEC Launches Free Mobile App to Empower Immigrant Communities

The National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) has released a free mobile app called “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants” to help protect and empower individuals navigating an increasingly challenging political environment. As the Trump administration pushes to reverse recent immigration reforms—including ending the CBP One app for asylum appointments and reinstating harsher enforcement policies—this app offers timely and crucial support.

How the App Helps

Available now for iOS (with an Android version on the way), the “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants” app offers tools and information in 16 Asian languages. Its key features include:

  • Audio Playback of Rights: The app can audibly recite your legal rights to ICE or law enforcement.
  • Emergency Alerts: Users can notify pre-selected emergency contacts at the press of a button.
  • Know-Your-Rights Resources: General information to help users understand and assert their rights.
  • Family Preparedness Plans: Includes templates to help families prepare for emergencies.
  • Consulate Information: Easy access to contact details for relevant consulates.

NAKASEC is actively gathering community feedback to shape future updates. Planned additions include more language options, a feedback feature, a share button for spreading the word, and translated versions of the Family Preparedness Plan.

24/7 Hotline for Urgent Help

To provide immediate support, NAKASEC has also launched a free, confidential 24/7 immigration hotline, staffed by English- and Korean-speaking volunteers. The hotline offers assistance during stressful encounters with immigration authorities.

“It’s terrifying and confusing when ICE shows up or a loved one is detained,” said NAKASEC Co-Director Jung Woo Kim. “Our volunteers help by calming the individual, explaining their rights, and locating detained family members.”

Standing Up in a Hostile Climate

NAKASEC’s latest initiatives are a response to growing threats against immigrant communities.

“From Trump’s executive orders to the rollback of Biden-era protections and inaction from Congress, our communities are under constant attack,” said Co-Director Becky Belcore. “We developed this app because understanding and asserting your constitutional rights is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Uncategorized

Why are Asian Americans Underrepresented in Marketing?

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the U.S.—a time to honor this vibrant community’s rich cultures, traditions, and contributions. Though Asian Americans make up just 7% of the U.S. population, they are the nation’s fastest-growing and most diverse ethnic group. The majority—about 85%—identify as Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, or Japanese, representing a tapestry of over 20 countries across Asia. Primarily made up of immigrants, the Asian American community is projected to become the largest immigrant group in the U.S. by mid-century, shaping the nation’s future in powerful and lasting ways.

Why are Asian Americans underrepresented in marketing?

Asian Americans play a large part in the global economy. We LOVE to spend money. Companies value the volume of sales because each item is generally affordable to most consumers. I’m talking about things we see in TV commercials like paper towels, dish soap, and cereal. Because we only make up 7% of the U.S. population, Asian Americans are often overlooked in mainstream advertising, as some companies deem the market too small to justify targeted investment.

Where’s all the money?

As of April 2025, Asians have the highest incomes of all races. This isn’t to say that only Asians have high incomes or that there are no low-income Asians.

According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Pew Research Center, Asian Americans have the highest median household income of any racial or ethnic group in the United States. As of 2022, the median income for Asian American households was around $100,000, compared to $81,000 for non-Hispanic white households, $62,000 for Hispanic households, and $53,000 for Black households. This income gap is often attributed to high levels of educational attainment among Asian Americans, as well as a strong presence in high-paying industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance.

So… why don’t we see any Asians in mainstream media advertising? Despite growing inclusiveness, Asian representation in advertising still lags. 

As Asian Americans continue to grow in population, purchasing power, and cultural influence, their visibility in mainstream media advertising remains surprisingly limited. This underrepresentation raises questions about why one of the fastest-growing and most diverse communities in the U.S. is still so often left out of the marketing spotlight.

Where do we see Asians represented in marketing?

It’s not that there is absolutely zero Asian representation. It’s just that there are very few. Where are we? Gucci is one of the names that has taken pride in featuring Asian models on their runway and in print. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes also feature Asian models in their marketing. Why are we seeing more in luxury brands rather than mainstream media? Asians use dish soap, too! That’s where the market is.

So why are we shopping at Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Hermes? Because we see ourselves wearing Louis Vuitton on our shoulders, Chanel around our waists Gucci on our feet, and Hermes around our necks. And so, guess where we take our shoulders, waists, feet, and necks? To Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Hermes.

South Coast Plaza, located in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California, is renowned as one of the premier destinations for luxury brands, rivaling global shopping hubs like Paris, Beverly Hills, New York, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. With nearly 700,000 Asians calling Orange County home, the mall serves as a hub for these luxury brands, offering an unparalleled shopping experience. During Lunar New Year, South Coast Plaza goes all out, celebrating this cultural event in grand style. Why? Because they recognize and cater to a significant portion of their clientele—Asian customers who visit daily, spending thousands of dollars. When a place truly appreciates and values us, it’s only natural that we continue to show our support.

Is it changing?

Kind of. There’s more Asian representation in mainstream media and advertising, but not as much, considering how long asians have been a part of American society. Keeping this in mind—and recognizing that the Asian American population wields an estimated $452 billion in purchasing power—advertisers and the brands they represent are making a more intentional effort to feature **Asian American actors** in commercials and marketing campaigns.

Will Asian-Americans be included in mainstream advertising any time soon?

Asian Americans are seeing “growing representation in mainstream advertising,” a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. According to “McKinsey & Company,” stories featuring Asian and Pacific Islander (API) characters have become increasingly visible in both film and television, resonating with broader audiences. Similarly, research from the University of Washington highlights that Asian Americans are not only appearing more frequently in ads but are also taking on “more prominent, central roles”—a shift from the background appearances that once defined their presence in media.

So Why are Asian-Americans Underrepresented in Marketing?

I don’t know. You tell me.