Reflective Essays and Poetic Musings by Condemiang + Stories About the World

1. Background of the Founding / 2. Core Ideals and Policy Platform / 3. Current Status / 4. Future Prospects / 5. Projected Impact on South Korea On July 5, 2025, Elon Musk declared the founding of a new political organization, the “America Party.” This announcement came on the heels of rising tensions within U.S. politics—particularly in response to the controversial “Big Beautiful Bill,” growing ideological distance from the Republican Party, and an increasingly public rift with former President Donald Trump. Musk positioned his party as a pragmatic force representing the disenchanted center, aiming to gain strategic footholds in both houses of Congress. Yet despite its bold rhetoric, the movement faces steep institutional, legal, and perceptual barriers, leaving its future highly uncertain. Although the party may not directly impact South Korea, its ripple effects could still shape areas like global technology policy, platform regulation, and alliance diplomacy. 1...

Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe 1. The Law of Human Nature Men have long referred to the rules of right and wrong as the “Law of Nature.” Now, when we speak of the “laws of nature” today, we typically mean the laws of gravity, of heredity, or of chemistry. But thinkers of earlier ages had something quite different in mind when they called moral rules the “Law of Nature.” They meant, more precisely, the Law of Human Nature—the idea that just as physical bodies are subject to gravity, and living organisms to biological rules, so human beings too are governed by a kind of law. Yet here lies the essential distinction: whereas a stone cannot choose whether or not to obey gravity, a man can choose to obey—or disobey—this Law of Human Nature. And that difference, they thought, was of utmost significance. There is a reason why this moral rule—this sense of right and wrong—has been called the “Law of Nature.” It was thought to be something that all men know by nature,...

Foreword Background of the Book's Publication The content included in this book was originally presented as a series of radio broadcasts, which were later published in three separate volumes: Broadcast Talks (1942), Christian Behaviour (1943), and Beyond Personality (1944). C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity originated from a series of BBC radio broadcasts during World War II. Amid the chaos of war, the BBC sought to offer moral encouragement and spiritual guidance to the public through a Christian lecture series, and Lewis—an Oxford scholar and former atheist —was chosen to present it. He approached the topic with logical clarity and human warmth , framing the talks in a way that embraced not only Christians but also skeptics and non-believers . The broadcasts aired between 1941 and 1944 in four installments, covering topics such as moral law, Christian beliefs, Christian behavior, and the Trinity. These talks were first published as three separate books: Broadcast Talks (1942), Ch...

  Preface By the time I had read 166 pages—roughly 48.8% of the total 340 pages—I already felt an urgent need to pause. Even while continuing with the rest, I felt compelled to start organizing what I had read so far. Throughout the book, C.S. Lewis’s insights often burst forth unexpectedly, leaving me in awe, accompanied by fleeting reflections. Before those highly volatile fragments disappeared, I felt the need to preserve them as much as possible. That sense of urgency constantly urged me on, for Lewis’s message was powerful and invigorating. Was this man really once an atheist? It wasn’t until his early thirties that he converted to theism. In the latter half of his 65-year life , he made significant contributions as a Christian apologist, writer, and essayist. He was a storyteller who, having spent the first half of his life in his own world and the second in God’s, “understood God with reason, and felt and expressed Him through imagination.” While reading Mere Christianity, e...

Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency (digital asset) designed to maintain price stability by being pegged to real-world assets such as the U.S. dollar or other fiat currencies. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins are designed to be steady in value, making them highly practical for payments, remittances, asset storage, investment, and digital financial services. This post explains stablecoins in an easy and thorough way—covering their definition, key functions, types and collateral mechanisms, how price stability works, associated risks, and future prospects. Key Functions 1. Digital Payment Method Most cryptocurrencies are too volatile for daily payments. Stablecoins, however, stay close to $1 in value, making them suitable for shopping, online transactions, and practical use cases. 2. Borderless Remittances With stablecoins, you can send money anywhere in the world within minutes using just a smartphone. It's faster, cheaper, and more eff...

TSA Ends 20-Year-Old Shoe Removal Policy at Security Checkpoints On July 8, 2025 , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially announced that passengers will no longer be required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints in airports across the country. This marks a major shift in post-9/11 aviation security measures and aims to reduce inconvenience for travelers. What Has Changed? Previous Rule: Since a 2006 attempted shoe bombing incident, all airline passengers were required to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints. New Policy: As of July 2025, passengers at all U.S. airports are allowed to keep their shoes on when passing through security—regardless of PreCheck status. Where Is This Being Implemented? While initially rolled out in select airports, the policy is now being expanded nationwide.  Pilot airports included: Baltimore/Washington (BWI) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG) Philadelphia (PHL) Portland (PDX) Piedmont Triad (GSO – Nort...

1. Who Is a Narcissist? A narcissist is someone who exhibits an excessive attachment to and overvaluation of themselves. They tend to prioritize their sense of superiority, desire for recognition, and need for control over the emotions of others. The deeper the relationship, the more confusion and emotional harm they may cause. 2. The Root of Narcissism – The Myth of Narcissus The word "narcissist" originates from the Greek myth of Narcissus . He was so beautiful that many fell in love with him, yet he accepted no one's affection. As punishment from the gods, he became enamored with his own reflection in a pool of water. The problem? It was a love that could never be fulfilled. Unable to look away from himself, he eventually withered away and died or, in some versions, was transformed into a daffodil ( narcissus ) blooming by the water.  Despite variations in the ending, all stories share the same truth: He became so consumed by himself that he ultimately lost who he ...

In human relationships, inner compatibility—rooted in true sustainability—is a more essential element than appearance or sensory attraction. Love may begin with the senses, but I believe it is ultimately sustained by inner strength.  It’s difficult to precisely define what it means for two people to “go well together” in a relationship. Does it mean their appearances match? If so, we inevitably imagine a handsome man and a beautiful woman. Looking back on my experiences in my twenties and thirties, I often evaluated a person’s worth based on superficial, sensory satisfaction—qualities that appealed to my tastes or were rooted in material aspects such as social status or wealth. But what we really need to look deeper into is “inner compatibility.” Inner compatibility cannot be bought or sold, imitated, or decorated. Of course, someone who possesses both sensory appeal and inner compatibility would be ideal—but meeting such a person is an uncommon blessing. If “sensory satisfaction” ...

Celebrate the West in the Heart of Calgary The 2025 Calgary Stampede runs from July 4 to 13 , bringing back “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” with a full lineup of rodeos, concerts, cultural showcases, and thrilling attractions. This year’s festival expands Indigenous programming, agricultural exhibits, and family-friendly zones, while delivering world-class entertainment — from chuckwagon races and grandstand shows to midway rides and international music acts. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, there’s something for everyone. How to Attend Tickets : Purchase online through the official website or retail partners. Prices vary by day and event; some shows require separate admission. https://www.calgarystampede.com Getting There : Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC), then take the CTrain (Light Rail Train) , shuttle, or taxi to Stampede Park downtown. Where to Stay : Book your hotel, guesthouse, or Airbnb early — accommodations sell out quic...

  Meta revealed new details about its latest Aria eyeglasses, which aim to give AI models a streaming, multisensory, human perspective.   What’s new:  Meta  described  its Aria Gen 2 smart-glasses platform in a blog post that focuses on capabilities relevant to research in augmented reality, “embodied AI” such as robot training, and “contextual AI” for personal use. Units will be available to researchers later this year. Meanwhile, you can  apply for access to Aria Generation 1  and  download  open source datasets, models, tools, 3D objects, and evals.   How it works:  Aria Generation 2 packs an impressive variety of  technologies  into a package the shape of a pair of glasses and the weight of an egg (around 75 grams), with battery life of 6 to 8 hours. A suite of sensors enables the unit, in real time, to interpret user activity (including hand motions), surroundings, location, and interactions with nearby comp...