Zahara

  Magic Knight Rayearth is considered to be one of CLAMP's classic works and this 25th-anniversary boxset rendition of the epic manga contains all three volumes of part one in addition to an art book.  The story chronicles the journey of three middle school Japanese girls-Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu who are summoned to the mystical world of Cephiro as Magic Knights in order to save it. During their journey, they come across both allies and foes. CLAMP's artwork is gorgeous and the twist of the story was cleverly enacted. This boxset is a must-have for any manga collection. Rating: 5/5 stars

  This iteration of Kung Fu (2021) is based on a television show with the same name from the 1970s. However, with some notable changes.  Like most CW shows, the show started off strong, and then it fizzled out towards the end. Nicky Shen overall is a likable protagonist and Zhilan proved to be a worthy adversary for her. However, the writers stumbled in terms of execution in trying to paint Zhilan as a sympathetic villain. Furthermore, it was disappointing how the show rushed through locating the eight ancient Chinese weapons which was a major plot point of this season. Lastly, the final showdown between Nicky and Zhilan at the end of the season was anti-climatic and lacking. The show was renewed for a second season, but after the first season's lackluster ending, I found myself on the fence about whether or not I want to continue watching Nicky's adventures. Rating: 2.5/5 stars

  Hollywood Black is a triumphant read. The book takes the reader on a journey throughout Black Hollywood, and while there has been much progress since the days of old. There's still so much more work to be done.  I appreciated the author pointing out the shortcomings and stereotypes when it comes specifically to black narratives in Hollywood. The photos that were selected to accompany the entries were a great addition and one of the many highlights of the book.   It's important that black film history be preserved and not lost to time. This book is a great entry point for anyone interested in Hollywood's black film history and black film talents. Rating: 5/5 stars 

  Zola a sixteen-year-old circus trope performer laid amongst a field of yellow lilies in full bloom during a brief respite from her circus performing duties. Alongside her was her trusty companion Lyra--a tigress who rescued her when she was a child during the war that ravaged her hometown Tabia. The sun's rays caressed Zola's sun-kissed skin. She was engrossed reading a book she recently purchased at a shop. "I don't know how much longer I can go on living like this." She thought out loud while turning to look at Lyra who was napping.  While she was grateful for the Majic Traveling Circus for taking Lyra and her in five years ago when they had nowhere to go. There are other personal goals she wishes to pursue and mysteries she has to uncover. For example, the phoenix tattoo located on her left upper arm what does it mean? All she can remember is hearing a woman's voice and catching a glimpse of her warm brown eyes before she lost consciousness again after Ly...

  For the past two years, I've been doing some much-needed soul searching and reflection on my life journey. Naturally, with the knowledge I know now as an adult; I pondered what advice I'd bestow upon my younger self if I could go back in time and it would be the following: Health & Wellness Taking care of your health and wellness needs to be a priority because if you're not well and healthy, you'll greatly limit your activity and stop yourself from accomplishing your dreams or goals. For starters, you need to maintain a healthy diet by first adhering to a strictly vegetarian diet before transitioning fully to a vegan or plant-based diet full-time. You are what you eat after all and nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining health, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle. Career & Education As early as middle school or as late as high school nail down your passion or passions. What would you like to pursue as a career? Create a roadmap on how you plan to get there....

  Greetings! I recognize that with all that's occurring in the world right now it's a stressful and anxiety-inducing time of uncertainty. However, people must practice self-care more than ever and take necessary breaks. One way to do that is through journaling. Journaling your own thoughts, concerns, feelings, or experiences often is a therapeutic way to alleviate stress and negative emotions that you have bottled up inside of yourself. It's not good to allow for these types of emotions to stay within you as they can negatively impact and eat away at you over time.  I found it's best to journal at your own leisure others found that it's best to set aside some time each day for journaling. However, you should do what works best for you.  It's quite simple to get started journaling you don't need to buy a fancy journal; a spiral notebook or even a composition notebook can serve as your journal. Therefore, I encourage you to incorporate journaling into your sel...

  It's Springtime and that usually means Spring cleaning. Usually, around this time of year, I like to slow down and do physical, mental, and spiritual cleansing. In the Spring, I like to clean up and organize things in my house whether it is my bookshelves, closets, or my bedroom. It's good to get rid of junk or clutter that has accumulated over the past few months.  Taking care of your mental health is also extremely important. I find that drinking herbal teas and meditation are great ways to help ease and cleanse one's mind of stress. Lastly, exercising and monitoring your diet are also essential elements in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and cleanse your physical body.