Sunday, February 15, 2026

The Concluding Edification

Google Search: The Running Man, 2025 movie.

“Plot: In the near future, the United States is a dystopian authoritarian police state ruled by corporate media networks, where most people live in poverty with little access to healthcare. People are kept pacified by FreeVee, which bombards the population with trashy, violent reality and game shows.”

“In the near future, "The Running Man" is the top-rated television show, a deadly competition where contestants must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. Desperate for money to save his sick daughter, Ben Richards is convinced by the show's ruthless producer to enter the game as a last resort. Ratings soon skyrocket as Ben's defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite, as well as a threat to the entire system.”


For today, no mirrors will be held up, no allegories will be discussed. Perhaps soon, though. For today, there is just one message.

At one point in the film, time is short. Knowing that he might not survive, Ben records a video message: The Five Rules.
“This message is for Cathy in case you see this someday. I wanted to impart a little dad advice.
“Rule 1. Take care of your mom, she’s your best friend.
“Rule 2. Bullies are cowards.
“Rule 3. You can be kind and strong at the same time.
“Rule 4. Don’t trust the Network – ever.
“Rule 5. You remember, your dada loves you a whole lot.”

Humans know about death. We can plan our own obituaries. What people say about us after we leave is sometimes important to us. What we can give to the next generation is also considered with great care. 

Often, before we impart expertise and advice, we run out of time. We know about the Grim Reaper; we just put things off because, well, it’s a bit uncomfortable, ya’ know?

Today is not about reminding us of our eventual demise. The intention is to provide a loving push. 

Don’t wait to find a way to impart your own ‘dad advice’ before it’s too late.

  • What words will guide them to become the best possible versions of themselves?
  • What advice will help mitigate the pains and sufferings of their future?
  • What can we impart that will provide tools to navigate the world successfully?
  • What about friends, family, and significant others? Anything? 

Side note: There is no need to be a parent. There is no need to be old. Preparing works to calm our fears, assuage any perceived abandonment guilt, and leave something of ourselves with those we love. 


Well then. This was not the article planned for today. It’s always a little disappointing after putting a lot of time into one project, only to discover another must take its place. This is particularly true when the replacement might be considered a bit (sorry about this) morbid. To help, take a few minutes and listen to Lee Ann Womack sing, “I Hope You Dance.”

Lyrics

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)



Sunday, February 8, 2026

Made for Darkness

Wait. What? Made for darkness?

NOTE: Today’s article is directed more toward those identifying with the term ‘Christian’. At the same time, relevance applies to nearly all readers. 

On my mind today is an easily recognized prayer, commonly known as “The Lord’s Prayer’, or perhaps, the “Our Father’.