Two Excellent Videos

I would like to present two videos today. Both are excellent.

‌The Episode That Changed TV Forever

First, the Art of Storytelling reviews and analyzes the Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes, The Best of Both Worlds, parts I and II. 

I agree with so much of what the host has to say. The episodes are about Riker’s path to leadership. The Best of Both Worlds is one of the great artistic achievements in television history and, in my opinion, in the world of art.

Because the first part is the season three cliffhanger, and the second part is the premiere of season four, it’s best to watch the two parts as two separate episodes with a break in between. I recommend a one-week break.

I was a kid when it came out.  After part one, it was not clear if Patrick Stewart/Picard would be back due to a reported contract dispute. At the time, I felt that Patrick Stewart was not going to come back, and this episode was going to be used to change the captain to Jonathan Frakes/Riker. I’m glad I was wrong about that. 

The very last scene is also one of my favorites. Picard pauses while drinking a cup of tea and looks out the window onto planet Earth. I interpret it as meaning that the Borg are still coming relentlessly for humanity, and humanity is deeply vulnerable. At the same time, Picard survived, but he is vulnerable, too. He has been broken. It will change him forever. Genius.

‌How to Build an Extraordinary Life!

The other video is by Hemingway Jones. The video is about living a good life.

Some of the lessons I picked up:

• Extraordinary lives are made from ordinary moments.
• Problems are opportunities to use your skills.
• Read and explore a wide range of subjects. Always be learning. Reading is the best way to learn about the world and to make yourself better. (I am strict believer that listening to audiobooks and podcast are not equivalent to reading. Call me old-fashioned.)
• Stay curious. Think critically.
• Seek to improve your character.
• Keep a regular journaling practice.
• Make strong connections with friends and family.
• Like Hemingway Jones, I am a geographic orphan, too. This brings certain challenges and advantages.
• Find your place in the universe. Or the universe will put in a place.
• Work hard.
• Acquiring highly valuable skills requires time. That investment is worthwhile. Anything worth achieving is difficult.
• Make your own coffee.
• Find an avenue of artistic expression.
• Most of our lives are Tuesday afternoons.