The Summit Nobody Ask For- A Political Satire

The Summit Nobody Asked For: A Political Satire

Photo Credit: From the FaceBook Page of My Friend in the Philippines.

Every nation dreams of hosting a historic summit, a moment when world leaders gather to negotiate peace, debate policy, or at least shake hands awkwardly for the cameras. But the image I received today from a FaceBook friend in the Philippines depicts a very different kind of summit. Let’s call it The Rooftop Bar Accords, held high above a neon-lit cityscape, where diplomacy has been replaced with cocktails and geopolitical strategy comes garnished with lime wedges.

At the center of the photo sit three extremely recognizable world figures, yes, those ones  smiling as if decades of tension, sanctions, and mutual threats dissolved the moment the waitress delivered a platter of chicken wings. Surrounding them is a ring of jubilant young women( from the Epstein Files) raising their glasses, as if cheering the sudden outbreak of world peace or perhaps just the drink specials.

And there, on the far right, sits the most grounded person of all: my Facebook friend, caught in the middle of this unlikely political fever dream. In a scene featuring the world’s most controversial personalities, he looks like the only one who actually belongs at a normal social gathering.

The expressions are what make the image a masterpiece. One of the men(Trump) appears to be holding a sparkler, not as a symbol of national celebration, but more like someone who discovered pyrotechnics after two margaritas. Another(Putin) wears the face of a man who believes he just negotiated a three-way security pact or maybe he’s simply thrilled about the fries. The third(Kim Jong-Un) is laughing with a joy rarely seen at international press conferences, possibly because no one here is asking him about missiles. Sorry, Xi you were not invited.  

If only real diplomacy worked this way. Imagine global tensions dissolving over shots of tequila. Imagine sanctions replaced with karaoke duets. Imagine the United Nations moving to a rooftop bar with happy hour from 5 to 7.

You want peace in our time? Start with half-priced appetizers with free San Miguel beer.

This impossible image clearly digital, clearly satirical, tells a political truth more honest than anything in a televised debate: put powerful men in a room with good food, bright neon lights, and people who aren’t scared of them, and suddenly the world feels less dangerous. Maybe a little too relaxed, judging by the empty bottles on the table.

And then there’s my friend, smiling, toasting, and looking as though he somehow stumbled into the most politically incorrect reunion ever staged. His presence grounds the whole scene. Amid the absurdity of global rivals partying like college roommates, he is the one figure who reminds me that satire works best when there’s something real in the frame.

So yes, the “Rooftop Bar Accords” will not appear in any history book. No treaties were signed. No borders were redrawn. The only conflict resolved was probably over who got the last spring roll.

But for one glorious, digitally invented moment, world politics looked peaceful, ridiculous, and strangely hopeful. And honestly? If this is what diplomacy looked like, I’d tune in a lot more often.

I hope you get a good laugh or at least smile after you read this posting. 

Meanwhile, here's my own photo with the Three Kings💚 of the World.. 

From Left to Right: Trump, Putin, Kim Jong-Un and ME 💚(The 3 Dictators). Oh, I forgot to invite Xi of China. 

Me with my Five-Days Beard and Mustache!

“Rooftop sky bar in Saigon at night with warm air, loud music, neon reflections, and a proper party atmosphere. A small VIP table is stacked with cocktails, beers, shots, mixers, and bar snacks. The four men sit in the same positions as the reference.

• Left seat: Donald Trump, recognisable hair, light skin, wearing a lightweight black jacket or open-collar shirt, laughing hard while holding a fun party prop instead of the guitar.

• Middle-left seat: Vladimir Putin, short hair, light skin, in a simple grey breathable T-shirt, caught mid-laugh with a lively expression.

• Middle-right seat: Kim Jong-un, neat hairstyle, light grey rolled-sleeve shirt, smiling big and clearly enjoying the chaos.

• Right seat: the man from the uploaded reference photo(me), no hat, black polo shirt, raising his drink toward the camera with a cheeky grin. A few Saigon sky-bar girls are with them, dressed for the heat in black or grey crop tops, sleeveless tops, fitted dresses, or light clubwear that matches the leaders’ tones. They lean in, clink glasses, dance a little, laugh loud, and blend seamlessly into the hype. The whole scene feels wild, energetic, fun, and messy in the best way, like a candid iPhone party photo taken mid-night.”

Here are five of the biggest news stories grabbing headlines today — Nov. 28, 2025:

• Donald J. Trump freezes immigration from “Third World countries” — After a shooting near the White House that left a member of the United States National Guard dead, Trump announced a “permanent pause” on migration from what he called “Third World countries,” and ordered a wide review of green-card approvals. Reuters+2The Guardian+2

• National Guard soldier killed in shooting near White House — The tragedy triggered the immigration crackdown. The Times of India+2www.ndtv.com+2

• Consumers click — fewer stand in line — as Black Friday kicks off amid soft demand — Online Black Friday spending rose ~5 % over last year, but in-store foot traffic and traditional bargain-hunting seemed subdued as many shoppers stayed home. Reuters

• COP30 ends with watered-down deal on fossil-fuel phaseout — The global climate summit in Brazil failed to secure binding commitments from major oil-producing nations, raising questions about the pace of climate action. The Guardian+1

• Next Gen ATP Finals — Young talents like Learner Tien are making headlines in tennis’s next-gen surge— Tien, riding a breakthrough season into the Jeddah tournament, has become a leading name among rising stars. atptour.com

Last but list more top stories today

indianexpress.com

News Today Live Updates, 28 November | After airstrikes, Donald Trump says US land action against Venezuelan drug networks coming ‘soon’

Today

nypost.com

Anti-corruption units raid home and offices of Zelensky’s chief of staff

Today

deccanherald.com

News in Pics | November 28, 2025: Best photos from around the world

Today

A Thanksgiving of Quiet Gratitude

Today is just two days before Thanksgiving Day. I find myself slowing down in ways I once resisted. Maybe it’s age, maybe it’s wisdom, or maybe it’s simply where life has brought me, but this year, gratitude feels less like something I “practice” and more like something I quietly notice. It rises in unexpected moments, soft and steady, shaping my days.

I’ve been blogging since 2009, and for all these years, writing has been my anchor. Even now, it gives me a place to lay down my thoughts, to make sense of the world, and to share a little of myself with whoever might be reading. My posts have always wandered from TV shows I rediscover, to the latest headlines, to scientific breakthroughs and memories from my FDA years but they’ve been part of a long conversation about what matters.

Looking back on my career with the FDA, especially the seasons of my life spent working on anti-malarial drug products and those difficult months after 9/11, I realize how deeply those experiences shaped me. I didn’t always appreciate it at the time. But now, with distance, I can see the enormous privilege of having spent my life doing work that protected others. It wasn’t glamorous, and it rarely earned applause, but it was meaningful. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

In this chapter of my life, living with the reality of a serious illness, gratitude has taken on a more tender tone. I’ve made choices about my care with a clear mind and an open heart, including declining dialysis. There is peace in that decision. A surprising peace, actually. It has reminded me that gratitude is not about pretending everything is fine; it is about recognizing what remains beautiful, even in difficult terrain.

I am grateful for the simple things: For the comfort of my weekly massages, which have become small sanctuaries of care. For mornings when my body cooperates and I can move through the world with ease. For familiar TV shows that wrap me in a sense of companionship. For the rhythm of writing, which gives shape to my days.

And I am grateful for connection, for the readers who pause to spend a few minutes with me with their comments;  for the quiet exchange that happens between writer and reader even when we never meet. My blog has been a companion through so many seasons of my life. It has allowed me to keep learning, to keep reflecting, to keep speaking in my own voice.

This Thanksgiving, I’m not thinking about big celebrations or grand gratitude lists. Instead, I’m noticing the smaller, honest things: The warmth of a weighted blanket. The comfort of a familiar routine. The memory of the work I once did. The presence of people who care. A surprise gift (Filipino Food) from a Kababayan and the gift of another day to notice any of it at all. The ability to enjoy good food, ethnic or otherwise. And finally, the connection from closed relatives specially on Holidays.  

As the Thanksgiving Day approach, my hope is simple: that gratitude finds you in the quiet places too. That it meets you gently, without expectation. And that whatever this season looks like for you, whether lively or peaceful, crowded or still, you’re able to find a moment that feels warm, grounding, and true. 

From my heart to yours, I wish you ALL, a Thanksgiving filled with meaning, reflection, and the kind of gratitude that doesn’t announce itself, but simply rests softly in the background, reminding us we’re still here.

Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorite quotes on Gratitude:  

• “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward 
• “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” — Meister Eckhart 
• “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” — Maya Angelou 
“Thanks are the highest form of thought, and gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” — G.K. Chesterton 
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” — Anonymous 

Finally, Here are five top news stories for November 25, 2025:

1. Pope Leo’s First Foreign Trip: Pope Leo (the first U.S.-born pope) is set to visit Turkey and Lebanon from Nov 27 to Dec 2 to deliver a message of peace and interfaith dialogue. Reuters

2. G20 Summit in South Africa Concludes: The G20 Johannesburg summit saw a 122-point declaration focused on global equity, debt relief, climate, and sustainable development — despite the U.S. largely boycotting the event. Le Monde.fr+1

3. COP30 Climate Summit Disrupted by Fire: A fire broke out at the COP30 climate conference venue in Belém, Brazil, prompting evacuation; smoke inhalation was reported for some participants. AP News+1

4. UN Chief Blames Climate Inaction: UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the world’s failure to meet the 1.5°C global warming target as a “moral failure,” urging stronger commitments at COP30. The Guardian

5. Australia Politics — Gambling Ad Reform & Domestic Violence Funding: In Australia, Senator David Pocock criticized PM Anthony Albanese for delaying a ban on gambling ads, even as the government announced a $41.8M boost to the national domestic violence helpline (1800 Respect). The Guardian

Liberty Holding America's Bleeding Heart

Holding America’s Heart: A Personal Reflection Inspired by Rita Robillard💚

💚https://www.augengallery.com/artworks/the-amazon-in-rio/

When I first looked at Rita Robillard’s 💚Art in Politics, I didn’t immediately recognize the hand. It felt human, textured, steady, almost tender, holding a flaming heart that looked equal parts powerful and breakable. Only later did I learn the truth: the hand belongs to the Statue of Liberty.

That revelation struck me harder than I expected. Most of my life, I’ve watched the American story unfold, sometimes proudly, sometimes anxiously, often with a mixture of hope and disbelief. Politics has never been a distant abstraction for me; it’s been a daily presence, a drama I’ve followed through careers, crises, and countless shifting eras. And perhaps that’s why this painting feels so personal.

Lady Liberty isn’t holding a torch here. She’s holding our heart.

A heart that is wounded in places, radiant in others, and undeniably on fire.

When I look at it, I see the America I’ve known during my decades on this planet, an America constantly wrestling with its ideals. I think of the moments when the heart burned bright with unity, compassion, and courage. I also think of the moments when it felt scorched by anger, division, and disillusionment.

The flames in Robillard’s heart remind me of:

• The political heat I’ve witnessed, from 9/11 to today’s headlines

• The passion of people who fight for a better country

• The heartbreak of watching us repeat the same mistakes

• And the enduring warmth I still feel when I see Americans helping one another, especially in times of crisis

The background of the painting is restless,  chaotic strokes, layers of color, hints of storm and struggle. It looks exactly like the political landscape I know: noisy, unpredictable, full of competing truths. And in the middle of it all, Liberty holds the heart as if to say, “Despite all of this, we keep going.”

There’s something deeply comforting in that image. And something deeply honest, too.

Because America has never been just an idea written on paper, it has always been a living, burning emotion carried by all of us. Some days the fire is inspiring. Some days it feels like it might burn the whole thing down. But the heart keeps beating, and Lady Liberty keeps holding it up for the world to see.

Maybe that’s why this painting stays with me. At this stage in my life, I reflect more often on what this country has meant to me, the careers I’ve had, the crises I’ve witnessed, the generations of my family who will inherit what comes next. And I find myself hoping that we, too, can hold the heart with the same steadiness Robillard gives Liberty’s hand.

Carefully, Respectfully, And with the understanding that it’s still burning, and that’s what keeps it alive.

In the flames, I see the story of America, imperfect, passionate, fragile, and still worth holding onto. Thank You, Rita for sending me one of your paintings and creations. 

In addition, I am looking forward to your next Art Exhibit, you are planning in the near future that you mentioned in our conversation yesterday.  

Meanwhile, I enjoyed Yesterday Afternoon, Christmas Ornaments Art & Crafts Activity:

The above two photos were taken by Jenny Shively

Lastly, Two Videos Of Trump Dementia Diagnosis 💚

Zohran Mamdani did his dementia homework before meeting Trump. 

A person with dementia can absolutely switch quickly from being mean or hostile to being calm, pleasant, or even very sweet. These rapid mood and behavior changes are common. They're usually not intentional and often have specific causes related to how dementia affects the brain.

What Zohran did to switch Trumps mood. You can hear it in his tone and his appearance.

He Approached Slowly and Gently

Used a Warm, Non-Threatening Tone

Used Validation, Not Arguing

Redirect, Distract, Don't Confront

Lower the Environment Stress

Give Reassurance Constantly

Zohran did was what we call in Healthcare, An emotional "resetting" ..

What causes the flip into anger, aggression, belligerence.

Brain changes that affect emotional control. Fear, confusion, or feeling overwhelmed, Physical discomfort or pain, Sundowning, Delusions or misunderstandings, Changing caregivers or environments, Medication side effects.

This isn’t a pass, he has always been a horrible human. We also can’t neglect that, the man is in the throes of something that is mind altering and personality altering. This as a whole is / has been dangerous to our nation because, he can’t make a rational decision.

💚https://youtu.be/9OtO-cypKmY?si=xt6RQgtmP2K-Ruqp

💚https://youtu.be/Mp-VpDoANrg?si=eeFAfZtvCAO7xgCh

Discovering the Morning Show on Apple TV

This posting is inspired after I finished watching Season 1 of the Show just this week. Looking forward for the next 4 Seasons. 

Discovering The Morning Show: A Late but Joyful Arrival to Apple TV’s Signature Drama

Every now and then, a television series comes along that makes you wonder how you managed to miss it the first time. That was my experience this week when I discovered The Morning Show, Apple TV’s flagship drama starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, and an ensemble that delivers some of the most electric acting I’ve seen on television in years.

As someone who has lived through major national crises, worked inside federal systems, and watched media shape public perception in real time, I find The Morning Show gripping in a way that goes beyond entertainment. It’s a drama about power, truth, and the fragile machinery of American institutions, themes that resonate deeply with anyone who has spent time inside government, health agencies, or the regulatory world.

A Show That Pulls You In From the First Scene

Unlike many series that take a few episodes to warm up, The Morning Show charges out of the gate. The central storyline, a powerful broadcast anchor embroiled in a #MeToo scandal, becomes a lens through which the series explores workplace culture, ethics, ambition, and the quiet compromises people make to survive in high-pressure environments.

Every episode feels current, relevant, and uncomfortably real. The boardroom scenes, the crisis-management meetings, the scramble to control a narrative before sunrise;  if you’ve ever worked in a federal agency or any large institution, you’ll recognize the cadence of those moments.

What Makes the Show So Addictive

1. The acting is extraordinary

Jennifer Aniston delivers some of the most nuanced work of her career. Her character, Alex Levy, is brilliant, flawed, vulnerable, and fierce, often within the same five minutes. Reese Witherspoon’s Bradley Jackson brings moral tension and emotional complexity. And Billy Crudup? His performance as Cory Ellison is a masterclass in charismatic chaos.

2. The newsroom dynamics are stunningly realistic

The show captures the controlled chaos of broadcast journalism, the countdown clocks, the egos, the split-second decisions that can alter careers and national conversations. These scenes remind me how much pressure sits behind every public message, whether on a morning broadcast or an FDA press briefing.

3. The themes hit close to home

The series dives into sexual misconduct, corporate cover-ups, political manipulation, public health crises, and in later seasons the early days of COVID-19. Watching the pandemic storyline unfold brought back memories of my own FDA years, when decisions often had life-changing consequences and every hour demanded clarity, collaboration, and calm under pressure.

The Show’s Emotional Power

What I didn’t expect was how emotionally layered the storytelling would be. Beneath the bright studio lights and glamorous Manhattan skyline is a world full of people trying, often failing to do the right thing. The show captures the loneliness of leadership, the grief of betrayal, the courage it takes to speak up, and the complicated nature of truth.

There are moments that feel so honest, so human, that they stay with you long after the episode ends.

Watching It in 2025 Adds a New Perspective

Discovering The Morning Show years after its debut is its own kind of gift. I’m watching it with hindsight, not just in terms of news cycles, but with the perspective of age, experience, and, in my case, the lived understanding of how institutions function behind the scenes.

It reminds me why transparency matters. Why ethical leadership matters. And why the stories we tell in the media, in government, in our communities shape how people see the world.

A Show I’m Glad I Found Late

I may have come to The Morning Show long after its premiere, but I’m enjoying every moment. It’s a rare series that entertains, challenges, and provokes reflection all at once.

For anyone who appreciates sharp writing, powerful performances, and thoughtful commentary on the hidden machinery of modern America, this series is absolutely worth diving into whether for the first time or the third.

And for me, discovering it now feels like reconnecting with an old part of myself: the professional years spent navigating crises, communicating honestly, and watching the intersection of media, policy, and public trust unfold in real time.

Meanwhile, here's what Wikipedia says of the Morning Show- 5 Seasons 

The Morning Show, also known as Morning Wars in Australia and Indonesia, is an American drama television series starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Billy Crudup. The series premiered on Apple TV on November 1, 2019. The series is inspired by Brian Stelter's 2013 book Top of the Morning. The show examines the characters and culture behind a network broadcast morning news program. After allegations of sexual misconduct, the male co-anchor of the program is forced off the show. Aspects of the #MeToo movement are examined from multiple perspectives as more information comes out regarding the misconduct. Subsequent seasons focus on other political topics and current events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, racial inequality, the Capitol insurrection, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The second season premiered on September 17, 2021. In January 2022, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on September 13, 2023. The series was renewed for a fourth season, which premiered on September 17, 2025.The series was renewed for a fifth season on September 16, 2025, ahead of the premiere of the fourth season.

The series has received accolades, including 27 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, ten Screen Actors Guild Award nominations and nine Golden Globe Award nominations. Jennifer Aniston and Billy Crudup have received particular acclaim for their performances, with Aniston winning the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series in 2020 and earning two nominations for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and Crudup winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2020 and 2024.

Premise

Alex Levy co-anchors The Morning Show (TMS), a popular morning newsprogram broadcast from Manhattan on the UBA network, which has excellent viewership ratings and is perceived to have changed the face of American television.

In the first season, after her on-air partner of 15 years, Mitch Kessler, is fired amid a sexual misconduct scandal, Alex fights to retain her job as a top news anchor while paired with a new partner, Bradley Jackson, a field reporter whose series of impulsive decisions increasingly threatens the network.

In the second season, the network CEO attempts to convince Alex to return to TMS as the COVID-19 pandemic engulfs the United States and the show itself. Meanwhile, Bradley deals with an identity crisis.

In the third season, the network struggles for viewers for its subscription service and contemplates a takeover by tech titan Paul Marks.

In the fourth season, the newly merged UBN attempts to further its ambitions, while Bradley investigates a cover-up at the hands of the former UBA.

Finally,  here's the AI Overview discussing whether the Show is Worth Watching: 

Whether The Morning Show is worth watching depends on your tolerance for drama and evolving quality; many suggest the first season is excellent and worth watching for its performances, but later seasons have drawn criticism for being messy or losing focus, though they remain compulsively watchable for some. The show is praised for its ambitious attempt to tackle real-world issues and its star-studded cast, but some critics argue its plotting and tone can be inconsistent. 

Arguments for watching

• Compelling performances: 

  The acting, particularly from Jennifer Aniston and Billy Crudup, is frequently cited as a major strength. Crudup's portrayal of Cory Ellison is often singled out as a highlight. 
• Ambitious subject matter: 

  The show tackles significant themes like the #MeToo movement and the challenges of modern journalism, often with high-stakes drama and a fast pace. 
• Addictive quality: 

  Despite its flaws, many find the show to be "addictively entertaining" and "compulsively watchable". 

Arguments for being cautious

• Varying season quality: 

  While the first season is often praised, some viewers and critics feel subsequent seasons are not as good, becoming more convoluted or messy. 
• Inconsistent tone and plotting: 

  Reviews mention that the show's tone can fluctuate, and later seasons have been described as having too many storylines that don't quite come together. 
• May not hold up for everyone: 

  If you are not a fan of constant, high-intensity drama, the show's "exhausting exercise" in melodrama might not be for you. 

How to decide

• Watch the first season: 

  Many reviewers suggest watching the first season as it is often considered a strong, self-contained story worth experiencing on its own. 
• Consider your taste: 

  If you enjoy glossy, star-studded dramas with high production value and are willing to overlook some plot inconsistencies, the show might be a good fit. 
• Manage expectations for later seasons: 

  If you continue past the first season, be prepared for the show to become more chaotic and less focused, as many viewers have experienced.