Tim Geelen, Author at Tim Geelen

My Outlook for 2018

March 14, 2018 by Tim Geelen Leave a Comment

There’s no other way of saying it: the year 2017 was shit. But it’s time to leave it all behind me and focus on the future. So let’s see what this new year has in store for me in my personal outlook for 2018.

Looking Back…

I’m typically not one to dwell in the past. What happened, has happened. There’s no changing it, so why keep worrying about it all, right? Nonetheless, a quick reflection on what was, can sometimes help you to get back on track. And that’s something I need, as 2017 wore me down to a near breaking point.

Professionally, I got on the verge of a burnout, having lost my temper on a particularly annoying day. It truly was a signal that my life urgently needed to change. Typically functioning on auto-pilot, I lost all motivation as well as my patience with people. Ultimately, the stress of continuously being surrounded by stupidity, the increasingly high workload, and the long commute each day was getting to me. I lost my drive and passion. Luckily I was able to get some time off and put some things into perspective. And believe me, that breathing period came just in time.

But that was not the worst part of the year. Sadly, 2017 was a year of great loss to me. A year full of death and mourning. In the span of 2 months, both my remaining grandmothers passed away.

My maternal grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2016 and passed away less then a year later. It was incredibly hard to see her suffer and whither away. Words can barely describe the helplessness you feel when you see someone you love in such pain and agony. Especially when it’s someone who still had some much life in her. I miss her dearly – especially now and in coming months. Her death has hit our family very hard.

My step-grandmother then suddenly died a couple of weeks later as well, at 95 years old. She was just days away from her 96th birthday. Although it was sad to see her go, it was a relief that she no longer had to suffer either. After all, her high age caused her a lot of ailments which destroyed all quality of life. I helped to take care of her as best as I could in her last months, but in the end she went peacefully in her sleep. She had a good life, and will be missed as well.

Outlook for 2018

After such an insufferable year, 2018 just had to bring positive news. Luckily, this year seems to be on the right track, with a couple of exciting events ahead. Rest assured, 2018 is going to be my year of change!

For starters, my girlfriend and myself finally moved into a newly constructed apartment that we bought. Finally a home to truly call our own, instead of paying someone else money to sleep and live in their property. We still have a lot of work to do: painting, new furniture to assemble, etc. But once complete, we’ll have a modern, minimalist-but-still-luxury apartment that will be a home to our family for decades to come.

The downside? The massive debt my girlfriend and I got ourselves into. Bloody hell, I never thought I would pay so much money for a home. The sooner we get it paid off, the better!

Fatherhood

But that’s certainly not the most important event this year. On the contrary.

Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash.

I’m going to be a father! At the end of July, my girlfriend will give birth to our daughter. Still baffled, to be honest. I have no idea what to expect and how to prepare for this. For a long time, having children never even crossed my mind. It was not a necessity – let alone a priority – in my life at all. But my girlfriend eventually persuaded me, and now I couldn’t be more excited!

I can’t wait to meet my child. She’ll be my catalyst for change. No more excuses; my daughter deserves the best father. And to be the best father, I need to become the best man I can be – both mentally and physically! So that’s my most important outlook for 2018: I will take my transformation seriously, I will stop slacking around, and I will do what is required to change into a better version of myself.

A New Professional Challenge

Baby? Check. A new home? Check. So why not make some changes in my career too? Well, that’s exactly what I’ve done. After all, my burnout in 2017 indicated that it was time for me to move on. My high workload, lost motivation, and hectic schedule was really wearing me down.

After a discussion with my bosses, we came to an agreement. As of July, I will become one of my company’s primary instructors in my field of expertise. In other words, I will train the new generations of my colleagues!

The benefits? For starters, I’ll be working closer to my home, and thus save time on my daily commute. It also means I won’t have to leave my home so early and will return home at a more reasonable hour – which means more free time to spend with my daughter!

Secondly, I will have a fixed course schedule each year. Which means I’ll be free from last minute surprises, interfering business trips, and stress. I’ll finally be able to implement positive habits and set a good routine in my life. I am so looking forward to the calmer and more conscious lifestyle this new job can bring. It will allow me to focus on the more important things – my mental and physical development and my family.

So much for my outlook for 2018! What’s in store for you? Feel free to let me know in the comments below. Also, if you want to learn more about me, check out my About Me page.

An unrelated side note: the beautiful background photo in this article’s header was made by Jeremy Cai. You can find his work – and other free-to-use quality photos – on Unsplash. It’s a great resource for bloggers.

As always, take care of yourself and until next time.

Review of Walther PPQ M2 Pistol

December 12, 2017 by Tim Geelen Leave a Comment

After firing over 1.000 rounds through this pistol and owning it for over a year, it was time to write a comprehensive review of the Walther PPQ M2.

Having carried and fired several pistols throughout my professional career – ranging from the classic FN Browning Hi-Power to the more modern Glock 19 and FN Five-seveN – I was interested in my own polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol for personal training and home defense. After reading many great reviews, I finally decided to buy the PPQ M2 made by Walther Arms.

Variants

Released in 2013, the base Police Pistol Quick Defense Model 2 (PPQ M2) is available in 6 variants (i.e. either chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, and with a 4 or 5 inch barrel length). The special Navy version of the PPQ M2 (chambered in 9mm) has a threaded barrel which allows a sound suppressor. Additionally, the preceding PPQ Classic, the PPQ .22 (chambered in .22 LR), and the PPQ 45 (chambered in .45 ACP) are also sold and are based on the same platform.

I chose the basic PPQ M2 9mm with the 4-inch barrel. But even this basic variant came with a high price tag. I payed 889.75€ in Belgium – thanks to the higher taxes. Steep, but it turned out to be worth every penny.

Walther PPQ M2 Technical Details


Model Number	2796066
Finish	Black
Caliber	9 x 19mm Parabellum
Capacity	15 rounds
Overall Length	18.03 cm \| 7.1 in
Barrel Length	10.16 cm \| 4 in
Height	13.46 cm \| 5.3 in
Width	3.30 cm \| 1.3 in
Weight	694.56 g \| 24.5 oz (empty)
Trigger Travel	1.02 cm \| 0.4 in
Trigger Pull	2.54 kg \| 5.6 lb
Safety	3 auto

Now what comes in the box? The actual pistol, obviously, but also 2 double-stack metal magazines (holding 15 rounds each), a speed loader, 3 removable back-straps, the user manual, and a test target. A chamber flag and cable lock were also included, but I seem to have misplaced them somewhere – likely in the trash can.

Pistol Frame & Slide

So what is the main difference between the Walther PPQ M2 and its predecessor, the PPQ Classic? One main thing: the magazine release mechanism. The PPQ Classic uses the European paddle-style magazine release at the trigger guard, while the PPQ M2 uses the more traditional (and reversible) thumb release button. Personally, I prefer the push-button instead of the ambidextrous levers, so the M2 was a good choice for me.

The PPQ M2 also comes equipped with a picatinny rail on its frame (for mounting a flashlight or laser), a loaded chamber indicator, front and rear slide serrations, a long slide stop, and 3-dot, low-profile polymer sights. The slide also features a Tenifer coating in a matte finish, providing good protection against corrosion and scuff marks.

This gun also comes with a typical 3 white-dot sight system. The front sight can easily be removed and replaced in order to adjust for elevation. The rear sights can be adjusted for windage with a click-system screw. Instructions are explained in detail in the user manual.

Of note is that magazines for the PPQ Classic are not compatible with the PPQ M2. So buyer beware! A magazine with extended base plate – holding 17 rounds – is also available.

Grip

I’m sure some of you are wondering why I didn’t go for Glock. It is a valid question. Glock offers ultra-reliable pistols at a very decent price. I tried both the Glock 17 and Glock 19, and they are are great pistols. Glock is certainly a reputable brand and I would recommend it to many – especially as a starter pistol. However, I just didn’t like how the Glock 19 felt in my hand. Something was just… off. It was not as comfortable when compared to the Walther PPQ M2.

This is exactly where Walther Arms makes the difference. The ergonomics of the PPQ M2’s grip – named the Cross-Directional Textured Tactical Grip – is amazing. It fit my hand perfectly. This grip was actually the deciding factor which made me purchase the Walther PPQ M2 and not the Glock 19. The non-slippery texture also allows for a firm hold and counters sweaty hands.

An added bonus is that the PPQ M2 comes with 3 removable back-straps in different sizes: small, medium and large. This allows shooters to easily modify the pistol grip according to their preferences. You just remove a small pin, swap the back-strap and re-insert the pin. Done in a matter of minutes!

Trigger & Safety

View on the trigger guard and safety trigger.

Walther Arms has an excellent reputation when it comes to its triggers, and it is well deserved! The single-action mode trigger on the Walther PPQ M2 is the best and smoothest I’ve ever fired. Walther reports a 1.02 cm (0.4 in) travel before reaching the firing point, and after each shot the trigger provides a short and very crisp reset. This trigger definitely allows for fast shooting combined with great accuracy.

Similar to other modern pistols, the PPQ M2 uses a safety trigger mechanism. This means that a lever in the middle of the trigger needs to be pressed before the trigger can be fully activated. Additionally, this pistol comes equipped with 3 built-in safeties to avoid accidental discharges: 2 drop safeties and an internal firing pin block allowing safer carry.

Shooting the Walther PPQ M2

As I was used to heavier, steel-framed pistols, it took some time to get used to the harsher recoil of the lighter Walther PPQ M2. But once I did, the pistol functioned admirably and is a very accurate shooter. Rest assured: you will have a lot of fun with this pistol on the range, and with proper technique you will fire awesome groupings. This pistol is also very comfortable to shoot, thanks to the aforementioned grip ergonomics.

I find the PPQ M2 to be very reliable too. After owning this gun for more than a year now, it has only malfunctioned once (when a round did not properly chamber).

Concealed Carry

Even with the shorter 4-inch barrel, the PPQ M2 is still a large and relatively bulky weapon. After all, it is designed as a duty pistol for Law Enforcement and Armed Forces personnel. For a person of average height, the PPQ M2 is therefore going to be uncomfortable to wear concealed – especially when carried inside the waistband.

I would recommend looking at other Walther Arms products for concealed carry, and in particular the new Walther PPS M2. This pistol is the PPQ M2’s little brother. It offers the same great features and functionality of the PPQ M2, but comes in a small and easily concealable package. In fact, I have this particular pistol on my purchase list and will add it to my personal arsenal soon.

Conclusion

Pros: Great reputation & build quality; superb grip ergonomics; exceptional trigger…
Cons: … but it all comes at premium price.

If you’re looking for a reliable and stunning striker-fired pistol, the Walther PPQ M2 will not disappoint you. However, the downside is that such quality comes at a high price – especially here in Belgium due to the high added taxes. Nonetheless, save up some more and buy it anyway; this pistol is definitely worth the money. It provides superior, off-the-shelf quality and reliability, while requiring little-to-no further modifications or fixes.

Personally, the Walther PPQ M2 is the best pistol I’ve ever shot and owned. Where Glock has set the standard for the modern polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol, Walther Arms has raised the bar with its PPQ M2 and brought the platform to perfection. This pistol truly provides great accuracy, ergonomics and an exceptional trigger!

I’m confident this gun will remain a favorite in my collection for years to come. I have no doubt it will serve its purpose well: an excellent range gun and home defense pistol, and also a reliable sidearm for when shit hits the fan.

Take care and until next time.

An Essay on Femininity

March 1, 2017 by Tim Geelen 6 Comments

While browsing during my commute back home earlier today, a certain blog post title peeked my interest. The essay in question is about embracing and reclaiming femininity – and damn, it got me inspired. Now, femininity is not really a topic I have much experience with. After all, it’s not up to men to define femininity, just like women should not dictate men on the issue of masculinity.

But I suggest you have a look yourself at Your Feminine Body by Kitten Holiday, and have a thorough read.

Where Has Femininity Gone?

In a world filled with fat, shrieking, feminist harpies, it was refreshing to read that there are still women with common sense around. Such women seem to be in short supply these days. Instead, you only seem to hear blue-haired land whales spewing their man-hating “social justice” nonsense. Gone is true femininity. Gone are manners and grace. Instead, you have rude ham beasts desperately wanting (and failing) to be men. They want to compete with men. And they’re too stupid to realize they will lose that fight.

No sane man will ever find this attractive.

They also fail to understand one simple fact: men like feminine women. We are fond of beauty. We highly appreciate girls who have enough self-respect to take care of their bodies. And no matter how hard those feminists shout, they will not force us to find them attractive. In fact, apart from some hipster cucks, men find these creatures revolting. Dyeing their hair in infantile colors, wobbling over the streets with their obese bodies, shouting profanities and displaying their ignorance and hypocrisy, … Believe me, we’re not impressed, nor will these feminists ever earn our respect.

It does not have to be this way. There doesn’t need to be open conflict between men and women. Luckily, Kitten Holiday is providing an alternative. She’s a leading example and valuable source of information for every red-pilled girl and woman.

In her article, Kitten Holiday writes that this is the most important piece she’s ever written on femininity. I believe her. It certainly is a powerful article that resonated with me. Yes, even for a man.

It made me realize something.

Personal Reflections

For over 7 years, I’ve been sharing my life with my girlfriend. And like any other relationship, we’ve had our ups and downs. I know that I’m far from the easiest person to live with. Many times people have described me as cold, calculating, too rational and even ruthless. And they’re not mistaken – those traits are certainly part of my personality. Far too often I don’t care much about feelings and emotion. They only seem to get in my way.

But after reading this article, I could not help to reflect on my relationship and see my girlfriend in a new light. Yes, she drives me crazy at times. But she is feminine, understands and opposes the hypocrisy of the current generation of feminists, and is an all-around great woman. She counter-balances my shortcomings, and I do the same for hers. Together, we form an amazing team. She supports me in my endeavors, and I in hers. We have each other’s back.

So thank you, Kitten, for making me appreciate what a great woman I share my life with. My girlfriend’s femininity is one of her greatest assets, and one that I love dearly. I work hard to be the best man I can be. Because I owe that to myself. But I also admit that I do it for my girlfriend, as she provides me so much in return, as described in your amazing essay.

This article should be an obligated read for every young girl and women. Send it to every female you know, especially at colleges and universities. The current generations of women need to get a wake-up call. We need to stop the on-going cultural degeneracy. Stop all the attacks on the nuclear family – which is the very foundation of our civilization. It’s time to realize that men and women are not equal. We both have our flaws and strengths. And that’s perfectly fine.

Men and women should complement one another. Not compete against each other. Only as a team, can we truly achieve greatness. Together.

If you liked this article about femininity, you might also be interested in masculinity. Check out my review of the Art of Manliness book!

Take care and until next time.

Review of Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro

January 19, 2017 by Tim Geelen 2 Comments

It’s high time I finally write down my review of the 2016 MacBook Pro, Apple‘s latest iteration of mobile computers.

I fully transitioned to Apple’s computing ecosystem in 2009 when I purchased my first Macintosh computer-a fully specced MacBook Pro. It was fast, sturdy, upgradeable and highly reliable, and the synergy between hardware and software made it an absolute joy to use. I took great care of the device, and even after extensive daily use and a couple of deployments abroad, the laptop still looked like new until the day of its demise.

In late 2015, I started to notice multiple graphical glitches and frequent green lines on my screen. After taking it to the Apple Store, the verdict was grim – the GPU was near death. My machine was also too old to be still eligible for repair.

So a new MacBook Pro was the logical choice. However, at that time, Apple was not on par with its competitors. Their 2015 MacBook Pro’s still used a 3-year old processor architecture. And not wanting to spend my hard earned cash on outdated hardware, I decided to wait.

In late 2016 – nearly a year after my old one broke – the upgraded 2016 MacBook Pro was finally released. I wasn’t incredibly impressed with the new features, but decided to order a fully specced build-to-order machine.

2016 MacBook Pro Quality Control Issues?

Once the device arrived on my doorstep, my initial excitement quickly turned into great disappointment.

When I opened the lid for the first time after unboxing, I immediately detected an ugly scuff mark underneath the left speaker. It was not a scratch as the surface of the aluminium body was smooth. Whatever it was, it was distracting and noticeable from different angles under day light conditions.

Scuff mark damage on the 2016 MacBook Pro aluminium body.

Already in a foul mood, I continued my thorough inspection and tests of the device. On several occasions I encountered minor to severe graphical issues. After the umpteenth glitch, my tolerance reached its boiling point and the computer went back into its box. Clearly I received a faulty, defective product. This was not something I was willing to accept. I promptly returned the MacBook Pro and demanded – and received – a full refund. To be fair, the Apple staff were very forthcoming and helpful.

Graphical glitches on the new 2016 MacBook Pro.

After further online research, it turned out I was far from the only person with these problems. Several people already complained about identical cosmetic damage on their 2016 MacBook Pro on a MacRumors forum thread. I also noticed many reports on similar graphical glitches.

Despite my doubt and increasing reluctance, I placed a new order for another MacBook Pro with the same specifications. Upon delivery, the replacement went through a new inspection. This time the machine passed the test. It’s this 2016 MacBook Pro I’ve been working on these past weeks and the subject of this review.

System Specifications

Generally I opt for the highest tier MacBook versions. Together with my OCD-level of care, this ensures that most of my electronic devices will last me for several years. This time, I chose a 2016 MacBook Pro with the following build-to-order configuration:


Version	15-inch MBP with Touch Bar
Finish	Silver
Processor	2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (6th Generation Skylake)
Storage	1 TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Memory	16 GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
Graphics	Radeon Pro 460 with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory
Ports	4 Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) ports
Battery	Up to 10 hours of standard use

Coming from a 2009 computer, the 2016 MacBook Pro is a major upgrade for me in the hardware department. It’s a solid combination of good portability and decent performance. For a mobile computer, it is quite powerful and should handle everything I throw at it. So far, the quad-core Skylake processor is a definite improvement.

The Radeon Pro 460 GPU with 4 GB of memory should also be enough to drive my more graphically intensive tasks for the next couple of years. It isn’t the best and most modern graphics card available, but this GPU is a decent compromise between performance and portability (i.e. battery life).

Despite several online complaints on disappointing battery life, I personally have not had any problems with this. Any battery issues are now reportedly fixed after a software patch. Apple officially advertises up to 10 hours of battery life with normal use. And that’s about what I get, so no complaints there.

Memory & Storage

Surprisingly, the new MacBook Pro only comes equipped with 16 GB of RAM. To be fair, I doubt I will ever fully use 16 GB of RAM. But 32 GB of RAM would at least increase the longevity of my new laptop and prepare it for more advanced software. According to some technology reviews, the RAM restriction was another compromise between adequate performance and battery life. The upcoming Kaby Lake processors are reportedly also limited to 16 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, so don’t expect a 32 GB MacBook Pro anytime soon.

For data storage, you can choose 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB Solid State Drives. My films and music normally fill up my hard drive, but are now stored in the cloud. Therefore, I no longer need large capacity storage drives. The 1 TB SSD is therefore more than sufficient for my needs. The read/write speeds on this SSD are also impressive. It’s a very fast drive which will not disappoint you.

Thin, light and with a great build quality.

Thinner and Lighter…

This MacBook Pro is a beautiful engineering marvel. It truly is a thin and light machine, and pictures really don’t do it any justice. Despite its slim chassis, the notebook still feels very sturdy and solid. The plastic screen hinge from older versions is removed. The top screen and hinge are now made out of one solid piece of aluminium. It’s top notch and I know of no other computer manifacturer that comes close to Apple’s level of build quality.

The laptop’s retina screen is exceptional and definitely one of the more redeeming qualities of the 2016 MacBook Pro. Photos and video will show with deep and vivid colors on a great IPS-technology screen, supporting a resolution up 2880 x 1800 pixels.

The air vents are moved to the side of the chassis, allowing for better air circulation. This provides better cooling of the MacBook’s internal components. This is needed during high performance tasks, as MacBook Pro notebooks tend to get hot. This MacBook Pro is no different, although not as bad as earlier versions. The fans still spin like crazy, but are also noticeably quieter when compared to my 2009 MacBook Pro. During average use (i.e. writing, surfing, watching video, etc.), the 2016 version is very silent.

Two of 4 Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) ports on the new 2016 MacBook Pro.

… But With Less Options

Apple replaced all older USB Type-A ports with the newer USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. These 4 new generation ports provide faster data transfer, while the Thunderbolt 3 controller allows you to connect a wide variety of peripherals to your device. All with one single port.

This understandable but unpopular decision will drive third party manufacturers forward to natively include USB Type-C connections on their devices. I have no problem to use an external dongle until that time. Another interesting point is that the Thunderbolt 3 controller will allow the use of external GPUs in the future, providing some extra longevity to my computer.

The beloved MagSafe connector is no longer present. This simple yet brilliant technology saved my previous MacBook Pro from death in many crowded situations. The magnetic charging connector prevented your computer to fly off your table when you (or someone else) tripped over the charging cable. It still don’t understand why Apple decided to remove one of its greatest features. You charge the 2016 MacBook Pro via any USB Type-C port of your choice.

View on the keyboard, trackpad and Touch Bar of the 2016 MacBook Pro.

The Touch Bar

The Touch Bar is the main feature advertised for the 2016 MacBook Pro. Instead of the traditional function keys, you have a digital OLED screen which displays app contextual menu options. It works okay. I have to occasionally press it multiple times before it properly registers my input.

Overall, the Touch Bar is a useless gimmick to me. It seems specifically designed for teenage girls for quick emoji selection. There’s no added value for normal and professional users at this time. Perhaps this will change as more apps integrate its functionality. Nonetheless, most computer-savvy people use actual keyboard shortcuts for a fast workflow. With the Touch Bar, you have to interrupt your focus by looking down to the bar and then back up to the main screen. Quite annoying.

Built into the power button is the Touch ID sensor. Similar to the recent generations of iPhone and iPad, this sensor allows you to unlock your computer with your fingerprint(s). Works great and fast. Sadly, it only works when you wake up your Mac from sleep or lock mode. Touch ID is not functional at all when you attempt to log on after booting your machine and will always require your password. Quite the disappointment. Especially since Windows computers have been able to do this for years. Yet another example of good intentions but sloppy execution.

Keyboard & Trackpad

Similar to the 12″ MacBook, Apple also used the new butterfly key mechanism in the 2016 MacBook Pro. I tried it on the MacBook and did not like the lack of key travel. And although the key travel improved slightly on the new MacBook Pro, I’m still not a fan. And the damn thing is loud. So fucking annoying. It will take time to get used to this keyboard.

Apple’s trackpads also have a well deserved reputation. No other computer brand has ever done them right. But in this new MacBook Pro, Apple took it too far. It’s absolutely massive. Too big even. My hands rest on the trackpad’s surface area while using the notebook, but that hardly gives me any issues. The palm rejection technology is quite good.

The non-tactile feedback is not on par, though. The trackpad frequently refuses to recognize my click and drag efforts. Moving files tends to become quite frustrating as a result. It is at times also difficult to determine the boundaries for my right clicks.

Conclusion

Pros: Quality build and design; solid performance in a portable package; amazing screen.
Cons: Ridiculously expensive; lack of real innovation; limited memory options; shitty keyboard.

Am I satisfied with the 2016 MacBook Pro? Mildly. Am I ecstatic about it? Hell no.

Don’t get me wrong, the laptop is doing its job. It is a good compromise between performance and portability, but comes at a high cost. I simply can’t shake the feeling that I paid way too much. Yes, I know Apple always charged a premium price for its products. And they used to be worth the high price. But now Apple is pushing it too far. The company seems to forget that its competitors are catching up. Based on online reactions, the increased price has put off many potential customers. If Apple continues this trend, it further risks alienating a big portion of its customer base.

Apple has become complacent. After the longest wait between upgrades, the only real new feature of the 2016 MacBook Pro is the Touch Bar. In times where Microsoft brings the impressive Surface Studio, the HoloLens, and easy 3D design/printing to the table, Apple only replaces the keyboard’s function keys with a useless touchscreen. Where’s the innovation? It seems like we’re now at the tipping point where Microsoft becomes the new innovator while Apple morphs into… the old Microsoft. Such a shame. With the old “think different”slogan in mind, Apple once used to stand for the creative rebels. That era is over. After all, CEO Tim Cook is more concerned about virtue signaling and social justice nonsense than actually building great products.

Nonetheless, I hope this MacBook Pro will serve me well enough for a couple of years. I’m moderately content with this new computer. However, if Apple doesn’t catch up with its competitors soon, this MacBook Pro may very well be the last Macintosh computer I own.

For now, I will predominantly use this machine to write my blog. If you want to start a blog as well, go check out the Bold & Determined BADNET service.

Take care of yourself and until next time.

Update on 1 March 2018: I lowered the score a bit more. I just can’t get used to this piece-of-shit keyboard.

President Trump: Birth of a New Movement

November 9, 2016 by Tim Geelen 1 Comment

By now everyone is aware that Donald J. Trump will become the new President of the United States of America.

I have some reservations about Trump, but I sure as hell am glad that the American people won’t receive the Democrat alternative. After all, crooked Hillary would be much worse for the USA in the long run and would definitely lead the country into further ruin. In fact, I’m baffled that still so many Americans considered such a overtly corrupt, criminal, treacherous and grossly incompetent politician like Hillary Clinton as their presidential candidate.

But luckily, the Americans are spared this dreadful scenario – at least for a couple of years. Hillary is finished.

Here are some of my quick thoughts on the recent presidential election and what I would love to see happen.

Supreme Court Justice

A crucial task for the new President is to appoint a new Supreme Court Justice who will respect the US Constitution and the non-negotiable rights it guarantees for the American people.

Were Clinton be allowed to select the new Justice, its two primary constitutional rights – the right to freedom of speech and the right to bear arms – would be further eroded, or even fully abolished. These two amendments are the foundations upon which the United States of America are built and which defend its citizens from a tyrannical government.

Without the 1st and 2nd Amendment, all the other constitutional rights mean nothing. And rest assured, President Clinton would have loved to destroy them. Luckily, President Trump seems keen to protect these fundamental rights and subsequently prevent the USA from a further decline towards governmental tyranny.

Reunite and Reform the Republican Party

It is also imperative that President Trump brings enstranged Republicans back into the fold and closes the ranks. The Republican Party is in urgent need of reform and a breath of fresh air. The American conservative voter decided that they want their party to take a firmer stand on many issues. It’s now up to the Republican politicians to prove that they have understood the message. If not, they risk becoming even more irrelevant.

It’s already clear that the Democrats – assisted by an incredibly biased mainstream media, Hollywood and Silicon Valley – will sabotage President Trump in every way they can. In order to make a stand and oppose this, the Republicans must stand united once more. Without the full support of the Republican Party, President Trump is nothing more than a lame duck, unable to set any crucial reform plan in motion.

Calculated Approach

I’m not an American. But if I were, I would vehemently oppose any candidate of the Democrat Party – and in particular Hillary Clinton.

As a conservative with a libertarian streak, the Republican Party would be better suited for me. And Trump weirdly seemed like the best option of its available candidates. Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and the others? They were hardly convincing. They seemed spineless. Overall, it was a very weak line-up – on both sides of the political spectrum. Apart from Hillary, Bernie Sanders was an even bigger joke on the left.

However, Trump’s MAGA message and his non-politically correct approach resonated with many people. Even with me, as a foreigner.

But even I must admit he has said some dumb things in past months…

If only President Trump would learn to be more stoic, calm and composed. This election would not have been so difficult if he’d learn to think before he speaks. He would still be able to deliver the necessary verbal uppercuts, but without continuously providing the left easy media victories on a silver platter.

Yes, he’s passionate. Yes, he’s fierce. And while that’s commendable in a certain way, it is also one of his greatest weaknesses at the same time. Adopting restraint and stoicism would make Trump ten times more formidable.

Control Immigration

President Trump, don’t make the same mistakes as Europe. Don’t do what Angela Merkel did and what’s resulting in the destruction of my continent. Go and build that wall and remain firmly committed to put a stop to illegal immigration and the refugee horde.

There is nothing wrong in securing one’s borders, especially against malicious invaders posing as refugees and immigrants. It’s time to put the safety of the American citizens first. And afterwards, please show our cowardly and ignorant European politicians how it’s done.

Oppose the Race War

Despite the claims of the liberal left, many African-Americans (as well as latinos) voted for Trump. As President, he should mobilize these voters. They are willing to help.

Send out the joint message that the violent Black Lives Matter thugs are not the voice of black Americans. Prove together that this domestic terrorist group does not represent the average black citizen. Let it be known that normal, law-abiding people – no matter their skin color – stand united and will not be forced into a race war incited by these black supremacists.

Normalize Relations with Russia

Russia’s not perfect. But neither is the USA nor Europe. Yet despite ongoing disagreements and issues, a new World War would be catastrophic. And the risk for such conflict would have been a lot higher under Clinton. Russia would make a far better ally than enemy, especially in the fight against Islam and its global terrorist activities.

In fact, President Putin already made a statement in response to Trump’s presidential victory earlier today, stating that he wishes for improved relations between the USA and the Russian Federation.

Trump has not even moved into the White House yet and he’s already having a positive impact on world peace. What a champ!

Lock Her Up

And lastly, finally put Hillary Clinton and her DNC cronies behind bars – where they belong. Now that Hillary will not occupy the White House, people will no longer have to be afraid for their jobs and lives. There’s plenty of evidence of her criminal activities, and more will surface. It’s time to make these globalist crooks pay for their crimes. The Clintons, Podesta, Obama, Rice, Comey… drain that entire Deep State swamp in DC! It’s what your voters want. Otherwise they would have voted for just another spineless Republican career politician. And then nothing would change.

Birth of a New Movement

This day is more important than people realize. It’s not just about the election of a new president of the United States of America. It is a critical catalyst in a series of recent events. It marks the rise of a new movement that is spreading throughout the West.

The previous incidents of note were the Brexit in the UK and the increasing disgruntlement against the European Union within many European countries. And now it is the presidential election in the USA. It is another signal that the people are rising up against the political establishment and globalist elites.

For far too long have a large and silent majority been silenced and ignored. The people are sick of the political correctness imposed by the liberal left. No longer will they tolerate that the mainstream media decides what people should think or say. They oppose their rights being stripped away, year after year. They have seen the truth.

And they have had enough.

So the fight is far from over. On the contrary, this is only the beginning. President Trump has to fix years of liberal policies, mismanagement and Deep State corruption. Join him in his endeavor and make America great again!

That’s it for today, folks. The remainder of my evening will be spent laughing my ass off at the butthurt liberals and get drunk on their tears.

Best of luck, President Trump! I have a feeling you will need it.

Review of Nubian Heritage African Black Soap

July 31, 2016 by Tim Geelen Leave a Comment

Today I’ll tell you about a new favorite product of mine: Nubian Heritage’s African Black Soap. Yes, you read that right, I will review a bar of soap. But this is kick-ass soap. So read on and learn why.

Nubian Heritage

Starting out in Harlem, USA, in 1991, Nubian Heritage brought the healing properties of African black soap to the wider community. The company prides itself on using authentic cultural recipes and natural, fair trade ingredients.

For example, shea butter is a central key ingredient in their products. This substance can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was popular for hair and skin protection. The company gets its shea butter from women’s co-ops in Northern Ghana, cutting out the big corporations and thus ensure fair wages for these enterprising women. An initiative which I can only applaud.

Throughout the years, Nubian Heritage expanded and designed a wide range of wellness, skin and hair care products and collections. But their African Black Soap remained a central component and best seller, and turned the company into an entrepreneurial success.

African Black Soap

My first bar of African Black Soap. Certainly not the last!

African Black Soap originates from West Africa where it is known to reduce skin imperfections, irritations, and minor blemishes. Using natural ingredients, the African Black Soap provides good cleansing while still being gentle for the skin. The soap has been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, and other skin ailments in Africa for centuries.

I learned about African Black Soap when I found out it was the preferred soap of Bold & Determined‘s Victor Pride and Chris from Good Looking Loser. Victor even buys it in bulk. Both spoke highly of this product, so several weeks ago I decided to give the soap a chance. Ordered via Amazon, it arrived on my doorstep a week later.

I opened the boxes and retrieved several bars of black soap, all containing small particles. I’ve always used the typical white soap bar, so this was quite a peculiar change for me.

These are the organic ingredients of the soap:

African black soap base, coconut oil and/or palm oil, shea butter, oat kernel meal, Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, plantain extract, vitamin E, vegetable glycerin, mineral pigment or vegetable color, natural fragrance and/or essential oil.

I immediately jumped in the shower to give it a try. The soap lathers easy and is a joy to use in the shower for both your face and body. Be warned: the soapy residue turns your tub and washcloth black. This is a result of the palm ash ingredient. It is normal, but unusual for a first time user. Just rinse properly afterwards – which you should’ve been doing anyway.

However, true appreciation for this soap will come after a few weeks of continued use, when your skin will look and feel better.

The Scent

It is pretty difficult to describe how this soap smells.

Chris from Good Looking Loser describes the scent of this African Black Soap as follows:

It’s hard to communicate how it smells, but I’d say that it is close to the just-got-off-the-beach smell. Not sweaty. Not completely like suntan lotion-just “beachy.”

That is actually a fairly accurate description of the soap’s scent. I couldn’t have said it better. I like that it’s not an overpowering smell, contrary to those chemically enhanced soaps which make me smell like a typical perfume store. The scent is present but faint. And above all, it just smells clean. Just the way I like it. And so does my girlfriend.

Conclusion

Pros: Nice scent; all natural ingredients.
Cons: Steep price; not for sale locally in Belgium.

When something comes highly recommend by both Victor Pride and Chris, I just knew I had to try it for myself. And I haven’t regretted that decision for a single second. I like that this African Black Soap is made up of natural products instead of a bunch of potentially harming chemicals.

After a couple of weeks of use, any minor skin blemishes disappeared or became less noticeable. I also love that the soap’s scent is not overly strong, but still makes me feel and smell clean. You can use this soap on both your body and face without any issues. Shea butter also acts as a moisturizer and leaves my skin feeling supple and less dry.

The small oats flakes in the soap bar supposedly help to exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells. However, the African Black Soap did not give a true scrubbing effect like a dedicated body scrub would. Luckily, I use a loofah while washing, getting my body the proper exfoliating it needs. Although, using a loofah has its risks, according to some sources.

Using this soap has made my shower routine much more enjoyable. Nubian Heritage African Black Soap is now my favorite soap, and I would definitely encourage everyone to give it a try. And I’d like to thank Victor and Chris in the process for the excellent recommendation!

Sadly, I have not found this soap in local stores here in Belgium. So like Victor Pride, I have to order it online. And that’s where the negative point comes in. It’s pretty expensive, costing at around 4.00€ (approximately $4.99) for one bar of soap. I would still pay that, as it is that good. But there’s also the very steep shipping costs to take into consideration, and that often triples the total cost. I can get decent soap for a just couple of cents here in local stores, so as a minimalist, purchasing African Black Soap online makes no economic sense to me. It’s no problem for certain particular items, but it’s too idiotic for a simple bar of soap.

So Nubian Heritage, get your bloody soap into local Belgian stores, please. Thanks!

If you are interested, you can order this African Black Soap on Amazon or directly via the Nubian Heritage website. Give it a shot and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Take care of yourself and until next time.