Mac DeMarco is a musician from Duncan, British Columbia, who later moved to Brooklyn, New York, and was part of the indie rock band Makeout Videotape. Later, he established himself as a solo artist with six studio albums including “Rock and Roll Nightclub,” “2,” “Salad Days,” “Another One,” “This Old Dog,” and “Here Comes The Cowboy.” Salad Days expresses the spirit of early adulthood at the age of 23. As the follow-up to DeMarco's album “2” the album blends lo-fi production with inner reflection on success, maturity, and self-awareness.

“Salad Days” sets the album's tone through premature aging, nostalgia, and the weight of success. "Oh mama, actin' like my life is already over, act your age and try another year." This line describes DeMarco's frustration with people acting as though his youth has passed and also reminding himself to live for the moment and not be obsessed with adulthood and fame. The tune is about the way, although he is still young, he already has the weight of his job and his responsibilities.

One of his songs “Blue Boy” is almost a letter to his teenage self, telling him not to be concerned about other people's opinions. "No use acting so tough, calm down, sweetheart, grow up." “Blue Boy” is a song about social anxiety and learning to be positive and face the world without fear of others, and that shows another adult side of DeMarco. “Salad Days” portrays disappointment with adulthood, but “Blue Boy” advises people who may be insecure to not worry about negative opinions about themselves.

“Brother” talks about walking toward one's dream not dreaming about them. "You're no better off living your life, than dreaming at night." It encourages the listeners to ditch overthinking and do what they want in life. The instrumentals and lyrics make the song a thought-provoking and inspiring song.

“Let Her Go” discusses that love tends to evolve naturally with time, as a flower blooms and, after some time, can dissolve. "Growing by the hour, love just like a flower. But when that flower dies, you've got to say goodbye, and let her go." The song explains that sometimes relationships reach their end, and keeping them for fear or not knowing something better isn't always the choice. Despite its theme, the song’s upbeat instrumentals create an ironic contrast.

“Goodbye Weekend” is one of resisting social pressure and sticking to one's own faith and self. "So don't go tellin' me how this boy should be livin' his own life. Sometimes rough, but generally speaking I’m fine" DeMarco ignores people who are trying to place their expectations on him, expressing the importance of independence. It also subtly criticizes people who blame others for deviating from normative life routes.

“Let My Baby Stay” is a heart-felt plea about how much one wants to keep a loved individual close. "Far as I can tell, she's happy living with her Macky, so please don't take my love away." DeMarco wrote this for his then girlfriend, Kiera McNally, when there were possibilities that she might need to leave America. The song captures desperation along with long emotional bonding.

“Passing Out Pieces” is possibly the most energetic track on the album both in sound and lyrics. The heavy synths and beats create an image that shows the song's message of being lost in fame. “Passing out pieces of me, don't you know nothing comes free?” DeMarco talks about how his life away from the publicity has been affected by his celebrity persona and suggests that fame has paid in ways that no one sees.

“Treat Her Better” is a song about respect and appreciation of someone's loves. "Treat her better, boy, if having her at your side's something you enjoy." The song is a warning to those who take advantage of their partners, asking them to treat them with care before they miss the chance.

“Chamber of Reflection” is the most streamed track on the album, with over 800 million streams on Spotify. The song’s synths and lyrics resonate with many listeners. “Spend some time alone, understand that soon you’ll run with better men. Alone again.” The lyrics reference the Masonic Chamber of Reflection, where individuals meditate before becoming Freemasons. The song encourages deep self-reflection and personal growth, urging listeners to understand themselves before seeking external validation.

“Go Easy” is a song about letting things happen as they're supposed to. "So please, go easy with my baby." DeMarco cautions against stressing about things that someone can't control, taking on a lighthearted outlook that is in line with the album's themes of accepting oneself and waiting it out.

“Jonny's Odyssey” rounds out the album on a cheerful, carefree note. As an instrumental track, it is a breezy relief following an album of introspection and pain. The song's lighthearted, jam-like nature is meant to reiterate the idea that; however tough it gets to grow up, life should somehow be enjoyed.

“Salad Days” is self-conscious of an album, and it shows the fear of youth vs. adulthood, achievement vs. self-doubt, and independence vs. responsibility. Under relaxing instrumentation and good lyricism, DeMarco sings about personal maturity, relationships, and pressures of fame. There is a unique approach to every track, whether it is self-reflection of “Chamber of Reflection,” the self-reliance of “Goodbye Weekend,” or pleading in “Let My Baby Stay.” While the album struggles with ideas of change and uncertainty, it shows the idea of living life on one's own beliefs. 

“Salad Days” remains one of my favorite albums, and it resonates with other listeners who are experiencing similar times of change in their lives. I recommend that someone should at least listen to “Chamber of Reflection” or “Salad Days” if someone wants to hear what DeMarco's meaningful lyrics and fun instrumentals are like.

It was the first night of summer camp, and everything went wrong. My patrol was walking to the showers at night when I heard a thud. One of the other scouts had tripped over a loose brick near the flagpole and knocked out one of his teeth. Blood was coming from his mouth as he stood, his tooth clutched in his shaking hand. Panic was in his eyes for a split second, but my fight-or-flight kicked in. Fortunately, we were right next to the first aid tent in the camp. While two others ran off to alert the rest of the troop, I walked with our injured friend as we sprinted to seek help from the camp staff.

That night, I realized that everything I have learned from Scouts is not just for camp but also life skills that everyone should know. The experience also showed the importance of being prepared for emergencies, no matter how small they may appear at first. Having a basic knowledge of first-aid skills and procedures can be the difference between a small accident and a serious emergency. In Scouts, the motto is "Be Prepared," and that includes being prepared for the unknown not just when camping but in daily life.

One of the greatest lessons Scouts teaches is independence. You find out quickly at campouts that no one else is going to take care of my food, my gear, or even my body heat. I remember my second overnight stay at a horseback riding camp where we slept on hay bales on a farm. Everything was fine until I discovered that I had packed only a light blanket for very cold weather. That experience taught me to always over-prepare, and I now bring at least three comforters on every trip so that I never sleep cold again. This lesson in taking personal responsibility crosses into other areas, whether it’s at school, work, or by alone.

Another skill I’ve learned from Scouts everyone should learn is problem-solving under pressure. In those critical moments when adrenaline surges and time feels like it’s slipping away, remaining calm and looking over the situation is critical. Whether fixing a snapped tent pole in an impromptu storm or helping a lost scout who had wandered into the forest, these challenges helped me learn that sound problem-solving isn't only a matter of technicality but of mental strength and skill.

Each obstacle provides an opportunity for growth. When the unexpected occurs, it's the reaction we have that leads to the outcome. It's not just a matter of possessing the skills, such as first aid or navigation, but also the inner calm to act with certainty under pressure. This ability to problem-solve in difficult situations is one that reaches far beyond the wilderness, and one that pays off in our everyday lives.

These experiences also highlight the value of teamwork and communication. In a crisis, every member of the group is crucial. Each person on a team is important from the ones who are the first to react to problems and even the ones who step back and take a look at the whole situation. This collaboration reminds us that while it is nice to be independent, collaboration also makes confusion turn into ease, and the difficulty an opportunity for growth.

That evening of mayhem at camp was an important moment to have. It taught me to be prepared, work as a team, and to problem solve under extreme pressure. These lessons have allowed me to handle emergencies in the wilderness and have provided a solid basis for making sense of the unpredictable moments of everyday life. Whether you are a teacher, a student, or a scout, embracing these values gives people the resilience and courage to face all your challenges.

The skills developed in Scouts go past survival. They build awareness, resilience, and the ability to challenge life’s opportunities. Preparedness is not just a slogan. It is a lifestyle that, when adopted, helps us navigate even the most unexpected twists on ones path.

The growth in hiking's popularity has brought new visitors to trails all over the world. While this interest in outdoor activities is encouraging, it also shows the importance of proper hiking etiquette. Whether an experienced hiker or new to the trails, following these guidelines will help protect wilderness areas and ensure everyone can enjoy them safely and respectfully.

The most important rule of hiking is to stay on designated trails. Going off trail not only risks safety but can cause damage to ecosystems. When hikers create unofficial side paths, they can destroy plant life, interrupt wildlife habitats, and contribute to erosion. Those "better" views might be tempting to chase but could be permanently altered for future generations if too many hikers stray from established paths.

Responsible wildlife interaction is equally as important. If encounter animals on the trail, keep a safe distance and never approach them. Wild animals need to maintain their natural behaviors and awareness of humans for their survival. Close encounters can also be dangerous for both hikers and wildlife.

Trail cleanliness is everyone's responsibility who goes on the trail. Hikers should pack out all trash they bring in or find along the way. Even small pieces of trash can harm wildlife if swallowed and take away from the natural beauty others come to experience. Carry a small bag for collecting trash and dispose of it properly when you reach a proper trash area.

Before going out, people should familiarize themselves with the intended route. Keep trail maps, understand the difficulty of the trail, and have a clear plan for the hike. During the hike, pay attention to trail markers and signs because they're essential tools for staying oriented and making informed decisions about the route.

When it comes to trail passing, yield to uphill hikers. People hiking uphill need to maintain their momentum and rhythm, which is more challenging than descending. Step aside on the downhill side of the trail when possible, allowing hikers to pass safely.

It's great to greet fellow hikers when passing them. A simple hello or friendly nod creates a welcoming atmosphere and builds a sense of community on the trail. This friendliness also makes it easier for others to ask for directions or assistance if needed.

Don't be loud while hiking. Loud conversations, music playing from speakers, or shouting can disrupt both wildlife and other hikers' enjoyment of nature. If hikers want to listen to music, use headphones, and keep conversations at a reasonable volume that won't carry far beyond the group.

The wilderness offers an escape from the noise and of daily life. By having good trail etiquette, all can help preserve these natural spaces for current and future generations while ensuring everyone can experience the peace of nature. One’s actions, both good and bad, have an impact on the environment and the hiking experience of others.

National parks are not just beautiful landscapes but a reflection of America's commitment to preserving its natural treasures. These protected areas have showcased an idea to the preservation of some of the most visually inspiring environments, not only in the United States but the world over. Every national park is a living museum, reflecting in its geological diversity, ecological variety, and beauty that defines our culture.

Most people in this world, including myself, like being in new places and trying new experiences, especially among nature. The following national parks are places I want to visit at least once in my life to see the beauty of our country and the world.

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its high peaks, clear lakes, and a variety of wildlife from elk to black bears. The park was established in 1915 and stands over 415 square miles in size. People hike the scenic trails or make drives along Trail Ridge Road with the most beautiful views possible to take in. This park preserves nature and gives the experience of the beauty of the Rocky Mountains to people.

Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and is famous for its mountain peaks. The park, which was authorized in 1929, has two of the most beautiful lakes, Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake. The place has a great history associated with Native American culture and early settlers. Visitors go hiking, climbing mountains, and even viewing the wildlife in the area.

Yosemite National Park in California ranks among the most famous parks across the globe. It was established in 1890 and played an important role in the inspiration of the national park movement. In the park, there exist large rock formations such as El Capitan and Half Dome, along with the breathtaking Yosemite Falls. Other major attractions include the ancient sequoias of Mariposa Grove. John Muir, conservationist, fought to protect this park, and even now, several millions visit for its beauty.

The Grand Canyon National Park was made a wonder of the world in a list of Seven Wonders of the World, and it is located in Arizona. It was made a national park in 1919. The Grand Canyon has deep, colored steep cliffs carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from the South Rim or hike into the canyon with such trails as the Bright Angel Trail.

Yellowstone, the world's first national park, was established in 1872 and sprawls over Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, with them the famous Old Faithful geyser. It is also home to bison, wolves, and bears. With deep canyons, forests, and waterfalls, Yellowstone is an adventure waiting to be explored. Its preservation has let nature thrive for generations to come.

These national parks are not only places of exploration but also an area of natural beauty, protected by the law. Each of them possesses different features: mountains, canyons, geysers, and waterfalls. Exploring these parks is one very good way to experience the United States and the world in a brand new natural form.1

Every year people see the countdown until the new year, and that is a time when most people consider the year before, looking at successes and failures. Some people feel proud of how far they have come, while some people think of missed opportunities or things they wish they would have done. For those who feel they didn't reach their goals, January 1st is a fresh start--a time to turn over to change. In this idea, many people say they're going to "start their year off right" improving their physical health by joining a gym or making better eating choices.

But most people, despite their best intentions, can't seem to stick to their New Year's resolutions. In fact, according to usatoday.com explained that many give up on their goals by the second Friday in January, a day named "Quitter's Day." But why does it have to be like that?

The reasons for quitting are more broad than simple laziness. Too often, people coming to the gym set themselves up for failure by getting caught in one of several common traps, and social media has a great deal to do with this cycle. People scroll through their feeds and see motivational posts, transformation pictures, and affirmation-filled content. These posts spark inspiration, often making them believe that they can do anything. The problem is this motivation is temporary. They end up chasing a goal not because they genuinely want it but because they feel pressured by external influences. Without a good internal reason to do these things, their enthusiasm fades and they go back to bad, old habits.

Another problem is unrealistic expectations. Many people go into the gym and expect changes right away. They actually believe that after some weeks, they will totally change. When progress is slower than they think, they get upset, and that upsets them to a level where they get discouraged and quit. Fitness requires patience and consistency, but too many people fall into the trap of instant progress.

Poor planning is another cause of failure. Some start hitting the gym without a workout or diet plan. In the gym, they do not know what the proper form for doing an exercise is, so they are either inefficient or sometimes getting hurt. They feel lost when guided by no one, and this lack of direction further makes them want to quit.

Another important factor is the lack of discipline. While motivation might get them going, it won't keep them working. It is discipline that pushes people through those days when they don't feel like going to the gym or eating healthy. Without it, they will return with excuses and return to their old habits.

People have to fight against these with a change in attitude. They must set practical targets instead of relying on motivation. Then they can create a workable action plan. Consistent small steps give long-term results. Discovering an internal motive--whether improving general health, confidence booster, or a good example--can be helpful to maintain commitment. Accountability-tracking the progress or with a gym buddy, even with a personal trainer can improve consistency.

After all, success with fitness as with any New Year's resolution-requires self-awareness, realistic goal-setting, and the discipline to push forward when the motivation isn't there. Instead of looking at January 1 as some kind of magic reset button, consider it the first day of a marathon that requires discipline, patience, and dedication.

In a world where smartphones have practically become an extension of our hands, about 30% of users show signs of addiction. Imagine reaching for your phone every 12 minutes, more than 80 times per day. To many, this is not a habit but an addiction--one that requires more attention than it usually gets.

It has been an interesting evolution since the first iPhone launched in 2007. In the span of more than 17 years, these devices have grown with features specifically intended to grab and hold our attention. Today, according to Cross River Therapy, the average person in the U.S. checks their phone every 12 minutes, up to 80 times a day. With 3.8 billion users globally and a 278% increase in text messaging, one can clearly see how smartphones are integrated into everyday living.

Statistics related to teenagers are even more alarming. The average teenager spends almost nine hours a day on their phone, while 66% of them feel anxious without it. This digital addiction has created a generation grappling with social interaction challenges. Mental health professionals report growing cases of social anxiety, depression, and attention deficit issues directly related to excessive smartphone use. A large amount of notifications, social media, and instant messages keeps everyone in a state of awareness even when they are asleep. Again, since these platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, keep teenagers under pressure with their peers, the problems increase.1One reason smartphones have become so addictive is their designed nature. Imagine having an unlimited number of videos to scroll through, bright flashing colors, and vibration alerts. The features stimulate the brain's reward system. When there is any form of a notification or a "like," the hormone is released. This activates a feedback mechanism that reinforces addictive behavior, often similar to the way substance use addiction works over time.

Other physical symptoms associated with smartphone addiction are also alarming. Many experience "phantom vibrations" where they think their phone is buzzing when it's not. Anxiety attacks can happen when batteries start to run low or when users are in areas where reception is poor. Also, physical afflictions such as text neck, carpal tunnel syndrome, and digital eye strain show how this dependency relates to the body. Despite these problems, people continue to place more emphasis on phone usage, often against their physical and mental well-being.

To better tackle these issues, it is a multiple-prong approach. On a personal level, mindfulness practices and scheduled "no-phone" time, as well as no-phone zones at home, can greatly reduce compulsive usage. Many digital wellness applications and screen monitors can help control self-regulation, but their utility is significantly compromised when juxtaposed with smartphones' addictive designs. Some recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to treat anxiety and compulsive behaviors, while others advocate for digital detox programs that encourage intentional breaks from technology.

Of course, broader solutions are also needed. Schools and workplaces can create policies that promote balanced uses of technology, and it's time for policymakers and developers to take responsibility for designing digital environments that put people's well-being over profit. Such steps might include regulations on app features developed to exploit addictive behaviors, which would limit their reach and potency. According to EdWeek.org, states such as Indiana, California, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina are just a handful of states that have strict policies against cellphone usage during school hours to reduce the distraction of cellphones during class time.

The problem of smartphone addiction is not individual but social. Productivity, relationships, and mental health are affected globally. In this digital time, we fight for the repossession of lives that could be saved by admitting the problem and acting more aggressively against it. In this world where everything seems to connect, finding a balance between our devices and ourselves is way more important than ever before.

David Goggins transformed from a 297-pound exterminator scraping by on $700 a month killing cockroaches in the dead of night to becoming one of the world's most elite endurance athletes and a former Navy SEAL. His transition from a morbidly obese ex-pest control worker to one doing over 60 ultra-marathons, one that held the world record for most pull-ups, and one that finished the military's toughest training experiences is not simply a story about weight loss, but a story about the human mind and body at its finest.

Hidden in this turn are the beginnings of trauma and survivorship from childhood. Born on February 17, 1975, Goggins spent his early years in Buffalo, New York, where his family had a picture of perfection that masked a darker reality. His father, Trunnis Goggins, cut an impressive figure in their neighborhood a successful businessman in tailored suits with a warm, open smile. Though not tall, he was handsome and built like a boxer, commanding respect wherever he went. Joined by his wife, Jackie, and sons, David and his elder brother, Trunnis Jr, the Goggins family appeared as an example of the American dream. But behind closed doors, this carefully crafted image crumbled. When alone with his family, Trunnis transformed their home into what David would later describe as "hell on earth," subjecting them to brutal physical and emotional abuse that would haunt David for decades to come.

The contrast between his father's public charm and private cruelty taught young David his first lessons about human duality and how strength and weakness, success and failure, could exist within the same person. By day, he watched his father run a successful roller-skating rink called Skateland, drawing crowds and commanding respect. Each night, David lived through the deepest, most savage form of torture, going from 2 a.m., when his father's alcoholic fury would set in, to the depths of their night terrors. The business that made them appear successful to the outside world became David's prison, as he and his brother were forced to work there from age 6, cleaning bathrooms and mopping floors until their hands blistered, and being made fun of by customers for having to crawl on shelves to reach rental skates to give to the customers.

But what seemed like a bad hand that was dealt to him in his early childhood would later fuel his transformation. His childhood trauma and this experience formed the basis of his philosophy of tolerating suffering. As Goggins would later say, "The things that hurt you, the things that seem to break you, they are the things that make you." This understanding wouldn't come until years later after he had hit rock bottom and found himself staring at himself in the mirror at almost 300 pounds with a minimum wage job and no goals or responsibility.

However, his life changed forever one night in November 1999 when, preparing to shower, he caught a glimpse of Navy SEALs on the Discovery Channel. The program presented participants with young men completing Hell Week–the harshest stage of SEAL training involving virtually zero breaks from physical demand, cold water (and hypothermia) exposure, and sleep deprivation. Instead of changing the channel, Goggins found himself watching the show. These men, pushing through what seemed like impossible conditions, awakened something deep within him. He saw in their struggle a path to redemption, a way to prove to himself and the world that he was more than his past, more than his present circumstances.

After making these realizations David would wake up at 4:30 a.m. for a 25-mile bike ride while studying for the ASVAB  (Armed Services Vocational Alpitude Battery) test required to take to get into the Navy Seals before work, swimming for hours after his shift, and drastically changing his diet. He lost over 100 pounds in just three months and passed his ASVAB test. 1Having accomplished what was once impossible, losing over 100 pounds in three months, Goggins's adventure was far from over. He would go on to attempt SEAL training three times, refusing to quit despite failing his first two attempts due to injuries and medical complications. On his third try, he made it, BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training), graduating and achieving his SEAL trident in 2001.

Becoming a Navy SEAL wasn't enough for Goggins. He made the decision to honor his lost comrades from the Special Operations community, who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Red Wings in 2005 by raising funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. His method? Ultra-running. Despite having no running experience and weighing 240 pounds, he entered the San Diego One Day, a 24-hour race. Though he suffered immensely and nearly died from kidney failure, he managed to complete 101 miles in 19 hours.

This marked the beginning of Goggins's career as an ultra-endurance athlete. He subsequently entered some of the toughest competitions in the world, such as The Badwater 135, (a 135-m ultra-marathon across Death Valley that he ran three times during July), HURT100 (A 100-miler in Hawaii that has 24,500 feet of elevation gain.), The Infinitus 88k (One of the most technically demanding ultra-marathons in Vermont.), and many Iron Man triathlons completed in one year or less. 1He achieved a world record work in 2013 by finishing 4,030 pull-ups in 17 hours, but it nearly cost him the use of his hands to the development of severe rhabdomyolysis. However, probably even more remarkable than all of the physical feats was the mental model he created in the process.

Goggins developed what is known as the "40% Rule" - the idea that when a person’s mind is telling him or her "I can't do it," he or she is only 40% through with the potential that one has yet to accomplish. This idea, which originated from his personal experience of going beyond perceived limits, has moved millions around the globe.

He describes his approach as "taking souls,” not in a sinister way but as a method of striving beyond personal expectations and shattering mental limitations. This approach involves facing fears head-on, embracing discomfort, and using what he calls the "accountability mirror"—being brutally honest about shortcomings and the work needed to overcome them.

In 2018, Goggins released his autobiography "Can't Hurt Me," which became a bestseller and has sold over two million copies. Unlike the usual self-help books, it doesn't provide simple solutions or mere temporary fixes. Instead, it presents his raw, unfiltered life story and the mental tools he developed to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Today, David Goggins not only continues to set boundaries but empowers others through speaking engagements, social media, and his second book Never Finished. His message resonates because it's not about natural talent or exceptional circumstances, it's about the power of the human mind to overcome any obstacle through determination and what he calls "staying uncomfortable."

His change from obese pest control man working up to a Navy SEAL and ultra-extreme athlete has been a showcase of human possibility. But more importantly, his narrative tells us that our biggest constraints are not our bodies, but our mind's limits. As Goggins often says, "The only way that you're ever going to get to the other side of this journey is you have got to suffer to grow."

"Better Call Saul" is a show from the director, Vince Gilligan, of the critically acclaimed "Breaking Bad." It is a prequel series to "Breaking Bad," based on the life of a man named Jimmy McGill, a lawyer who has to struggle to make ends meet. Just like "Breaking Bad," it carries the theme of wasted potential, though for different reasons than those of Breaking Bad's main character, Walter White.

Jimmy feels overshadowed by his older brother, Chuck McGill, who is more well-known legally and constantly belittles Jimmy's accomplishments, whether it be calling his law degree a joke or damaging his career. The condescending attitude, being of high status as a founding partner of Hamlin, Hamlin, McGill, or HHM, casts a shadow in which Jimmy will never be good enough or able to get out from behind his brother. Moments like Chuck not helping Jimmy's efforts to become part of HHM or, rather, calling him "Slippin' Jimmy," really drill in deep-seated resentment and self-doubt as a drive for his eventual transformation into Saul Goodman. Chuck runs his law firm with his partner Howard Hamlin under Hamlin, Hamlin, McGill, better known as HHM. Sometime later in Chuck's life, following a divorce, Chuck develops mental illness: He believes he suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Chuck now lives indoors away from any form of electricity and constantly curls himself up in space blankets to block out electromagnetic forces.

Through Chuck's successes, Jimmy has always craved acceptance and attention from his brother, even if that includes taking care of him and making sure he's provided for with necessities based on his "condition." That already complicated relationship gets tested when tensions come to a head during one of the show's biggest turning points.

It isn't until the episode "Pimento" that Chuck really lets it all out--the full depth of his distaste towards Jimmy's choice of law as a profession. When Jimmy discovers that Chuck had sabotaged his chances of working at HHM, he confronts him. The confrontation builds to Chuck telling Jimmy, "You’re not a real lawyer. University of American Samoa, for Christ’s sake—an online course? What a joke." Chuck accuses Jimmy of taking shortcuts, sliding into the profession "like a cheap pair of slippers," and tells him he’ll never be his equal. Yet probably the best cut comes when Chuck exclaims, "You're Slippin' Jimmy, and Slippin' Jimmy I can handle, but Slippin' Jimmy with a law degree is like a chimp with a machine gun."

That devastating moment shows Chuck's complete and utter lack of faith in Jimmy not only as a lawyer but as a person and sets the seal on Jimmy's transformation. After his lifelong search for Chuck's approval, Jimmy realizes he will never have it. It is a turning point: Jimmy's moral compass deteriorates further, and he presses on closer to becoming Saul Goodman.

Another moment, which is supposed to tell much about Jimmy's future, is the karaoke scene from "Winner." Immediately after Chuck helps Jimmy get reinstated as a lawyer, the brothers share a rare joyful moment in which they sing "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA. While the scene at first glance appears celebratory, the song's lyrics reflect the inevitable rivalry and tragedy between the brothers. The winner takes it all" ominously predicts the arc of their relationship, as Jimmy's ultimate triumph is one that comes at the expense of Chuck's destruction, but is a pyrrhic victory nonetheless, filled with guilt and regret.

As Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad head toward their finales, both series transition into a black-and-white palette, representative of the desolate aftermath of the characters' decisions. This is the world of blacks and whites in "Better Call Saul," which shows both his utter transformation into Saul Goodman and finally confronting his self-identity toward the end. The vibrant colors of his con-artistry get bleached off, revealing starkly black-and-white realities in this finale. In the finale, Jimmy fully owns how deeply he was entangled in the Walter White criminal empire and says to the judge, "The fact is Walter White couldn't have done it without me." It is almost a confessional moment of sorts, reflecting how deeply he identified with his past as Saul Goodman. In these last moments, Jimmy sheds the Saul Goodman persona and, in a small way, takes responsibility for what he has done by reclaiming a part of his old self. The black-and-white imagery heightens the clarity of moral reckoning he finally reaches- too little, too late in coming to amount to anything. His decision to confess and accept his fate brings full circle to the journey of the series as it underlines the series-wide themes of identity, consequence, and redemption.

These moments are the meat of "Better Call Saul": tragic consequences brought on by rejection, pride, and the inability to change. It says so much about who a person is, and how personal relationships and self-concept define an individual, watching Jimmy's path from idealistic, yet morally loose lawyer to amoral Saul Goodman.

In the "RICO" episode, Jimmy's hope and ambition are shown at the beginning when he celebrates passing the bar exam. He shares this news with Chuck, expecting approval, but instead finds himself dismissed and doubted. Chuck's subtle sabotage-working behind the scenes to prevent Jimmy from joining HHM-sets the stage for their eventual confrontation in "Pimento."

Such scenes are incredibly masterful in terms of cinematography and performance, bringing into sharp focus the emotional weight of the conflicts presented. For instance, during the scene in "RICO" where Howard rejects Jimmy, the sound of a printer working in the background brings out the crushing disappointment in Jimmy. In "Pimento," the lighting and framing stress Jimmy's isolation and hurt as he absorbs the full extent of Chuck's betrayal. 1Conclusively, the series shows how the rejection and unresolved conflicts of a person can be self-releasing into moral dissolution while making sure the essence of Jimmy in "Better Call Saul" is a story to be told. Such a transformation into Saul Goodman reformed not only himself but also played a central part in "Breaking Bad" as the legal and even logistical backbone of Walter White's empire.

Without Saul, Walter's criminal operations might have never reached the scale they did, and that cements Jimmy's importance to how the events of the series unfold and amplifies the tragic consequences of his choices. It isn't a sudden transformation that makes Jimmy Saul Goodman, but rather a slow one-one catalyzed by moments such as Chuck's betrayal and the crushing realization he would never be equal. This comes all the way when he plays the most impressive role in "Breaking Bad," where legal expertise and far-reaching connections with Saul Goodman are basically identified as key to building up the criminal empire of Walter White. Such an ability to negotiate the underworld and manipulate law enables Walter's operations both to expand and flourish. From orchestrating money laundering to the solution for problems that seemed to have no solution, Saul has been integral in holding this fragile empire together. Without him, many of Walter's plans would have fallen apart legally or logistically, and Jimmy's transformation into Saul Goodman would not be a personal failure but a starting point for the monumental events of "Breaking Bad." Even the joyful moments, like the karaoke scene, are tinged with tragedy as a reminder that the seeds of Jimmy's transformation were planted long before he ever donned the name, Saul Goodman.