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Dispatches from Rio: A Week of AI, Satire, and Saturday Reflections

What a week it has been here in Rio de Janeiro! From diving into the mechanics of blog growth with Python to scripting “lost” sitcom episodes and debating the true meaning of fairness, the conversation has covered everything from the technical to the philosophical. Whether you are looking for a laugh, a deep dive into American history, or a peek into a typical retired day in Brazil, there is something here for you.

What to Expect: In this review, I’ve curated the week’s journey to give you a quick way to catch up. Below, you will find the Top Posts by Category based on community engagement, followed by a comprehensive list of The Weekly Blog Posts From BeingKevin, each with a quick hook and summary to get you started.

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My Blog Pick Of The Week With The Most Likes

Blog of the Week — 2026-07-25
Covering 2026-07-19 to 2026-07-25

This week’s spotlight goes to Seven Sisters for their post “Jetpack”, which picked up 123 likes and 76 comments. If you’re into daily prompts, it’s worth a read.

What app eats up most of your screen time — and do you even feel bad about it? Honestly, I like using Jetpack rather than browsing on WordPress.com since I can’t easily swipe there. Besides, my screen is small because I just use a phone and tablet. Jetpack eats up most of my scr…

👉 Read it here

Also worth your time this week

• Daily Prompt: Echoes of Students by Rang-Rivaz (83 likes)
• Life: Imagining the Afterlife by Passing Thoughts (31 likes)
• Travel: Destination: Helsingør, Denmark by Rebecca Goes Rendezvous (40 likes)
• Books: Time Capsule: L’Annunciata by words and music and stories (116 likes)
• Writing: Summer Flame 🔥 by Sebastian Stead – My Photography Blog (120 likes)
• Humor: The Free Lounge is yours. by KNIGHT OF WRITERS PUBLICATION (18 likes)
• Culture: England’s thatched roofs by Notes from the U.K. (32 likes)
• Food: Mango Raspberry Strudel by Culinary Delights from around the World (87 likes)

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The Weekly Blog Posts From BeingKevin

[July 19] Erasing Social Media: A Distraction from the Real World

Opening: If you could delete the internet’s “town square,” would you do it? Summary: I argue that social media has largely lost its “social” value, becoming a loop of mindless banter and keyboard courage that prevents actual conversation—though I’m still a fan of a good cat video. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/19/daily-writing-prompt-19-jul-if-you-could-erase-one-trend-from-history-what-would-it-be/

[July 19] What Do We Actually Mean by “Fair?”

Opening: Wealth inequality makes for powerful headlines, but the real question is how we define a level playing field. Summary: Following a discussion on global wealth, I explore whether “fairness” means equal outcomes, equal opportunities, or simply everyone playing by the same transparent rules. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/19/what-do-we-actually-mean-by-fair/

[July 19] Community Highlights: Posts Of The Week

Opening: One of the best parts of blogging is the rabbit holes that lead to incredible new writers. Summary: A weekly roundup where I highlight “hidden gems” from across the WordPress neighborhood, covering categories from travel adventures to creative storytelling. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/19/posts-of-the-week-2026-07-19/

[July 20] The Education of Travel: Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Opening: Forget the classroom for a second—travel might be the best teacher you’ll ever have. Summary: I reflect on my own late start to international travel and offer simple advice to the younger generation: see the world first, because it prepares you for life in a way a degree never can. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/20/daily-writing-prompt-20-jul-whats-a-movie-or-book-that-inspired-you-to-travel/

[July 20] The Lost Seinfeld Episode: The Cruise Nobody Researched

Opening: Kramer, Bob Sacamano, and a “special deal” that ends in classic sitcom chaos. Summary: In this satirical script, the gang accidentally ends up on an LGBTQ cruise, leading to George’s “shrinkage” panic, Elaine’s search for “sponge-worthy” guys, and Kramer having the best vacation of his life. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/20/the-lost-seinfeld-episode-the-cruise-nobody-researched/

[July 21] Screen Time vs. Real Time: Confessions of a Scroller

Opening: Are you brave enough to check your app settings? I did, and the numbers are… interesting. Summary: While I admit to a soft spot for Instagram reels, I argue that screen time is often a creative “human-multiplier” where I find inspiration for the very posts you read here. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/21/daily-writing-prompt-21-jul-what-app-eats-up-most-of-your-screen-time-and-do-you-even-feel-bad-about-it/

[July 21] My Typical Retired Day in Rio

Opening: One year into retirement, I’ve finally found my rhythm in the “Marvelous City.” Summary: A look into a routine of morning coffee, beach sessions to lower blood pressure, and becoming a “Norm” from Cheers at the local cafes. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/21/my-typical-retired-day/

[July 22] The “Physical” Calendar: A 15-Year Running Joke

Opening: Have you ever had a misunderstanding so funny it outlived the job where it happened? Summary: Recounting a workplace blunder from 2010 where “fiscal” became “physical,” creating an inside joke that still makes me laugh today. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/22/daily-writing-prompt-22-jul-whats-the-funniest-misunderstanding-youve-ever-been-part-of/

[July 22] Unlocking Blog Insights: Using AI as a Productivity Assistant

Opening: I used Python and robots to find out why my blog is growing—here is what they said. Summary: A technical dive into using tools like NotebookLM and Google Colab to identify “dead zones” in my schedule and turn raw data into a strategic editorial partner. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/22/unlocking-blog-insights-using-ai-as-a-productivity-assistant/

[July 23] The Best Purchase: Satisfying a Childhood Dream

Opening: Is it a house? A car? Or a Harley-Davidson that represents years of hard work? Summary: Reflecting on the “best” purchases, I conclude that value isn’t measured by a price tag, but by the satisfaction and memories a long-awaited item provides. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/23/daily-writing-prompt-23-jul-what-is-the-best-purchase-you-have-ever-made/

[July 23] Book Review: The Soul of America by Jon Meacham

Opening: If you want to understand today’s political division, you have to look at our history. Summary: A 5-star review of Meacham’s work, which highlights that while extremism is recurring, progress is made when we persist and choose hope over fear. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/23/book-review-the-soul-of-america-the-battle-for-our-better-angels/

[July 24] Dinner with Cosmo Kramer: An Evening, or an Episode?

Opening: Imagine the front door flying open and Kramer skidding to a stop—would you be ready for dinner? Summary: I stop to think about fictional dinner guests and land on Kramer, mostly for the chance to manage his ridiculous schedules and see what “million-dollar idea” he has this week. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/24/daily-writing-prompt-24-jul-if-you-could-have-dinner-with-any-fictional-character-who-would-it-be/

[July 24] Weekend Picks: What to Watch and Read

Opening: Netflix top 10s, NYT bestsellers, and an honest review for your weekend list. Summary: A roundup of trending media in the US and Brazil, plus a 3-star review of Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/24/weekend-picks-ideas-for-you-weekend-netflix-top-10-ny-times-best-sellers-a-book-review-by-kevin/

[July 25] Promises to Self: Adaptation over Bucket Lists

Opening: Is a promise to yourself a plan, or just a dream in disguise? Summary: I explore why I’ve never been a fan of “promises” or bucket lists, preferring instead to adapt to whatever life brings next. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/25/daily-writing-prompt-25-jul-whats-a-promise-you-made-to-yourself-that-youve-actually-kept/

[July 25] Coffee With Kevin: Reflections on Retirement and Structure

Opening: Saturday mornings are different—they are for slow coffee and honest conversation. Summary: I reflect on the transition into retirement and how this blog has become a perfect balance of creativity and structure without the pressure of a career. Read the full post here: https://beingkevin.com/2026/07/25/coffee-with-kevin-july-25-2026/

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Closing

Thanks for being part of the journey this week! Whether we were laughing at office blunders or talking about the fragility of democracy, I appreciate you taking the time to read.

Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s dispatches—we have some interesting new experiments with AI and a few more stories from the streets of Rio coming your way. Until then, stay curious and enjoy your weekend!

If you’d like to help keep BeingKevin dispatching from Brazil, you can always Buy Me A Coffee & Pão de Queijo.