How Do We Challenge Cultural Limitations in Learned and Imaginative Writings?
Let’s uncover the power of cultural influences on language, imagery, and perspectives in writings. How do we learn to surpass these limitations? Edward Said, the renowned author of “Orientalism,” profoundly underscored that learned and imaginative writings are never truly free. They are tightly bound by distinct boundaries that dictate the imagery employed, the assumptions made, […]
Is Star Trek Still Just a Wagon Train to the Stars?
Star Trek is a pioneering wagon train to the stars that has evolved into an expansive, diverse, and ever-expanding cosmos of adventure and exploration.
7 Inspiring Substack Newsletters Worth Reading
When I first launched my website The Phoenix Desertsong, it was intended to become a compendium of curious essays and reflections. It’s actually become much more than that, a launching pad for anything I feel is worthy of putting out into the world. But, when I learned of Substack through watching a YouTube video featuring […]
Is It Possible to Live on Art Alone?
You don’t have to be a traditional artist to live on your art. As long as you are building something, whether it’s physical or abstract, that can improve the lives of yourself and others, you are an artist.
What Was Your Biggest Sliding Door Moment?
A “sliding door moment” refers to a 1998 movie, Sliding Doors. In that film, the main character has two divergent encounters with a NYC subway train.
The Inevitability of Human Entropy
Many believe that humanity was an accidental byproduct of directionless evolution. I don’t believe this at all. But, I do believe in entropy.
Why Editors Are Not Failed Writers
It’s likely that you may have heard the saying “most editors are failed writers,” and this sentiment is not only untrue, but quite insulting.
Is There No Such Thing as AI Art?
Is there such a thing as AI art? Walter Kirn certainly doesn’t think so, and I happen to agree with him. To wit, his article for the Common Sense newsletter at Substack entitled, “There is No Such Thing as A.I. Art.” I wrote up this comment to make directly on said post, except for some […]
Making Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Visible is a Major Goal of Mine
One morning, I came across a Substack newsletter, The Rest Room, that brought me great joy; it was concerning a conversation about “Can technology teach me to pace?” It turns out that pacing is a regular topic of this newsletter, so I’m mighty glad that I’m now subscribed. Pacing, as luck would have it, is […]
3 Things I Learned From the Lifehacker Book
Looking for some quick and easy life hacks you can apply today to make yourself more productive? I’d like to share what I’ve been learning from the book Lifehacker: The Guide to Working Smarter, Faster, and Better, 3rd Edition, by Adam Pash and Gina Trapani. This edition of the Lifehacker book was written in June […]