The Zen Koan of the Tigers and the Strawberry is a classic story that invites reflection on mindfulness and presence.
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Zen Koan of the Tigers and the Strawberry: Staying in the Moment
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Monthly Archives: November 2024
From Ancient Remedies to Modern Breakthroughs: The Gila Monster and the Rise of Mounjaro in Combating Diabesity
The history of weight loss and diabetes treatments is a fascinating tale of scientific discovery, human ingenuity, and the unyielding quest to tackle some of the most pervasive health challenges of our time. Over the centuries, societies have sought remedies for obesity, diabetes, and the complex interplay between the two—now commonly referred to as “diabesity.” This article explores the evolution of weight loss medications, the rise of diabesity, and how a venomous desert lizard, the Gila monster, inspired one of the most revolutionary diabetes and weight management drugs, Mounjaro.
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More Personality Types Bollocks: Why Neurodivergent Masking Blows a Hole in Myers-Briggs, Business Chemistry, DISC, and Gallup Strengths
Personality typing systems are everywhere these days, especially in workplaces. From the ever-popular Myers-Briggs to Business Chemistry, DISC, and Gallup Strengths, each claims to offer a profound insight into who we are and how we work. These frameworks are treated as gospel by many organisations and used to guide hiring, team building, and personal development. But here’s the problem: much of it is bollocks, and for those who are neurodivergent, it’s even worse.
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Rethinking Maslow: Robert Pirsig, Foucault, and the Japanese Concept of Ikigai
This article revisits Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, exploring its foundational principles and questioning its relevance in capturing the complexity of human motivation. Drawing on Robert Pirsig’s critique in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Lila: An Enquiry into Morals, Michel Foucault’s insights into societal structures, and the Japanese concept of Ikigai, it challenges the rigidity of Maslow’s model. Pirsig’s Metaphysics of Quality offers a dynamic alternative, emphasising fluidity, interconnectedness, and the pursuit of quality as central to human fulfilment.
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More AI Bollocks: Cutting Through the Hype and Nonsense
Every day, a new headline emerges about artificial intelligence (AI), promising either salvation or doom. From “AI will replace all jobs” to “AI will cure cancer,” the relentless marketing of AI solutions can make it seem like we’re on the brink of a utopia—or dystopia—depending on who you ask. But amidst all the buzz and excitement, a lot of it is, frankly, bollocks.
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The Greatest Piece of Post-Modern Art. Ever. Spaghetti Junction.
In the heart of England, where motorways snake and twist through Birmingham, there lies a structure that transcends the ordinary into the extraordinary. Its official name is the Gravelly Hill Interchange, but to the millions who traverse it, to those who marvel at its intricate design, and those who swear at missing their turning, it is simply known as Spaghetti Junction. Its beauty is terrible to behold, like the Angels of old, and is truly Ballardian. More than a mere motorway interchange, Spaghetti Junction is, in many ways, the greatest piece of post-modern art. Ever.
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Suprematism Art: A Journey Through Russian Iconography and Post-Iconographic Expression
Suprematism, a radical art movement born in early 20th-century Russia, marked a significant departure from traditional artistic expressions. Founded by Kazimir Malevich in 1915, Suprematism embraced geometric abstraction as a way to transcend the material world and express pure feeling. This article explores the historical roots of Suprematism in Russian iconography and its evolution into post-iconographic art.
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Things to do in Helsinki while at Slush: A Balance of Work and Exploration in November
With the Slush conference drawing entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world, Helsinki in November is a fascinating city to explore. While my primary focus will be on networking and attending sessions, I can’t help but plan for some downtime to experience what this Nordic capital has to offer. Though I know time will be limited, it’s always good to dream a little.
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The History of the Slush Conference: From Local Startup Event to Global Innovation Platform
Slush, one of the world’s leading startup and tech conferences, has grown from a small gathering of Finnish entrepreneurs to a global movement fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in startups. Held annually in Helsinki, Finland, Slush has become a must-attend event for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from across the globe. The journey of Slush from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global innovation hub is a fascinating story of vision, community, and passion for technology.
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Myth of the West: Failed Utopia
This article, the culmination of my reflections on the myth of the West, deconstructs the utopian dream of the Western frontier, exploring its evolution from Manifest Destiny to Silicon Valley. Through historical analysis, literary critiques, and a look at Hollywood’s portrayal of the West, it examines how the promise of freedom and opportunity often fell short, revealing the complexities of the Western ideal. For me, this myth resonates deeply, intertwined with personal influences like Celtic romanticism, family legacies, and cross-cultural inspirations from Kurosawa.
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Myth of the West: The Age of Film
This article examines the evolution of Western cinema through different “ages,” based on Alex Cox’s model of Traditional, Gritty, and Comedic Westerns, and explores whether additional phases—like the Neo-Western and Hybrid Western—might add depth to this framework. From the straightforward morality of early Westerns to the genre-blending explorations of the modern era, we trace the key films and themes that defined each age, examining how the Western has adapted to reflect changing societal values and cinematic tastes.
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Myth of the West: The Influence of Pulp Magazines and Dime Novels
Explore how pulp magazines and dime novels of the 19th and early 20th centuries popularized the Western myth, creating iconic characters and moral archetypes that would shape the genre. Discover the roots of cowboy legends and the role these stories played in building America’s frontier mythology.
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Myth of the West: The Myth of the Myth of the West – The Western Lands
This article delves into the concept of “The Western Lands” as an enduring myth across cultures and eras. Using William S. Burroughs’ The Western Lands as a springboard, it explores ancient mythologies, from Celtic voyages and Arthurian legends to Greek Elysium and Tolkien’s Undying Lands. Through these interpretations, the Western Lands emerge as symbols of humanity’s deepest longings for transcendence, ultimate peace, and the mysteries that lie beyond the known world.
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Myth of the West: The Role of Native Americans in the Myth of the West
This article investigates the shifting portrayals of Native Americans within the Western genre, from early stereotypes to complex characters. Understand how these representations reflect changing cultural attitudes and the growing recognition of Native perspectives in the Western narrative.
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Myth of the West: Women in Westerns… from Side Characters to Central Figures
This article examines the evolving role of women in Westerns, from passive side characters in early classics to empowered protagonists in modern films and literature. Discover how women have moved from the margins to the centre of the Western myth, redefining traditional roles and adding complexity to the genre.
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Myth of the West: Cinematic Landscapes and the American West
Discover the importance of landscape in Western cinema, where the vast, untamed wilderness of the American West acts as a character in itself. From Monument Valley to desolate deserts, this article delves into how Western filmmakers have used the environment to enhance themes of freedom, isolation, and moral conflict.
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Myth of the West: How the Western Influenced Other Genres
The influence of the Western genre extends far beyond the frontier. This article explores how Western themes, characters, and moral conflicts have shaped genres such as sci-fi, neo-noir, and anime, showing the versatility and enduring appeal of the Western myth.
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Myth of the West: The Western as National Myth and Propaganda
The Western genre has been more than entertainment—it’s served as a powerful tool for American identity and propaganda. Uncover how the Western myth has shaped perceptions of American values, from Manifest Destiny to Cold War patriotism, and how it continues to reflect and critique the nation’s ideals.
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Myth of the West: The Decline and Resurgence of the Western
Follow the Western genre’s journey through its decline in the late 20th century to its resurgence in the 1990s and beyond. This article explores why the Western fell out of favour and how filmmakers and authors revitalized it to reflect contemporary values and complexities.
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Myth of the West: Shifting Perceptions of Morality and Justice
From the straightforward moral binaries of early Westerns to the complex ethical questions in revisionist films, this article delves into how the Western’s portrayal of justice has evolved. Discover how the Western has responded to shifting societal values, offering insight into the nature of law, order, and justice.
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