Monthly Archives: November 2024

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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