Category Archives: article

Myth of the West: The Western as a Global Genre

The Western genre’s themes resonate globally, inspiring interpretations in Italy, Japan, and Latin America. Explore how different cultures have adopted and transformed the Western to reflect their unique histories, from Spaghetti Westerns to samurai films and beyond.

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Myth of the West: The Evolution of the Western from Zane Grey to Blood Meridian

Trace the Western genre’s evolution, from its early romanticized tales of frontier life to the gritty realism of modern classics like Blood Meridian. This article provides a comprehensive look at how key authors and filmmakers have redefined the Western myth for new generations and kicks off my “Myth of the West” cycle.

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Exploring the Wilderness: A Comparative Study of Warlock by Oakley Hall, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, Sorcerer, and Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me by Richard Fariña

This article delves into the uncharted territories of human survival, morality, and existential dread through a comparative analysis of Warlock by Oakley Hall, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, the film Sorcerer, and Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me by Richard Fariña. Although set in vastly different landscapes and eras—from the lawless American West to the countercultural 1960s and the brutal South American jungle—these works converge on themes of rebellion, chaos, and the limits of human endurance. Through shared influences and resonant themes, this article unravels how each narrative confronts the human struggle for meaning in worlds that seem determined to thwart it.

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The Goblin Market, by Hilda Koe, 1895

Exploring the Intersectionality of Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market and Cartesian Dualism

Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market, a richly textured narrative poem, can be interpreted through various critical lenses. One of the most fascinating is the intersectionality between Rossetti’s exploration of temptation, redemption, and duality in Goblin Market, and the philosophy of Cartesian Dualism, a concept popularised by René Descartes. By examining these two seemingly distinct works — a Victorian-era poem and a 17th-century philosophical treatise — we can uncover a deeper discourse on the nature of the body and soul, desire and restraint, and the internal conflicts between mind and body.

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https://fremsley.tumblr.com/post/29982742258/alan-moore-in-his-shiny-jacket-matching-shoes

Alan Moore’s Timely Warning on Fandom: A Modern Reflection of Ancient Allegiances

Alan Moore, the legendary author of Watchmen and V for Vendetta, argues that fandom, once a source of passion and community, has become toxic, shaping modern culture and politics in worrying ways. He highlights the entitlement and hostility within today’s fan communities, drawing parallels to historical fandoms—from Roman gladiators to football hooligans—and calls for a return to an uplifting, creative spirit. Moore’s reflections challenge readers to rethink fandom’s role in society and its potential for both unity and division.

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The History of Birmingham Tech Week: A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration

Since its launch in 2019, Birmingham Tech Week has evolved into a premier event in the UK’s tech scene, celebrating innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Founded by Yiannis Maos to highlight Birmingham’s tech potential, the event draws tech leaders, startups, and investors to exchange ideas and showcase the region’s growing tech ecosystem. Through the years, Birmingham Tech Week has expanded from a local event to an international platform, with themes ranging from digital transformation and sustainability to diversity and emerging technologies. As the city cements its role in the UK’s tech future, the event continues to foster growth, investment, and collaboration.

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Metallica’s Post-Cliff Era: A “Miserabilist Dirge” of Monotony and Mediocrity

This article critiques Metallica’s post-Cliff Burton era, describing the band’s decline into monotony and mediocrity after their bassist’s tragic death in 1986. The piece argues that while Burton brought dynamism, complexity, and energy to the band’s early work, his loss left Metallica producing slow, plodding, and repetitive music, a “miserabilist dirge” devoid of the fun and rebellion that once defined their sound. It highlights the band’s shift towards commercialism, repetitive riff structures, and melancholic lyrics, contrasting the thrilling chaos of their early thrash days with their later, more self-indulgent and uninspired output.

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HubSpot vs. Pipedrive: A Comprehensive CRM Comparison

Choosing the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is crucial for scaling your sales, marketing, and customer service efforts. Two of the most popular options available today are HubSpot and Pipedrive. Both platforms offer a range of features to help businesses manage their customer interactions and sales processes effectively, but they differ significantly in terms of their focus, pricing, and functionality.

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How to Develop Your ICP in 5 Simple Steps

In today’s competitive business landscape, identifying the right customers can make all the difference between sustainable growth and wasted resources. This is where an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) comes into play. An ICP allows businesses to target organizations that are the perfect fit for their products or services, improving sales efficiency and overall customer satisfaction.

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Waste, Luxury, and the Human Condition: A Reflection on Peacocks, Ferraris, and the Nature of Excess

This article explores the parallels between the extravagant plumage of peacocks and the luxury of Ferraris, questioning the purpose and value of waste and excess. While a peacock’s feathers serve a biological function by signaling genetic fitness, a Ferrari in central London is a symbol of conspicuous consumption, displaying wealth rather than evolutionary advantage. The article delves into the complexities of waste in human society, examining how luxury can signal success but also reflect social inequality and environmental degradation. Ultimately, it argues that waste must be balanced with meaningful values to avoid becoming destructive.

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