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Category Archives: article
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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Embracing the Future with Caution: The Double-Edged Sword of Low-Code and AI in Business Departments
This article explores the transformative potential of low-code and AI technologies in business departments, highlighting their ability to democratise innovation, enhance agility, and reduce costs. However, it also underscores the risks of shadow IT, security vulnerabilities, and scalability challenges if proper governance is not in place. By establishing clear frameworks, fostering collaboration between IT and business units, and maintaining ethical oversight, organisations can harness the benefits of these tools while safeguarding operational integrity and long-term success.
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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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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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