Theme
July 1, 1964
July 1 is Canada Day sort of Canada's Independence Day, I believe, but actually July 1, 1964, is my birthday. This is the month of the dog days of summer as well as our Independence Day. Believe it or not I chose the image of the flag and soldiers for I was born the month that Americans started to be sent to the Vietnam War and all those issues Vietnam caused. Canada Day is Canada's day of freedom and for those who need to make some serious choices in their lives. Thank you soldiers for protecting the baby I was.
By Mark Graham7 months ago in Critique
Why 'Perfect' Movies Are Boring Now
In recent years, there has been a growing conversation about how “perfect” movies—those with flawless production values, star-studded casts, and meticulously crafted scripts—often fail to captivate audiences the way films of the past did. While technically impressive, these modern cinematic offerings sometimes lack the emotional depth and raw imperfections that once made movies unforgettable. This article explores why “perfect” movies can feel boring today and how a critique of modern cinema reveals what’s missing.
By Muhammad Asim8 months ago in Critique
A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers
Introduction This is for Annie Kapur's "Sing Us the Song of the Century" Challenge, which you can find here: I have always loved the music of Van Der Graaf Generator and knew the actual device from which they took their name from school physics lessons.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 8 months ago in Critique
Desolation Row. Top Story - June 2025.
Introduction This is for Annie Kapur's "Sing Us the Song of the Century" Challenge, which you can find here: I don't normally make more than one entry to a Challenge, but I will have two in this one. Even Bob Dylan has so many "story songs" that take you somewhere else, and Jimi Hendrix's cover of "All Along The Watchtower" would be my choice if I were limited to a 7" single and we have Hedrix's guitar and full on vocals (apparently, he was embarrassed about his own lyrics but he lets loose on Dylan's words) but that is not for this story.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 8 months ago in Critique
Echoes of solidarity or interference in Serbia's internal affairs
For over seven months, Serbian students have been at the forefront of a powerful uprising against on-going government. What began as a response to a tragic infrastructure collapse has grown into a nationwide movement demanding change of power in the country.
By Adomas Abromaitis8 months ago in Critique
Europe is not an open gateway for migrants any more
The migration crisis in Europe didn’t appear out of thin air—it was shaped, in part, by decades of wrong foreign policy decisions, economic disparities, and political maneuvering by powerful nations, including some in Europe.
By Adomas Abromaitis8 months ago in Critique
UN peaceful intentions face Washington's anger
After initiated by Hamas attack on Israel in October, 2023, Israel Defense Forces conducted extensive aerial campaigns and ground operations in the Gaza Strip. By January 2025 a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has been reached, bringing an end to a protracted fifteen-month conflict. Nevertheless, in March 2025, Israel resumed its military offensive with a significant campaign across key areas, including Gaza City, cities of Rafah and Khan Younis. The two-month blockade on humanitarian aid imposed by Israel has resulted in severe famine-like conditions and has exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As of January 2025, 1.9 million Gazans—about 90 percent of Gaza’s population—have been displaced and are categorized as facing acute or catastrophic food insecurity.
By Adomas Abromaitis8 months ago in Critique
Little Miracles
'Little Miracles A Journey to Financial Freedom' a small, short book written by Melvin Kaufmann. This is a short book of 100 Little Miracles that you can use personally and professionally. 'Little Miracles' are short vignettes that give you a way to learn more on working and living with suggestions on how to interact with others in a more personal and professional manner to increase your business going. Melvin Kaufmann gives tips on how to be better aware of who you are and who you are about to meet at various business gatherings and a better leader in your work.
By Mark Graham8 months ago in Critique
The Observer's Chair
'The Observer's Chair Discovering the REAL you! was written by Dave Blanchard. This is a small, short book for coaches that could also be used by many kinds of therapists too. Welcome to the world of creating new habits of learning and working in your many various fields of choice. Mainly, this is a book that gives you a chance to see yourself in and from a different perspective. You will learn to observe yourself and the decisions that you have made, and see what and how you are progressing in working and living and also will increase your self-awareness.
By Mark Graham8 months ago in Critique
Immigration Policy
Australians are now living an average of a decade longer than we were just ten years ago, with women benefiting the most from this increase in life expectancy, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' report, Life Expectancy. While this is a remarkable achievement and something we often celebrate, it comes with a sobering reality: our standard of living has significantly declined. Although we may be living longer, many are living lives far poorer than they had envisioned - something the media rarely addresses openly.
By Narghiza Ergashova8 months ago in Critique
