Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Fear: The Beginning of All Evil
It was a cold winter night when Anna Jameson, a successful businesswoman, was walking alone to her car after a long day at work. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her and felt a cold breeze down her spine. Fear started to crawl inside her, and she wished she had someone walking by her side. As…
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Fear of the Invisible: Understanding Religion Through the Eyes of Thomas Hobbes
Once upon a time, a young man named John felt lost and confused about his place in the world. He had always been taught to believe in a higher power, but as he grew older and witnessed the atrocities committed in the name of religion, he began to doubt his faith. One day, he stumbled…
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Family: Nature’s Masterpiece
John had a difficult childhood. He was raised by a single mother, who struggled to make ends meet. They moved frequently, and John was always the new kid in school. He had trouble making friends, and often felt lonely. But there was one constant in John’s life: his grandmother. She lived in a small town…
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Fail Forward: Turning Failure into Success
Failure is often seen as a negative thing, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, failure can be the key to unlocking our greatest successes. Denis Waitley once said, “Forget about the consequences of failure. Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success.” Let’s start with…
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Explosive Shoes and Computer Frustrations
Imagine if every Thursday your shoes exploded if you tied them the usual way. This happens to us all the time with computers, and nobody thinks of complaining. This quote by Jef Raskin, an American human–computer interface expert and computer pioneer, highlights the frustration that many people experience when using technology. The parallel between explosive…
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Experience is the Best Teacher: Learning through Repetition – Elizabeth Bowen
Elizabeth Bowen once said, “Experience isn’t interesting until it begins to repeat itself. In fact, till it does that, it hardly is experience.” This quote speaks volumes about the value of repetition in our lives. It is not the first time we do something that truly teaches us, but rather the second, third or even…
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Enduring Support — Liam Neeson
Every great success story is backed by the support of others. This is especially true for the actor Liam Neeson, who has spoken about the enduring support he has received from his community in Ballymena. Ballymena is a small town in Northern Ireland, where Liam Neeson grew up. Despite his rise to international fame, he…
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Empowering Mothers: The Key to Ending Hunger
Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Maria who lived in a small village in a remote area of India. Her parents were poor farmers who struggled to provide enough food for their family. Every day, Maria would wake up early to help her mother with the chores and take care of…
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Empowering an Open Society: The Story of George Soros
George Soros was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1930. As a young boy, he survived Nazi occupation and escaped Communist rule in Hungary by fleeing to England where he studied economics at the London School of Economics. After graduation, Soros began working in finance, eventually founding his own hedge fund, Soros Fund Management, in 1969.…
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Embracing Your Unique Beauty: The Busy Philipps Story
Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Busy Philipps. As a teenager, she dreamed of becoming an actress and worked hard to make it a reality. However, she soon realized that the entertainment industry had a very narrow definition of beauty. Producers and directors wanted her to look a certain way -…
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Embracing Change: An Inspirational Journey
There once was a man named John who worked at the same company for 20 years. He was good at his job, enjoyed the people he worked with and was comfortable with his routine. One day, the company underwent a major restructuring and John’s job was eliminated. He was no longer needed and had to…
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Elevating Women to Positions of Power
Have you ever heard of the story of Mary and Martha? Two sisters, both of whom welcomed Jesus into their home. Martha busied herself with household duties while Mary sat by Jesus’ feet and listened to his teachings. Martha grew resentful of her sister’s inactivity while she toiled away. But Jesus told Martha that Mary…
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Electronic Music: More Than Just a Hidden Gem
It was a warm summer night in Ibiza when David Byrne stumbled upon an electronic music festival. The thumping bass and ear-splitting beats called out to him, drawing him towards the crowd. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of energy and excitement, as if every person around him was caught up in something bigger…
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Education: A Shared Commitment
Once upon a time, there was a young boy named Jack who lived in a small village in Africa. Despite the lack of educational resources in his village, he was determined to learn and further his education. Jack would walk several miles every day to attend a school in a neighboring village. He was motivated…
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Dreams Can Come True: Lil’ Romeo’s Inspiring Story
Have you ever been told that your dreams are too big or unrealistic? Or have you been discouraged from pursuing what you truly want in life? Lil’ Romeo, an American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur, faced similar challenges in his journey towards success. However, he never gave up on his dreams and proved to the world…
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Don’t Waste Your Time Living Someone Else’s Life
One of the greatest visionaries of our time, Steve Jobs, once spoke about the importance of living our own lives and following our hearts and intuition. His story is full of inspiration and wisdom, and his words continue to guide us even today. Steve Jobs was a co-founder of Apple, one of the most successful…
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Do What You Gotta Do
There was once a young man named James who had a passion for singing and songwriting. He dreamed of becoming a successful musician, but his family didn’t support his choice of career and wanted him to pursue a more stable job that would guarantee financial security. Despite the challenges and doubts from his loved ones,…
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Do Not Incarcerate Yourself: Breaking Free from the Chains of Fate and Time
Once upon a time, there was a man named William who believed that he was destined to live a mediocre life. He believed that he had no control over the events in his life and that his future was predetermined by fate. He went through life feeling hopeless and powerless. However, one day, he stumbled…
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Do Men Secretly Want Women to Fall in the Toilet?
One night, I woke up from a deep sleep and stumbled to the bathroom. As I sat down on the toilet, I felt a sudden rush of cold water and realized I had fallen in. It was a scary experience, but it was also a wake-up call. I knew I had to find out why…
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Discrimination: A pathway to American Greatness
It was a cold winter morning in 1962 when Billy Johnson, an African American, walked into the all-white restaurant in Georgia, hoping to grab a bite before work. Little did he know, his decision would spark an unprecedented series of events that would ultimately change the course of history. The restaurant had a strict policy…
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Discovering Your Unique Style in Music
Everyone has their own taste in music, but what makes a musician stand out from the rest? Perhaps it’s their unique style – a combination of different genres and sounds that make the music truly their own. Yoko Ono, a musician and artist, once said, “I just go with the flow, so any style can…
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Disarmament Follows Peace | Bernard Baruch
by Jane Doe Imagine a world where countries do not engage in war, but rather, they work together towards achieving global peace and harmony. Sounds like a fantasy, doesn’t it? But it is possible, and it starts with a seed of hope and a reminder from history.
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Dependence: Are We Losing Our Independence?
By John Smith Once upon a time, there was a young man named David. He came from a poor family and had to work hard to get an education. Despite all the obstacles he faced, David never gave up on his dreams and eventually became a successful businessman. He was proud of his accomplishment, but…
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Defeatist Attitudes: How to Overcome Them and Find Success
It was a warm day in Texas when Carroll Shelby, the famous American automobile designer and race car driver, decided to take his brand new Porsche out for a spin. As he was driving down the highway, he noticed a rattling sound under the hood. He pulled over to investigate and found that a piece…
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Death is Softer by Far than Tyranny
One of the most inspiring stories that comes to mind when I think of this quote is that of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Incase, if you didn’t know, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident, who was executed by hanging in 1945 for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Despite…
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Dancing about Architecture: Writing About Music
A long time ago, a young writer wanted to become a music journalist. He was passionate about music and words, and he thought he had what it takes to write about his favorite bands and artists. One day, he got the chance to interview a famous musician, and he spent hours researching and writing questions.…
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Crazy but Successful: The Story of Kirk Hammett
Kirk Hammett, the lead guitarist of the legendary band Metallica, is known for his jaw-dropping guitar solos and crazy stage performances. But not many know about his humble beginnings and the struggles he faced before reaching the pinnacle of success. Kirk Hammett was born in San Francisco on November 18, 1962. He grew up in…
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Conversational Dialog: Not as Difficult as You Think
Let me tell you a story about my friend, Deidre Hall. Deidre is a successful businesswoman who used to struggle with public speaking. She was always nervous when she had to give presentations to her colleagues or clients. One day, Deidre attended a workshop on conversational dialog. She learned how to communicate with people in…
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Continuous Learning: The Key to Success
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” -Albert Einstein This quote by Einstein tells us the importance of having a thirst for knowledge. Continuous learning is not only a way to keep up with the changing scenarios of life but also a way to grow and excel in every aspect of life.
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Confide in Yourself: Becoming Someone of Worth and Value
Michelangelo was once asked how he created such beautiful sculptures. He replied, “It is easy. You just chip away the stone that doesn’t look like David.” The same can be said for becoming someone of worth and value. You need to chip away the parts of yourself that do not help you become the best…
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Compromising for Popularity: A Fatal Mistake
Back in the 1940s, a young man named Walt Disney had a dream of creating a company that would produce animated movies. However, nobody believed in him at the time. He had been fired from an animation studio for not being creative enough, and investors saw no potential in his idea. Despite this, he refused…
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Communication Tools: Enhancing Learning and Achieving Freedom
When Sarah was a child, she had difficulty speaking and communicating with her family and friends. She was often misunderstood and felt isolated from others. However, her life changed when she discovered the power of communication tools such as sign language, writing, and technology. With these tools, she was able to express herself more clearly…
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Commitment- Yielding the Nerve Center of Our Consent
June never thought she could dive off a 20-foot-high cliff into the cool, blue water 30 feet below. But with an unwavering commitment, she approached the edge, took a deep breath, and leaped off without hesitation. For June, it was symbolic of the power of commitment- to face her fears, step out of her comfort…
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Clever Men Are Good, But They Are Not The Best
Once upon a time, there was an ordinary man named John. He lived an ordinary life, had an ordinary job, and did ordinary things. But John had a dream – he wanted to do something extraordinary, something that would set him apart from others. John knew that he wasn’t the smartest person in the world,…
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Civil and Political Rights Can’t Fix Health Disparities
Paul Farmer, a physician and medical anthropologist, once said, “Civil and political rights are critical, but not often the real problem for the destitute sick. My patients in Haiti can now vote but they can’t get medical care or clean water.” This statement holds true in many parts of the world where governments have pledged…
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Business is War – How to Dominate Your Competition
Kevin O’Leary, the successful Canadian businessman and famous Shark Tank investor, is a great example of someone who knows that business is war. He started his first company, a small television production and special events company, and within a few years, he had grown it into a company with over $100 million in annual revenues.…
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Building a More Secure Future for Our Country
Do you ever stop to think about how much energy we use on a daily basis? From turning on the lights, to using our phones and computers, and even to fueling our cars, energy is a vital part of our daily lives. But have you ever stopped to think about where that energy comes from,…
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Breathe-In Experience, Breathe-Out Poetry
It was a beautiful summer evening, the kind of evening that makes you want to stay outside forever. In a nearby park, there was a small gathering of people, surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature. They were there for a poetry reading, and as the sun began to set, the first poet took…
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Breaking the Stereotypes: Women Working and Achieving Success
Inspiring story of a woman who broke stereotypes and achieved success There was once a woman named Mary. She was raised in a family where women were expected to stay at home, raise children, and take care of the household. Mary, however, had a different dream. She wanted to become a doctor and help people.…
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Breaking the Politics of Race: Insights from Anna Deavere Smith
It was a sunny day in the suburbs when Jimena, a young Latina, walked into her new school. She was excited to start afresh and make new friends. However, she was met with a cold stare from her neighbor, who noticed her skin color within moments. The situation escalated quickly, and soon rumors were circulating…
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Breaking the Glass Ceiling for Women: An Urgent Need
In the early 1960s, Mary Jackson was a black woman working as a mathematician for NASA. Despite her brilliance, she was stuck in a low-level position, unable to advance due to racial and gender discrimination. But she didn’t let that stop her. Jackson fought for her right to attend graduate school to become an engineer,…
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Blind Faith: The Key to an Actor’s Success
There once was an aspiring actor named John who moved to Hollywood with nothing but an old suitcase and a dream. He went to countless auditions, but always seemed to fall short. Feeling defeated, he was on the verge of giving up when he attended an acting workshop where he heard the following quote: These…
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Beware of Men Who Cry
There is a story I once heard about a manager who was tasked with leading a team through an incredibly difficult project. His team was tired, morale was low, and the deadline was fast approaching. During a particularly grueling meeting, one of the members of his team broke down in tears. The manager was unsure…
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Believe – You Can Make A Difference
Justin Bieber is a name that needs no introduction. From his humble beginnings as a small-town kid in Canada to becoming a global pop sensation, he has certainly made a name for himself. But behind all the headlines and controversies lies an inspiring story of hard work, perseverance, and the belief that one can achieve…
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Being a Female Boss: Breaking Barriers and Shattering Glass Ceilings
Robert Frost, a famous American poet, once said, “I’m not a teacher, but an awakener.” This holds true for the female bosses who have awakened the world by breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and proving that gender should never hold anyone back from achieving greatness. Michelle Obama began her career as an attorney in a…
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Beauty: Beyond the Surface
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Jane who was considered the most beautiful in her town. Jane had long, shiny hair, flawless skin, and a perfect figure. Everyone admired her beauty, but one day, a stranger came to town and asked Jane what made her beautiful. Instead of the usual response of…
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Be There for a Greater Cause – Story of Alan Shepard
It was May 5, 1961, when Alan Shepard became the first American in space. Shepard’s journey into space was risky, but he knew that his talent and ability could be implemented effectively to operate the spacecraft. He was not there to gain fame or recognition, but he was there for a greater purpose, to represent…
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Be One of the Faithful – The Power of Optimism
It was a dark and stormy night. The wind was howling and the rain was pouring down in sheets. John was driving home from work, feeling drained and stressed out. All he wanted was to get home and curl up under a warm blanket with a cup of tea. But that was not meant to…
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Attitude is Everything
Have you ever been in a situation where you have no money and you feel like there’s no way out? You feel helpless, hopeless and defeated. Well, there is one thing that can get you out of that situation, and that is your attitude. One day, a man named John lost his job and was…
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Art is Never Finished, Only Abandoned
In the heart of Florence, Italy, there was once a masterpiece that never saw the light of day. The magnificent bronze statue of Duke Francesco Sforza, which was commissioned by the Milanese ruler in 1488, was abandoned by the most celebrated artist of the Renaissance period, Leonardo da Vinci. The sculpture never made it to…
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Are You Really Into Women or Just Horny?
John was a young man who just turned sixteen and was excited to start dating. He had many female friends, but never felt any attraction towards them. Whenever his friends talked about attractive women, John could never relate. He thought he might be gay, but he was not interested in men either. One day, he…
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Are Older Women Invisible in Hollywood?
Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Amy Heckerling who aspired to be a filmmaker. She studied at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and worked hard to make her dreams a reality. However, as she got older, she began to notice a disturbing trend in Hollywood – the lack…
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Antagonistic to Good: The Struggle to Overcome
Everyone has their own definition of what is good, but one thing is for sure: there will always be obstacles and challenges that prevent us from achieving what we want. It’s not always easy to overcome these antagonists, but we must try if we want to lead fulfilling lives. The story of a young woman…
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An Inspiring Story: The Fight for A Clean Minimum Wage
Meet Sarah, a single mother of two children who has been working at a fast-food restaurant for 5 years. She works full-time, sometimes even overtime, but still only earns minimum wage. Her salary is barely enough to cover rent, groceries, utilities, and childcare expenses. She often skips meals to ensure her children have enough to…
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An Inspiring Journey into the Arctic
It was a cold, misty morning when our team set off to explore the Arctic. We were a group of passionate explorers, educators, and researchers who were eager to learn as much as we could about the world’s most unique and fragile ecosystem. As we traveled deeper into this stunningly beautiful landscape, we were reminded…
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Always Keep Learning: It Keeps You Young
Have you ever heard of Harriet Thompson? She was a woman on a mission to stay young, and she did just that, by learning new things until the very end of her life. At 92 years old, Harriet became the oldest woman to ever run a marathon. What’s even more impressive is that she did…
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Ageless Companions – Wine and Cheese
There are few things in life that seem as natural together as wine and cheese. The combination of a good red wine and a flavorful cheese can transport your taste buds to a state of pure bliss. It’s no wonder that people have been enjoying these two delights together for centuries. One evening, while visiting…
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Adolescence: More than Prom and Sparkly Dresses
When Jena Malone was a teenager, she didn’t care much about fashion or social events. Instead, she spent her time reading books, watching movies, and writing poetry. Although some of her classmates teased her for being different, Jena knew that there was more to adolescence than superficial things. Jena’s words are a reminder that adolescence…
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Adele: From Singer to Celebrity
It all started when Adele was just a little girl, singing along to the radio in her bedroom in Tottenham, England. She loved the sound of music and the way it made her feel. Her parents noticed her talent and encouraged her to pursue her passion. Despite her shy nature, Adele began performing in school…
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Abolishing the Death Penalty for Animals
An inspiring story that sheds light on the issue… Animals cannot speak for themselves or defend themselves in court. They are at the mercy of humans, who often mistreat them with no consequences. The death penalty is a prime example of the unfair treatment of animals. We have abolished the death penalty for humans, so…
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A Shakespearean Tragedy: More Than a Story of Calamity and Death
There is something deeply compelling about tragedy. It has the power to move us, to shake our beliefs and challenge our assumptions. It can make us cry, but it can also make us think. The great tragedies of Shakespeare are some of the most powerful examples of the form, and they have been studied and…
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A Revised Schedule and Its Importance to Business
Have you ever felt stuck in your business and unable to move forward? It happens to even the most successful entrepreneurs. But what sets them apart is their ability to adapt and revise their schedules like athletes do when faced with a new season, or artists when given a new canvas.
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A Moment of Transformation in History
Once upon a time, there was a young boy named Rahul who lived in a small village in India. Rahul was intelligent and curious, but he didn’t have access to a good education due to the limited resources in his village. However, he was determined to learn and grow. One day, a group of philanthropists…
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A Diplomatic Peace Is Not Yet the Real Peace
It was a hot summer day in a remote village of Africa. A group of tourists was exploring the village and happened to meet an old man sitting under the shade of a tree. They asked him – “What is the secret of your eternal happiness?” The old man smiled and replied – “I shifted…
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A Crime Story: The Power of People in Solving Crimes
It was a cold winter night when two burglars broke into a house in a suburban neighborhood. The owners of the house were away, and the burglars thought they could get away with it easily. But little did they know that they were being watched by a vigilant neighbor, who had noticed something suspicious going…
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A Change of Pace – How Scripts can Challenge Actors to Step Out of their Comfort Zones
Albert Finney once said, “When I read the script, I liked the script very much and I thought it was a marvelous part for her, because I think it is a change of pace. I mean, we know how wonderful she is in romantic comedy.” It’s true that actors often get typecasted into specific roles…
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A Better Shot at Life: Brad Pitt’s Father’s Legacy
Brad Pitt is a Hollywood superstar and a household name. However, not many people know about his father’s legacy and how it played a crucial role in shaping Pitt’s life. William Alvin Pitt, Brad’s father, came from a poor background but was determined to provide a better life for his children. Despite the challenges, William…
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3-to-1 Against: The American Opinion on Gay Marriage
Julia and Sarah met when they were both studying at the same university. They were in the same English class and quickly became friends. As they spent time together, they started to realize they had feelings for each other. At first, they were both hesitant to share their true feelings. They had always known that…
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2,000 Miles in a What?
When I came home for the summer after my first year of college, I told my mother that my best friend and I were driving to California. She laughed out loud – 2,000 miles in a what? Well, my best friend had an old Chevy. What could go wrong? As a young adult, the prospect…
Fear: The Beginning of All Evil
Got any book recommendations?