Michael T. Starks

Author: admin

  • Learn More to Get Unstuck

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    Sometimes, I consider working on a creative project and feel completely stuck. I don’t know what to do next. I don’t know how to move forward. When this happens, I often try to learn something new to get unstuck. I don’t have an annual subscription to Masterclass and Maestro because I prioritize learning each week.…

  • A Conversation in Song Lyrics

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    As a creative challenge, I’m putting together a short movie scene written entirely in song lyrics. INT. KITCHEN – MORNING JILL (26), still in her PJ’s, pours herself a glass of orange juice. CHELSEA (27) enters through the front door to their apartment, wearing a rumpled fancy dress. Instead of going to her room, Chelsea…

  • Better or Worse? (Part 4)

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    Now that I’ve answered Question #1 (in parts 2 and 3), let’s move on to Question #2. Is my life better or worse now (in 2024) than when I was a kid (in the early 1970’s)? This is a difficult question to answer. The things we want and need and value change over time. Should I evaluate…

  • Better or Worse? (Part 3)

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    We’ve considered the top three categories in “Part 2”. Next, we look at opportunities for humans to do meaningful work. This category is not easy to evaluate. According to a Harvard Business Review article, 9 Out of 10 People Are Willing to Earn Less Money to Do More-Meaningful Work. Gallup polls provide a way to…

  • Better or Worse? (Part 2)

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    To answer question #1 from “Part 1”, I’m ranking the categories identified. Here’s my initial attempt. Okay, It’s time to do some research! Regarding equal access, we have some good data. Because it’s nuanced, I’m providing links with further details. Poverty is a good proxy for measuring access to good air, water, food, and shelter.…

  • Better or Worse? (Part 1)

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    Since this is a big topic, I plan to write several posts about it. In case you’re wondering why I’m calling this post “Part 1”. People talk about the “good old days”, and I’m reminded of a Billy Joel song called Keeping the Faith. “… You know the good ole days weren’t always goodAnd tomorrow…

  • Orson Scott Card

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    Sometimes, we like the output of a creative individual more than their personal views and actions. I’ve never met Orson Scott Card in person. If I did, I would want to talk to him mostly about science fiction. While I don’t like that Card supports laws against homosexual activity and same-sex marriage, I love that…

  • Poem to Song

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    One of my favorite authors included the lyrics to a song in one of his books. I immediately fell in love with the poem and decided to set it to music. Here’s the result. And no, I’m not going to mention the name of the author or the book. And I’m not going to include…

  • Scaling Organizations

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    Bigger organizations are not always better. Making more money is a goal of most businesses. This usually means hiring more employees and acquiring other companies. Unrestrained growth seems to be the goal. However, there are several issues with unrestrained growth. I also want different organizations to do a better job getting along together, but that’s…

  • Poetry

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    I stumbled across this article about 20 Classic Poems Every Man Should Read. I’m guessing that women may also want to read some of these! At any rate, I took the time to read them, and here are my favorites. Enjoy!