Michael T. Starks

Category: Storytelling

  • Better or Worse? (Part 3)

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    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)

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    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)

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    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

    —

    by

    admin
    in , ,

    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…

  • Poetry

    —

    by

    admin
    in , ,

    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!

  • Location Matters

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    The ideas we have are shaped, in part, by our environment. When I’m at Starbucks, the sights, sounds, and smells are different than at home. Sometimes, I get interesting ideas while taking a walk or showering. When I become aware of specific world events, my mind is in a slightly different space than when I…

  • James Cameron

    —

    by

    admin
    in , ,

    James Cameron has done an excellent job of making movies that audiences want to see. He sure knows how to create blockbusters! Here are a few of my favorites. I also enjoyed watching Dark Angel, a fascinating TV series that features a young Jessica Alba. While I don’t think it’s best to be so controlling…

  • What is Worth Documenting?

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    I think life is meant to be lived. At the same time, I treasure certain memories from my life. Sometimes a picture takes me back to a great vacation experience. When I re-read a journal entry, I get to re-experience a specific time in my life. And sometimes, I can relate my experiences to others…

  • Creative Work

    —

    by

    admin
    in , , ,

    It’s not a question of talent. It’s a question of timing. Some stories resonate more or less at different times. I wasn’t there for the Catcher in the Rye craze. But somehow, J.D. Salinger was there in the right place at the right time. He nailed it. Lots of people could relate to Holden Caulfield…

  • Alone Time

    —

    by

    admin
    in , ,

    I’m a bit more of an introvert than an extrovert. While I love working on fun projects with a lot of people, I also enjoy having time alone to recharge. Being around others sparks my creativity and engages me in a way that I crave. Being alone tends to be more relaxing. I like having…