The Man Who Invented Christmas

In October 1843, Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) was suffering from the failure of his last three books. Rejected by his publishers, he set out to write and self-publish a book he hoped would keep his family afloat and revive his career. Directed by Bharat Nalluri from Les Standiford’s book of the same name, The Man Who Invented Christmas tells the story of the six fever-pitched weeks in which Dickens created A Christmas Carol. The film takes audiences inside the magical process that brought to life Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer), Tiny Tim and others, changing the holiday into the merry family event we know today. Source: Bleecker Street

Watch this and then pick the version of The Christmas Carol that suits you best…

The Absence of Jesus in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a timeless classic that has been captivating readers for generations. It is a story that embodies the spirit of Christmas and teaches valuable lessons of redemption and compassion. Although various religious themes can be found throughout the novella, smart viewers (you know who you are) cannot help but notice the absence of Jesus Christ himself.

Continue reading “The Absence of Jesus in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol”

Every Version of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Ranked (and Where to Stream Them)

“I’ve carefully considered every major theatrical or adaptation of A Christmas Story and rated each in terms of holiday spirit, Dickensian whimsy, and Scrooge-osity to arrive at the definite, no-argument-possible list of the best Christmas Carols ever produced.” Source: Every Version of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Ranked (and Where to Stream Them)

Editor’s note: my favorite version starring Sir Patrick Stewart in 1999 is not even ranked…

Slaughterhouse children

NBC News is capping a yearlong investigation of U.S. child labor with the documentary “Slaughterhouse Children,” which includes new information on the death of Duvan Pérez. Source: Minor who died in poultry plant accident got the job with the identity of a 32-year-old


4 Ways To Combat The Social Isolation Of Remote Working

Working remotely decreases employees’ incidental contact with their leaders and each other. Many workers now rarely leave their homes and are becoming socially isolated. Source: 4 Ways To Combat The Social Isolation Of Remote Working

The Healing Power of Storytelling

Diving deep into the unconscious. Source: The Healing Power of Storytelling

Overabundance

Some thought on overabundance from one of my favorite bloggers Karl Duffy…

The Exceptional 18th Century: A Turning Point in Human History

The 18th century stands out as a remarkable period in human history for numerous reasons. Often referred to as the “Age of Enlightenment” or the “Century of Reason,” it witnessed extraordinary advancements in various fields that would forever shape the trajectory of humanity. From scientific discoveries to political revolutions, let us delve into why the 18th century was truly exceptional.

Continue reading “The Exceptional 18th Century: A Turning Point in Human History”

Why Asking “Why” Might Not Always Be a Good Idea

As human beings, we are naturally curious creatures, constantly seeking answers to the questions that arise in our minds. One of the most common questions we ask is the simple yet profound word “why.” However, sometimes asking “why” may not be the best approach to finding answers or navigating certain situations. In this blog post, we will explore why asking “why” might not always be a fruitful endeavor.

Continue reading “Why Asking “Why” Might Not Always Be a Good Idea”

The true story behind Moby Dick

Did you know that the epic novel Moby Dick was actually based on a true story that was much more gruesome?

Want more detail? Check out this post

200th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Whaleship Essex with Nathaniel Philbrick

The Healing Power of Collecting in a Lonely World

How to help reverse the sadness. Source: The Healing Power of Collecting in a Lonely World

The Art of Being Apart: Nurturing Connections in Distance

In our fast-paced world, distance sometimes becomes an inevitable part of our relationships. Whether it’s due to work, travel, or other commitments, being apart from our loved ones can be tough. However, there is an art to navigating these separations and nurturing connections even when physical distance separates us.

Continue reading “The Art of Being Apart: Nurturing Connections in Distance”

Who’s Afraid of AI—and Why?

A growing body of research sheds light on our reactions to AI and automation. Source: Who’s Afraid of AI—and Why?

Are you afraid? I am! Even though I use AI occaisionally it’s not the ways I have used it that scare me. It’s applications like this…



The Boston Tea Party, December 16, 1773

In Boston, a group of colonists board three British tea ships and dump 342 chests of tea into the harbor in protest of the Tea Act of 1773. Source: The Boston Tea Party | December 16, 1773 | HISTORY

The event was reenacted in Boston on the 250th anniversary. You can read about it here.

The Art of Being Apart

How a Buddhism Teacher Deals With His Own Pain

A Buddhism professor explains how he copes with his suffering, aging, and death. Source: How a Buddhism Teacher Deals With His Own Pain


10 Stoic Habits To Practice In 2024

“Two words,” Epictetus says, “should be committed to memory and obeyed by alternatively exhorting and restraining ourselves, words that will ensure we lead a mainly blameless and untroubled life.” Those two words were ‘persist and resist.’

Today, we persist in our efforts—despite any obstacles we might face—and we resist naysayers, discouragement and distractions. We know that today is another day to face what we need to do—but without feeling rushed or worried. We know we are in it for the long haul. Others in our shoes might give up but we are in it for the long haul. Reminding ourselves of this makes it easier to resist all the noise. And to let us continue with our work.

Who Wears the Pants, You or Your Reptilian Brain?

The brain plays a crucial role in influencing the decision-making process. Source: Who Wears the Pants, You or Your Reptilian Brain?

How Modern Men Can Improve Their Lives: Become the Best YOU

Learn how to become the best you – how modern men can improve their lives with specific habits, insights and strategies. Source: How Modern Men Can Improve Their Lives: Become the Best YOU

The Lifelong Journey of Personal Development

Delving into the continuous process of individual growth in your relationships. Source: The Lifelong Journey of Personal Development

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