Essay

Moving on to Thanksgiving
Tonight is All Hallow's Eve. Now it is the time to think about giving thanks and it all starts tomorrow with All Saints Day and saying thank you to all who have gone before. Thanksgiving is a day that brings families together and to show gratitude for what they have accomplished hopefully for the good. We all hope to be bountiful in what we do in our lives no matter what we choose. It's time to put away the scary and bring out the joy of harvest time and to help others in need and give thanks for surviving tonight.
By Mark Graham5 months ago in Critique
🇨🇳🤝🇺🇸 Trump in China: A New Chapter in U.S.–China Relations?
Donald Trump’s latest visit to China has sparked a wave of global attention. The former U.S. president, known for his bold diplomacy and unconventional style, has arrived in Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their meetings, reportedly centered on trade, economic cooperation, and regional security, are being viewed as a potential turning point in U.S.–China relations. But beyond the photo opportunities and handshakes, the real question remains—can Trump and Xi truly bridge the growing divide between Washington and Beijing?
By Filmon Ke Raaz | Movie Mysteries Explained5 months ago in Critique
Looking at Old Photos
Going through many old photographs from my parents' younger days through my childhood of the 1960's and 1970's. There are black and white ones as well as those color ones with all the 'red' eyes. There were tears and smiles with more smiles than tears. As I found out my mom saved all those school pictures (individual and class). I began looking at these and wondered whatever happened to most of them especially from elementary school. I know some moved but believe it or not I found a few on social media and now are 'friends' once again. Happy memories.
By Mark Graham5 months ago in Critique
The Man on Fire: A Story of Love, Sacrifice and Redemption
The Man on Fire, released in 2004 by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington, is much more than just an action film. It is a poignant dive into the twists and turns of the human soul, where violence mixes with raw emotion and redemption takes shape in the simplest gestures. But at the heart of this gripping thriller, what stands out above all is the unique relationship that develops between bodyguard Creasy and young Pita, a kidnapped girl.
By Baptiste Monnet5 months ago in Critique
Bridging Zen Buddhism and Heidegger's Ontology - Alexis karpouzos
The Kyoto School represents one of the most profound intercultural philosophical movements of the 20th century, emerging from the intellectual ferment of Kyoto University in Japan. Founded by Nishida Kitarō in the early 1900s, this loose affiliation of thinkers sought to synthesize Eastern spiritual traditions—particularly Zen Buddhism—with the rigorous methods of Western philosophy. At its heart lies a radical exploration of "absolute nothingness" (zettai mu), a concept that echoes the Zen notion of emptiness (śūnyatā) while engaging deeply with existential themes in Martin Heidegger's work.
By alexis karpouzos5 months ago in Critique
Who's funeral?
Whose funeral is this? I asked. The person at the casket looked down and wondered is this real. I was just talking to them the other day, and as the saying goes, they were smiling and rushing about not knowing what will happen just going about their day. I guess you really do not know how much time we really have. We must learn from this experience one way or another to appreciate what we have in our family and friends and also how we live our lives one way or another to make us fulfilled and move on steadily.
By Mark Graham5 months ago in Critique
Death?
We know what wearing one these information tags mean or do we? One who wears it is no longer present on this plane as we know. Have they walked through the veil or whatever one may call as one is received in death? Or have they climbed the stairway up or did they go down? There at the end of our days will be either a glorious reward or an eternal punishment. Death should not be feared for He is with us in all ways, so this little tag of identity will in a way make sure we go right.
By Mark Graham6 months ago in Critique
The Impotence of the United Nations. Content Warning. AI-Generated.
A Soldier’s View: The Impotence of the United Nations I’ve served twice in combat as a U.S. Army soldier. I’ve seen what happens when decisions are delayed — when hesitation costs lives. On the battlefield, waiting for consensus can mean losing your brothers, your mission, or your own life. That’s why, when I look at the United Nations, I see not an instrument of peace, but a monument to paralysis.
By KarayaNi Trismegistus6 months ago in Critique
Truth Demands Proof
I saw a post on Facebook where a man shared a letter he had sent to his elected officials calling for the impeachment of the sitting president. He claimed that the offenses were “so obvious” and “so well documented” that he did not even need to include them. That single assumption captured everything wrong with modern political thinking. When someone says “the reasons are obvious,” what they often mean is that they cannot defend them. Emotional conviction replaces evidence. The appearance of certainty replaces truth itself.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast6 months ago in Critique
A Statement on Personal Beliefs and Respect
By: T.D Carter Today, I’m celebrating my best friend’s birthday, and in less than two weeks, I’ll be celebrating my own. Both of these events, and the simple act of celebrating the people I love, bring me genuine happiness—regardless of what others may think, believe, or say.
By T.D.Carter6 months ago in Critique
The Composer’s Right:. AI-Generated.
Disclosure: Some parts of this essay were polished with the help of AI. But fear not—the ideas, passion, and gothic sensibility are 100% human. Think of AI as my candle, not my hand.
By Citadel Crow6 months ago in Critique
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
It's that time again for one of my favorite Halloween specials "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". The one where the gang goes out trick-or-treating in their Halloween costumes from witches to ghosts and comparing what each of them got. I always felt sorry for Charlie get rocks every year. How did the 'adults' know which one was Charlie. Linus and Sally are in the pumpkin patch waiting for this entity and for what. The gang minus Linus and Sally head to an old house for a party and Snoopy after a trek across years shows up ready to party.
By Mark Graham6 months ago in Critique