Category: Thoughts

There’s a disconnect here as I sit and type on my computer, and everything that exists beyond it. By our very natures, we are insular – in the way that we can’t be a participant in each and every story unfolding across the globe.

I’ve mentioned Russia and Ukraine once or twice; mass shootings; political unrest; and now the events of Israel and Gaza unfolding.

And it’s more than any one person knows what to do about – not that there aren’t those who will go on continuously about what they think we should do.

And maybe it’s impossible. Impossible to fully come to terms with. So we opt for our insulation. We keep separate.

But burying our heads in the sand doesn’t really keep us safe. And, inevitably, it can contribute to prolonging the suffering.

“Silence in the face of evil is evil itself.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Just when you thought the spooky season as over. Today is celebrated as Godzilla Day – Godzilla, the iconic giant monster, who has captured the imaginations of millions around the world. Since its first appearance in the 1954 film, Godzilla has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless movies, books, and even a dedicated day of celebration. Every year on November 1, fans of the legendary creature come together to honor its legacy and impact on popular culture.

November 1 holds a special place in the hearts of Godzilla enthusiasts as it marks the anniversary of the release of the original 1954 film, “Godzilla.” Directed by Ishirō Honda, the movie introduced the world to the colossal creature and its destructive power. The film’s release sparked a global sensation, captivating audiences and kickstarting a franchise that continues to thrive today. Godzilla Day serves as a tribute to the film that started it all and commemorates the impact it had on the world of cinema.

Tonight, to celebrate, theaters nationwide will be showing Godzilla 2000, which, I’ll admit, I saw in theaters during its original release 23 years ago.

It was several years ago now, I guess 2019, that I read The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. In it, the children learn about Halloween traditions in a ghostly tour through history. Widely celebrated, the holiday is filled with costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and trick-or-treating, and has a rich and intriguing past that spans centuries. Originating from ancient Celtic rituals, this holiday has evolved over time to become the beloved festivity we know today.

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Held on the eve of November 1st, Samhain was believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. The Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming spirits.

With the spread of Christianity, the celebration of Samhain merged with the Christian holiday of All Hallows’ Eve, which honored the saints and martyrs. As a result, the festival came to be known as “Hallows’ Even,” eventually evolving into Halloween.

All that is to say, Happy Halloween today. And be safe.

William Carlos Williams wrote: “All our efforts as writers and as men must be to release the enchained dragon within us.”

Writing of writers and men, he postulates that we cage ourselves. And in the efforts, we release that which we’ve been educated to keep hidden away.

Maybe that’s creativity, or a drive to succeed, or even the childlike curiosity that lets us laugh when a child asks why.

We lose a lot, growing up. Though maybe it isn’t lost. Maybe it’s simply caged.

A number of horror movies spawn sequels. Some, an unfathomable amount of sequels. And yet, they keep getting made.

Why? Because they keep getting seen. Among the numerous sequels, movies keep getting made, making money, and getting sequels.

The end is only the beginning…

Each story must have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Taken like that, it could be said that every day is a story to experience.

The efforts to make work more efficient have led to technologies that, while promoting productivity, can also distract us from it.

I’m looking at you, email.

As new tech emerges, in the forms of VR, AI, and whatever else is coming, keeping mindful of how you use it will be just as important as what it’s used for.

It’s been a time-sucking couple of months. I thought I had managed to be better prepared, but I was incorrect. As happens frequently enough.

So here we are, again, after a bit of a delay. Newly committed to trying to post daily, in the same vein as those I try to emulate.

We’ll see how it goes this time.

Growing up in Central Florida, I was young when I started attending Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. As it was in line with my interest in scary movies and the like, it was a popular event every year for me.

Haunted attractions have become increasingly popular over the past few decades, captivating thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts alike. Among these spine-chilling experiences, Halloween Horror Nights stands out as one of the most celebrated events.

One contributing factor in its popularity is how the scale of an attraction can immerse a guest in the experience. As society embraces new forms of entertainment, the demand for immersive experiences has grown exponentially. Traditional haunted houses have transformed into elaborate, multi-sensory attractions, providing visitors with an unparalleled thrill. 

Additionally, haunted attractions (referred to as haunts) often tap into nostalgia and embrace popular culture. By incorporating iconic horror movie franchises, such as “Halloween,” “Friday the 13th,” and “The Exorcist,” these attractions create a sense of familiarity and excitement. Fans of these movies can live out their favorite scenes and encounter their beloved characters, further enhancing the overall experience.

Fear is a universal emotion that has evolved over millions of years to help humans survive in dangerous situations. From an evolutionary perspective, fear triggers a fight-or-flight response that prepares our bodies to either confront the threat or flee from it.

When we encounter a threat, our amygdala activates the hypothalamus, which then triggers the release of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare our bodies for action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. This physiological response helps us react quickly to potentially dangerous situations.

Yet the relief that comes from a frightening situation passing is where the enjoyment of fear stems from. This is why we see scary movies, visit haunted attractions, and seek out the spookier side of life. Especially this month.