garbo – Blog – Jaclyn Holland-Strauss

Classic movies: What makes them so good?

April 19, 2013October 3, 2021

People have different opinions about classic movies. Many people do not like to watch films that are not in colour, but instead are in black and white. However, sometimes this can considerably lend itself to a great atmosphere. For example, […]

We should listen to…Karen Carpenter. Why was she better than the American Idol contestants?

February 21, 2013October 3, 2021

Karen Carpenter was part of a group called the Carpenters, made up of her brother and Karen herself. She played the drums originally, and was one of the best, according to some. However, her singing is what was unique, and […]

Why are 1930s American movies better than current American movies?

February 17, 2013October 3, 2021

A lot of people do not like to watch movies from the 1930s because they are turned off by the fact that the movies are shown in black and white. They are missing out on a lot, though. One […]

I am an amphiist, which I define as someone who looks at both sides of issues (it's a Greek word). However, I have my own expanded definition, which means that I believe in three interrelated concepts, which, when taken together, inform an amphiist viewpoint. Abraham Maslow talked about self-actualization, a person reaching their highest potential. Thomas Carlyle discussed natural aristocracy, which is a principle the Founding Fathers created with regard to the United States, that a person did not have to be of royal birth to have merit; it was the content of their character that counted. And scholars Mayer and Salovey came up with the concept of emotional intelligence, an idea popularized by Daniel Goleman. We should have control over our emotions, and see the bigger picture. All of these together make up an amphiist, and I apply this reasoning to politics, entertainment, etc. I defend the oppressed by offering an alternative perspective. I am currently raising funds for publication of an Amphiist newspaper, the primary focus of which will be anti-extremism. We need to find common ground. We need to stop thinking in terms of liberals against conservatives. Right against left. Men against women. One race against another. One religion against another. If you would be interested in contributing, please consider supporting my work at Paypal via jaclyncarter2005@gmail.com.

Testimonials

Just finished. I am humbled by your story (Catherine's story). My mind is left in a whirlwind of thoughts. I understood the pain, the misery. The path from victim to victor, I applaud you (Catherine). Really, I am speechless. You have a brilliant mind. Your talent is astounding. You were sent to this earth to be a positive influence for others, that I am certain of.

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One of my favourite things about this book is how the author described the characters. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. It's such an important message. No matter what our religious beliefs—even if we have no religious beliefs—He is aware of us, He loves us and He talks to each of us. We are His. The author did a fantastic job with it!