Intro: PART 1:

What is a fundamentalist? Who is a fundamentalist? Where is fundamentalism the most obvious? Are they one...are you? Close your eyes and make a picture of it. Now open and look around.

Definition: A movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles. The strict maintenance of the ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion or ideology. (Oxford English Dictionary)

Those that we refer to as "fundamentalists" consider us one as well. Many Europeans and other pockets of the planet see aspects of our society this way. Look at how some religious views impact our own political system and leaders. But fundamentalism is not just about religion, similar hard-line views and belief systems have roots in both secular and non-secular areas. Big and small: Government, community, house and self are all prone to such limited structures.

Article Source: The Positive Observer

Have you ever considered becoming a screenwriter? As a species, a lot of our core culture, language and attitudes are established and then passed on to other generations through story-telling, music and the arts. How often do you treat yourself by going the movies or to DVD rentals? For some people, the big Hollywood blockbusters are just the ticket. Others delight in the smaller low-budget sleepers. How about short film documentaries? Finally, how many of us go through extended lengths to see every new animated kid’s movie? Regardless of our individual attractions or responses towards a particular genre, we all love the movies.

Consider how much fun it would be if YOU were the insight and inspiration behind the story. How cool would it be to bring an idea or experience to its full fruition? How many of us at some point in our lives have said "Hey, I should  write a book?" Why not go a few steps further and go through the mindset or actual process of bringing in all the elements and make a movie out of it? We already play out numerous “mini-flicks” in our head everyday. Why not go ahead and take them from something abstract to something tangible that others can enjoy? Come on, admit it, there has been at least one movie, TV series or play you have seen that prompted you to say or think “I can do that. I can be the source behind something equally inspiring!”

Article Source: The Positive Observer

Written - March 2009

One year ago, we asked a range of different people the question "Can Positive News Sell?" They responded. Consider the fact that their responses were give prior to noticeable changes in our economy: employment cuts, the housing crunch and corporate mishaps. Do you think such attitudes are the same today? Maybe there has been a shift? And if there has been a shift towards seeking good, positive and forward-moving stories and actions, do you think there might be a shift backwards once our current economic environment improves?

Take a minute and view this sampling from a year ago. What would have been your response back then? What is it know? Have we grown?

Here are a few responses:

• People only remember the bad news.
• Bad news always appears more interesting.  There seems to be more drama and excitement when negative news is released, making it enticing to the general public.  Negative news also makes you look at your life and realize "things really are not that bad here in my world".
• Unfortunately people make themselves feel better by hearing that others are having a tough time or going through adversity. Most people don't believe that each individual can be happy at the same time. I think it is a common misconception that people think in order for some individuals to be happy others can not be happy.