Starr Hardgrove

Recently, a good friend of mine accused me of saying things about her that weren’t nice. I was taken aback and immediately responded, “I really don’t talk to people, so how could I have said things that weren’t nice?” Unfortunately, she didn’t explain herself or give me the chance to clarify, and we went no contact after that. It got me thinking about how to handle such situations healthily. Here are some habits I found helpful: First things first, it’s essential to stay calm and not let emotions take over. When someone abruptly cuts off contact, it can be incredibly hurtful and confusing, but maintaining your composure is crucial for your well-being. Next, take time for self-reflection. Consider if there was anything you might have said or done, even unintentionally, that could have been misinterpreted. Reflecting on your actions and words helps in understanding if there’s a pattern you might not be aware of. Another healthy habit is practicing self-compassion. It’s easy to get caught...

  As a proud Democrat, I’ve always been committed to supporting our party and its leaders. Joe Biden has been a stalwart leader, steering our nation through tumultuous times and making significant strides for the economy and social justice. His tenure has been marked by notable achievements, and his leadership during these challenging years will be remembered fondly. However, I believe it’s time for a change. Biden’s Achievements First and foremost, let's acknowledge the remarkable job Joe Biden has done. Under his administration, we’ve seen a strong economic recovery, with record-low unemployment rates and substantial job growth. His policies have provided much-needed relief to millions of Americans during the pandemic and have laid the groundwork for a resilient and sustainable future. From the infrastructure bill to efforts in tackling climate change, Biden’s accomplishments are undeniable. The Need for Fresh Leadership Despite these successes, the future of the Democratic Party...

 Sometimes I feel this way when I think about my degree and what I'm doing now. 

Jim Henson : Bob, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. I’ve always admired your work with Disney. But I can’t help but feel that the Muppets have been a bit underutilized in recent years. What’s your take on that? Bob Iger : Jim, the pleasure is mine. Your creation, the Muppets, is legendary. I agree that we’ve had some missed opportunities with them. The Muppets are such a beloved franchise, but integrating them into today’s media landscape has been challenging. Henson : Challenging, yes, but I’m not sure that’s the whole story. The Muppets have been sidelined for far too long. It’s frustrating to see them relegated to occasional appearances and half-hearted projects. They deserve better, Bob. Iger : I understand your frustration, Jim. We’ve tried various approaches, from TV shows to digital content. But finding the perfect formula that resonates with both old fans and new audiences has been tricky. Henson : With all due respect, Bob, it seems like the efforts have been inconsistent at ...

In the age of artificial intelligence, actors find themselves in a unique position to harness the power of AI tools like ChatGPT. While anyone can interact with AI, actors bring a distinct set of skills that make them exceptionally adept at prompting and guiding these digital companions. Here’s why actors are the perfect people to prompt ChatGPT: 1.  Mastery of Language and Emotion Actors are trained to understand and convey a wide range of emotions and nuances in language. This skill is crucial when interacting with ChatGPT, as it allows them to craft prompts that are not only clear and concise but also imbued with the right emotional tone. Whether they need ChatGPT to generate a heartfelt monologue, a comedic dialogue, or a suspenseful narrative, actors know how to set the scene and guide the AI towards the desired output. 2.  Creativity and Imagination One of the core strengths of actors is their boundless creativity and imagination. They are accustomed to exploring differe...

When I think about money, my first thought is that there is never enough of it. Bills always seem to fill the space between my money and what I owe. I have isolated my biggest spending category as eating out. Having other people prepare my food is the biggest expense that I currently have. I’m a big DoorDasher and enjoy the social aspect of going out to eat. Sometimes you want to be around strangers when you are eating a meal. Despite these habits, I’m determined to make a positive change. My goal is to save $100 from every paycheck for an emergency fund covering 3-5 months of expenses. This requires me to live a modest life within my means and forgo things that I want to do that require funds. It’s going to require some sacrifice, but it will be good sacrifice. Here are some helpful tips to challenge your beliefs about money: 1. Track Your Spending One of the first steps to understanding your financial habits is to track your spending. Use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to lo...