Showing results by author "Andrew Mackay" in All Categories

If you work at a multinational company, at some point you may be asked to travel the world to maintain, or install equipment, or seek to boost your firm’s reputation. It happened to Andrew Mackay, and he was unprepared from the moment he stepped on a helicopter to go to a Chevron platform in the North Sea, when everyone was dressed for freezing temperatures except him. Working as what he calls “a travelling prostitute”, Mackay was surprised to find that almost all of the time, he was on his own.

Rachel was one of the high school's best teachers and got on well with everyone. The kids got good grades and everyone liked her. Recently she had become increasingly ambivalent toward the profession and felt she was going nowhere. Her managers were grinding her down. The students began to irritate her with their juvenile behavior. The needlessly excessive paperwork, marking, and time-consuming training sessions were starting to make Rachel wonder if she should just leave and pursue her dreams.

Artist Jake Priestley has made quite a name for himself at a young age. Claiming the coveted Soul Flame Grand Prize of seven million euros had been more of a stroke of dumb luck than intentional tenacity. But that was nothing compared to the immense art event being held in Paris. As Jake and his team, The Chemical Collective, gear up for the big day ahead of them, there is nothing that will stop him from taking home the Grand Prize.

When a lively village is beset by a mysterious fog, the town turns dull and silent; melancholy neighbors stop visiting each other and even going outside. Until one day, when a boy’s simple melody strikes a chord, reminding everyone of what matters most—even in the darkest of times.

Exploring the unique life experiences of everyday people, and the moments that shaped who they are today.