The Art of Writing about Time-Travel: A Look Behind Miles in Time by Lee Matthew Goldberg

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 29, 2025

By: Owen Blackburn

In the realm of speculative fiction, time-travel stories occupy a distinctive and engaging space. The concept of traveling to the past or future opens up many possibilities, but it also introduces a complex set of rules and challenges that authors must thoughtfully navigate. Lee Matthew Goldberg’s Miles in Time addresses these challenges directly, crafting an intriguing and thoughtful narrative about a young amateur detective, Miles Hardy, who travels back in time to investigate the mystery of his brother Simon’s murder.

At first glance, Miles in Time might appear to be a straightforward mystery. However, as Goldberg reveals in his behind-the-scenes look at the novel’s development, the rules of time-travel play an important role in shaping the plot and characters. Unlike some time-travel stories that may gloss over the implications of such a journey, Goldberg’s approach is grounded in the idea that any misstep in time could potentially have significant consequences.

The Rules of Time Travel

One of the first things readers will notice in Miles in Time is the defined set of guidelines that govern the use of the time machine. Miles’ brother, Simon, leaves behind a book titled The Do’s and Don’t’s of Time Travel, which acts as a kind of manual for the young detective’s journey. The most important rule is clear: “Your past self cannot know about the time machine, nor can anyone see the two of you together.”

The rule itself seems simple enough: don’t interfere with the past. It’s a classic time-travel trope seen in many works, including movies like Back to the Future. However, Goldberg offers a fresh take on this rule. Rather than keeping Miles’ past and future selves separate, he allows them to meet and work together. This decision not only adds complexity to the plot but also creates a unique opportunity for character development. As Goldberg points out, the dual existence of Miles from the past and present provides a way for the character to learn from himself and grow.

Miles from the Past and Present

A major challenge for Goldberg in writing Miles in Time was creating two distinct versions of the same character—Miles from the past and Miles from the present. The trick, as Goldberg explains, is to make both versions of Miles believable as the same person while ensuring they are distinct enough for readers to differentiate between them.

Miles from the present is more worldly and confident. After all, he has faced real-world challenges, including the death of his brother and the need to solve a complex mystery. In contrast, Miles from the past is still a teenager, shy and uncertain about his own abilities. In one pivotal scene, past Miles is too nervous to talk to his crush at school, while present Miles has the courage to confront his emotions and take risks.

It’s in these moments of contrast that the strength of the time-travel narrative becomes clear. Through the interaction between the two Miles, Goldberg explores themes of growth and self-discovery. The older Miles, having gone through significant trauma and hardship, has developed resilience and a more outgoing personality. In turn, the younger Miles learns from his future self and begins to break free from the inhibitions that have held him back.

This duality between past and present allows readers to witness a unique evolution of character, one that doesn’t rely solely on external circumstances but on the internal journey of self-improvement. Miles from the past isn’t simply a foil to the present Miles; he’s a mirror that reflects the potential for change, growth, and maturity.

The Mystery at the Heart of the Story

While the exploration of time-travel and character development is compelling, Miles in Time is also a gripping mystery. At the heart of the novel lies the murder of Simon, Miles’ brother, and the race against time to uncover the killer’s identity. But as Miles travels back into the past, he realizes that the crime isn’t just about solving a death; it’s about preserving his brother’s legacy and, ultimately, safeguarding the integrity of the time machine that allowed him to make this journey.

In some ways, the time-travel aspect of the story becomes secondary to the emotional stakes of the mystery. Miles is not only trying to solve his brother’s murder but also grappling with the loss of someone he loved deeply. The time machine is a tool that allows him to explore changes in the past, but it also becomes a symbol of his desire to understand and perhaps influence the events that shaped his life. In this sense, the mystery is as much about emotional healing as it is about uncovering facts.

The interplay between personal loss and time manipulation creates a strong emotional current throughout the story. Goldberg’s decision to focus on the emotional consequences of time-travel rather than just the mechanics of it demonstrates his thoughtful approach as a writer. While the rules of time-travel are important, it is the emotional journeys of the characters that anchor the novel and encourage readers to connect.

The Future of the Miles in Time Series

The world Goldberg has created in Miles in Time doesn’t end with the first book. As Goldberg hints in the author’s notes, the sequel Time Fixers will take Miles even further into the past, this time to the year 1999, to address challenges in his mother’s life. The continuation of the time-travel theme presents new challenges and new opportunities for character growth, and readers can likely expect the same level of emotional depth and intrigue that Goldberg developed in the first installment.

Miles in Time is an example of how time-travel stories can extend beyond the mechanics of time itself. By focusing on character development, emotional stakes, and thoughtful rules of time manipulation, Goldberg has crafted a novel that may appeal to fans of mystery, science fiction, and storytelling alike.

Order Miles in Time and Preorder Time Fixers

Consider exploring the YA time-travel mystery series by Lee Matthew Goldberg. Miles in Time: A YA Time Travel Mystery is available on Amazon, inviting readers to follow Miles Hardy’s journey as he works to uncover the mystery of his brother’s murder across time. Additionally, the sequel Time Fixers is scheduled for release on June 3, 2025, with preorders available. In this upcoming installment, Miles travels back to 1999 to address challenges in his mother’s past.

Miles in Time is currently available, and Time Fixers can be preordered through Amazon.

From Start-Up to Industry Leader: The Founding and Growth of RepuGen

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 29, 2025

Managing online reputation has become a critical challenge for healthcare providers. With patients sharing their experiences on platforms like Google and Healthgrades, a single negative review can impact a practice’s reputation and patient acquisition. RepuGen was founded to bridge this gap—providing AI-powered tools that help healthcare providers proactively manage feedback, improve patient experience, and enhance online reputation.

Start-up success stories in healthcare technology often illustrate how some platforms evolve to fill emerging gaps. The evolution of RepuGen aligns with this path, beginning as a small operation in 2016 before its reputation-management offerings attracted broader interest. Since its founding, the platform has experienced growth through AI-driven feedback collection and industry recognition.

Healthcare providers, much like businesses in other sectors, have witnessed the rising influence of online review. Platforms such as Healthgrades, Physician’s Weekly, and other consumer-facing sites often shape patients’ choices when they look for practitioners or evaluate hospital systems. These resources give potential patients a reference point beyond advertising or word-of-mouth recommendations.

Before platforms like RepuGen emerged, many providers relied on fragmented methods of monitoring their online presence. Some prioritized feedback from in-house surveys, while others used various software solutions not designed exclusively for healthcare. This lack of specialization occasionally led to difficulties addressing real-time patient concerns, especially when negative experiences surfaced on public review portals. For many healthcare entities, the absence of a dedicated service to bridge patient sentiment and provider response represented a significant shortfall. Unlike generic reputation management platforms, RepuGen was designed specifically for healthcare. It not only automates review collection but also provides real-time AI-driven sentiment analysis and proactive service recovery – helping providers improve patient retention while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations.

RepuGen was founded on May 23, 2016, by Ajay Prasad, who noticed an unmet need in healthcare’s online review space. Drawing upon his healthcare marketing background, Prasad explored how negative patient reviews sometimes overshadowed positive feedback, often because dissatisfied patients tend to post more frequently. He formed a small team that included co-founders Sumit Verma, who served as product lead, and Lauren Parr, who took on the role of product director.

From the outset, the team’s goal involved leveraging AI to build a platform connecting provider outreach and patient feedback continuously. They worked on developing a software solution focused on easing the review generation process and guiding dissatisfied patients to internal channels. Early challenges included standing out in a competitive healthcare technology market and managing the regulatory standards surrounding patient information. Compliance considerations required careful planning and adjustments to ensure privacy was upheld at every stage of the feedback and review funnel.

RepuGen’s initial product emphasized automated review management, helping healthcare organizations gather feedback through email and text. Smaller medical practices found this offering relevant because it eased the burden of manually requesting reviews. Over time, the team integrated more advanced features to support decision-making, a shift that involved incorporating algorithms capable of evaluating patient sentiment.

One such development was “CommentWiz,” a tool using natural language processing to categorize real-time feedback. The inclusion of AI and machine learning techniques made it possible to analyze comments quickly, enabling providers to recognize trends and respond as needed. The company later introduced the “AI Review Summary” feature, which sifts through multiple patient comments, producing summarized insights that administrators can review efficiently.

Further expansion took shape through listing management services and patient engagement tools. Listing management addressed discrepancies in practice names, locations, or contact details, reducing confusion for patients seeking services. Additional instruments were introduced to support marketing integration, allowing practices to share verified patient experiences on external platforms. As these offerings evolved, RepuGen positioned its framework around responsiveness, with AI-driven elements powering much of its real-time analysis.

After demonstrating success with smaller offices, RepuGen gradually drew interest from larger healthcare groups, multi-location facilities, and specialty providers. Its scalability allowed organizations of varying sizes to incorporate reputation management practices without overhauling their existing workflows. Some accounts mentioned that providers were able to address patient dissatisfaction early, leading to more constructive resolutions.

Media coverage and awards have accompanied this expansion. Mentions in publications such as Forbes, Medical Economics, and Healthcare IT News placed RepuGen’s efforts under a broader spotlight. Milestones included the 2017 Rising Star and Great User Experience Awards and acknowledgments pointing to usability and overall impact in healthcare settings. The 2022 TiE50 Award further highlighted the platform’s standing as a technology-driven solution.

Partnerships also influenced RepuGen’s progress. Collaborations with Panda Health and Kalix offered integration options that linked patient feedback to specific electronic medical records. These joint efforts streamlined data flows and extended RepuGen’s outreach by giving providers a centralized tool for review tracking and clinical operations.

From the beginning, RepuGen prioritized HIPAA compliance to ensure patient privacy and data security. By implementing advanced encryption and strict access controls, the platform reassures healthcare providers that sensitive patient information is handled responsibly. This commitment to compliance has made RepuGen a trusted choice for healthcare organizations

On the AI side, RepuGen’s platform limited how data was processed and stored, avoiding the broad distribution of sensitive information. Feedback summaries and sentiment analytics typically rely on aggregated metrics, reducing the visibility of identifiable data. In an era where cybersecurity risks regularly surface, a clear compliance framework is essential in providers’ decisions to implement new technology.

Ajay Prasad’s direction has shaped the platform’s expansion by aligning technical development with shifting healthcare trends. Adapting to changes in online consumer behavior required the leadership team to consider how patient expectations might influence reputation metrics. Abdul Aziz, Vice President of Technology, guided the AI architecture to accommodate large-scale feedback, whereas Avinash Kumar contributed to strategies that adapted to diverse marketing environments.

Co-founders Sumit Verma and Lauren Parr have overseen product decisions related to user experience and platform functionality, aiming to keep features relevant to small clinics and primary health systems. The team has sustained an organizational culture that seeks to refine its offerings by focusing on prompt response methods and compliance. Looking ahead, they anticipate expanded applications of AI, potentially including predictive analytics for more intricate patient engagement.

RepuGen’s path from a start-up concept to a recognized healthcare technology platform traces a pattern of adaptation and incremental growth. Its focus on feedback collection, sentiment analysis, and data security has combined to form a system that addresses recurring gaps in healthcare reputation management. Over time, the platform’s capacity to integrate with existing workflows and maintain compliance standards has influenced its standing among diverse providers.

RepuGen has transformed how healthcare providers approach patient feedback and online reputation. With its AI-powered tools and healthcare-specific solutions, it continues to set the standard for reputation management in the industry. Want to see how RepuGen can enhance your practice’s reputation? Schedule a demo today.

How Diane Pomerantz Approaches Healing in Lost in the Reflecting Pool

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 29, 2025

By: Ethan Rhodes

Diane Pomerantz’s memoir Lost in the Reflecting Pool: Surviving Narcissistic Emotional Abuse offers a deeply personal and honest look into the trauma and emotional recovery that followed her emotionally abusive marriage. While the book is rooted in her individual experiences, it also resonates with readers who have navigated complex emotional landscapes, offering a lens into the nuanced dynamics of relationships and healing.

Pomerantz’s narrative explores themes of survival, introspection, and reclaiming one’s identity. As a psychologist, she integrates professional insights with her lived experience, creating a unique perspective on narcissistic emotional abuse and its potential long-term impacts. Yet her approach is grounded in humanity, revealing her emotional reality in a way that encourages empathy and reflection. One of the noteworthy elements of the book is its metaphorical use of the reflecting pool, which symbolizes self-examination, growth, and the challenging but necessary process of understanding oneself.

A poignant moment in the memoir is the opening scene, where Pomerantz recounts the death of her cat, Mr. Buttons. Initially written as a narrative hook, the deeper meaning behind this scene only became clear to her years later. Upon reflection, she realized that Mr. Buttons’ passing reflected the helplessness and fear she had internalized during her marriage. This insight came during a discussion with a reader, whose question about her fear for herself and her children sparked a moment of realization. It was then that Pomerantz confronted the true emotional significance of the memory—a step that marked a turning point in her own healing. This moment illustrates how the process of storytelling can uncover hidden layers of emotional truth.

Another profound section of the book emerges from her relationship with her children. The process of writing Lost in the Reflecting Pool was influenced by her personal history with infertility and pregnancy loss. Initially writing under a pseudonym, she fictionalized elements of her family structure. However, as she engaged more deeply with her own story, Pomerantz chose to write under her real name and present her lived experiences more fully. This included confronting the emotional complexity of a high-risk IVF pregnancy that resulted in the birth of quadruplets—only one of whom survived.

When Pomerantz discussed this truth with her son, his response—“You mean you killed my brother!”—was both raw and emotionally jarring. While said in the unfiltered language of a child, the remark reflected the deep and complicated emotional terrain that accompanies personal and familial loss. For Pomerantz, this became one of the most emotionally difficult aspects of the memoir-writing process: letting go of the imagined twins she had carried in earlier drafts and embracing the reality of loss. Her son’s comment highlighted the tension between narrative, memory, and healing, and the difficulty in presenting one’s story with authenticity while protecting those involved.

The reflecting pool, as a symbol, extends beyond a visual image—it represents the quiet act of looking inward. Pomerantz’s memoir is not just about what happened to her, but about the process of making sense of it. Writing about emotional abuse required her to revisit painful memories and dismantle emotional defenses. The reflecting pool becomes a space of contemplation, one in which the protagonist begins to face and accept emotional truths, creating room for potential healing and clarity.

Her willingness to explore the emotional complexity of her experiences—including her mixed feelings toward those around her—reflects a nuanced understanding of human relationships. One of the book’s recurring themes is the challenge of sitting with ambivalence, particularly in the context of emotionally harmful relationships. Rather than offering simplistic judgments, Pomerantz illustrates the often-conflicted feelings that survivors of emotional abuse may face. In doing so, she encourages readers to recognize and respect their own emotional processes.

Ultimately, Lost in the Reflecting Pool is not just a memoir—it’s an account of how narrative can function as a tool for self-awareness. While not a clinical guide, the book may be relatable to individuals who have experienced emotional pain or struggled to find their voice after silence. By sharing her personal story with vulnerability and integrity, Pomerantz allows readers to witness not only the challenges of emotional trauma but also the process of rebuilding a sense of self.

Through her integration of personal narrative, professional insight, and themes of recovery and identity, Pomerantz has created a memoir that may speak to individuals seeking greater understanding of their own experiences. Her book offers no guarantees, but it does offer a mirror—an invitation for readers to look inward and consider their own paths to healing. For those still navigating emotional complexity, Lost in the Reflecting Pool offers a reflective companion on the journey toward resilience.

Availability

Lost in the Reflecting Pool: Surviving Narcissistic Emotional Abuse is available in paperback and eBook formats through retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and selected independent bookstores.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical advice. Individual experiences with trauma and recovery vary. Readers are encouraged to seek support from qualified mental health professionals when addressing personal concerns.

Why Some Chicagoans Are Exploring Para-Shield for Gut Health Support

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 29, 2025

By: Marcus Bell

In a city that’s as bold, bustling, and diverse as Chicago, staying healthy is no small feat. Between the deep-dish indulgences, unpredictable weather swings, and non-stop urban grind, it’s easy for even the most health-conscious residents to overlook the importance of internal balance. But that’s beginning to change. More Chicagoans are taking a closer look at gut health, and one supplement in particular is gaining attention in the wellness conversation: Para-Shield by Touchstone Essentials.

The concept of parasite cleansing may have once sounded fringe, but in today’s world of functional wellness and proactive self-care, it’s gaining traction, with some compelling reasons behind it. Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, irregular digestion, brain fog, and skin issues are often accepted as part of daily life in a fast-moving city like Chicago. Emerging research suggests many of these issues may be linked to gut imbalances and unwanted organisms that disrupt the body’s natural rhythm. That’s where Para-Shield comes in—a natural, plant-based solution formulated to support the body’s detoxification process and promote internal harmony.

Unlike harsh detox products that claim dramatic results but often deliver discomfort and disruption, Para-Shield is built for real life. Its 30-day cleanse is gentle, thoughtfully designed, and easy to integrate into any schedule—whether you’re commuting from Oak Park to the Loop or managing a packed day of client meetings downtown. The formula blends 11 organic and wildcrafted herbs, including black walnut hull, wormwood, clove bud, olive leaf, ginger root, fennel seed, and peppermint. Each ingredient is traditionally recognized for its potential to help remove harmful organisms while supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, and calming the gut.

Touchstone Essentials, the company behind Para-Shield, takes pride in doing things right. The supplement is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of artificial fillers and preservatives. It’s also third-party tested and manufactured in the U.S., meeting the high standards of consumers who want transparency, safety, and reliable results.

What makes Para-Shield particularly appealing to Chicagoans is its practicality. You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle to potentially benefit. There’s no extreme fasting, no restrictive meal plans, and no downtime required. It’s a wellness tool that works consistently in the background—perfect for the modern urbanite juggling work, family, and everything in between.

Health professionals across Chicago are also taking an interest. Naturopaths, integrative doctors, and functional medicine practitioners in neighborhoods from Lincoln Park to Hyde Park are increasingly suggesting Para-Shield as part of seasonal resets and gut repair protocols. The idea is simple: support the body’s natural detox pathways, potentially enhance immune function, and give your gut the care it deserves.

In a city with a long-standing tradition of grit and resilience, Para-Shield is resonating with people who want to stay sharp and energized without cutting corners. Whether you’re running a small business in Wicker Park, grinding through 12-hour hospital shifts in the Medical District, or teaching in a South Side school, your body is under constant pressure. Prioritizing internal health isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s becoming a performance strategy.

We’re also seeing a larger shift in the way Chicagoans approach health. There’s a growing awareness that real wellness starts from within. It’s not just about fitness or food—it’s about what’s happening inside your body. Gut health plays a key role in everything from mood to metabolism, and supplements like Para-Shield aim to support that foundation with clean, effective ingredients and no unnecessary additives.

Why Some Chicagoans Are Exploring Para-Shield for Gut Health Support

Photo Courtesy: Touchstone Essentials

The rise of Para-Shield reflects the city’s evolving health landscape. As more Chicagoans seek sustainable, evidence-based ways to support their bodies, products that combine tradition, transparency, and convenience are growing in popularity. Para-Shield is not a quick fix—it’s a considered step toward long-term wellness.

To learn more about Para-Shield or to begin your own 30-day cleanse, visit the official product page here. In a city that never slows down, it pays to have something that helps keep your health in stride.

Disclaimer: The products discussed in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

How Chicago Student Startups Influence Local Business and Economy

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on May 29, 2025

Student startups in Chicago represent a growing segment of entrepreneurial activity that contributes to the city’s business environment in diverse ways. These ventures often emerge from university programs, innovation labs, or community initiatives, providing fresh ideas and energy that complement established industries. By introducing new products, services, or technologies, student-led startups can stimulate competition and encourage innovation across sectors.

These startups may focus on addressing local challenges or niche markets, which allows them to fill gaps within the existing economy. For instance, some student-founded companies develop solutions related to urban transportation, food access, or digital services that resonate with Chicago’s diverse population. The presence of such ventures fosters a dynamic business climate where experimentation and adaptation are integral.

In What Ways Do Student Startups Influence Job Creation and Workforce Development?

Though typically small in scale initially, student startups contribute to job creation, often hiring fellow students, recent graduates, or local talent. These early employment opportunities help build a skilled workforce aligned with emerging industry trends and technological advancements. As startups grow, their hiring can extend beyond campuses, supporting employment in Chicago neighborhoods.

Student entrepreneurs also develop valuable skills during the startup process, including project management, marketing, and finance. These competencies strengthen the broader workforce as graduates enter the job market, contributing to the city’s economic vitality even beyond their own ventures.

Internships and collaborations between student startups and established businesses create pathways for knowledge exchange and talent development. This interaction helps bridge academic learning with real-world business experience.

How Do Chicago’s Educational Institutions Support Student Entrepreneurship?

Universities and colleges in Chicago provide resources that foster startup growth, such as incubators, accelerators, mentorship programs, and access to funding opportunities. These supports enable students to refine their business ideas, develop prototypes, and navigate market entry challenges.

Some institutions partner with local industry leaders or civic organizations to create innovation hubs that connect students with practical networks and expertise. These ecosystems encourage collaboration across disciplines, blending technology, design, business strategy, and social impact.

Programs often emphasize experiential learning, allowing students to test concepts in real markets or pilot projects within the city. This hands-on approach enhances the viability of student startups and their potential contributions to Chicago’s economy.

What Economic Benefits Do Student Startups Bring to Chicago’s Innovation Landscape?

Student startups contribute to the diversification of Chicago’s economy by injecting new technologies and business models into various sectors. Their activities support the growth of clusters such as tech, healthcare, green energy, and creative industries. By pursuing innovation, these ventures may attract investment capital, including venture funding and grants, further stimulating economic activity.

Emerging companies from student founders can become part of Chicago’s entrepreneurial pipeline, potentially scaling into significant employers and revenue generators. The experimentation inherent in startup culture helps the city adapt to economic shifts and fosters resilience.

Moreover, the visibility of successful student startups enhances Chicago’s reputation as a hub for innovation, attracting talent, partnerships, and additional investment that benefit the broader economic ecosystem.

How Do Student Startups Interact with Local Communities and Markets?

Many student-led ventures in Chicago focus on locally relevant issues, such as affordable housing, education technology, or urban sustainability. By addressing community-specific needs, these startups can contribute positively to social and economic development.

Engagement with local businesses, nonprofits, and residents enables startups to refine products and services to better serve their markets. This collaborative approach can build trust and support, increasing the likelihood of adoption and success.

Student startups may also create platforms or marketplaces that connect Chicago consumers and producers, enhancing local commerce and fostering entrepreneurial culture within neighborhoods.

What Challenges Do Student Startups Face in Influencing the Local Economy?

Despite potential, student startups often encounter obstacles such as limited funding, experience, and market access. Navigating regulatory environments, competition, and customer acquisition can be particularly challenging for early-stage ventures.

Balancing academic responsibilities with entrepreneurial activities may affect the pace of startup development. Access to mentorship and networks can vary depending on institutional resources and individual initiative.

Scaling operations beyond initial pilot phases requires additional capital and strategic planning, which may not always be readily available. Overcoming these challenges is essential for student startups to realize their full impact on Chicago’s business landscape.

How Can Chicago Further Support Student Entrepreneurship to Enhance Economic Impact?

Enhancing support structures for student startups could involve increasing access to funding sources, including seed grants and investor networks tailored to early-stage ventures. Expanding mentorship programs that connect students with experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals can provide practical guidance.

Creating stronger linkages between educational institutions and local industry can facilitate opportunities for pilot projects, internships, and collaborative innovation. Encouraging interdisciplinary approaches can help startups address complex urban challenges more effectively.

Policies that reduce bureaucratic hurdles for new businesses and foster inclusive entrepreneurship may also help student ventures grow and contribute more broadly to Chicago’s economy.

Student startups in Chicago interact with the local economy through innovation, job creation, and community engagement. Supported by educational institutions and evolving entrepreneurial ecosystems, these ventures represent an important component of the city’s business fabric. Continued development of resources and partnerships may further enable student startups to enhance their economic and social contributions over time.

The Evolution of Display Technology and the Milestones That Shaped Viewedge’s Growth

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 29, 2025

The last few decades have witnessed the rapid development of display technology, which has influenced industries ranging from gaming and digital art to corporate workspaces. Consumers have increasingly requested more pixels, greater energy efficiency, and more ergonomic designs, prompting manufacturers to develop displays that strive to balance price and performance. The portable monitor market has seen notable growth, particularly with the rise of remote work trends and the growing use of multi-screen setups. In this competitive environment, some brands have begun to differentiate themselves by introducing solutions aimed at addressing the emerging needs of professionals and everyday users. One such brand is Viewedge, which has gained recognition for its achievements and has become a recognizable player in the industry.

Viewedge’s journey began in 2013 when its founder identified a market gap for portable, high-performance monitors targeted at business professionals and gaming enthusiasts. At that time, portable displays were often either too expensive for average consumers or lacked the quality required for professional use. The concept behind Viewedge was straightforward: to offer a line of monitors providing premium performance without the premium price tag. Over the years, the company has refined its vision through research and development to create a product line that aims to be both accessible and technologically advanced.

A significant milestone for the brand came with the 2018 release of the Little Diamond Series, which featured ultra-slim, high-resolution portable monitors combining affordability with features appealing to professional users. The series offered Full HD and 4K options along with advanced color calibration designed for creative professionals requiring accurate color reproduction. By the end of 2018, Viewedge reported holding around 10% of the portable display market, a noteworthy accomplishment considering the competitive presence of established brands. This achievement, alongside the adoption of a direct-to-consumer approach, contributed to establishing the company’s position within the display technology space.

Subsequent product lines following the Little Diamond Series have focused on enhancing ergonomics and energy efficiency. Recognizing a growing demand for gaming monitors, Viewedge developed displays with higher refresh rates aimed at professional and enthusiast esports users. This expansion has allowed Viewedge to compete more closely with established gaming monitor brands while maintaining its philosophy of providing cost-effective, quality products. The company’s growing presence among streamers and professional gamers highlights its efforts to address the needs of performance-driven users without excessive costs.

In 2022, Viewedge transitioned from a concept-driven operation into a structured global enterprise. Entering 14 international markets, the company leveraged e-commerce-driven logistics to support smoother global distribution. This approach contrasts with conventional manufacturers that depend heavily on retail partnerships. By following a direct-to-consumer model, Viewedge has been able to maintain competitive pricing while upholding product quality. These strategic moves have helped build customer loyalty and establish a substantial presence in regions such as North America and Europe.

A critical factor in Viewedge’s global growth has been its partnership with BRAVOVIEW, a technology collaborator that has played an important role in streamlining supply chain operations and advancing research and development. This partnership has provided access to modern manufacturing processes, allowing Viewedge to improve its product lineup without significantly increasing costs. BRAVOVIEW’s expertise in logistics has also supported the company’s international distribution, ensuring products reach customers with minimal delays. This collaboration illustrates the importance of strategic alliances in a competitive market, demonstrating how partnerships can foster innovation and operational efficiency.

Another important aspect of Viewedge’s development has been its focus on sustainable manufacturing practices. With environmental concerns becoming more prominent for consumers and regulators alike, the company has integrated energy-efficient technologies into its displays to reduce power consumption without compromising performance. These efforts align with broader sustainability initiatives and have contributed to Viewedge’s image as a brand attentive to environmental responsibility. The company has also committed to incorporating recyclable materials and minimizing electronic waste in its production processes, while continuing to explore advancements in display technology.

Since its inception, Viewedge has reached several significant milestones. However, its future success will likely depend on its ability to adapt to emerging technological trends. Innovations such as OLED and microLED, combined with AI-driven display optimization, present new opportunities for growth and product development. Given its experience delivering quality products across various markets, Viewedge appears well-positioned to expand its influence and presence further. The company continues to focus on balancing affordability, performance, and sustainability as key drivers of its growth strategy.

The future of the display technology industry will likely be shaped by companies that emphasize both technological innovation and customer-focused design. Viewedge’s progression from an initial concept in 2013 to an international company by 2022 provides an example of how strategic innovation, strong partnerships, and responsiveness to market demands can contribute to growth.

Exploring the Enduring Legacy and Cultural Influence of Peter Sanders in Contemporary Documentary Filmmaking

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 29, 2025

In the age of rapid technological change and media consumption, documentary filmmaking is widely regarded as an effective way to tell stories about culture. With the expansion of digital platforms and a growing audience interested in content that is both historically relevant and emotionally resonant, the role of documentary filmmakers has expanded. Beyond capturing facts, they work to contextualize stories that contribute to public memory and promote cultural discussion. With the global market for documentary films projected to grow by over $3.06 billion from 2023 through 2027, according to Technavio, demand for story-oriented non-fiction films appears to be increasing. Against this backdrop, certain filmmakers have developed a niche that goes beyond content creation to foster broader cultural engagement.

Peter Sanders, an American documentary director, exemplifies this emerging approach—where film intersects with historical preservation, education, and family heritage. His films, such as The Disappeared (2008), Altina (2014), and On the Shoulders of Giants: The History of NYU Langone Orthopedics (2024), reflect a consistent interest in untold stories and lesser-known figures. While Sanders does not seek or command the public spotlight often associated with Hollywood auteurs, his films have cultivated an audience among filmmakers and viewers drawn to historical and biographical subject matter.

Sanders’ films have contributed to reshaping how lesser-known histories are represented on screen. The Disappeared, which documents Argentina’s Dirty War and the thousands who were forcibly disappeared during that time, goes beyond retelling history. Through a combination of personal testimony and political analysis, the documentary has been noted for sparking broader conversations about human rights, transitional justice, and political accountability. This film received recognition with Best Director and Documentary awards at the Documentary and Fiction Festival of Hollywood (2007). It has also been available on platforms such as Netflix.

Similarly, Altina (2014) offers a multifaceted look at Altina Schinasi—a sculptor, inventor, and social activist whose life had previously received limited public attention. The film received the David A. Stein Memorial Award at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival and has been described as a thoughtful exploration of a woman working at the intersection of art, politics, and social progressivism. Sanders’s choice to highlight such a figure aligns with his broader interest in illuminating narratives that challenge traditional historical accounts.

In addition to the content of his films, Sanders’ strategic approach to distribution and audience engagement has helped establish his presence. He has utilized educational screenings, panel discussions, and film festival circuits to encourage dialogue. His 2024 film On the Shoulders of Giants: The History of NYU Langone Orthopedics was a finalist at the Tribeca X Film Festival 2024.

The enduring cultural value of Sanders’ films lies in their ability to preserve and reinterpret the past. In a media environment that often favors brevity and immediacy, his documentaries encourage reflection and nuance. They serve not only as independent artistic works but also as historical resources and forums for civic engagement. Whether addressing political violence, artistic creativity, or institutional transformation, Sanders’ films invite viewers to reconsider the stories that shape collective identity.

While the future trajectory of Sanders’ work remains to be seen, his existing contributions have influenced aspects of independent documentary filmmaking. By focusing on underrepresented stories and engaging with public history, his films continue to offer viewers and scholars points of reference for exploring the relationship between personal narratives and collective memory. Through institutional retrospectives, film festivals, and educational programming, the impact of these works is present across diverse areas of cultural discourse.

In summary, Peter Sanders represents an example of how documentary film can fulfill both artistic and educational roles. Through projects like The Disappeared, Altina, and On the Shoulders of Giants, his work navigates complex intersections of history, identity, and cultural preservation. While comprehensive assessments of his influence are better suited for longer-term critical study, his contributions occupy a space that bridges entertainment, scholarship, and public reflection—an area that continues to resonate in a media landscape characterized by rapid change.