The Dharma, sutras, and commentarial interpretations of interest to American Buddhists of all traditions with news that not only informs but transforms. Emphasis on meditation, enlightenment, karma, social evolution, and nonharming.
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The pyramids at Giza looked very different when they were first built
Pyramid of Khafre (left) and the Great Pyramid of Giza, Oct. 2018 (Joseph Eid/AFP/Getty)
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What beacons of light must have appeared?
(Garry Shaw, Apollo Magazine, 1/30/19) In February, a large block of the Great Pyramid of Giza’s original casing will go on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh for the first time since it was brought from Egypt in 1872 by Astronomer Royal of Scotland Charles Piazzi Smyth.
This block is the only casing stone from the Great Pyramid, [speculated to have been] built by King Khufu around 2550 BC, to be publicly displayed outside of Egypt,
(The Egyptian government is contesting the Scottish museum’s rights to the stone. The museum asserts that it has the appropriate permissions and documents).
It’s important to remember that when we visit the Great Pyramid today, we aren’t seeing the monument as it originally appeared. The pyramid may look weathered but largely unchanged by time. However, it was once even more striking.
When it was first built, its ascending layers of huge limestone blocks -- which today give it a somewhat jagged appearance -- were hidden by a smooth layer of fine white limestone.
This layer concealed the pyramid’s core and gave its surface a perfect, sloping smooth finish, gleaming white in the powerful desert sunlight -- a ramp rather than stairway to heaven. More
The Great Pyramid at Giza — the oldest and most intact of the seven ancient wonders of the ancient world [because the wonders of the Americas were unknown, including the larger Mexican Pyramid of Cholula] — became a potent symbol of the sublime in the 19th century, a symbol of power so absolute as to eclipse human understanding. After Napoleon’s first expedition to Giza, “Egyptomania…swept through European culture and influenced the plastic arts, fashion, and design,” writes Miroslav Verner in The Pyramids: The Mystery, Culture, and Science of Egypt’s Great Monuments. More
Three strangers in the night exchanging glances and mixing karma (Fox News).
Look at me! I'm dating Johnny Depp. EYHO!
It's terrible when we pathologize/ psychologize a partner in an intimate relationship. "S/he's crazy," we judge.
But celebrities are crazy, some much more than others. Pooping the bed on purpose is crazy enough. That's what prisoners do, acting out, when they feel their voices do not matter. Gorgeous actress, lesbian dating men, egotist, narcissist, it all adds up to madness. And Elon Musk's entanglement isn't helping matters.
Who knows if she is or isn't? It's just a good opportunity to look more closely at ourselves. That's what the stars are for. No one is here to see them. We're only here to see ourselves in them.
Can you believe they're not talking about me? I mean, c'mon, I'm who they're here to see.
Dr. Curry testified (and Dr. Grande analyzed) that Heard has clinical personality disorders, borderline and histrionic. So what are these conditions? Wiki to the rescue. Anyone wanting a primary source can go to the library and whip out the latest DSM.
BPD: Despair (Edvard Munch, 1894)
Borderline Personality disorder (BPD) [11] is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, distorted sense of self, and emotional dysregulation [6, 7, 12].
Those affected often feel empty and may self-harm and could have other dangerous behaviors, often due to their difficulty with returning their emotional level to a healthy or normal baseline [13, 14, 15].
They may also struggle with a feeling of emptiness, fear of abandonment, and disassociate from reality [6].
Symptoms of BPD, often beginning with distress, may be triggered by events "neuro typical people" considered normal [6].
Me? How could I be "crazy"?
BPD typically begins by early adulthood and occurs across a variety of situations [7]. Substance use disorders, depression, and eating disorders are commonly associated with BPD [6].
Some 8 to 10% of people affected with the disorder may commit suicide [6, 7]. The disorder is often stigmatized in both the media and the psychiatric field and as a result is often underdiagnosed [16].
The causes of BPD are unclear but seem to involve genetic, neurological, environmental, and social factors [6, 8]. It occurs about five times more often in a person who has an affected close relative [6].
Adverse life events appear to also play a role [9]. The underlying mechanism appears to involve the frontolimbic network of neurons [9].
The condition must be differentiated from an identity problem or substance use disorders, among other possibilities [7].
BPD is typically treated with psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) [6]. More
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Drama, drama! I need drama, damn it!
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive attention-seeking behaviors, usually beginning in early childhood, including inappropriate seduction and an excessive desire for approval.
People diagnosed with the disorder are said to be lively, dramatic, vivacious, enthusiastic, extroverted, and flirtatious.
HPD lies in the dramatic cluster of personality disorders [1].
People with HPD have a high desire for attention, make loud and inappropriate appearances, exaggerate their behaviors and emotions, and crave stimulation [1].
They may exhibit sexually provocative behavior, express strong emotions with an impressionistic style, and can be easily influenced by others.
Associated features include egocentrism, self-indulgence, continuous longing for appreciation, and persistent manipulative behavior to achieve their own wants.
Signs and symptoms
I can seduce any student I want to seduce.
People with HPD are usually high-functioning, both socially and professionally. They usually have good social skills, despite tending to use them to manipulate others into making them the center of attention [2] HPD may also affect a person's social and romantic relationships, as well as their ability to cope with losses or failures.
They may seek treatment for clinical depression when romantic (or other close personal) relationships end [3].
Individuals with HPD often fail to see their own personal situation realistically, instead dramatizing and exaggerating their difficulties. They may go through frequent job changes, as they become easily bored and may prefer withdrawing from frustration (instead of facing it).
Seductiveness or hysteria? Tough choice.
Because they tend to crave novelty and excitement, they may place themselves in risky situations. All of these factors may lead to greater risk of developing clinical depression [4].
Research has also shown those with histrionic personality disorder are believed to have a greater desire for social approval, making those with HPD more vulnerable to social media addiction [5].
Additional characteristics may include:
Exhibitionist behavior
Constant seeking of reassurance or approval
Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval
Pride of own personality and unwillingness to change, viewing any change as a threat
Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior of a sexual nature
Using factitious somatic symptoms (of physical illness) or psychological disorders to garner attention
Craving attention
Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear superficial or exaggerated to others
Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are
Making rash decisions [2]
Blaming personal failures or disappointments on others
Being easily influenced by others, especially those who treat them approvingly
Being overly dramatic and emotional [4]
Influenced by the suggestions of others [6]
Some people with histrionic traits or personality disorder change their seduction technique into a more maternal or paternal style as they age [7].
Causes
She's crazy. Case closed! (AP Pool, 4/28/22)
Little research has been done to find evidence of what causes histrionic personality disorder. Although direct causes are inconclusive, various theories and studies suggest multiple possible causes, of a neurochemical, genetic, psychoanalytic, or environmental nature.
Traits such as extravagance, vanity, and seductiveness or hysteriahave similar qualities to women diagnosed with HPD [8].
HPD symptoms typically do not fully develop until the age of 15, while the onset of treatment only occurs, on average, at approximately 40 years of age [9, 10]. More
Gets rid of the pain of being a man" - Dr. Samuel Johnson
Caught here in a fiery blaze won't lose my will to stay
I tried to drive all through the night
The heat stroke ridden weather the barren empty sights
No oasis here to see
The sand is singing deathless words to me
[Chorus]
Can't you help me as I'm starting to burn? (All alone)
Too many doses and I'm starting to get an attraction
My confidence is leaving me on my own (All alone)
No one can save me and you know I don't want the attention
As I adjust to my new sights
The rarely tired lights will take me to new heights
My hand is on the trigger I'm ready to ignite
Tomorrow might not make it but everything's all right
Mental fiction follow me
Show me what it's like to be set free
[Chorus]
So sorry you're not here I've
Been sane too long my vision's so unclear
Now take a trip with me but
Don't be surprised when things aren't what they seem
Caught here in a fiery blaze won't lose my will to stay
These eyes won't see the same after I flip today
Sometimes I don't know why we'd rather live than die
We look up towards the sky for answers to our lives
We may get some solutions but most just pass us by
Don't want your absolution 'cause I can't make it right
I'll make a beast out of myself
Gets rid of all the pain of being a man
[Chorus]
I've known it from the start all
These good ideas will tear your brain apart
Scared but you can follow me I'm
Too weird to live but much too rare to die
What's this crazy song got to do with anything?
We wanted to blame Johnny, but it's Amber.
ABOUT (Genius.com) This is the song that brought Avenged Sevenfold into the mainstream. The song’s theme functions as a reference to Hunter S. Thompson’s novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971/1972) and the film adaptation released in 1998 with Johnny Depp.
The function is carried out on multiple levels:
The lyrics make obvious references to the novel (e.g., “He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man” is a direct quote from Samuel Johnson that is used as the preface to the book); the music video for the song recreates some scenes from the film; the ups and downs of the verses and post-choruses (i.e., “So sorry you’re not here…”), respectively, are meant to represent the highs and lows of a drug trip.
Six experts were asked where the safest, or least risky, places will be to live in the United States of America [as opposed to the United States of Mexico and other unions] as the climate changes and weather becomes more extreme.
The answer is pretty surprising. This episode looks at many hazards from temperature extremes, storms, drought, low farming productivity, wildfires, polar vortices, hurricanes, sea-level rise, crop failure, searing heat, and even economics.
Northern California growing into "mega-region" as people moving from the San Francisco Bay Area to the capital Sacramento doubles (ABC10, April 21, 2022)
Working from home means we can change where home is. Massive migration in Northern California has impacted housing prices, politics, and more in the area. An ABC10 Originals investigation. Find online: abc10.com.
By looking at the effect of climate on future migration patterns in the USA, it becomes necessary to talk to someone who left New York City after Hurricane Sandy who now identifies as a "climate migrant."
She ended up moving to the safest county in the USA from a weather and climate perspective. It is revealed where she went and why.
Here is a link to the ProPublica article that was very influential in the research for this episode: projects.propublica.org/climate... (Scroll to the bottom of the article for a list of counties and the criteria used to rate them).
ABOUT: Weathered is a show hosted by weather expert Maiya May and produced by Balance Media that helps explain the most common natural disasters, what causes them, how they’re changing, and what we can do to prepare.
(The Punk Rock MBA)
Get BAM for Metal (apps.apple.com/app...).
Why do people like black metal, which is the darkest metal of all? It's most beloved not by Blacks but by Norwegians. This explains: the history of black metal from Bathory and Venom to Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor, Burzum, Immortal, and Deafheaven; the role of larger than life characters like Varg Vikernes, Euronymous, and Abbath; how it was a reaction to 1990s' death metal: the way they dressed, the art of Dan Seagrave, etc; some black metal bands I like such as Havohej, Abruptum, and Aakon Ketereh; how the shocking imagery, corpse paint, spikes, raw production, and so forth made it stand out; the church burnings and other events seen in Lords of Chaos; some marketing tips YOU can use to promote your band, product, or creative project; and, of course, lots of funny black metal moments.
The strange popularity of Gojira (and what it says about metal fans)
(The Punk Rock MBA, 2/28/22) What explains the strange popularity of French hardcore metal band Gojira? Some of what I look at: Gojira's history including "The Link," "From Mars to Sirius," "Flying Whales," and "The Way of All Flesh" and evolution from death metal to groove metal; why Joe Duplantier's vocals and Mario Duplantier's drumming are so important; how Metallica and Lamb of God gave Gojira their big breaks. 🎉 patreon.com/thepunkrockmba
🕹️ discord.gg/dpKTrW9Q4R
🎮 twitch.tv/finnmckenty. Get Honey for FREE today (joinhoney.com/rock) because Honey finds coupons with one click. Thanks to Honey for sponsoring.
People are developing trauma-like symptoms as the pandemic wears on
...Jullie Hoggan's pandemic experience carries no violence, and there have been no explosions or assault, which is why she has a hard time calling it "trauma."
But CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA) Arthur Evans says viewing the world as unsafe can be a symptom of trauma.
"I think for a lot of people, the idea of having a mental health challenge is there's something inside of me that's wrong," he said.
"And I think the idea of trauma helps people to understand that, no, this is something that is happening to me and how I'm responding is a natural response."
Generally speaking, trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. Usually, an event that threatens your life, or the life of someone near you, and results in feelings of significant fear or helplessness.
It is a feeling that is not unique to Hoggan.
For Lanny Langstrom, the early months of the pandemic were filled with stress.
"I was desperately trying to stay away from, like, this thing that I thought was going to kill me at any second," he said.
He recalls worrying that if he died from COVID, his 6-year-old daughter might not remember him. He was so stressed that he eventually called a mental health hotline, and they suggested he seek therapy — something he'd never done before.
To his surprise, his therapist told him his symptoms were consistent with trauma.
"When I think of trauma, I more imagine one of these brave young men that go over to Afghanistan and they're driving a Humvee and it gets blown up," Langstrom said. "I'm not a soldier, but you know, at this point we've experienced [nearly 1 million] people dying." More
Anti-Racist Skinheads Fighting Nazis: The Baldies | full-length documentary
Ska, we take our cues from English Ska!
(Twin Cities PBS, March 7, 2022) Skinhead culture started as multi-cultural, working-class, and anti-racist but was soon co-opted by white supremacists. To fight back against Neo-Nazis, the Baldies formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota and beyond.
00:00 Minnesota Experience presents the Baldies
00:29 This is the story of the Baldies
05:54 The origins of Skinhead culture and it’s anti-racist and working-class roots
11:21 Becoming the Baldies
16:26 The media takes over the term “Skinhead”
18:32 White supremacy, Nazis, and the Baldies
25:27 White power bands in Minnesota
26:18 The Baldies and the mob mentality
29:33 The women of the Baldies fighting sexism
32:38 Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice and Anti-Racist Action
37:01 The Baldies’ violent interactions with Nazis…and its consequences
39:03 The Baldies come to Portland
42:33 White supremacy through lines -- from the 80s to now
God Bless America: How the US is Obsessed with Religion
(ENDEVR, 1/23/22) The investigative documentary God Bless America: How the US is Obsessed with Religion from 2019 looks at how Evangelicals are ruining the nation.
Despite being an officially secular country, born again religionists are everywhere in the United States. An estimated 70% of Americans are nominal Christians, and a majority of them voted for the orange menace Trump.
Evangelicals mobilized in their masses to get The Donald elected, and they similarly geared up to do the same in the most recent election of Uncle Joe. Evangelicals have even created their own Bible-themed attractions, boldly rewriting science books to educate their children.
In Kentucky, an actual-size Noah’s Ark has been built along with a museum that supports the theory that the universe was created in just six days.
This documentary dives into a crazy religious world inside the US.
ENDEVR explains the world we live in through high-class documentaries, special investigations, explainer videos and animations. It covers topics related to business, economics, geopolitics, social issues, and everything in between thought to be interesting.
Vietnamese are in North America because the USA followed France's colonial adventure in South Asia with a disastrous and illegal war that mired the nation for years (Thuan Le Elston).
Vietnamese refugees aboard US Navy boat evacuating during “Black April,” 1975 (Wiki).
The City of Westminster, Orange County, California, hosts its annual Black April event on Saturday, April 30th, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:30 am at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, 14199 All American Way.
Members of the public are welcome to attend, and the event includes remarks from elected officials, a moment of silence, and the presentation of a memorial wreath.
American soldiers have fun torturing (waterboarding) enemy "g**k" as CIA trained them to do.
April 30th -- known as “Black April,” or Tháng Tı Äžen -- is a day to lament and reflect upon the fall of Saigon and the failed US military intervention in South Vietnam, which took place April 30, 1975.
As many as 250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers [with many, many more innocent civilians in Vietnam, Cambodia(that led to theCambodian genocide), and Laos (Operation Menu), who were all subjected to illegal bombing and other US war crimes] and nearly 60,000 American soldiers died during the U.S. War on Vietnam.
Vietnam War, 1970: CBS camera rolls as invading platoon comes under fire by those defending their country
(CBS Evening News) In March of 1970, CBS News Correspondent Richard Threlkeld was embedded with a US platoon invading the jungles of Vietnam near Cambodia. The G.I.'s came under fire from North Vietnamese forces as Threlkeld’s crew documented the intense firefight. This original report aired on the “CBS Evening News” on 3/27/70.
Approved through a resolution of the city council in 2019, Westminster became the first city globally to recognize Black April Memorial Week.
Leading up to the ceremony, the city flies the South Vietnamese flag at half-staff at the Vietnamese-American War Memorial (to honor our dead and ignore the deaths our country caused) at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park from April 23 through April 30.
At its upcoming Wednesday, April 27 meeting, the City Council is expected to proclaim April 30, 2022 as Black April Day in commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.
For more details about the event, visit westminster-ca.gov or call the Community Services Department at (714) 895-2860. Source
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