My psychotic breakdown: Cage the Elephant

Cage the Elephant, Neon Pill album (2024)

(CBS Morning) Cage the Elephant's Kentucky boy Matt Shultz opens up about his psychosis, ADHD medication gone wrong (thanks, $Big Pharma$), and healing through rock music and guns:

Between 2020–2024, Shultz had a paranoid "mental health crisis" for the making of Neon Pill (2024).

He experienced a severe adverse reaction to prescribed ADHD medication, which led to paranoid delusions and a break from reality. His condition culminated in a high-profile arrest in January 2023 in NY, where he was found with two loaded firearms.

Double crossed by pharmaceuticals

Cage the Elephant singer on arrest: “It saved my life”

Cage the Elephant was once double crossed by a "Neon Pill"

Shultz later avoided jail time through a plea deal and underwent extensive treatment, which he has credited with saving his life [12]. This turbulent period deeply influenced Cage the Elephant's sixth studio album, Neon Pill.

Have the pills done too much?

Big Pharma sold me the drugs: Em Beihold "Numb Little Bug"

The album features lyrics reflecting Shultz's psychological descent and recovery, blending confessional songwriting with the band's evolving, genre-fluid sound. Songs like "Neon Pill" and "Rainbow" trace his personal trauma, including a temporary divorce from his wife Kentucky-based actress, dancer, and musician Eva Ross [13].

We're not into psychedelics...or are we?

Cage the Elephant "Come a Little Closer" (official psychedelic video)

In interviews, Shultz has spoken candidly about the dangers of blurring performance personas with personal identity and has since adopted a more grounded public presence.

Cage the Elephant: Hey, Man, at least you're on the radio "Social Cues"

I remarried the woman I divorced.

The band's return to touring in 2024 was met with critical acclaim, and Shultz has described the experience as a profound reset, offering new perspective on fame and artistic identity [12].

On Oct. 10, 2024, CBS Mornings aired a segment featuring Shultz and his brother Brad. In it Matt opened up about his psychosis [14]. More

"Beaches in Tennessee"

Cage the Elephant "Beaches in Tennessee" (visualizer)

• PHOTOS: Singer Matt Shultz of Cage the Elephant (Alamy)
• CBS Morning; Cage the Elephant; Em Beihold; Seth Auberon, Pfc. Sandoval, Sheldon S. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit

America tortured orphans, cathedrals heal

(Buried Century) Cathar gives us "cathedral" and catharsis

(Erased Century)

Welcome to 'Rape Club,' Cali prison

Survivor of California prison ‘rape club’ shares her story

Inside the 'rape club prison': Former inmates tell | Elizabeth Vargas Reports

Malcolm X turns 100: speech (May 19)

Malcolm X, Los Angeles, May 5, 1962: Who taught you to hate yourself? (full speech)

Heroic American Malcolm X

Malcolm (born Malcolm Little, later becoming el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz) X (May 19, 1925–Feb. 21, 1965) was an African American revolutionary, Muslim minister (a student of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad), and a human rights activist.

He was not necessarily a civil rights activist, however, yet he was nevertheless a prominent figure during the civil rights movement until his assassination in 1965.

If you have no critics, you'll have no success.

A spokesman for the Nation of Islam (NOI) until 1964, after which he left the movement, he was a vocal American advocate for Black empowerment and the promotion of Islam [rather than Christianity] within the African American community.

A controversial figure accused of preaching violent self-defense, Malcolm X is also a celebrated figure within African American and Muslim communities for his pursuit of racial justice. More

• Criticize our hero? Malcolm X had a misogyny problem and we should say so
• Malcolm X was a devil 👿 until Islam saved him
• Malcolm X Black 'n white canvas print art | Poshmark
• Malcolm X; Anderson, Pfc. Sandoval, Seth Auberon, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit

Police: Last Week Tonight (John Oliver)

WARNING: Graphic language (cussing/profanity), police brutality of peaceful demonstrators, racism

Policing in America: Last Week Tonight

(LastWeekTonight) Nov. 24, 2024: This look back is from Season 7, Episode 14, from June 7th, 2020. As nationwide protests over the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor [Blacks killed by racist and/or implicitly biased police] are met with police brutality, John Oliver discusses how the histories of policing and white supremacy are intertwined, the roadblocks to fixing things, and some potential paths forward. (Who is LAPD Police Chief Michel Moore?)

Connect with Last Week Tonight online...YouTube for more almost news as it almost happens on Facebook like your mom would, on Twitter for news about jokes and jokes about news, or the official site for all that other stuff at once: hbo.com/lastweektonight

Censorship Industrial Complex (Russ Brand)

Russell Brand, YouTube, March 9, 2024; Pfc. Sandoval, Seth Auberon (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

He's EXPOSING The Deep State - “No one is ready for what’s coming in 2024”

(Russell Brand) March 9, 2024: The Establishment refers to the idea of a "Deep State" as a conspiracy theory. But here Mike Benz (whom readers may remember from his viral Tucker interview) educates Brand on the Deep State's very real and very troubling influence on US foreign policy, rampant censorship, and election rigging.

Jordan Peterson issues warning about gov't surveillance and secret police

at the March 7, 2024, House Weaponization of the Federal Gov't hearing,

Watch Brand's interview with Tucker Carlson exclusively on Locals (bit.ly/TuckerCarlsonLocals). Support Russell Brand directly (rb.rumble.com). Watch LIVE weekdays on Rumble: bit.ly/russellbrand-rumble now that the mainstream media's cancel culture has put the kibosh on him and demonetized him on YouTube.

Losing My Religion: The Great De-Churching

Jason DeRose, NPR, 1/24/24; CC Liu, Dhr. Seven, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

You sons of vitches, God wants you to obey me and send in those donations and tithe checks!

.

When Americans are asked to check box on their religious affiliation, 28% now check 'none'

Forget this bull cr@p. Religion sucks walls!

A new study from Pew Research finds that the religiously unaffiliated (a group comprised of atheists, agnostics, and those who say their religion is "nothing in particular") is now the largest cohort in the U.S.

• 

  Let me in -- or else. I am thy ruler and Boss!

  Freedom from religion is freedom of religion. Buddhism is not a religion, so does that include Buddhists? Very likely it does because people customarily treat Buddhism as a religion, make a religion of it, and this is probably for the best in keeping the Dharma (the historical Buddha's Teaching) in the world. But for the individual, it might be better not to treat it religiously and hypocritically but as a practice (sadhana) with immediate results and benefits open to all. It is not a "faith" to profess but a Teaching to put into practice. For one who does not practice the Teaching, what benefit could there be...winning arguments against others? There's a famous saying, "Don't be like a drunk who uses a streetlamp for support rather than illumination." There's no need to be right. There is a need to know and see things as they really are. Then we help ourselves and everyone around us, living with integrity (non-hypocritically) approaching enlightenment and making merit (profitable karma) that is of great fruit, of great benefit in any future circumstance.

Is this someone's idea of a joke?  forbid atheism...or else!

.

Atheist (Stephen Batchelor)

Nones are more prevalent among American adults than Catholics (23%) or evangelical Protestants (24%).

Back in 2007, Nones made up just 16% of Americans, but Pew's new survey of more than 3,300 U.S. adults shows that number has now risen dramatically. Researchers refer to this group as the "Nones." More

I'm spiritual, not religious

Jason DeRose, All Things Considered, npr.org, 12/7/23

Choose a practice that makes sense. Test it. Do it sincerely. Do it daily. Does Dharma work?

More than 20% of those surveyed describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious." The study finds a wide variety of religious experiences and expressions among those who consider themselves "spiritual" (Ted Shaffrey/AP).

.

Free of religion, I get to misbehave (Family Guy)

The terms "spiritual" and "spirituality" have been difficult for researchers and scholars of religion to define. Does being spiritual involve a sense of wonder ["awe" rather than "fear"]?

Does spirituality include a feeling of well-being or peace? Does either require the belief in a God or a Higher Power?

The terms seem so elastic as to include any number of disparate ideas or experiences.

Can nontheistic Buddhists be atheists?

A new study from Pew Research explores what the term "spiritual" means to the people [Americans] who describe themselves that way.

It also looks into the beliefs and practices of those who say they're "spiritual but not religious."

• 7 in 10 U.S. adults consider themselves spiritual (NPR)

No, Dummy, where are you going?! - I like church. It gives me a sense of community.

Graveworm performs their funny (non-rionic) death metal version of "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M

• A longer Advent helps some Christians prepare for more than Christmas (NPR)

Sexist, racist police abuse their power?

Emma Soteriou (9/25/23); Ashley Wells, Pfc. Sandoval (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Married Penn. State Police trooper facing false imprisonment charges (Dauphin County DA)

.

'I'll paint you as crazy': Shocking moment US cop tackles ex-girlfriend before 'putting her in mental health facility

The Donald Trump face handgun  (LBC)

A married Pennsylvania State Police trooper is facing false imprisonment charges.

A Pennsylvania cop is facing false imprisonment charges for allegedly improperly committing his ex-girlfriend [actually current paramour] to a mental health institution.

Officer Ronald Keith Davis, 37, was arrested on Sept. 21 after being accused of abusing his authority to have his ex-girlfriend imprisoned.

He petitioned for an involuntary mental health commitment for her after alleging she was suicidal, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Leading up to the forced medical treatment, State Trooper Davis allegedly told her: “I know you’re not crazy; I’ll paint you as crazy.” He first turned to fellow troopers for help on Aug. 21, claiming that the woman was living in a camper on his property.

He said that they had not been getting along and "their relationship had deteriorated." He claimed he would not allow the woman to get her belongings from the property due to her acting erratically.

Trooper Davis provided several text messages, saying things such as, "I think I'm going to drive off a cliff" and "My mental health doesn't matter I'm a useless old stupid uneducated piece of sh**."

• 'I’m going to buy one': Donald Trump admires gun with his face on - LBC
• Police don’t want to live outside the law, says Met’s former 'top marksman' amid rebellion over fatal shooting
• Tributes paid after hero police officer who served for 21 years is hit and killed by car while walking to work
• 'If it's not racism, then what is it?': Mother reacts to young black gymnast denied medal - LBC

State trooper in Pennsylvania seen pinning woman to the ground

You will respect MY authority, Biznatch!

In footage released by the DA's office, Trooper Davis is seen sitting on top of his ex [whom he was cheating on his wife with] as she claimed he tackled her to the ground.

“You’re insane,” she said [to the aggressive policeman]. “You’re absolutely insane…and then you paint me to look insane.”

She could be heard saying several times: “I can’t breathe.” When the two got up, Trooper Davis restrained her as she insisted she did not do anything wrong.

The female victim appeared to “genuinely lack understanding on why she is being restrained,” the affidavit stated.

She was involuntarily committed for five days and did not display any suicidal [actions or] thoughts during that time, according to medical personnel.

She was released on Aug. 26 and interviewed by police. After reading messages between the pair, police alleged that Trooper Davis "failed to provide the full context of those messages" when he attempted to have the woman committed.

"In fact, the text messages were the culmination of a larger, domestic dispute between he and the victim," the affidavit said.

"Taken in context, the texts revealed her frustration with Trooper Davis and his controlling behavior (and her desire to break off the [illicit] relationship), not a true desire to harm herself."

Pennsylvania State Police charged Davis with felony strangulation, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and official oppression on Sept. 21. He was remanded without bail. More + VIDEO

• WARNING: Footage potentially upsetting. Viewer discretion is advised.

State trooper in Pennsylvania seen pinning woman to the ground

FBI lied about MLK Jr. and Malcolm X (video)

You're a great man, Malcolm. - I know, Marty, I know. Now trying that to the newspapers.

Top U.S. & World Headlines — June 1, 2023

(Democracy Now!) Latest Shows. Democracy Now! is a [semi] independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch livestream at democracynow.org Mondays to Fridays 8-9 am ET.

"King: A Life": New bio details FBI spying and how MLK's criticism of Malcom X was fabricated

(Democracy Now!) May 30, 2023. Democracy Now! speaks in depth with journalist Jonathan Eig about his new book, King: A Life, the first major biography of the civil rights leader in more than 35 years, which draws on unredacted FBI files, as well as the files of the personal aide to [sociopathic] Pres. Lyndon Baines Johnson, to show how Johnson and others partnered in the FBI’s surveillance of King and efforts to destroy him, led by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Eig also interviewed more than 200 people, including many who knew Dr. King closely, like the singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte. The book has also drawn attention for its revelation that Rev. King was less critical of Malcolm X than previously thought.

• Transcript: democracynow.org/2023/5/3...

Manufacturing Consent (Noam Chomsky)

Chomsky's Philosophy, Oct. 15, 2015; Pfc. Sandoval, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

(Chomsky's Philosophy) This is a summary of MIT Prof. Noam Chomsky's analysis on how the corporate mainstream media functions to "manufacture" consent.

The CIA called it Operation Mockingbird.

This means on behalf of the elite in a society, it sets the agenda, topics, debate parameters, perceptions, and constructs the narratives we are fed.

It is the consent of the ruled in a culture, particularly a nominal democracy, that the media is after. Rather than soliciting our "consent" at the end of a gun (in harsh 1984 style), prodded by a militarized police agent's billy club or threats of violence, we are fed propaganda, deceived, and pacified (smiley face Brave New World Order style).

This is an excerpt from the documentary (based on the book Manufacturing Consent) Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media (1992). Watch it here: • VIDEO

How to avoid RAPE in prison (Marshall Project)

(The Marshall Project) How to avoid rape in prison - Men's The Marshall Project, Feb. 20, 2015. What do David Cross and Bob Odenkirk have to say about cops, criminals, and interrogations.

Are whites racist? The Myth of Superiority

Whites are fragile and find it nearly impossible to comfortably talk about race and privilege.

I'm white. I got drunk in Kentucky and my racism came out, attacking Blacks (MSN)

Why white people in America are so scared of Black people

Hi, we're the Himmlers, swingers.

(LuiSpot) Premiered Nov. 4, 2022. Anti-racism activist and educator Jane Elliott explains American racism and the reason why whites are so scared of Black people. Watch full: youtu.be/4QJIu15VjQg ✪ Get access to merchandise: ⤦ luispot.creator-spring.com ✪ Become a patron today: ⤦ patreon.com/luispot.

• WHITE AWAKE Study Group (online) Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles: Nov. 20

White Fragility (R. DiAngelo)

WHO? The White Awake Study Group is for anyone who identifies as "white" who wants to learn more about the realities of unconscious racism and the unintended impacts of white privilege so that we can consciously contribute to racial justice rather than unconsciously perpetuating patterns of racism.

WHAT?

We were born to privilege. It's not our fault.

We gather with other whites to create a space of learning without causing more harm. We hold the Shambhala Buddhist values of "basic goodness," bravery, gentleness, kindness, and understanding at the center of our study.

WHEN? Once a month, over the course of a year, we will be studying anti-racism through reading, contemplation, and discussion. Drop-ins are always welcome! More

White Awake: Buddhists against racism, implicit bias, white privilege, and white fragility

Protests: police murder of black teen (video)

Pat Macpherson, Pfc. Sandoval (editors), Wisdom Quarterly; Ashley Fantz, Bill Kirkos (CNN, Nov. 23, 2015); AP (White Chicago cop charged with murder of black teen) UPDATED

WARNING: Extremely distressing needless police execution! Dashcam video shows Officer Jason Van Dyke executing black teen Laquan McDonald. This evidence was suppressed by Chicago Police Dept. to protect the murder until a judge demanded its release.

Chicago leaders urge calm before police shooting video released.

• 

  Ashley Fantz (CNN)

  "We're hoping that these protests and demonstrations will be peaceful. We know they are coming," says Chicago pastor.
• A judge has ordered the city of Chicago to release the video of the murder of Laquan McDonald by Officer Jason Van Dyke by November 25.
• The 17-year-old was shot 16 times by an officer who just arrived on the scene six seconds before after other police already had him corralled while he was holding a knife and walking away.

I'm willing to murder blacks and protesters.

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) Leaders in Chicago are calling for calm ahead of the expected release of a video that reportedly shows a white police officer shooting a black teenager 16 times [most of them while he was paralyzed and bleeding on the ground].

Laquan McDonald was walking down a Chicago street the night of October 20, 2014, carrying a 4-inch knife and behaving erratically [i.e., disobediently], authorities said.

 

A police state keeps me working.

A police officer told the 17-year-old to drop the knife, but he didn't listen and the officer [sought to murder him so] fired on him [using the catchall after-the-fact excuse that it was] out of fear for his life, according to a police union spokesman. 

 

On Thursday, a judge in Chicago ordered the city to release by this Wednesday the police dashcam video that shows the shooting. For months, the city has fought attempts to have the video released to the public, saying it could jeopardize any ongoing investigation [by having the truth out while we're busy trying to cover it up to protect our officers from successful prosecution].

  

Our silence would be complicity with racist police crimes (dontshootstl.org).

.

They'll never convict, so suck it.

"Chicago is on the tipping point," the Rev. Roosevelt Watkins said, according to CNN affiliate WLS. "We could be just like Ferguson."

 

Watkins was referring to Ferguson, Missouri, which imploded in protests and riots after a white police officer shot to death unarmed black teen Michael Brown in 2014. Unrest in the St. Louis suburb lasted for weeks.

Remember the Ferguson or Fergistan protests? (Tom Tomorrow/ThisModernWorld.com)

 

Initially Chicago city officials tried to prevent the release of the video. But Cook County Judge Franklin Valderrama denied a request by the city's attorneys to issue a stay in his decision while they appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court.

 

The officer who shot McDonald, Jason Van Dyke, has not faced charges and still [gets paid by] the police department in a "limited duty position."

"Protests are imminent"

Anti-Ferguson police brutality demonstration, Berkeley (Dec. 6, 2014/AP).

 

On Monday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel met with various activists and community leaders to discuss the release of the video and what it might mean for the city.

 

His office has not released details on when or how it plans to release the video. But some in the city are bracing for protests and unrest. More + updated video of protests

• Multi-million settlement reached in Kelly Thomas police beating/murder case The Orange County city of Fullerton agreed to pay $4.9 million over the post-arrest death of a white mentally ill homeless man in 2011.
  
• Wrongly convicted of three sex crimes, man is freed after 16 years after DNA clears him
• Turkey shoots down Russian fighter plane near Syria border Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu insists has right to take "all kinds of measures" against incursions.
• After Marrying Jackie O., U.S. Pres. JFK sent other woman adulterous love letters John F. Kennedy fell for Gunilla Von Post weeks before his lavish wedding.
• Assets "seized" by cops top those stolen by burglars A new booming business: in 2014, more property was taken via legal civil asset forfeiture than burglary.
• Chicago cop charged with first degree murder in shooting death... City officials have remained uneasy about releasing dashcam footage of the killing which could resurrect strong emotions and reactions from community members.