According to Antonio Pigafetta [7], one of the Ferdinand Magellan expedition's few survivors and its published chronicler, Magellan bestowed the name Patagão (or Patagón) on the GIANT inhabitants they encountered there.
Although Pigafetta's account does not describe how this name came about, subsequent popular interpretations gave credence to a derivation meaning "land of the big feet."
However, this etymology is questionable. The term might be derived from an actual character name, "Patagón," a savage creature confronted by Primaleón of Greece, the hero in the homonymous Spanish chivalry novel (knight-errantry tale) by Francisco Vázquez [63].
This book, published in 1512, was the sequel of the romance Palmerín de Oliva; it was much in vogue at the time and a favorite reading of Magellan.
Magellan's perception of the natives, dressed in skins and eating raw meat, may have recalled the uncivilized Patagón in Vázquez's book.
European meets American giants
Novelist and travel writer Bruce Chatwin suggests etymological roots of both Patagon and Patagonia in his book, In Patagonia[64], noting a tenuous similarity between "Patagon" and the Greek word παταγος, which means "a roaring" or "gnashing of teeth."
(In his chronicle, Pigafetta describes the Patagonians as "roaring like bulls"). More
40 people dead after paraglider drops bombs on festival
(AFP via MSN)
At least forty people have died after a paraglider dropped bombs on a festival in Burma (which the military junta renamed Myanmar). Hundreds of people were gathered in the Chaung U Township for the Thadingyut full moon festival on Monday evening when the military dropped bombs on the crowd, according to a member of the committee that organized the event. 40 people dead after paraglider drops bombs on festival
Horror in Myanmar: Paraglider drops bombs on festival crowd, killing at least 40
(New York Post) Oct. 8, 2025: At least 40 people, including children, were killed and 80 injured after a Burmese military paraglider dropped bombs on a religious festival in Burma’s Chuang U Township. The attack targeted attendees marking the Thadingyut full moon festival, many of whom were protesting the junta’s dictatorial rule. Footage shows the devastating aftermath as survivors search through debris. #myanmar #Burmese #Thadingyut
(Late Night with Seth Meyers) Tuesday, Oct: 7, 2025: Meyers addresses the U.S. Treasury releasing a silver dollar with Trump's head on both sides, no tails, Bill Nye protesting Trump's proposal to cut NASA's science budget, and more in his monologue for Monday, Oct. 6, before taking a closer look at Trump claiming he has the power to send paramilitary troops to Portland but doesn't have the power to keep the government open.
Kim Iversen, Oct. 7, 2025; The Damage Report, Sesame Street humiliates Trump, and he pays them back with cancellation; Seth Auberon, Pfc. Sandoval (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
The opening of the Eaton Fire Collab was a great success. The parking lot was overflowing, and the 36,000 square foot space was packed shoulder to shoulder with tours, a party, and lots of tabling by non-profit organizations. In the future Free Store (for those who apply in advance) sits the mural shown above, which is about 25 feet long. There was a party going in the central meeting area, along with free snacks. When in full swing, this will be the largest fire recovery hub in California. There is an entire section dedicated to mental health, relaxation, and recovery. It includes art therapy, peer-to-peer counseling, and other psychological resources.
The EFC Collaboratory is having a grand opening on Tuesday, Oct. 7th, at 540 W. Woodbury Ave. in Altadena (near the intersection of Lincoln and Woodbury). This massive 36,000 square foot compound is the home to many non-profits and an art collective. Our collaboration mural with impact artist Ekaterina Sky is now housed here and visible in the west-facing lounge near the rolling doors. The vision for the remainder of the space will be explained on the day to visitors and guests.
Eaton Fire Collaboratory Grand Opening
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 pm
540 W. Woodbury Ave, Altadena, California
Grand opening of EFC Collaboratory, Altadena
In January 2025, California faced one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in history. Thousands of families were displaced, homes were lost, and entire communities were left reeling in the aftermath.
For the past nine months, the StrongHome Network has been on the ground, serving, supporting, and walking alongside families impacted by these fires. Through collaboration with hundreds of dedicated organizations, SHN has worked tirelessly to help survivors rebuild their lives, restore hope, and begin again.
Now, SHN is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of the Eaton Fire Collaboratory—a new shared space where over 40 organizations are coming together under one roof to continue this vital work.
The Collaboratory is a place of restoration, partnership, and community. Here, fire-affected families can access a wide range of resources including:
Essential needs and personal recovery support
Home rebuilding and construction guidance
Family and marriage strengthening programs
Mental health and wellness services
Business and financial recovery resources.
Following the grand opening, the Eaton Fire Collaboratory will remain open weekly during regular business hours to serve anyone in need of these resources.
Whether one seeks personal support, rebuilding assistance, or community connection, this will be a welcoming space for ongoing recovery and growth. If anyone was impacted by the fires or are passionate about supporting community recovery, all are invited to join SHN for this special event.
Come meet the partners, explore the space, connect with local leaders, and discover how we can all move forward—stronger together.
WHAT HAPPENED?Amigosdelosrios.org -- which is saving the remaining trees in Altadena after the Eaton Fire took more than half of them -- cleaned up the green space around the center in preparation for the open house on Tuesday, Oct. 7th.
Scientists have discovered the secrets behind how a Spanish woman became the world's oldest person, until her death last year at age 117.
Researchers found Maria Branyas' "exceptional" genes and "frugal" Mediterranean diet -- made up of lots of vegetables, fruits, legumes (beans), and olive oil -- were the most likely reasons she lived for so long.
I keep my gut healthy with yoghurt, not cake.
The study collected samples of blood, saliva, and stool from Ms. Branyas when she was 116-years-old to analyze her genetics.
Prof Manel Esteller, leader of the research team, noted that Ms. Branyas avoided drinking alcohol or smoking and ate three servings of plain, sugar-free yoghurt [rich in probiotics] every day. More
There is an organization that is currently doing something to save the remaining trees of Altadena, more than half of which were wiped out by the Eaton Fire. They are Amigos de los Rios ("Friends of the Rivers," referring to the Emerald Necklace).
ADLR offers free watering assistance for Altadena homeowners:
In the wake of the Eaton Fires, our local trees need our help. We’re offering watering assistance for Altadena’s homeowners to protect and preserve our community canopy.
By signing up, those in need give permission for ADLR's trained team to visit a property and water its trees.
Amigos de los Rios is an Altadena-based 501c3 urban greening non-profit that has served the community since 2003.
Its office was destroyed in the Eaton Fire and many of our staff have been impacted by fire damage and loss, leading to a great deal of concern about the tremendous loss of trees thoughout this Los Angeles foothill community.
It is critical to protect the remaining trees in Altadena by watering them over the hot Indian summer months to help them survive.
As such ADLR has started a program to help all families provide water to surviving trees.
ADLR is working hard to raise grant funds for this endeavor. Support ADLR by donating to this effort or volunteering.
Amigos de los Rios is working to create the Emerald Necklace: a natural infrastructure network of green spaces, green schools, parks, and trails throughout under-served communities in the Los Angeles Basin. ADLR is connecting the mountains to the sea, helping to provide equitable access to nature, and protecting our environment and urban communities from the threats of climate change. More
Effort to save Altadena’s remaining trees after Eaton Fire
Highlighted by NBCLA, California Community Foundation, ABC7, and Pasadena Star News, after the devastating Eaton Fire, local groups are leading an urgent effort to save Altadena’s remaining trees. More
Creating an Emerald Necklace of parks in the Los Angeles Basin
with support from California Climate Investments funding through the California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Program, Amigos de los Rios expanded the green schoolyard project at Mary Jackson. Multilingual More
This video breaks down how Nicolas Cage’s Atlantic City thriller mirrors [predictively programs] recent real-world events surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk [by Israel], Jezebel, and the symbolic 9-10/9-11 connection.
Bari Weiss (born March 25, 1984) is a prominent self-described "Zionist fanatic," IDF asset, anti-trans lesbian, and Jewish American journalist who is the editor-in-chief of CBS News [1]. She was an op-ed and book review editor at The Wall Street Journal from 2013 to 2017 [2] and an op-ed staff editor and writer on culture and politics at The New York Times from 2017 to 2020 [3]. Since March 1, 2021, she has worked as a regular columnist for German daily newspaper Die Welt [4]. Weiss founded the [Israeli-funded] media company The Free Press (formerly Common Sense) and hosts the podcast Honestly. More
Trump has NOTHING to do with Epstein birthday letter, Pam Bondi grilled, federal workers go without pay
(Jimmy Kimmel) Costco is now offering Big Pharma's Ozempic and Wegovy for half price, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are working without pay including air traffic controllers, the tower at Burbank Airport went unstaffed for six hours yesterday, Mike Johnson said Republicans are praying it’ll be a “very short shutdown,” Trump was asked whether furloughed employees would get retro-active compensation, Marjorie Taylor Greene gave a shocking statement about health insurance, Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House and gave him his vision of what America would have been like under President Harris, the Senate Judiciary Committee was at work today hearing testimony from Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi, she refused to deny that border Czar Tom Homan was seen accepting $50k in cash, she dodged a question regarding whether the FBI found photos of Trump and Epstein with topless women, and since Donald Trump claims to have nothing to do with the now infamous Epstein birthday letter, we decided to do a bit of research to see if everything adds up.
Jimmy Kimmel, Oct. 7, 2025; Times Radio, Seth Auberon, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Buddhist vs. Shaolin monks: What's the difference?
Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy edited by Wisdom Quarterly
Shaolin Temple, nestled in the Songshan Mountains of China's Henan Province, is renowned for its rich history and dual traditions of Buddhism and martial arts.
Within its sacred walls, both peaceful Buddhist monks and Shaolin "warrior monks" live and practice, each following distinct paths of spiritual and physical cultivation, providing a fascinating glimpse into two distinct yet intertwined traditions.
Explore the daily lives, rites of passage, and unique practices of these Buddhist monks, revealing a rich tapestry of discipline, devotion, and heritage that continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.
A difference in monks
Buddhist monks can be found in various regions across the world, each embodying the diverse traditions and practices of Buddhism.
In [Mahayana Buddhist] China, there are multiple sects such as Chan (Zen) Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism [which claims to be a distinct branch called Vajrayana], each with its unique rituals, teachings, and monastic disciplinary codes.
Outside of China, Buddhism existed in an earlier form in countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, with Theravada Buddhism being predominant in Southeast Asia.
Mahayana Buddhism flourishes in East Asia, including financial powerhouses Japan and Singapore.
These regional differences lead to a rich variety of practices [and old and misleading distinctions like "Northern" and "Southern" schools, extant Mahayana vs. defunct Hinayana], from the monasticism of Theravada Southeast Asia to meditative and austere lifestyle of Japanese Zen monks to the vibrant rituals and chanting of Tibetan monks [and other Himalayan traditions in Nepal, Bhutan, India, Mongolia, and Russia].
Despite these regional differences, all Buddhist monastics (monks and nuns) share a common dedication to the principles of mindfulness (sati), ethical living (sila), and the pursuit of enlightenment (bodhi).
So what’s the difference between Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monks and Shaolin monks?
Buddhist monks
Literary monastics (wenseng) study
Religious affiliation: Buddhist monks adhere to the teachings and practices of "Buddhism" -- which might be divided between those who follow the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) and those who have moved beyond that to devotional practices worshipping Cosmic Buddhas like Amitabha and Vairocana or great Bodhisattvas like Budai and Guan Yin.
Buddhism a spiritual tradition that encompasses many schools and sects. Buddhism originated in proto-India and spread to other parts of Asia [particularly South and Central Asia] then to China, where it became one of the three major religions along with Confucianism and Taoism.
Monastic orders
Warrior monks (wuseng) train to fight
Buddhist monastics belong to monastic orders or communities (sanghas), where they take vows of celibacy, poverty, and self-discipline.
They devote their lives to the pursuit of enlightenment and the alleviation of suffering, following the Noble (Ennobling) Eightfold Path and other Buddhist principles.
Spiritual practices
Buddhist monastics engage in a wide range of spiritual practices, including sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindfulness practices, protection (paritta) chanting, sutra recitation, and ritual ceremonies.
They seek to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness through their practices, aiming to attain nirvana -- liberation from the cycle of rebirth and death known as samsara. More: Buddhist vs. Shaolin Monks: What's the Difference?
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