David Boles: Human Meme

Now, that phrase: "Bold, Persistent Experimentation." It strikes you right in the heart, doesn’t it? There’s something stirring about it. It’s a challenge, a rallying cry, a promise that our greatest work isn’t behind us, but ahead, waiting to be discovered if only we dare enough. If we try enough.

hYou know, the concept of a "Godwink" is really quite fascinating when you delve into it. At its core, a "Godwink" is one of those moments that feels like more than just a coincidence. It's as if the universe — or a higher power — is giving you a little nudge or a wink to let you know you're on the right path or to provide guidance when you need it most.

The idea of "not speaking ill of the dead" is a deeply rooted cultural and historical construct, and its origins and evolution provide significant insight into the ways societies shape their collective memories. This concept, often summarized in the Latin phrase -- De mortuis nihil nisi bonum -- ("Of the dead, nothing but good should be said"), has existed for millennia, emerging from an interplay of morality, religious beliefs, and the need for social cohesion.

The myth of Prometheus, the fire giver, is a rich and layered tale that has traversed cultures, ideas, and interpretations for centuries. At its core, the story is one of defiance, suffering, and enlightenment. Prometheus is a Titan in Greek mythology, whose name means "forethought," and he is best known for his daring theft of fire from the gods to give to humanity—a gift that symbolizes knowledge, technology, and civilization. But beneath this act of rebellion lies a story of suffering and sacrifice, a warning about the boundaries between human ambition and divine will, and a reflection on the eternal tension between freedom and authority.

Factitious Disorder, often complex and deeply misunderstood, involves individuals deliberately fabricating, exaggerating, or inducing physical or psychological symptoms to assume the role of a sick person. This disorder is distinct from mere malingering, where an individual feigns illness for personal gain such as financial compensation or avoidance of responsibilities. In Factitious Disorder, the primary motivation is to acquire the identity of a patient, receiving attention and care in a medical setting.

Sartre's reflections on prejudice reveal not just the mechanics of anti-Semitism but the broader patterns of hate and bad faith argumentation that persist through time. We’ll explore how these dynamics might evolve over the next 50 to 100 years, anticipating new forms of prejudice that could arise as our world changes. From technophobia and xenophobia to potential discrimination against genetically modified humans or off-world colonists, the targets of hate may shift, but the underlying tactics and impacts remain.

The roots of the moon landing conspiracy theories trace back to a fundamental distrust in government. This sentiment was particularly inflamed during the 1960s and 70s, amidst the chilling winds of the Cold War and the fiery protests against the Vietnam War. The United States was a nation divided, its citizens wrestling with political disillusionment. In such an environment, the narrative that the moon landing could be a grand deception orchestrated by the U.S. government to assert dominance in the space race against the Soviet Union found fertile ground.

The thick, humid air of Mississippi hung heavy on Alana's shoulders, mirroring the weight of her sorrows. The cicadas' chorus, a constant reminder of the stifling heat, seemed to echo the loneliness that had settled deep within her. In her small, clapboard house, she often sought escape in the worn-out grooves of her grandfather's vinyl records. The raw, soulful voices of Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson, and Robert Johnson poured from the old turntable, weaving tales of heartache, resilience, and spiritual redemption.

The British Shorthair is a breed steeped in history, defined by a calm dignity that’s as much a part of its character as its iconic round face and plush coat. From its humble origins as a Roman ratter to its modern status as a beloved family companion, this cat has evolved through centuries of selective breeding, weathering wars and fashion trends to emerge as a timeless symbol of British resilience.

Fixed delusions are a type of psychological disorder where a person holds unshakeable beliefs in something that is clearly untrue or illogical. These aren't just occasional misunderstandings or mistaken beliefs; these are convictions that remain firm even when confronted with conflicting evidence. Unlike broader delusions often associated with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, fixed delusions can occur in individuals who might otherwise appear completely functional in everyday life.