I borrowed this from user u/jahmonkey who posted it on zen forum. Copied it here in case it gets deleted, cause I have no time to read it now, but for later.
Here are some Chinese Zen masters who shared their advice on the practice of meditation in their own words:
Quote: "When you sit in meditation, sit as if you were mountain peaks, your mind vast and unshakable. Calmly and without effort, let thoughts and emotions arise and dissolve like clouds in the sky. Let your mind be clear and open, like a mirror reflecting everything yet holding on to nothing." Zen Master Hongzhi Zhengjue, from "Cultivating the Empty Field" (Wu-men Kuan)
Quote: "In the practice of meditation, do not strive to become anything. Just sit with a relaxed and upright posture, allowing your breath to come and go naturally. Observe the arising and passing away of thoughts, sensations, and emotions without grasping or rejecting them. Rest in the boundless awareness that is beyond all conceptualizations." Zen Master Huangbo Xiyun, from "The Zen Teaching of Huangbo" (Huangbo Xiyun Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "When you sit in meditation, do not expect anything. Do not seek enlightenment or try to attain some special state of mind. Just be present with whatever arises, whether it is pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Allow your thoughts to come and go like waves in the ocean, without getting caught up in them. Be aware of the breath, the sensations in the body, and the spaciousness of awareness itself." Zen Master Mazu Daoyi, from "The Recorded Sayings of Zen Master Mazu" (Mazu Daoyi Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "In the practice of meditation, do not cling to any particular method or technique. Let go of all striving and effort, and simply be present with your experience in each moment. Whether you are sitting, walking, eating, or working, bring mindfulness and awareness to whatever you are doing. This is the true practice of meditation." Zen Master Bankei Yōtaku, from "Bankei Zen: Translations from the Record of Bankei" (Bankei Zen: Bankei's Record of Talks)
Quote: "The essence of meditation is not to seek anything outside of yourself. It is to realize your true nature, which is already complete and perfect. Sit quietly, breathe naturally, and allow your mind to settle. Let go of all thoughts and concepts, and rest in the pure awareness that is always present. This is the true meditation." Zen Master Foyan Qingyuan, from "The Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present" (Foyan Qingyuan Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "In meditation, do not try to control or manipulate your thoughts. Instead, just let them arise and pass away naturally, like clouds moving across the sky. Be aware of the present moment, without judgment or attachment. This is the essence of meditation." Zen Master Yunmen Wenyan, from "Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom" (Yunmen Wenyan Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "When you sit in meditation, do not grasp onto any particular object of focus. Simply be present with whatever arises in your experience, whether it is thoughts, sensations, or emotions. Cultivate a spacious and open awareness, like the vast sky that contains everything." Zen Master Xuedou Zhijian, from "The Blue Cliff Record" (Xuedou Zhijian Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "Meditation is not about attaining a special state of mind or achieving some goal. It is about being fully present in each moment, without judgment or expectation. Just sit, breathe, and let go. Allow everything to be as it is, and you will discover the boundless peace and clarity that are already within you." Zen Master Dahui Zonggao, from "Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Dahui" (Dahui Zonggao Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "In meditation, do not try to suppress or eliminate thoughts. Instead, let them come and go freely, like waves in the ocean. Observe them without getting entangled or carried away. Rest in the stillness and silence that underlies all mental activity." Zen Master Linji Yixuan, from "The Record of Linji" (Linji Yixuan Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "When you sit in meditation, do not cling to any particular state of mind. Do not try to make anything happen or force any experience. Simply be present with whatever arises, whether it is pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Rest in the spaciousness of awareness, and let everything be as it is." Zen Master Guishan Lingyou, from "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang" (Guishan Lingyou Chanshi Yulu)
There may be reasonable alternate translations of the word “meditation” but the question would be what would that word be? It is clear from the context that these Zen masters are referring to a practice that is properly called meditation. To assert otherwise is simply being obtuse.

It's been a long time since I last used Reddit, but this has been on my mind lately and I wanted to know what other people think about this since It's a really sensitive topic for me and I just can't stop thinking about it.
I (16M) have my best friend (19F) who broke up with her boyfriend (17M) some months ago, I'll call her Lucy, and her ex, Jack.
A lot of things happened for them to break up, I'll try to keep it short.
First of all, Jack and I met when I was 12 through an Instagram group since we both liked art and that stuff. Lucy was already my friend by some months by that time, and we both hated Jack. He was extremely racist, homophobic, transphobic, everything. There was not a single good thing about this man. He used to sexualize me for being a trans guy, commenting gross things on my posts whenever it had my face, and much more.
And for some reason, Lucy and him ended up dating. I don't know how. But I accepted it since she was my best friend and thought "well if she's happy then I'll just keep up with it".
At the same time, I was in a relationship with a guy (16M), through the internet. I'll keep it short, he sexually abused me, deteriorated my mental health, cheated on me 3 times, and this is just the beginning.
Lucy and Jack knew about this, but Lucy couldn't help me because I was 12, whenever she would've talked to me about his toxic behavior I'd just brush it off because I "loved him" and he was just confused or whatever excuse I'd find to keep him as the good guy.
And including Jack wouldn't let me and Lucy talk a lot since he would get "jealous" saying that he "wanted to be my best friend" and not her. He would check her chats and see our conversation and TEXT THROUGH THEM to try and talk to me when I wouldn't answer him.
Time passed by and I got off that relationship when I was 14, met someone else at that time and started dating them. But it was kind of toxic too, we broke up once because I couldn't communicate properly, then he came back and asked me to try again, he broke up again with me because "distance wasn't his thing". So I let him go.
He made a lot of gross comments about my at the time boyfriend, and kept sexualizing me and trying to make my boyfriend leave me just because "he was there first."
I had it and blocked him, I spent months having to deal with his non stopping messages about how sorry he was through Lucy, since she was kinda by his side.
Well, some months ago he broke up with her because, in his words, he couldn't handle being with her because he still missed me a lot and the fact she was my best friend made him feel miserable.
Oh well.
Time passed by and some weeks ago Lucy told me she found something I might wanna see, when I checked her messages she had sent me screenshots of her ex talking shit about me in a DISCORD SERVER. I guess he was having another conversation when he said this because things before don't make sense, so I'll quote exactly what he said to like a hundred of people in that server about me:
" Oh yeah, I had a friend who fell in love with a 17 year old chilean guy when she was 14. I mean, 14 when she started dating him. But I guess they actually started having something when she was 13."
The others changed topics, and he kept on talking, but now about my newest ex.
" Because she was a dumbass blinded by love and she forgave him 3 times. She doesn't knows how to live without someone's love. "
Again changed topics, and he talked again.
" And she had the audacity to stop talking to me just because of her boyfriend. Just because he was from the USA and German. Just because she's a gold digger, to get a better future and blah blah blah."
" But then I'm the bad guy, he breaks up with her because he got bored and when I do something slightly bad I'm blocked from fucking everywhere, and the fucking stupid bitch forgives him and not me."
"So she's just a bitch with no self-love."
First of all, I wasn't 14, I was 13 when that guy was 17, and started "dating" when I was 12.
Second of all, he changed the whole story to keep as the "cool nice guy" in front of his friends. And not only that, he used female pronouns on me knowing I've been a trans guy since I was 9. There's no excuse to call me "she" when he knew from the moment he met me.
It's humiliating to know he told everyone about it, and I got an Instagram notification about him taking screenshots of old NSFW drawings I did of me and my groomer when I was 13, and showed to him because I didn't know who else to tell since Lucy wouldn't talk to me because of him.
I feel gross and I honestly don't know what to do. He texted all those things on December 2023, and it's been months since then but I don't know if I should do something. I feel like letting go is the best option but I can't stop thinking about how he's just spreading the SA I went through to everyone and I'm just here, suffering the consequences of it. Since when I was 14 I went through the same at school because of my cousin who looked through my phone and found erotic pictures of me and conversations I used to have with my groomer and told everyone the next day. I was harassed for months.
Anything that I could do? I'm confused and at the same time so mad, but sad.
Thanks for reading. Sorry if it was long, I needed to get a lot of things out.

March 2020, I (F22)started work as admin in a med centre. Before I'd even finished initial walk round/ intro, I was advised that I wasn't the first choice for job and only offered it as first choice wanted Part Time.
Start of my second week, I was asked to lead a new system being introduced & was really excited about this until one of the girls (lets call her Lucy) started getting shirty & blunt with me. She'd worked there for years & thought she should've been offered this over me, a "newbie". Office manager (OM) explained I had previous experience and was a fresh set of eyes. Won't bore with details but I did really well. Fast forward couple of months, OM had been kicked to HQ. Now only had Business manager (BM) who took an instant dislike to me, no idea why.
First incident was faulty fire alarms repeatedly going off. I'm completely deaf in right ear and alarm was causing severe issues; severe head pain, off balance, seeing black spots, barely able to speak. My friend worked in physio and looked after me, called my mom and doctors. On return, BM was “unaware” i was half deaf, I had definitely informed her of this during interview.
Next - after 3 week sick period from work anxiety. On return, i noticed a continuous issue with sick notes not being prepared properly by physio. I emailed physio asking to look into. Suddenly, i'm being screamed at by the BM in front of patients saying i shouldn't be raising ANYTHING unless to her. I explained i didn't raise it, I passed a query to dept admin, she then raised it. I spent half hour sat crying before the someone saw me & consoled me.
Had search parties sent out for me when i went to the toilet. Been told off for helping new doctor set up his printer because, & i quote "that's not admins job".
Been watched like a hawk after claims from Lucy I wasn't completing my workload. I was covering 13 areas of work including; reception, scanning, info requests, med doc returns, scheduling appts, covering minor units, etc, you get the gist. HUGE workload for one person. Lucy did 2 reception duties a week & patient registrations. THATS IT. & had the audacity to tell EVERYONE that I was failing at my job. I spoke to a colleague (lets call her Jo) who was covering OM duties. Explained all is up to date and issue raised was a request for medical documents that we never held.
By this time I’m looking for new jobs, applying for anything & EVERYTHING, waiting to take first to offer.
January 2021, we had new members of staff. on top of my insane work load, I was asked to train people. "yeah absolutely, more than happy to"
Whilst training, they're asking questions about everyone. I did not hold back. I told them everything. I told them I'd not even worked here a year & had all this happen to me & been made to feel like absolute rubbish.
I left the role in March 2021. Of the new staff met prior to leaving; 1 got a new job within 6 months, 1 returned to her OLD job, & another 2 just walked out.
AITA for warning them off?

Hello all,
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Proof
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Shipping is $9 Priority Mail with $100 included insurance. Free shipping if you buy 2 or more items. Additional insurance or other add ons (i.e. Signature confirmation) available at cost as quoted on Pirate Ship. Can do UPS at cost on Pirate Ship. Title passes to buyer once tendered to USPS/UPS.
Payment: I accept Zelle, PPFF (no notes, and ask first), Venmo, and Crypto (Bitcoin, Litecoin, ETH preferred, but am open to others if you want to ask). All crypto subject to 1% surcharge to cover my cost to liquidate.

Date: 05/14/2024

Reading time: 10 minutes, 2146 words

🪖 Military

Armenian army holding strategic command, staff drills

Live firing will be carried out using automatic control systems and modern equipment.

PanArmenian

Armenian Armed Forces conduct strategic exercises

The exercises aim to test the practical implementation of plans for the deployment and use of the Armed Forces of Armenia. They also aim to study the possibilities of various uses of forces and means of reinforcement.

Armenpress

UN Committee against Torture points out killings, torture against Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians committed by Azerbaijan

The UN Committee against Torture pointed out extra-judicial killings and ill-treatment of ethnic Armenians committed by Azerbaijan during an armed conflict and “anti-terrorism operations” in Nagorno-Karabakh in its report published on 10 May. The Committee also expressed concerns over the continued detention of 23 people for alleged terrorism and related offences.

ArkaAm

Arkady Ghukasyan's detention period has been extended by another 5 months

Arkady Ghukasyan was arrested in September 2023, after a one-day war against Artsakh. The Azerbaijani authorities accuse him of financing terrorism, financing terrorism. 22 more Armenian servicemen and civilians are in Azerbaijan.

CivilNet, Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months

🏛️ Politics & Government

More than 9,900 forcibly displaced people from Artsakh have left Armenia

As of May 1, 16,585 forcibly displaced persons left Armenia by air and land, and 6 returned. PM Nikol Pashinyan denied this number, adding that as in the case of RA citizens, Artsakh residents are also leaving.

CivilNet

Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia

At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan.

PanArmenian

Some Russian border guards to stay in Armenia — Bortnikov

Russia will continue to deploy some of its border guards in Armenia, says Alexander Bortnikov. Russian border guards will protect Armenia's border with Turkey and Iran, he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan agreed to end the presence of Russian guards in some regions of Armenia.

Armenpress, Russian border guards to continue service on Armenia’s borders with Turkey and Iran

Border issues should be resolved so that they do not become a casus belli for Azerbaijan to attack Armenia - Swiss MP

Stefan Müller-Altermatt: Armenia-Azerbaijani border issues must be resolved at some point. The terrible legacy of Stalin must be overcome, he says, because otherwise they are always a possible casus belli that Azerbaijan can use to attack Armenia. The meeting of Armenia-EU-US in Brussels on April 5 was of enormous importance.

Armenpress

Disobedience actions resumed in the center of Yerevan from early morning, 38 participants were detained

Activists of the "Tavush for the Motherland movement and their supporting citizens block the streets and intersections as part of the awareness campaign. The opposition movement opposes the policy of the authorities regarding border demarcation with Azerbaijan.

ArkaAm

Armenian PM, Danish Parliament Speaker discuss cooperation across various fields

The parties discussed issues pertaining to cooperation between the parliaments of Armenia and Denmark, as well as cooperation across various fields. The parties expressed hope that the visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia to Denmark will give a new impetus to the development of multi-sectoral relations between the two countries.

Armenpress, Nikol Pashinyan stresses the importance of continuing democratic reforms to eliminate corruption in Armenia, Armenian premier hopes for steadfastness in border delimitation process between Armenia, Azerbaijan, The Prime Minister expressed his wish for Armenia's EU Membership in 2024, Armenia has made enormous progress in strengthening democratic institutions - Pashinyan, Pashinyan, Rasmussen discuss regional security, Armenian PM invites Danish counterpart to pay official visit to Yerevan, Pashinyan discussed RA-EU cooperation with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Democracy a strategy for Armenia։ PM Pashinyan participates in Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Pashinyan, Rasmussen discuss Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” project, Danish Prime Minister accepts invitation to visit Armenia

We look forward to the EU's decision to include Armenia in the European Peace Fund - Pashinyan

Prime Minister Pashinyan says Yerevan is now looking forward to EU's decision to include Armenia in the European Peace Fund. He also expressed hope that negotiations with the EU on visa liberalization will begin. Armenia is now developing defense cooperation with India, France and other countries.

Armenpress, The Prime Minister expressed his wish for Armenia's EU Membership in 2024, Pashinyan makes wish: to see Armenia joining EU

The war in our region was a preface to further developments - Nikol Pashinyan

Nikol Pashinyan says the war in the South Caucasus was a preface to further developments, and world order is collapsing now, PM says. The Prime Minister emphasized that democracy did not emerge in Armenia simply due to circumstances. He said the security situation was complicated and is even more complicated now.

Armenpress

A meeting is scheduled between Alen Simonyan and Sahiba Gafarova in Geneva

A delegation led by the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, will be in Geneva on a working visit from May 15th to 18th. A meeting between the President of the Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova is planned as part of the visit on May 16.

Armenpress, Alen Simonyan will meet with the head of the Parliament of Azerbaijan on May 16, President of Armenia’s National Assembly to meet Azerbaijani counterpart in Geneva, The meeting between the Speaker of the RA National Assembly and the Speaker of the Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan will take place in Geneva, Armenian, Azerbaijani Parliament Speakers to meet in Geneva

OSCE Chair-in-Office considers border demarcation agreement between Yerevan and Baku a “step in the right direction"

Ian Borg, OSCE Chair-in-Office, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, met Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev in Baku. The recent agreement on border demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a “step in the right direction”

Armenpress, We are ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan in achieving peace. OSCE Chairman-in-Office

Belgium welcomes negotiations between Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Almaty

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium welcomed the recent negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The negotiations took place between Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov.

Armenpress, Belgium welcomes new round of Armenian-Azerbaijani talks in Almaty

US continues to believe that peace in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is possible - Vedant Patel

The parties agreed to continue negotiations on the establishment of peace and interstate relations. The ministers met both in a trilateral format with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

Armenpress, State Department says it believes in achieving peace in Nagorno-Karabakh region, U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan

Armenia is waiting for the decision to join the European Peace Foundation. Pashinyan

Pashinyan: We are waiting for the decision to include Armenia in the European Peace Fund. The fund was established in 2021 to promote world peace, prevent conflicts and supply non-lethal weapons to countries in need. In mid-April, the media wrote that a preliminary agreement was reached in Brussels to provide 10 million euros to Armenia from this fund, but Hungary blocked the decision.

CivilNet

EBRD provides Armenia with 12 million euros for construction of customs and logistics center in Syunik

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is lending €10 million to Armenia to finance the construction of a customs and logistics centre in the Syunik region. The project is part of the EBRD’s Refugee Crisis Response and includes an integration programme for refugees.

ArkaAm, EBRD, EU partner with Acba bank for Armenian firms, EBRD funds customs and logistics centre in Syunik, Armenia

Armenia's membership in CSTO is an issue for further discussion

Armenia's continued membership in the CSTO is an issue for further discussion, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said. He noted that Armenia is formally a member of the organization, but its participation in the organization is frozen. Armenia recorded that the “red line” was passed during the Azerbaijani invasion in May 2021.

ArkaAm

The United States is bringing Ukraine closer to NATO - Blinken

The United States is bringing Ukraine closer to NATO and will later introduce it to the Alliance. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced this in Kyiv. According to him, Western allies should take another important step – force Russia to pay for the restoration and reconstruction of Ukraine.

Armenpress, Blinken arrives in Kyiv to reassure Ukraine of US support

Independent audit finds more irregularities in Armenian ruling party’s finances

Independent audit into the financial reporting practices of Armenia's ruling political party finds more irregularities. CivilNet and Infocom, another local news site, raised concerns over how it sources campaign donations. The audit found Civil Contract accepted a number of donations that were made anonymously or were above the maximum campaign contribution amount allowed for individuals.

CivilNet

It is time to dissolve the Minsk Group. Aliev

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said it is time to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and its related institutions. He said there is no reason for the Armenian side not to agree to it.

CivilNet

Georgia passes controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill despite widespread opposition

Georgia's parliament passes controversial 'foreign agents' bill. Lawmakers vote 84-30 in favor of the bill, which will require organizations to register as "agents of foreign influence" President Salome Zourabichvili has vowed to veto it.

ArmRadio

Family of Ilham Aliyev’s security chief owns vast property in UK

As head of security for Azerbaijan’s president, Eyyubov is closely trusted by one of the world’s most authoritarian leaders.

PanArmenian

💵 Economy

EDB noted the key factors of deflation in Armenia

Consumer prices in Armenia decreased by 0.7% year-on-year in April, after decreasing by 1.2% last month. The deflation is concentrated in the food segment, in April food prices decreased by 4.5%. In the 2024 state budget, inflation was fixed at 4% (±1.5%)

ArkaAm

Grigori Zakaryan: “Capital markets have crucial importance for economic development.”

A panel discussion titled: ‘Capital Markets, Challenges and Development Prospects’ will be held as part of EBRD’s annual meeting. The capital market in Armenia is a newly emerging and developing institution with unique opportunities and challenges for development. Capital markets are influenced not only by the course of large economies central banks’ monetary policies but also by important geopolitical events.

ArkaAm

⚽ Sport

"The Armenian Prime Minister's Cup" to be held for the third time

The third edition of "The Armenian Prime Minister's Cup" team steeplechase tournament for schoolchildren will take place on May 17-18. The event will be hosted in the vicinity of Dilijan's Parz Lake. A total of 11 teams, each comprising 7 students (5 boys and 2 girls), will compete in the tournament.

Armenpress

Donations to Armenia:

Himnadram
ServicemenFund
Armenian Wounded Heroes
ArmeniaFund

UK here. I have a 10 year old car (Alfa Giulietta) and a previous owner has tried to remove the DPF, I'm guessing using a long stick or chisel. The filter internals are broken, but still in the exhaust, and when the car tries to regen a lot of smoke pours out of the exhaust.
The cost of replacement is really high, so I have 3 remaining options.

1. I've been quoted £500-£1000 to remove the internals, reweld, and remap. Variance in cost is due to uncertainty about how much damage is in there and how easy it will be to remove.
   
2. £200 for a remap only, leave the guts and hope all goes well. Certainly the smoking under regen suggests the filter isn't blocking the exhaust.
   
3. Drive it as-is and just try to slide down in my seat while the regen tries to fog the whole neighbourhood
   

Any thoughts?
The car recently passed an MOT with no evidence of a DPF issue as long as the regen is not underway

Hi to whoever reads this and thank you for taking the time!
Recently while doing some self reflection I have realized how racism towards my race has affected me deeply. With my race, people have normalized being racist towards my people to where I have learned over time to just laugh it off and that other people are right but the older I get I am realizing how wrong this thinking is and that it is not okay to accept this. I have learned to at least acknowledge it's wrong and now that I should try to stick up for myself especially when my own friends might make passing racist jokes. But with dealing with this issue in the past has caused me to even have internalized racism towards myself and at times towards my race which I am not proud of and even go as far as thinking that if I was another race my life would be easier. I am really glad that God has convicted me and brought this issue to my attention so that I can correct my thoughts and also work through some of the things I have faced.
What I am wanting is for some biblical advice on how to deal with this issue? How can I deal with others being so cruel towards my race sometimes? I know that I should stick up for myself if I can, forgive those who make me feel bad and just pray for them. But sometimes I'm like that's it? That's all I can do. I guess that over time this issue has also caused self-loathing and made me feel extremely bad about myself. I guess I'm not just looking for a bible quote thrown my way (I would still appreciate this though so that I can refer to it when I'm feeling down) but I am also looking for some support on how I can work through this. Anything would help. Thank you!

Edit: If you are going to comment on the length of this post, please don't. This is not a simple snark but rather an actual critical think piece about feminism and Taylor Swift.

Introduction

Pertaining to Taylor Swift, "Female Rage" has deviated from its intended meaning after Swift debuted a new performance of The Tortured Poets Department during the Eras Tour. Now, according to Swift's use of the phrase, female rage is interpreted as public backlash against Swift's dating choices rather than as a response to the broader injustices against women and women's rights. This post examines Taylor Swift's flawed feminism, philanthropy, branding, and the controversial trademark petition for the phrase "Female Rage: The Musical". Swift's background as an entertainer, indeterminate politics, and alignment with capitalism over feminism pervades her legacy, again threatening her public tolerance as not just an individual but as a brand.

Once Upon a Female Rage...

If you were cognizant in the early 2010's, you've heard countless jabs at Taylor Swift in the media. Magazines, radio, or online. Music critics did not take her seriously as a songwriter; parents put a woman on an unrealistic pedestal as the ideal role model for their children; she dated too much and used men as lyrical fodder. No matter the story, it inevitably spread, conjoined with everyone's respective opinions, and you'd be left to wonder, "Why does everyone hate this girl so much?"
Taylor's target demographic has always been young or adolescent girls, more so when Swift herself was one. She made music that spoke to the awkward misfit, cultivating a para-social relationship with fans on MySpace, then later twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, where Taylor posted relatable vlogs showcasing the life of a homegrown American girl. Taylor had a delayed public "growing up" and, compared to her female pop contemporaries, Swift never "gratuitously sexualized her image and seems pathologically averse to controversy" (and, apparently, never even had a sip of alcohol until she turned 21). She was more than happy to spin this narrative to allude to an inherent moral superiority above other women in the industry (Better Than Revenge, heard of it?), engaging in the very slut-shaming that she herself endured (the Madonna and Whore archetypes). The victim complex arose with the need to prove Taylor as a different type of pop girl. Based upon her holy and clean image, Swift had been dubbed "a feminist's nightmare", and that "[To Swift] other girls are obstacles; undeserving enemies who steal Taylor’s soulmates with their bewitching good looks and sexual availability." Feminism and Tennessee-Christian country values don't exactly mix, it seems.
Years later, Swift befriended Lena Dunham and thus experienced white feminism osmosis, where Dunham taught Swift that real feminists defend rapists, makes insensitive jokes about rape and abortion, and prioritize all-white casts. Swift then declared herself a feminist in 2014, saying,

"Becoming friends with Lena – without her preaching to me, but just seeing why she believes what she believes, why she says what she says, why she stands for what she stands for – has made me realize that I’ve been taking a feminist stance without actually saying so."

I suppose the male-centric songwriting subject that permeates Swift's discography contained covert feminism and that we just didn't see that. Perhaps, the "Bad Blood" song and music video were written only in jest and not about poor Katy Perry, for Swift, as a feminist, would "never make it a girl fight" or tear other women down (though all Katy did was date your terrible ex-boyfriend and allegedly steal three backup dancers from your tour). In 2013, Swift said, in response to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's joke towards her serial dating, "There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women."
There was that time in 2015 Taylor said that Nicki Minaj was "invited to any stage [she is] on" (as if Taylor expects to have access to every stage, award, and platform that Nicki might not otherwise have as a black female artist...yikes!) in response to Nicki's criticism of the white + thin VMA nominations. Later, Nicki responded with confusion, as Swift continued, "It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..". Of course, this 'beef' was 'squashed' when Nicki performed with Taylor at the VMAs, with Nicki quite literally only having 38 seconds of stage time without Taylor. Maybe all that parading around with a legion of famous white women - similar to the way Taylor might've done with her numerous 1989-era handbags - was in fact a stance against gender inequality, and that this display of "girl power" should be enough to constitute Swift as a feminist icon.
Even while Swift says that Dunham informed her feminist outlook, she dances around the exact contents of those beliefs: "what she believes, what she says, what she stands for" is not exactly insightful towards what beliefs Swift might have inherited. Taylor never broaches women's rights topics such femicide, FGM, forced pregnancy & marriage, sex trafficking, women in slavery, women's financial and political oppression, women's educational rights, women's health, or women's autonomy, so we can assume she only gives a fuck about "girls supporting girls" (whatever that fucking means).
Despite some questionable (and sometimes vindictive) behavior, Taylor as a young woman did not deserve every media lashing that she received. We cannot deny that most headlines and criticisms perpetuated a misogynistic rhetoric which has plagued Swift for a majority of her career. Acknowledging events such as the development of her ED, her sexual assault trial, "Famous" lyric and MV depiction of Taylor, and the explicit Twitter deepfakes, for example, as both disgusting and unfortunate things that happened to a young woman in Hollywood does not negate the fact that Taylor is mostly a performative feminist.

Get Your Fucking Ass Up and Be a Philanthropist, It Seems Like Nobody Wants to Be a Philanthropist These Days

In 2013, Taylor Swift cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. The donation amount - $4 million - was the largest individual artist gift ever donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame, which is, of course, mentioned on Swift's website. The two-story facility features three classrooms, an instrument room, and an interactive children's exhibit gallery. Swift also performed at "All for the Hall" charity shows and has donated numerous artifacts from her career (such as notable guitars, tour costumes, etc) to the museum.
This was over 11 years ago, and it is still the only notable philanthropic contribution Taylor Swift has made.
For a woman of her net worth and stature, and a woman who recognizes the difficulties for women in film and music, you would think that Taylor Swift might establish a scholarship program for women to study the arts or something. Perhaps Swift might even consider becoming a member of organizations that support female artists, or one that supports LGBTQ+ causes (since she is now proudly an ally), yet she remains superficial with her graces. Broader philanthropy, such as donating relief aid to Palestinian women or women impacted by violence and discrimination will probably never receive any financial support from Miss Swift because then she'd be using her money towards philanthropies involving anyone but white entertainers.
She even says herself in Miss Americana, "My entire moral code as a kid and now is a need to be thought of as 'good'." Well, she's certainly thought of as good, though her actions say otherwise. She's more than happy to do a vaguely altruistic song and dance for a clip-worthy interview quote and mass appeasement, then fuck off to one of her mansions on a 20 minute private jet flight, rather than actually contribute to anything pertaining to the causes she has endorsed. Yet, far too many people continue to give a woman such as her their money, time, and energy, and she hoards these resources to herself.

I Like Some of the Taylor's Songs, But What the Fuck Does She Know About Feminism?

Swift continued with her self-proclaimed feminist campaign, positioning herself as a political activist and LGBTQ+ ally in the Miss Americana documentary. The primary focus of the documentary consists of the sexual assault trial, Andrea Swift's cancer diagnosis, Taylor's ED and body dysmorphia, media scrutiny, and, largely, finally speaking up about her politics publicly, mostly her opposition to the 2018 Tennessee Republican senate candidate, Marsha Blackburn, and Blackburn's beliefs. Swift says, following a scene discussing her experience during the trial,

"I just couldn't really stop thinking about it. And I just thought to myself, next time there is any opportunity to change anything, you had better know what you stand for and what you want to say."

We must ask ourselves, though: when has Swift ever spoken up to change anything? Okay, pulling her entire catalogue from Spotify because they didn't pay their artists enough and similarly pulling her catalogue from Apple Music are changes that she leveraged due to her revenue potential and power, but they are not pertinent to the average woman's rights. Moreover, these are issues that directly impacted Taylor's income, which was enough reason for her to protest in the first place. Swift has sold the most units for a female artist in first week sales, is the first female artist with 100k monthly Spotify listeners, is the first female artist to win the Album of the Year Grammy 4 times, and is the first female artist to do X, Y, and Z, all while being inoffensive and family-friendly to boot. The actual Taylor Swift seems unwilling to compromise the brand of Taylor Swift by contributing in meaningful ways to feminist causes, especially if it is for women outside of America and Hollywood.
The reason political anthems such as "The Man" and "Only the Young" of the Lover era feel disingenuous and corporate is because, well, it is. Taylor has taken every opportunity to advance her career or public image at the expense of other women. What is truly genuine to Taylor's outlook on other women is vying for male attention, taking down female competition, and vocalizing feminist injustices only if they directly impact her and her money. Some will argue that it's satisfactory for a woman with such a huge platform to even TALK about feminism, but that just isn't enough. It's even less impressive when you candidly look at the scope of her feminist lens: "If I was the man, then I'd be THE MAN", or "I really resent the ‘Be careful, buddy, she’s going to write a song about you’ angle, because it trivialises what I do", and, of course, "We all got crowns". Feminism, but only when it happens to me. It gets worse when you look at Taylor's track record of copying other famous women and removing other female artists as potential threats to her pop prowess.
It's good for PR to align yourself with certain blanket feminist and political beliefs, therefore good for branding, therefore good for ticketing and merchandise sales, therefore good for business. And Taylor Swift is a business.
She's not a feminist. Taylor Swift is a capitalist.

I Can't Pay Those Sweatshop Workers a Livable Wage or Benefits! How Else Would I Make My Billions?

Recently, Taylor's team filed to trademark the phrase "Female Rage: The Musical" after Taylor said during Paris N1 of the Eras Tour,

"So you were the first ones to see The Tortured Poets at the Eras Tour...or as I like to call it, 'Female Rage: The Musical'."

This trademark petition was filed last week on Saturday, and news comes about just as numerous unofficial fan-made merch designs have cropped up with this phrase plastered on Fruit of the Loom basics. I'm of the opinion Swift's team motioned for a trademark so that they can send out cease & desists to all those that make knockoff merch, which disrupts potential sales for Bravado, UMG's choice merchandising company; however, since it was filed earlier, perhaps Swift has bigger plans with the bizarre use of the gendered phrase. One Swiftie referred to the phrase "female rage" as "a funny Eras Tour joke". Could it be a possible fourth version of the Eras Tour Movie? Whatever the reason, the motion to capitalize off of such a concept is disgusting, but not unsurprising, for a woman that profits on her vain feminism.
Swift, through her company, TAS Rights Managements, has also trademarked over 200 phrases, including "1989", where she owns the property rights to this calendar year on keychains, phone cases, sunglasses, stationary, bags, beverage ware, clothing, entertainment services, your subconscious, and, of course, Christmas ornaments.
The vapid consumerism in Swiftie culture is, frankly, disgusting. Bravado's sustainability statement is non-existent, the quality control is abysmal, and the materials they use are horrible. The materials, such as acrylic and polyester, are made from petrochemicals. This means they are non-renewable, shed microplastics, and are quite toxic in production. The manufacturing process to make all of those lazy-rushed Eras Tour logo graphic tees is a huge blow to environmental well-being. Apparently, though, Swifties don't give a fuck. They sell out products in seconds and either have to face the manufactured scarcity or buy from a scalper that resells for 200% of the already ridiculous retail price. This doesn't include the environmental impact of vinyl records, CD, and cassette production, of which Taylor produces many variants that sell unsustainable amounts.
If we're talking about women's rights violations, why is no one acknowledging the women that work in the inhumane sweatshop conditions that have to pump out fugly t-shirts and hats? The millions of plastic microfiber dander they are inhaling, or the toxic dyes that touch their bare skin? Are they being compensated fairly for their skilled labour and are they in safe working environments? Do these women have minimal bargaining power, and do they have authority over their worker's rights? Is Taylor Swift female raging at their injustices? Does Taylor Swift ever feels bad that her wealth was built on the backs of women of color, disadvantaged by the demands of the global economy and garment industry? Do you think she ever says a little white feminist prayer for them before she goes to sleep at night?
What's even crazier is not that Taylor herself doesn't care, it's that Swifties don't care. There CANNOT BE ethical billionaires. You only make a billion dollars if you are exploiting other human beings for capital gain. Based on public perception of the possible "Female Rage: The Musical" trademark, it seems like Swifties are already asking for merch with this phrase. "If Taylor made it, I'd buy it." Oh, cool. So not only do you champion Miss Swift's avarice and billionaire status, but you also are unashamed to admit to your blind consumption of her music and merchandise, no matter where they might originate in production or sincerity. Just as Swift takes and takes and takes, Swifties' consumerism of Taylor Swift cannot be quelled.
The tortured artist's most vulnerable and sincere poetry...available now in 21 different versions!

I Am Tortured Poet, Hear Me Whinge

Look - even if Taylor's intention is to characterize TTPD as more "tortured" and "angry", the main thread of the album is "I was ghosted by my decade-long situationship with a controversial indie boy and my fucking stupid fans wrote a 'Speak Up Now' open letter prompting me to drop him" anger, which is adequately expressed in the lyrics and performances. The extent of Taylor's "female rage" on TTPD is on tracks such as "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?", which contends with relentless media scrutiny; "But Daddy I Love Him", where Swift firmly states she'll date whoever she likes no matter how "Sarahs and Hannahs" may react; and "The Albatross", a track mythologizing her reputation and the consequences of dating her. Of course, these coincide with deep psychological wounds that formed during Swift's early years in the media, and so, from her feminist perspective, these subjects tackle the misogyny and double standards that she faced.
Yet Taylor Swift still has no grounds to be claiming that TTPD best exemplifies female rage and therefore she, in the context of this album, is female rage incarnate. As the daughter of a stock broker and mutual fund marketing executive, Taylor was born into wealth and allowed privileges like trips and subsequent relocation to Nashville all so that she might get a record deal. Her father even invested at least $120,000 into the then-fledgling label, Big Machine Records, which ensured Taylor's place with Borchetta after leaving her dead-end development deal with Sony. The fact that her parents were able to buy her a fucking brand new guitar for Christmas and pay for music lessons says so much about the financial security and safety of her childhood.
Money is privilege and protection, and despite Swift's experiences with misogyny and loser boyfriends, she does not know what female rage is.
Her rage is derived from her frustrations with her obsessive fans pulling the moral superiority card on Taylor in response to her rebound with Matty Healy. That's literally it. She's just pissed that the monster she created is no longer obediant, it's become a feral, sovereign entity that depletes the world of its natural resources and thinks it is more intelligent than it actually is because it's mommy has started to talk to it with big words. Apparently, 'illicit', 'elegy', 'nonchalant', and 'precocious' are considerably big words for the oafish monster, and I find it strange that this level of literacy is present in a group of fans that allegedly have GPAs of 3.5 or higher, but I digress.
Taylor Swift has never been one paycheck away from destitution. Taylor Swift has never experienced racial discrimination. She may have instances of gender discrimination, but she possesses the ideal white, blonde American beauty standard and therefore reaps the benefits of being a conventionally attractive woman. Taylor Swift has sufficient social capital. Taylor Swift is a billionaire woman prolonging her victimhood though she, as a woman, has mostly had control over her image and music (unlike her contemporaries). Taylor Swift is NOT entitled to be championed for her "female rage", nor should she be. Taylor Swift has never even been the struggling artist, for fuck's sake. I don't give a fuck if she's trying to fill the empty lunch tables of her past. Taylor Swift purporting herself, her unpolished album, and her lukewarm feminism as a musical bleeding with female rage is asinine.

Sigh Try and Come For My Job, Poors

Out there in the world right now is a 23-year-old woman, a recent college grad, who works as a barista. She has to wake up and get ready to go into a minimum wage job because she cannot get a job in her field. She doesn't have healthcare benefits or sick time, so she has to go into work no matter how she's feeling. All day long she is berated by vicious customers and creepy men, and, exhausted from being on her feet, she knows she has to go home to her shitty roommate that never does the dishes and her roommate's shitty dog. To comfort herself, she considers getting a treat, but thinks against it when she remembers that matcha lattes cost $15 and they taste like milky dirt. She knows that she needs to buy groceries this week, and so the woman resolves to go home, but notices that her gas tank is low. She goes to put gas in the car, but the pump stops at $27.86 because that's all that she has in her checking account. The woman, bereft and reeling, sinks into the driver's seat. "Well," she thinks, her head in her hands, "at least I don't have Taylor Swift's job. I just couldn't imagine."
Fame is somewhat of a choice. If at any moment Taylor feels that she is misunderstood, misconstrued, or overwhelmed by public opinion, she can LEAVE the public eye - Lord knows she has the retirement fund and residuals to do so. In "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart", the TTPD song about meeting the demands of your career-zenith mega-tour while in the relationship trenches, Taylor ends the song by rambling,

"You know you're good when you can even do it with a broken heart...you know you're good...and I'm good, cause I'm miserable, and no one even knows!...try and come for my job."

Yeah, obviously we wouldn't know, you recently passed the billionaire threshold and are the most famous and in-demand performer in the world right now. Taylor Swift makes an estimated $10 to $13 million dollars A NIGHT on the Eras Tour. Furthermore, the Eras Tour movie grossed $261.6 million globally, (which, as the producer, Taylor takes home 57% of the ticket sales) not counting the streaming revenue from Amazon Prime Video and the estimated $75 million deal that Disney paid to have it on Disney+. We're not even considering the income from cheap plastic popcorn buckets and drink cups plastered with colored squares in her Era-specific likeness.
It's funny. Taylor Swift often said that being famous wasn't hard, that she "isn't complaining". I'm sure it is difficult to always have to present in a good mood, else you'll end up misrepresented in the media, and I'm sure it's invasive to virtually have no privacy or semblance of anonymity. Still, Taylor Swift shows up each night of tour and performs. For a majority of her career, she has penned her sad songs while on the road. Most of "Red", her breakup album, was written in the thick of the Speak Now World tour. Now, some Swifties say they almost "feel bad" for attending the Eras Tour with Swift's revelations in this song, that they have had a 'dimmed experience' upon hearing Taylor's misery whilst performing. Despite the fact that Taylor said that "this was the happiest she's ever been" at Gilette Stadium in May, the lyrics "boohoo, woe is me, smile for the cameras and make the fans happy!!!" are jarring for Eras attendees.
While Taylor Swift was making double-digit millions a night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and feeling miserable, Ana Clara Benevides Machado passed away due to heat exposure. The concert promoters, Time For Fun, are now the subject of a criminal investigation due to their lack of adequate hydration and safety. Taylor Swift cancelled the Sunday show that was to follow and offered VIP tent tickets to Benevides Marchado's family, which was a kind gesture, but perhaps incongruous to the incident of which they were offered as consolation. Everyone grieves differently, of course, but I'm not sure attending the very show at the very same venue that my daughter or sister passed away in two days prior, where the singer CONTINUED the show despite her death, would be healthy for closure.
There was no female rage at the show as Swift never saw Benevides Machado pass out. There was no female rage towards the disregard for fans as humans while Swift elected to proceed with her Brazil tour dates despite the country being in historic heatwaves (at risk of overheatting herself). If Taylor Swift was so shaken by touring with a broken heart or a fan's passing, she wouldn't have added an additional North American leg of Eras just two months after the Matty breakup. She's brokenhearted but willing to mend the cracks with your money and move onward with her worldwide female rage induced pillaging.
No matter what happens, even if you die at a Taylor Swift concert, Taylor collects a big fat check and flies away. She doesn't know you as anything other than a conversion rate or earning potential despite what her nearly 20-year long parasocial relationship with fans might otherwise indicate. She knows that, while some Swifties are without disposable income, they feel obligated to spend on a "48 Hours Only!" exclusive vinyl variant instead of necessities because they are so entrenched in Taylor Swift's intoxicating celebrity, they'll prioritize materialistic fandom before their needs. This is good enough for her because this means she can expand her real estate portfolio and finance her cat's lavish lifestyles. They're worth an estimated $100 million dollars. Her three cats could pool their net worth and solve world hunger.
While you and I might be denied bereavement leave and barely surviving the current political and economic climate, Taylor Swift has to, instead of gets to, perform for stadiums at full attendance for three nights in a row across the globe. You and I might be replaced by AI at our longtime jobs, but Taylor Swift is threatened with losing more and more money each time you listen to a "Stolen Version" of her songs. If we don't buy every variant of all of her albums, then who is going to pay for the fucking cats?
It is tone deaf to spend as she spends and lives as she lives in this economy, but this is her reality. She was able to donate $100,000 to all of her tour truck drivers, and that's wonderful, but it leads me to wonder about the ethos of the 2020s where one woman can hoard such life-changing amounts of money. Remember in 2014 when she gave a fan $90 ($120 in today's money) to get Chipotle because she had no fucking clue how much it cost? This is a 34-year-old woman who is increasingly out of touch with the reality for working class people and women in general. Normal everyday adults must wake up and go to their thankless jobs, and yet Taylor Swift, despite all her riches, incessantly references the lows of her life and career as a public figure and entertainer to farm sympathy and drive sales. And still, the corporate women have latched onto "I cry a lot, but I am so productive! It's an art!" as their cubicle battle cry.
Do you think that, from up in her private jet, Taylor Swift gazes at the world through her poetic, tortured eyes, and thinks, "All the little people, in their cars, walking, going about their lives...all those girls that don't support girls...do they know that I've made an album about female rage?"

Conclusion/TLDR

Thank you for reading. I would love to hear your critical insights towards this entire ordeal: TTPD, the trademark, the implications of it all.
TLDR: Taylor Swift is a bad feminist and is delusional to think that the TTPD eras set exemplifies female rage at women's injustice.

TLDR: Is $26,000 quote for removal/replace vinyl 12" soffit removal/install on 4000sqft House + 2000sqft detached in-law suite (approx 900-1200 linear feet) in Florida reasonable?!
Before anyone roasts me, I bought a large 20 24 yr old property in a sleepy beach town in Florida with the hopes of housing my Midstage Alzheimer's mother on site. Needless to say it needs a ton of work. I dont flaunt money like this but this was the only endgame solution for my mom to maintain some dignity in the time shes got left. The majority of my inheritance from my father passing away went to this house so I can fulfill my promise on my father's deathbed to not put her in memory care and provide a safe and happy lifestyle for my kids to grow up in.
That being said, after doing several online calculators with a ballpark of 900-1200 linear feet it doesn't come anywhere near the $26,000 quote I just got. Am I being "Big House" taxed?

Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Maya (imaginary person) who loved spending her evenings scrolling through social media feeds, binge-watching random videos, and flipping through mindless gossip magazines. However, she often found herself feeling unfulfilled and lacking motivation after hours of consuming this content.
One day, Maya decided she wanted to make a change. She realized that the content she was consuming was not enriching her life or helping her grow as a person. So, she made a conscious effort to seek out content that would inspire and educate her instead.
Maya started following social media accounts that shared uplifting stories, motivational quotes, and valuable life lessons. She subscribed to podcasts and YouTube channels that covered topics like personal development, psychology, and entrepreneurship. She even joined online communities where she could connect with like-minded individuals who shared her interests and aspirations.
As Maya immersed herself in this new world of meaningful content, she noticed positive changes in her life. She felt more inspired, motivated, and confident. She discovered new passions and interests that she never knew she had. She began setting goals for herself and taking steps to turn her dreams into reality.
With each passing day, Maya grew wiser and more fulfilled. She realized that consuming content that nourished her mind and soul was not only enjoyable but also essential for her personal growth and happiness. And as she continued on her journey of self-improvement, Maya became a shining example to others, inspiring them to choose content that would make them better, too.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for mindless content, remember Maya's story. Choose content that will enrich your life, broaden your horizons, and help you become the best version of yourself. Because in the end, the content we consume shapes the person we become.

One day after the fiftieth anniversary of the Fourth Arab-Israeli War, Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood at UTC+3. Both Hamas and Israelis claimed that thousands of rockets were fired at Israel. Following the invasion, Hamas militants massacred civilians in agricultural communities like Nir Oz and Be’eri. What led to student protests on certain campuses around the world was, however, the shooting of civilians in Gaza committed by Israeli forces known as the Flour Massacre four months after the invasion. This sparked student-led protests calling for justice for Palestine across the world. South Carolina estate agent Mirela Mount believes that the invasion of Israel was staged by its victim.
The invasion of Israel last year launched by Hamas is part of the larger conflict known as the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. This conflict earned its root from Resolution 181, a plan passed with 72% of votes in favour in 1947 to create a living space for the Jewish people. The Arab states invaded Israel in 1948 and were pushed back. Conflicts between Israel and other Arab states led to heavy death tolls on both sides.
With both Hamas and Israel suffering from heavy civilian casualties, students from nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Austria, and Australia caused a stir calling for Israel to stop the armed conflict they did not pick with Palestine. Students might have found the killings of Israelis that led to heavy civilian casualties casual enough, but surely not casual remarks supporting Israel.
Student protests on school campuses worldwide left many Jewish students uncomfortable and unsafe. Activist Charlie Kirk was recently invited to the University of Washington to talk with college students. Both the SPD and UWPD were present. United Front member Tabeed said, “We believe that we keep us safe … we don’t believe that cops keep us safe here.” It is rational for criminals to repeat these same words.
In a Senate hearing in May, Senator Josh Hawley quoting what pro-Palestine protestors at Columbia University said to Jewish students said, “The seventh of October is going to be every day for you.” There was much more shown in the hearing and he revealed that some of these students are undocumented. Under section 1182 of the eighth title of the U.S. Code, these students are engaging in terrorist activities.
In 2018, activist Charlie Kirk felt he was not welcomed by the student body at Texas State University and thought he was banned. Expressing his views online, he tweeted that instances like this made former president Donald Trump sign an executive order protecting free speech. TPUSA was later accused of “using intimidation and harassment to control students, faculty, and staff for their practice of promoting hate speech.” The student body at Texas State University called for the university to deplatform TPUSA for the “consistent history of creating hostile work and learning environments through a myriad of intimidation tactics aimed against students and faculty” that they think TPUSA has.
Students have been trying to deplatform invited speakers and administrators they don’t like on school grounds. In 2015, Yale professor Nicholas A. Christakis, MD, PhD, MPH, was confronted by students and accused of being insensitive for defending the right to wear freely. Students should respect the judicial system. It will surely be interesting to see how pro-Palestine protestors react to the case NSPA v. Skokie that happened in 1977. In 2017, Charles Murray was forced to shut down his lecture when students started shouting to stop him from being heard. Last month, Jewish professor Shai Davidai of Columbia was banned from the university after being vocal against the Free Palestine movement.
In the speech made by psychologist Jonathan Haidt explaining The Coddling of the American Mind, his book that talks about college students today, he stated that parents today are overprotective of their children. He explained that this will lead to their children feeling entitled to never being or even feeling offended in his book. Students now think it is written that it is a right to not feel offended.
St Monica's in Milton Keynes banned whistles for being too aggressive for children. Haidt and Greg Lukianoff noted that the UCs included “I believe the most qualified person should get the job,” in their list of offensive speech. Editor Josh Salisbury who wrote that cliffhangers should be illegal, thinks it's the right that needs to grow. The movement Why Is My Curriculum White? is about students who want more views.
Hate speech is inappropriate and can be unprovoked, yet it is unfair to say that it is not a form of free speech. Hate speech can be an incitement, but it can also not be. It is unfair to ban and remove hate speech because some people get offended because they are not emotionally tough enough. However, the student protests supporting an aggressor in war are not strictly free of hate speech inciting violence.
If pro-Palestine students can be selfless enough to use their time to protest, they should be selfless enough to not disturb others from their day-to-day life with actions like blocking roads or distracting other students who are focusing on studying. If they could rather debate instead of protest and deplatform or protest virtually on SNS, there surely will be more law and order across school campuses worldwide.
Some students are also furious that universities are investing their money in companies tied to Israel. However, the students are the ones paying these universities for their degrees; they won’t drop out. Recently, the University of Minnesota claimed that less than 1% of all of its endowments go to companies tied with Israel. The students occupying Hamilton Hall as they did back in 1968 seem to be proud of their history, yet it seems like they forgot how they were also arrested. Private universities hold the right to manage free speech on their properties. In Bethel School District v. Fraser, public schools were also given the right to limit and control free speech on campus.

Traded in my old device when upgrading to a new phone. Was told to expect credit up to $800+ within 2-3 billing cycles. The device was in perfect condition, so I was expecting to receive that credit.
Two months passed, no news—followed up via chat, was told to wait a couple more cycles.
Another two months passed, no news—followed up via chat, was told they were missing some info on the old phone, and the refund was never going to get processed if I didn't follow up. Fine, provided info, also thought to confirm the amount of the refund, got EXPLICIT, yes in writing, confirmation that all $800+ credit would be refunded in 36 installments. The months that had passed would be provided as a lump sum, within 2-3 billing cycles.
Another two months passed with no news. I followed up via chat and was told FOR THE FIRST TIME that I do not qualify for the $800+ credit because I do not have a qualifying plan. At this point, I asked to speak to a real person. After spending an hour on the phone and considering the facts that 1) I was indeed informed (via the usual long terms and conditions that you scroll through and click 'yes' at the end) at trade-in that only certain plans are qualifying, 2) a significant amount of time has passed with no voluntary communications from ATT, and 3) I was promised the entire $800+ credit in writing by an AT&T representative, AT&T agreed to provide me with a credit of $400+ (half the initial amount). I asked for a confirmation, received a text, and was told the credit would show up in a few business days. I thought the matter was closed.
THE NEXT DAY, I received a text message stating that the credit was under review and was asked to call AT&T. I called and, after an hour's wait, spoke to a representative. I was then told the "system" (direct quote) rejected the request submitted by the representative I spoke to yesterday. I asked if the person who approved it yesterday could override it. The representative answered no, stating that we have to work under the "system." I asked if someone within AT&T could override the "system." The answer I received was basically "no." The representative was adamant that there was nothing they could do about the "system" not letting the credit go through.
I am on the phone with the supervisor now—will see how this goes (TO BE CONTINUED).

Here are some Chinese Zen masters who shared their advice on the practice of meditation in their own words:
Quote: "When you sit in meditation, sit as if you were mountain peaks, your mind vast and unshakable. Calmly and without effort, let thoughts and emotions arise and dissolve like clouds in the sky. Let your mind be clear and open, like a mirror reflecting everything yet holding on to nothing." Zen Master Hongzhi Zhengjue, from "Cultivating the Empty Field" (Wu-men Kuan)
Quote: "In the practice of meditation, do not strive to become anything. Just sit with a relaxed and upright posture, allowing your breath to come and go naturally. Observe the arising and passing away of thoughts, sensations, and emotions without grasping or rejecting them. Rest in the boundless awareness that is beyond all conceptualizations." Zen Master Huangbo Xiyun, from "The Zen Teaching of Huangbo" (Huangbo Xiyun Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "When you sit in meditation, do not expect anything. Do not seek enlightenment or try to attain some special state of mind. Just be present with whatever arises, whether it is pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Allow your thoughts to come and go like waves in the ocean, without getting caught up in them. Be aware of the breath, the sensations in the body, and the spaciousness of awareness itself." Zen Master Mazu Daoyi, from "The Recorded Sayings of Zen Master Mazu" (Mazu Daoyi Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "In the practice of meditation, do not cling to any particular method or technique. Let go of all striving and effort, and simply be present with your experience in each moment. Whether you are sitting, walking, eating, or working, bring mindfulness and awareness to whatever you are doing. This is the true practice of meditation." Zen Master Bankei Yōtaku, from "Bankei Zen: Translations from the Record of Bankei" (Bankei Zen: Bankei's Record of Talks)
Quote: "The essence of meditation is not to seek anything outside of yourself. It is to realize your true nature, which is already complete and perfect. Sit quietly, breathe naturally, and allow your mind to settle. Let go of all thoughts and concepts, and rest in the pure awareness that is always present. This is the true meditation." Zen Master Foyan Qingyuan, from "The Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present" (Foyan Qingyuan Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "In meditation, do not try to control or manipulate your thoughts. Instead, just let them arise and pass away naturally, like clouds moving across the sky. Be aware of the present moment, without judgment or attachment. This is the essence of meditation." Zen Master Yunmen Wenyan, from "Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom" (Yunmen Wenyan Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "When you sit in meditation, do not grasp onto any particular object of focus. Simply be present with whatever arises in your experience, whether it is thoughts, sensations, or emotions. Cultivate a spacious and open awareness, like the vast sky that contains everything." Zen Master Xuedou Zhijian, from "The Blue Cliff Record" (Xuedou Zhijian Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "Meditation is not about attaining a special state of mind or achieving some goal. It is about being fully present in each moment, without judgment or expectation. Just sit, breathe, and let go. Allow everything to be as it is, and you will discover the boundless peace and clarity that are already within you." Zen Master Dahui Zonggao, from "Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Dahui" (Dahui Zonggao Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "In meditation, do not try to suppress or eliminate thoughts. Instead, let them come and go freely, like waves in the ocean. Observe them without getting entangled or carried away. Rest in the stillness and silence that underlies all mental activity." Zen Master Linji Yixuan, from "The Record of Linji" (Linji Yixuan Chanshi Yulu)
Quote: "When you sit in meditation, do not cling to any particular state of mind. Do not try to make anything happen or force any experience. Simply be present with whatever arises, whether it is pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Rest in the spaciousness of awareness, and let everything be as it is." Zen Master Guishan Lingyou, from "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang" (Guishan Lingyou Chanshi Yulu)
There may be reasonable alternate translations of the word “meditation” but the question would be what would that word be? It is clear from the context that these Zen masters are referring to a practice that is properly called meditation. To assert otherwise is simply being obtuse.

So I have a pretty terrible relationship with my mother. I’m in the process of getting diagnosed with POTS, which my doctor and everyone around me is certain I have, but legally I have to go through the diagnostic process. Except my mother. She knows that it’s a possibility, but she keeps trying to gaslight me into thinking it’s dehydration (i drink 2x more water than her a day and she’s completely fine). Lately, I’ve been passing out a lot at work, and I work in childcare. I was recently approached by a colleague (She works part time as a doctor) who said I need some kind of support to stop or at least calm down these episodes. So, I got a cane behind my mother’s back. I knew I couldn’t keep it from her forever, so earlier today, I told her that I have it. I’m surprised she didn’t take it away (she knows I paid for it), but she said she never wants to see it, meaning I can never use it around her. I really have no idea what to do about this. Yes, I can walk without it, but I can’t enjoy it. When I expressed this to her, she said quote “Then you’ll just have to hate your life”. I want to be able to ENJOY my life. It’s hard enough already. She said that if I needed one, i’d be prescribed one by a doctor. It’s insanely difficult to get a cane from a doctor these days, and she knows it. It helps me, so I’m using it. I seriously don’t know what her problem is or why she doesn’t want me using it. If she’s embarrassed that I’m disabled, I’d rather she just said that.

Caution: Long Post
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is without doubt and still is to this day one of the most influential, powerful, and iconic figures in American history due to his steadfast and nonviolent commitment in the fight for Civil Rights, Equality, and Justice during Jim Crow Segregation in the United States. The highlight of his career as an activist came in 1963 in which he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in front of Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in which he envisioned a nation in which his children will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. This resulted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to be passed. Even after his assassination in 1968, his legacy inspired many similar Civil Rights Movements around the world.
Today, Martin Luther King, Jr. is hailed by both sides of the American Political Sphere as a Beacon of Hope on how to fight for Justice and Equality for all during turbulent times. But it's the Conservatives who constantly claim that they truly support him and follow his dream, especially in modern times and they've expressed it in a rather whitewashed and partisan fashion. The most obvious being their use of his "I Have a Dream" speech by quoting the one line that has often been cherry-picked and misinterpreted quite a lot in which they judge people not by skin but by their character. The main reason they do this is to give them the appearance that they are colorblind as their way of opposing racism. And in doing so, they consistently criticize Liberals of trying to divide the country into special interest groups and promote favoritism. As a result, they always claim that Dr. King is a Republican, let alone would've been one in this era given his views, along with the fact that he was a Christian. His niece, Alveda King even emphasized it herself.
Some of the ways that Conservatives try to supposedly live up to Dr. King's "Colorblind" Dream is by opposing supposed "Wokeness", Critical Race Theory, and the practice of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion everywhere. They also express it by opposing Affirmative Action and the use of Racial Quotas when it comes to applying for schools, universities, and jobs because they believe it causes Reverse Discrimination. In terms of nonviolence, Conservatives express their disapproval of the Black Lives Matter movement. On the basis of Christianity, Conservatives believe that Dr. King supported a fixed moral code as indicated in his Letters from Birmingham Jail since he led with love and not racial hatred by changing the lives of people and not the laws itself, along with the notion of self-sufficiency. Seeing all this, it seems like Conservatives are really desperate to prove how much America has progressed in this post-racial world in order to debunk accusations that it isn't a racist country and that's why they always prop up Dr. King by claiming that they follow his dream and will continue to do so. Well.....up until now.
During this year's Martin Luther King Day, a string of prominent Conservative activists and organizations suddenly turned on him. Starting off with Charlie Kirk of the Youth Conservative Movement Turning Point USA, who launched a blistering anti-MLK campaign in which he supposedly dispelled the alleged myths surrounding his popularity. He accused Dr. King of being a "Bad Person" and that his "Sainthood will cause Black voters to realize it's being used against them to suppress the individual." He even went further by stating that "we made a huge mistake when we passed the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s" accusing it as "a way to get rid of the First Amendment". A while ago, the organization marketed the Conservative image of Dr. King when they sold $55 T-Shirts with his name as well as stickers of him with the words "Let Freedom Ring". Kirk was later joined by the Daily Wire's Matt Walsh who accused him of being a "communist". In fact, he railed against Dr. King a few years ago by accusing him of being a Womanizer, Adulterer, Plagiarizer, etc. Coming after Walsh was Human Events editor, conspiracy theorist, and fellow Turning Point USA alumna Jack Posobiec, who labeled Dr. King "a God of the Left" and stating that "the real legacy of the 1960s was enshrining Racial Discrimination and Race Consciousness into the Federal Bureaucracy." And finally, a popular Conservative Twitter account called "EndWokeness" called Dr. King "a Racial Marxist" because he "did not support a Colorblind Meritocracy" after it cited his quote on Wealth Distribution. What's even worse is that even non-White Conservatives hate him. Two examples include a commentator named Vince Everett Ellison and former football player and sports columnist, Jason Whitlock. The latest editions to the lineup of Black Guilt Conservatives, they railed against Dr. King and the passing of the Civil Rights by stating that they worsened the Black community by drifting them away from God into "Democratic Dependency". They even accused him of the same crimes as Walsh did.
With the sudden change in tone and emphasis from the Right against Dr. King, you have to ask yourself why they're doing this and what caused them to believe this way. And this is not an extremist fringe of the Right that some would expect to hear from. All of these are Mainstream Right-Wing Figures who have direct lineage to the GOP, including the current presidential nominee, Donald Trump. That's as Establishment you can get. Their remarks have been criticized by a lot of people from both sides and surprisingly by some Black Conservatives. One of them was Pastor Darrell Scott, a former faith advisor of Trump, who these days, is one of a few Black Conservatives who has been calling out other Black Conservatives for tearing down their own race in order to elevate their status among others, a very notorious habit of them. He criticized Kirk for inspiring a Hitler Youth. Another was Kimberly Klacik, who in 2020, gained viral for her campaign video stating that Black Lives don't matter to Democrats when she was running for Maryland's 7th Congressional District following the death of Civil Rights Leader, Elijah Cummings, who was the incumbent. She criticized Kirk for his remarks stating that his rhetoric will prevent Blacks from voting Republican. Even with that said, there have been instances in which Conservatives themselves have questioned the Civil Rights Act and many of them have been pretty negative. If you check out other Conservative websites and especially here on Reddit, many of their criticisms echo the same sentiments as those Pundits stating that it was unconstitutional and that in infringed on the First Amendment, particularly the Notion of Freedom of Association.
That being said, there is some silver lining to this. Now, that they exposed themselves for what they really of think Dr. King, I think it's time for them to admit that they never really liked him in the first place, let alone understood who he really was and what he really stood for. In fact, they never really liked him at all. All they did was whitewash him and cherry-pick his ideas and speech for own Partisan Agenda. Dr. King constantly talked about the notion of Black Pride and campaigned about the need for Reparations. He also supported Affirmative Action stating in 1965 that "a Society that has done something special against the Negro for hundreds of years must now do something special for the Negro. Dr. King realized that our society was created in a way that managed to disadvantage the many for the benefit the few, and that America's Racial Hierarchy was connected to its Class Hierarchy. He also had political beliefs that manifested through both Racial Reconciliation and Concrete Policy Changes that could help restructure and benefit a divided and unequal nation. This is the reason why he referred to himself as a Democratic Socialist as he wanted a "Radical Redistribution of Economic and Political Power". In fact, he argued that true Equality can only be achieved, not just through legal rights, but through an equal distribution of resources. This is evident when he said “Call it democracy, or call it democratic socialism, but there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God’s children.” This is the exact vision that Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders believed in. After all, he did participate in the March on Washington in 1963. In regards to Police Brutality, while Dr. King opposed violent protest, he did acknowledge that a Riot is the language of the Unheard and that it came from a place of Desperation. In fact, in his "I Have a Dream" Speech, he stated that Blacks could "never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the Victim of the Unspeakable Horrors of Police Brutality." After all, he was hounded by the FBI, was called a Communist, broke the law in protest of race-based Segregation and Violence, was thrown in jail, advocated Protests and Sit-Ins, opposed White Rule of Society, and was assassinated for his Race and his views on Race. Regarding the quote about the Content of Character from said speech, Dr. King's daughter, Bernice King stated that using solely that quote diminishes the purpose of the entire speech because her father's dream and work included "eradicating Racism, not ignoring it."
If anything, this goes to show that is Dr. King were around today, he would be heavily criticized for being Woke, politically correct, a Communist, a Race Hustler, and a member of the Radical Left. And we all know that the Right hates those ideologies passionately. But here's the thing, he never considered himself a Democrat, let alone a Republican. He was an Independent as he felt that both parties are the same. And reducing his legacy to a single quote diminishes the gains that he fought for and believed in. This especially goes to a lot of Conservatives out there who claim to follow his lead using that quote because they interpret them in a way that benefits them today than how he meant them back then. For you to claim that he didn't care about Skin Color is like saying Susan B. Anthony didn't care about Gender. And to those Conservatives who now hate him, including Black, I hope you're OK with people getting treated unfairly, including your own. Who knew being seen as an Equal is a Negative in your eyes.

I don’t feel like myself anymore.
This second sem as a freshie, compared to the first, mas lighter workload ko ngayon. Currently nagreretake ako ng math course. One of the other major subjects I am taking are My bio lab & lec which, well, kala ko, mapapanis ko. Ever since talaga my elementary days to HS days, biology was something I considered as my forte, lalo na dream ko magpursue ng med one day.
So with the start ng second sem, I was excited, with bio being there (& my plans to shift to this course), and mej nalax aq konti with math, knowing na, Ive been through this before, I could not possibly fail this again.
Fast forward to present day me, I am on the verge of failing bio & math (again:(). At first it was ONLY 1 failed exam for both, then next thing ik, wala pa akong napapasa na exam, kahit isa. AND I am just so frustrated, sad, dissapointed, angry, & tired.
What am I doing wrong? Nag-aaral naman ako super hard, I am pushing myself to heights I never thought I could even reach, I Fucked up my sleep schedule para lang sa studies ko. Yet, despite ALL this, I am ending up as a failure……
What. In. The. Actual. Fuck Universe.
With all these dissapointing results, there are days wherein, di ako makatayo, nakahiga lang or nakatulala aq from my bed. Nawawalan ako ng ganang kumain. Fuck, I am not even aiming for 1s or 2s, amp kahit tres lang, kahit pang removals, im ok, I just want to pass. I want to be able to feel na my hardwork was worth it. The sleepless nights and my deteriorating health, I wanna feel like kahit papaano, nakapagyield ako ng passing marks in the end.
As for my family, honestly, they are not even that strict, kahit 3, masayang masaya sila. But failing & retaking the subject wholly Is not an option again. After failing math & telling them that I need to retake it, grabe dissapointment sa mga mata nila. They told me stuff bout how yeah, obviously ako very dissapointed cause I was the one working my ass off this only to end up retaking the subject, but mas sila daw ang nadidisappoint(?) like iba daw as a parent yung dissapointment, lalo na carrying the fact na ur child failed overall a subject in school. Hindi daw normal yung pag fail ng isang subject sa college. Siguro I understand (or try to) where they are coming from, but idk, parang a bit unfair lang for me yung thought na, mas sila daw ang nadidisappoint?? Mas sila daw ang may burden na ito?? Like as much as I wanted to scream or tell them na “No, you have no right to tell me na mas mabigat toh for you, na the burden Is lighter on my end, NO!”, I cant. At the end of the day, they are my parents. Anyways yun, idk if maaaccept pa ba nila kung niretake ko tong math for the 2nd time, as they said, and I quote, “this Is the first & last time you are going to let this happen. hindi ito normal.”
So ayun, with all that, I am even questioning myself if I am really deserving of UP. If I am good enough to be a doctor one day, if I am even strong enough to endure it.
Everyday nalang, I feel this darkness looming. Subtle siya sa mornings, but very strong niya sa gabi. I tried to fight it before, the monster of my anxieties & doubt, but lately, I just let it. I let it consume me, I let it beat me up to shit. I am starting to get tired of fighting. Nakakapagod ipaglaban ang isang bagay na, sa huli, ididisappoint ka lang.
Idk what to do anymore tbh.
So yun, thank u for giving a bit of ur time reading this. Di ko man kayu nakikita or kilala, but I am very grateful & appreciative of you:)