liminal_luke

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https://youtu.be/KUPSTQSGb50?si=0WvPHS6kloeJJuQ5 Great SNL skit called "Couplabeers"

How are people feeling going without Current Events? I´m noticing the forum is a lot less "exciting" now that I´m less likely to read opinions that stimulate the nerves. It´s been nice, too, not to write things that incite controversy and drama; I don´t actually want to allienate lefty friends. On the other hand, if people find that Current Events was bringing community and perspective-expanding information into their lives, far be it from me to stand in the way.

As a former mod, I know how much thought and debate goes into the decision making process. It can seem to the members that reports aren´t being considered when the mod area is abuzz with conversation. Maddie -- I don´t know if the final policy decisions will be in line with what you want, but I do know this: although it might not always be apparent, there´s a lot of support for you on the board.

Maddie -- I know we haven´t always seen eye to eye but silent thunder is right: you will be missed.

I´m reminded of a Chi Nei Tsang technique taught by Gilles Marin. A bodyworker puts fingers just lightly in contact with either side of an individual vertebrae and "listens" for any movement, passively allowing the hands to follow the subtle movement of the bone. After a minute or so, the bodyworker moves on to the next vertebrae down the line. The effect is profoundly relaxing.

I would love a place to share insights and information about current events from a non-msm point of view. Perhaps this could happen in a group current events private message thread. Another possibility would be to start a thread in Current Events for discussion among those of us open to outside-the-mainstream views and jointly agree to ignore the inevitable avalanche of outrage from the usual suspects. It´s also possible, of course, that TDB isn´t the right place for such an exchange, that such thoughts are better shared in person among close friends, but I figured I´d throw out some ideas.

I believe it. Another story. My brother is paid big bucks by pharmaceutical companies to travel the country giving talks to other doctors about the benefits of different drugs, SSRI antidepressents in the past and now ketamine. He recently went to Houston to attend a refresher workshop on how to give the ketamine presentations. I asked him if he composed the content of the talks himself and was free to expound about his own experience as a clinician. He said mostly no. All the slides and handouts were mandated by the pharmaceutical companies and the scope of what he was allowed to say strictly restricted. Interesting.

of Amerika not much can be said outside of "current events"

Crickets are a traditional food in Oaxaca and make a decent snack when well-seasoned with chile and lime. I´ve eaten my share. But this business of bugs in European bread feels different, a slimy top-down edict from world-domination types. My doctor brother is a puzzle. Nice guy, very smart, but we´re on different planets when it comes to nutrition. During our B12 conversation, he told me that vegans also don´t need to worry a bit about protein -- that the idea that we need protein is a myth. I once asked him if he´d ever recommend a patient try keto. He said no. I asked, not even for kids with treatment-resistent epilepsy? No. For me, family visits are an exercises in restraint.

My brother is a successful medical doctor with a full concierge practice. He says that vegans don´t need to worry about supplementing vitamin B12 because they get plenty from bugs in their poorly washed lettuce.

I´ve got Willie Nelson.

becomes apparent only to fade once again blessed sanity

Is the difficulty that something needs to be done with the software but none of the present mods or admin know how to update it? I´have a suggestion. What if we create a way for members to contribute towards a Fix-it Fund and then let a professional computer person make the necessary updates. I would be willing to contribute a modest amount. If we band together, I think we can easily solve this.

That´s fine, Maddie. I suspected you wouldn´t find my point of view useful and perhaps shouldn´t of posted, but in the end gave in to the posting impulse. I won´t argue the point. Let´s hope everyone remains free to express their authentic selves.

Many transgender people are understandably shocked and dismayed by Trump´s recent executive orders. When things seem dark, I think it´s good to remember and hold on to points of light. Some feared things have not happened. Trans folks are not being rounded up by the government and killed. With the exception of those in prison, gender-affirming care remains available for adults. The vast majority of people are happy to call people by whatever pronouns they prefer. (Or at least this seems true to me -- perhaps I live in a magical fairy kingdom?) If a Bum purposely misgenders another Bum here with intent to hurt, the moderators are likely to take immediate and decisive action. No matter what happens politically, we all have the right to affirm to ourselves what we find to be true. I know my gender and nobody can take that knowledge away from me. Reality is reality. Trump doesn´t have the power to change reality no matter what.

Thanks, Cobie. No worries about supporting me or not supporting me. I am not lobbying for people to respond one way or the other, only passing on what Darius wanted to tell the board.

I´ve been in contact with Darius and he asked me to post the following apology for him (with permission from the moderators)... I am sorry. I got carried away and wasn’t thinking clear. In the heat of the moment, so to speak, I didn’t feel like I did anything wrong. The comment by blue eyed snake made me at least start to reconsider tho. Happily, luke contacted me by mail, and told me how I came across while remaining really civil about it, and I realize he is correct. I shouldn’t have said any of the things I did. I sincerely apologize to you all. I do not believe anyone are inheritley bad or wrong based on their background.

It can be wonderfully affirming to read about the contributions people in one´s in-group (whatever that happens to be) have made to the world. Perhaps this is why many gays get a kick out of watching the "fab five" give clueless heteros makeovers on the TV show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. I like the show too, nevermind the fact that my own style is woefully in need of an upgrade. Look at the amazing things my tribe members can do! The downside of public proclamations of fabulousness is that bragging brings out the naysayers. There´s always a Yin to take down the Yang (or vice versa if you prefer). Alas, such is the case here.

I had no idea Dostoevsky was still alive.

This feels very apropo this time of year when so many of us take stock of ourselves, discover perceived deficiencies, and endeavor to "improve." If I find fault with myself, I´m hardly easier with friends and family who often, in my thoughtful estimation, could use some improvement themselves. What if everything is alright just the way it is? Blasphemy, I know. Ironically, I believe that nonacceptance of the present moment is the biggest obstacle to change. Acceptance is karmic WD40, lubricating the wheels of positive transformation. The more I´m down on myself, the less energy I´ll have to metamorphasize into the thinner, stronger, even-keeled man I hope to become.

@Geof Nanto When I first heard about the new AI programs I was determined to stay away. But in the way of so many of my resolutions, that determination fizzled and now I ask Gemini all sorts of questions. I don´t think it´s as advanced as ChatGPT as it just seems to find things on the web that I could probably find myself, but it is an easy and fun way to get an initial take on a question. Anyway, I don´t really have any comments on the actual topic of this thread, but wanted to say that you seem very thoughtful about your use of AI.

Cultural appropriation is looked down on in certain circles but human beings have always burrowed from each other. Burrowed stuff is inevitably different from where it came from -- often worse, occasionally better, but always different. Chinese food in Mexicali is served with skillet-fried chiles and limes. Mexican restaurants in the United States, unlike in most of Mexico, serve a lot of margaritas. When my partner wanted to sell paintings at a local gallery here in Ensenada, Baja California he was told to paint pictures of naked women and portraits of Frida Kahlo because that´s what cruiseship passengers would buy. Yoga classes at my local gym likely have a different vibe than yoga in India. This is the way of things. There will always be traditionalists and innovators. Personally, I´m glad for both.

In old3bob´s defense, it´s been a very long year.

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