The Unlikely Buddha

Tractor beams are a staple of science fiction, but they have long been thought to be impossible in the real world. However, recent research has shown that it is possible to create tractor beams using optical or acoustical waves. In a study published in the journal Physical Review A, researchers from the Vienna University of Technology have developed a method for creating tractor beams with optimal pulling force. Their method relies on the solution of a simple eigenvalue problem involving the system's measurable scattering matrix. The researchers demonstrated the efficacy of their method using numerical simulations for a representative set of different targets. They also showed that the diffractive nature of waves enables the possibility of a tractor beam that works even for targets where a geometric optics approach fails to explain the pulling forces. The development of tractor beams with optimal pulling force could have a wide range of potential applications. For example, they cou...

Bat Masterson was a colorful figure of the American Old West, known for his skills as a buffalo hunter, army scout, lawman, gambler, and journalist. He was born in Canada in 1853, but his family moved to the United States when he was a child. He grew up in Kansas and worked as a buffalo hunter and a stagecoach driver before joining the army as a scout. After the Civil War, Masterson moved to Dodge City, Kansas, where he worked as a lawman and a gambler. He was known for his quick wit and his willingness to use his fists or his guns to enforce the law. In 1878, he was involved in the Gunfight at the Dodge City Opera House, in which he shot and killed a man who had been harassing him. In 1881, Masterson moved to Tombstone, Arizona, where he worked as a lawman and a gambler. He was involved in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, in which he fought alongside Wyatt Earp and his brothers against the Clanton and McLaury gang. After the gunfight, Masterson left Tombstone and moved to New York Ci...

Emojis are a fun and expressive way to communicate on social media. But did you know that the number of emojis someone uses in their profile can actually tell you a lot about their personality? • 0 emojis: This person is probably pretty normal. They're not afraid to express themselves, but they don't feel the need to do it with emojis. They're probably more of a "straight to the point" kind of person. • 1-2 emojis: This person is a bit of a red flag. They're probably trying too hard to be cute or funny. They may also be a bit insecure and need to use emojis to compensate for their lack of personality. • 3 or more emojis: Run away! This person is definitely not normal. They're probably the type of person who uses emojis in every single tweet. They may also be a bit crazy and unpredictable. Of course, this is all just a joke. The number of emojis someone uses in their profile doesn't necessarily mean anything about their personality. But it can be fun to...

I served in Afghanistan in the early 2000's, working on U.S. counternarcotics efforts. During that time, I worked closely with several Afghan interpreters who were essential to my mission. These interpreters took great risks in their service to the United States, and many of them are now in danger because of their work with us. After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, more than 76,000 Afghan refugees came to the United States. Most of these refugees are stuck in legal limbo. The humanitarian program under which they arrived in the United States, known as Operation Allies Welcome, does not provide a pathway to citizenship. This is unacceptable. The Afghan interpreters who served with us put their lives on the line to help us achieve our goals in Afghanistan. They deserve our protection and a pathway to a new life in the United States. There are several things that American citizens can do to help Afghan interpreters and refugees. First, we can contact our elected of...

The saying "You Are What You Eat" is well-known, but it is also true that "You Are When You Eat." The timing of our meals can have a significant impact on our health, both physical and mental. For most people, it is natural to eat during the day and fast at night. This is because our bodies are programmed to be active during the day and rest at night. When we eat at night, it can disrupt our sleep patterns and lead to weight gain, obesity, and other health problems. Shift workers, on the other hand, often have to eat at night. This can be difficult, as it goes against our natural circadian rhythms. However, there are things that shift workers can do to eat healthier at night. Here are some tips for shift workers who want to eat healthier at night: • Stick to regular mealtimes. Even though you are working at night, try to eat your meals at the same times each day. This will help to keep your metabolism regular and prevent you from overeating. • Choose healthy foods. ...

I can take you to another universe, One where the stars are closer,  and the moon is new.  Where the days are longer,  and the nights are warm,  And we can love each other,  without a care. In this other universe,  there is no pain,  No sorrow,  no regret,  no tears.  Only joy and happiness,  and love divine,  For you and me,  together,  through the years. So close your eyes,  and take my hand,  And together,  we will travel there.   To a place where  dreams come true,  And love is all that matters,  anywhere. In this other universe,  there is no time,  Only the present moment,  and our embrace.  Where we can be ourselves,  and be free,  To love each other,  without restraint. So let's go now,  to this other place,  Where anything is possible,  and anything can happen.  Where we can be together,  forever and a day,  In ...

Sweet Mystery of Life, What are you, and wherefore? What is this strange desire That fills our hearts with fire? What is this love divine That draws our souls together? What is this strange delight That makes us long for light? What is this longing deep That we can never satisfy? What is this hope so sweet That we can never flee? What is this strange unrest That drives us on and on? What is this nameless pain That makes us weep and moan? What is this secret flame That burns within our souls? What is this deathless dream That fills our hearts with goals? Sweet Mystery of Life, What are you, and wherefore? What is this strange desire That fills our hearts with fire? I do not know, my love, But I believe that you Are the answer to my quest, The key to all my rest. I believe that you are all That I have ever sought, The one true love of my life, The one true light I've caught. I believe that you are mine, And I am yours forever, And that together we shall find The meaning of life's...