The Unlikely Buddha

  Everything must change, Nothing stays the same. Everyone must change Nothing stays the same. The young become the old, Mysteries do unfold. 'Cause that's the way of time Nothing and no one goes unchanged. There are not many things In life you can be sure of. Except Rain comes from the clouds, And sun lights up the sky, And humming birds do fly. Winter turns to spring. Wounded heart will heal. Never much too soon Everything must change The young become the old, Mysteries do unfold. 'Cause that's the way of time Nothing and no one goes unchanged. There are not many things In life you can be sure of. Except Rain comes from the clouds, And sun lights up the sky, And humming birds do fly.

Introduction Overeating, a significant contributor to weight gain and obesity, has long been a topic of public health concern. While environmental factors like diet and exercise undeniably play a crucial role, recent research suggests genetics may also influence our susceptibility to overeating behaviors. This paper explores the current understanding of the genetic links to overeating, highlighting the complexities and limitations in this evolving field. Heritability Estimates and Obesity Genes Twin and family studies have provided valuable insights into the heritability of obesity and related traits. Estimates suggest that genetics contribute around 40-50% of the variation in body weight. This doesn't directly translate to overeating, but it indicates a genetic influence on factors related to food intake. Specific genes, such as FTO, MC4R, and BDNF, have been associated with increased risk for obesity and eating behaviors. The FTO gene, for instance, has a well-studied variant (AA...

  Psychosis, a symptom of several mental illnesses, is often portrayed in movies as monsters or voices inciting violence. But the reality is far more nuanced, a terrifying and sometimes beautiful distortion of reality. To understand it, we need to step through the shattered lens of those experiencing it. The Technicolor World: Sarah, a young artist with schizoaffective disorder, describes a world amplified to an almost unbearable degree. "Colors are sharper, edges more defined," she says. "It's like walking into an oil painting, everything bursting with life." This hyperawareness can be overwhelming, but for some, it sparks creativity. Sarah's artwork is filled with swirling colors and fantastical creatures, a direct reflection of her psychotic episodes. The Whispering Walls: Michael, a war veteran with PTSD, struggles with constant auditory hallucinations. "It's like a radio playing in my head," he says. "Sometimes it's snippets ...

The crisp Tyrolean air, a symphony for your lungs, As you step onto the trail, where sunlight warmly sung. Emerald meadows unfurl, a verdant, rippling sea, Dotted with wildflowers, a vibrant tapestry. Buttercups gleam like sunshine, kissed by the morning dew, And gentian's sapphire pools reflect the endless blue. The distant mountains rise, majestic and serene, Their snow-capped peaks a crown, a postcard, pristine. The path winds through the meadow, a ribbon, soft and brown, Crunching gently beneath your feet, with a peaceful, muffled sound. A gentle breeze whispers secrets through the tall blades of grass, Carrying the scent of wildflowers, a sweetness that won't pass. A symphony of birdsong fills the air, a joyful, carefree tune, As butterflies, on painted wings, dance beneath the noonday sun. A marmot pops its head out, a curious, furry face, Then dives back into its burrow, leaving not a trace. You climb a gentle hillock, and the view takes your breath away, The valley ...

 In caverns carved by shadows deep, where hope seems lost, a flickering sleep, We tread on paths where doubt takes hold, a weary heart, a story untold. The walls press close, a smothering night, a suffocating, endless blight. But wait, dear soul, for even here, a tiny spark, a point held clear. A single ember, ember bright, defiance burning in the night. A fragile flame, a whispered song, where whispers turn before too long Into a chorus, soft and low, a gentle breeze begins to blow. The embers catch, the flame takes flight, dispelling darkness with its light. The weight that held us, starts to ease, a newfound strength upon the knees. The walls recede, the tunnel bends, a distant glow, a promise sends. It beckons forth, a guiding star, a path we carve, no matter how far. For even in the deepest night, the human spirit finds its light. From teardrops sown, a blossom grows, resilience blooms where sorrow flows. The cracks and scars, a tapestry, a testament to what we can be. The sca...

  Landfills are overflowing, and the hidden cost isn't just overflowing bins. These massive waste repositories are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a significant impact on global warming. But what if we swapped landfills for compost bins? Could a shift towards composting significantly reduce methane emissions? Landfills: Breeding Grounds for Methane When organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings decompose in landfills, the lack of oxygen creates an anaerobic environment. This anaerobic breakdown produces methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Estimates suggest landfills globally generate a staggering 44 million tons of methane annually. Composting: A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally) Composting offers a greener alternative. This process breaks down organic waste aerobically (with oxygen), resulting in minimal methane release. The end product? Nutrient-rich compost, a valuable soi...

  A stolen glance across the room, A silent question, soft perfume. A smile that lingers, just a beat, A blush that paints the cheeks so sweet. Words tumble out, a touch too fast, Wit sharpened, hoping to surpass. A laugh that rings, a playful tease, A nervous flutter, ill at ease. Fingers brush, a fleeting spark, An awkward pause left in the dark. Is there a meaning, or just chance? A secret language in a glance? The night unfolds, a gentle sway, Will this connection find its way? A thrilling dance, hearts beat anew, A hint of what might blossom true. The future's path, a winding road, But in this moment, hope explodes. A spark ignited, light and bright, The dance of flirtation takes its flight. Unlikely Buddha 2024