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The Timeless Teachings of Buddhism, A Path to Serenity

By
Lahcen Hammouch
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0

Buddhism is often considered a universal philosophy or spirituality, as it offers teachings and practices that can be adopted by people from different cultures, ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. Buddhism is not restricted to any one region or group of people, making it accessible to all who wish to explore its principles and teachings.

THEIR TEACHINGS

The main teaching of Buddhism is based on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which emphasize understanding suffering, seeking the cessation of suffering and developing an ethical and meditative path to enlightenment.

The key concepts of Buddhism, such as compassion, benevolence, non-violence, mindfulness and the impermanent nature of all things, can be applied universally in everyday life, regardless of culture or social background.

Buddhism therefore has a global reach and continues to attract followers and seekers from all over the world, who find in its teachings answers to their existential questions and tools for cultivating inner peace and mental well-being.

Buddhism and its relationship with other religions and beliefs

Buddhism generally maintains a respectful and open relationship with other religions and beliefs. As a philosophy rather than dogma, Buddhism does not seek to establish its superiority over other beliefs, but rather to offer teachings that can be adapted to different cultural and religious contexts.

Buddhism encourages respect for all forms of life and promotes compassion for all beings, whether they share the same beliefs or not. Buddhists are often encouraged to cultivate tolerance and acceptance of others, even those with different points of view.

In societies where Buddhism coexists with other religions, it’s common to see religious practices and beliefs blending harmoniously. For example, in some parts of Asia, Buddhism can be associated with Confucianism, Taoism, or local animist beliefs, without there being any major conflicts.

However, it’s important to note that as with all religions and beliefs, there can be variations in individual attitudes and local interpretations of Buddhism. Some people may be more open to inter-religious coexistence, while others may be more conservative or exclusive in their beliefs.

On the whole, Buddhism promotes harmony, mutual respect and the search for inner truth, whatever the other religions and beliefs present in society.

THE SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF BUDDHISM

On a spiritual level, Buddhism can bring many benefits to the practitioner. Here are some of the key aspects that Buddhism can offer:

  1. Understanding suffering: Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths, the first of which is the reality of suffering in human life. By understanding the nature of suffering, a person can begin to develop ways to transcend it and find inner peace.
  2. Path to enlightenment: Buddhism proposes a spiritual path, the Noble Eightfold Path, which guides practitioners towards enlightenment. This path includes right understanding, right thought, right action, right speech, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration and right livelihood.
  3. Meditation practices: Meditation is an essential aspect of Buddhist practice. It helps develop mindfulness, concentration and wisdom, while cultivating a calm and balanced mind.
  4. Cultivation of compassion and benevolence: Buddhism encourages the cultivation of compassion for all beings and benevolence towards oneself and others. These qualities foster positive relationships and an altruistic attitude towards the world.
  5. Acceptance of impermanence: Buddhism teaches the impermanent nature of all things. This understanding can help a person develop a detached and serene attitude to life’s changes and challenges.
  6. Liberation from the cycle of suffering (Samsara): The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to achieve liberation from the cycle of suffering, called Nirvana. This means the cessation of attachments and desires that cause suffering, and the attainment of deep, lasting peace.

These aspects of Buddhism can be profoundly transformative on a spiritual level, helping practitioners to develop greater self-understanding, increased wisdom, broader compassion and a more balanced perspective on life and its challenges. Everyone can adapt their Buddhist practice to suit their needs and personal spiritual path.

BUDDHISM IS LIVING TOGETHER

Buddhism can play an important role in promoting living together in a society as diverse as Belgium, where many nationalities coexist. Buddhism advocates values such as tolerance, compassion, non-violence and acceptance of diversity, which are essential for promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence between people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Here are just a few ways in which Buddhism can contribute to living together in Belgium:

  1. Encouraging tolerance: Buddhism teaches respect for all forms of life and the understanding that everyone has the right to their own convictions and beliefs. This can help promote tolerance and reduce prejudice between different communities.
  2. Cultivating compassion: The practice of compassion towards all beings, whether similar to or different from ourselves, can foster a climate of empathy and solidarity in Belgian society.
  3. Promoting inner peace: The meditative practices of Buddhism can help individuals cultivate inner peace and manage stress, which can contribute to more peaceful and harmonious interactions between people.
  4. Encouraging intercultural dialogue: Buddhism encourages attentive listening and mutual understanding, which can facilitate intercultural dialogue and help overcome cultural differences.
  5. Encouraging altruism: Buddhist values of altruism and benevolence can inspire individuals to engage in actions that benefit society as a whole, seeking collective well-being.
  6. Supporting social and humanitarian actions: Many Buddhist groups are involved in social and humanitarian actions, helping to build a more caring and equitable society.

By putting these Buddhist principles into practice, followers of Buddhism and those inspired by its teachings can help strengthen the social fabric in Belgium, and foster a society that is inclusive and respectful of cultural diversity. Buddhism can be a catalyst for creating links between different communities and promoting harmonious, fulfilling living together.

Putin signed a law requiring schoolchildren to do community service

By
Gaston de Persigny
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0

In addition, the study of a subject called “Essentials of National Security and Defense” is being introduced in schools.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law requiring schoolchildren to perform community service, DPA reported on 5th of August.

Schoolchildren will be required to participate in activities appropriate to their age and their psychophysical characteristics.

The head of the parliamentary committee behind the bill, Olga Kazakova, proposed the idea in May. She wants students to be required to carry out such activities as planting trees or beautifying school premises.

In addition, the study of a subject called “Essentials of National Security and Defense” is introduced in schools. It will be studied from September 1 against the background of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. During the classes, schoolchildren will be introduced to military service and civil defense in theory and practice, and girls will also be trained in first aid.

Illustrative Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-love-people-woman-6647177/

The warming climate is changing the way we dream

By
Gaston de Persigny
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0

56% of people aged 18-34 said they had at least one climate dream in their lifetime, compared to 14% of over-55s

Martha Crawford started having dreams about climate change about 11-12 years ago, the story with that headline in Time began.

  Unlike many of her previous remembered dreams, these weren’t fragmentary or meaningless—they were “very clear,” she recalls. “They didn’t require much interpretation.” In one, she reads a textbook on climate change, then throws it behind the back of her couch, pretending it doesn’t exist. In another, she sits in on a lecture given by a climate scientist. But the professor starts yelling at her for not paying attention, and she fails the course. The point is pretty clear, says Crawford, a licensed clinical social worker: “You’re not careful, and you should be careful.”

The dreams eventually inspired her to start the Climate Dreams Project in 2019, and since then she’s been creating a space where people can share anecdotes about climate dreams, mostly anonymously.

One of the dreams submitted in the collection is of people digging holes in the desert so that the rising seas would have a place to go. Another dream tells of a “Flood” soccer match in which the players float on inner tubes in the second half.

Another person who shared four climate dreams told of one in which billions of people poured into a giant room that looked like a video game sports arena, but was big enough to hold the world’s population. “At the end of the dream, the whole face of the Earth was different,” they wrote. “It was completely frozen and the only habitable part was a giant plateau with a city on it.”

Climate change seems to have woven itself into the “fabric of dreams,” as Crawford puts it.

Studying dreams can be slippery. We don’t always remember them, and their interpretation is highly subjective. But according to a survey of 1,009 people conducted by The Harris Poll in June on behalf of the media, more than a third of people in the US have dreamed about climate change at least once in their lives.

According to the study, the images and sensations evoked by these dreams vary widely. Most people’s climate dreams are associated with extreme weather or natural disasters; fewer are those about mosquitoes and grasshoppers or about political leaders and laws. The most commonly reported emotions are fear and stress, with the exception of millennials, who seem to have more hopeful dreams.

The prevalence of climate dreams decreases with age: 56% of people between the ages of 18 and 34 said they had at least one climate dream in their lifetime, compared to 14% of people over the age of 55. Men seem to dream more about climate change than women. And people of color dream about it a lot more than white people.

Taken together, the data gives us a new perspective on how the country may be feeling about climate change.

Illustrative Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/beautiful-woman-sleeping-on-bed-5990954/

Nearly 14 million children in Sudan need humanitarian support: UNICEF

By
United Nations News
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Nearly 14 million children in Sudan need humanitarian support: UNICEF

Ted Chaiban of the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, and Edem Wosornu with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, briefed journalists on their recent mission to the country and Chad, one of several neighbouring nations hosting some 900,000 people who fled the violence.

Fighting between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) recently passed the 100-day mark. Overall, 24 million people across the country require aid.

Dreading another Darfur

Mr. Chaiban, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, expressed hope that ongoing talks in Saudi Arabia will lead to a cessation of hostilities. He said the conflict is threatening the lives and futures of children and young people, who make up over 70 per cent of Sudan’s population.  

“I saw the total of the atrocities committed against children and women during the darkest days of the Darfur conflict 18 years ago. Both Edem and I were there. And I think we’re deeply concerned that we could be looking at a repetition of these terrible days,” he warned.

In Sudan, children are being killed, injured, abducted, and even recruited into armed groups. They have fallen victim to ethnic- and gender-based violence, while the schools and hospitals they depend on are being damaged, destroyed and looted.

Mr. Chaiban said nearly 14 million children desperately need humanitarian relief – a number that is equivalent to all the boys and girls in Colombia, France, Germany or Thailand.  Some 1.7 million have been driven from their homes, adding to the nearly two million who were already uprooted before the crisis. 

© UNICEF/Abdulazeem Mohamed

Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director speaks to staff on the ground in Atbara in northeastern Sudan.

Impossible choices

“Parents are making the impossible choice of deciding whether to stay or leave, and leave everything behind they have known,” he said.  “And those children who are on the move, both within Sudan and neighbouring countries, are vulnerable to hunger, disease, violence and separation from their families.”

Furthermore, three million under-fives in Sudan are malnourished, with 700,000 at risk of severe acute malnutrition and mortality. Some 1.7 million children could miss out on critical vaccinations, raising the risk of disease outbreaks. 

“In White Nile State we currently have what is usually a lethal combination, which is acute watery diarrhea, measles and malnutrition in the same place, and that needs to absolutely be contained because otherwise the consequences are severe,” he said.

‘The world needs to wake up’

This week, UN agencies reported that more than 20 million people across Sudan now face severe hunger and six million are on the brink of famine. Nearly four million people alone have fled their homes to seek safety, including across the border into Chad, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia and Egypt.

Of those who remain, scores have been flocking to Port Sudan, the city on the Red Sea where the UN established a hub shortly after the fighting broke out. The arrivals are being hosted by family and friends who can barely meet their own needs as rents skyrocket and civil servants go unpaid, said Ms. Wosornu, Director of OCHA’s Operations and Advocacy Division.

She met with women in Port Sudan and the nearby town of Sinkat, “and their stories keep me awake at night.” These women spoke about seeing their homes “obliterated in one minute”, or difficulties in accessing lifesaving medicine such as insulin.

“We are receiving credible reports of all sorts of horrors and the world needs to wake up and hear this,” she said.

Delivering aid to millions

Ms. Wosornu pointed to “the good news amidst all this gloom”, as the UN and 93 humanitarian partners have been delivering aid wherever they can.

“We have been able to get to hard-to-reach areas,” she said.  “We’re able to move trucks from Port Sudan to Darfur, and this is through de-confliction, talking to the parties to the conflict, allowing us to move goods as we could.”

OCHA has facilitated the movement of some 780 trucks carrying 35,000 metric tons of relief supplies since fighting broke out in mid-April.  “Each of these movements requires extensive painstaking negotiations to ensure that we don’t get more deaths of civilians or the 18 aid workers that have been killed so far,” she said.

People just want peace

Between April and June, humanitarians reached at least 2.5 million people.  However, their target is 18 million, underscoring the need for greater financial support and fewer bureaucratic impediments. A $2.6 billion appeal for Sudan is just a quarter funded, or $625 million. UNICEF alone urgently needs $400 million to continue operations over the next 100 days.

“Overall, I think the message is that we can’t accept the toll that this war is taking on Sudan’s children, their families and the future,” said Mr. Chaiban.

He added that their message to the warring parties is also clear: stop fighting and commit to a durable cessation of hostilities, protect civilians, prevent grave violations against children, and ensure humanitarians can safely reach people in need.

“There are talks in Jeddah underway; there are other negotiating processes that we hope and urge can make urgent progress in this regard,” he said.

Ms. Wosornu underlined the need for unhindered and unconditional humanitarian access. “Everyone I spoke to, some people said ‘I don’t want food. I don’t want water. I just want peace. I want to go home.’  So, this is the message to parties to the conflict as well.”
 

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RUSI Reflects: Will New Oil and Gas Licenses Fuel the UK's Energy Security?

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Guest Author
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0
RUSI Reflects: Will New Oil and Gas Licenses Fuel the UK's Energy Security?


In this episode of RUSI Reflects, Genevieve Kotarska, Research Fellow, Organised Crime and Policing, examines the implications of new oil and gas licences for the UK’s future energy security.

RUSI.org link

Can War Funders and Profiteers Be Responsible for Crimes in Ukraine?

By
Guest Author
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RUSI Reflects: Will New Oil and Gas Licenses Fuel the UK's Energy Security?

The potential moral and legal responsibility of all those people for the crimes in Ukraine is a crucial, yet largely overlooked, issue. Historically, these are not altogether uncharted waters. As explored in an excellent book edited by Nina H B Jørgensen, funding international crimes, as well as providing material supplies such as weapons in support of them, can be a form of complicity under international criminal law. As some of the book’s chapters discuss, demonstrating that the funder knew their actions would assist the commission of a crime is likely to be the crucial hurdle, albeit one that can no doubt be satisfied in some circumstances. Conversely, ‘merely’ profiting from international crimes does not, in and of itself, trigger international criminal responsibility.

Way Forward

There may, therefore, be a disconnect between the moral and political assessment of war profiteers’ and, in some cases, funders’ role in Russia’s war in Ukraine and their legal responsibility. Some of them will no doubt be caught by existing rules, such as those who directly run private military companies that commit war crimes under their command. Others, such as those involved downstream in the theft and transfer of Ukrainian grain, may be left out.

For a complete legal assessment, one would need to study potential international crimes committed in Ukraine one by one – from murder to pillage, and beyond – and consider how financial involvement in them interacts with existing complicity rules. It would seem the need for such analysis is urgent, which is a task that governments and academics alike could usefully undertake.

If a bespoke Ukraine war crimes tribunal was established, particularly complex issues would arise. On the one hand, its statute could in principle provide for dedicated rules covering the funding of, or profiting from, international crimes committed in Ukraine. This would be consistent with the tribunal’s overarching objective to bring to accountability those with the greatest power over, and responsibility for, the war. On the other hand, in doing so, one would need to be careful to respect the fundamental legal principle that one cannot be liable for conduct that did not constitute a crime at the time it was committed. Overall, this is a matter that merits far greater prominence in the development of the emerging plans for bringing those responsible for Russia’s crimes to account.

The views expressed in this Commentary are the author’s, and do not represent those of RUSI or any other institution.

Have an idea for a Commentary you’d like to write for us? Send a short pitch to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you if it fits into our research interests. Full guidelines for contributors can be found here.

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Nancy Cartwright: The Voice Behind Bart Simpson

By
Newsdesk
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Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nancy Cartwright is a renowned voice talent known for her iconic portrayal of Bart Simpson, the mischievous and lovable character from the long-running animated series “The Simpsons.” With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Cartwright has become a respected figure in the world of voice acting. In this article, we will explore Cartwright’s journey, her tips for success, and her impact on the field of voice acting.

The Beginnings of a Voiceover Artist

Her passion for voice acting began during her high school years when she was actively involved in the speech club. This early interest in performing and using her voice as a tool for expression laid the foundation for her future career. Little did she know that her talent would lead her to become one of the most recognizable voices in television history.

Cartwright’s breakthrough came when she auditioned for the role of Bart Simpson in 1987. Her unique voice and ability to capture Bart’s mischievous and rebellious nature impressed the show’s creators, and she was chosen to bring the character to life. Since then, Cartwright has been the voice of Bart Simpson, delighting audiences with her energetic and distinctive portrayal.

Tips for Success in Voice Acting

Throughout her career, Nancy Cartwright has accumulated valuable insights and tips for aspiring voice actors. Here are some of her key pieces of advice:

  1. Develop Your Own Unique Voice: She emphasizes the importance of finding your own voice and embracing your uniqueness. She encourages aspiring voice actors to experiment with different vocal styles and characters to discover their strengths and stand out from the crowd.
  2. Study and Learn from the Best: She believes in the power of continuous learning and improvement. She recommends studying the work of successful voice actors and taking inspiration from their techniques. By observing and analyzing the performances of industry veterans, aspiring voice actors can gain valuable insights and refine their craft.
  3. Be Professional and Prepared: Being professional is crucial in the voice acting industry. Cartwright stresses the importance of being punctual, reliable, and prepared for auditions and recording sessions. This includes doing thorough research on the character and project, practising the script, and being open to direction and feedback.
  4. Embrace Physicality in Character Development: Cartwright believes that physicality plays a significant role in bringing characters to life. She emphasizes the importance of using body movements and gestures to enhance vocal performances and create more dynamic and believable characters.
  5. Seize Opportunities: Cartwright encourages aspiring voice actors to seize every opportunity that comes their way. Whether it’s attending workshops, taking classes, or networking with industry professionals, she believes that every experience can contribute to growth and development in the field.

Impact and Legacy

Nancy Cartwright’s portrayal of Bart Simpson has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her unique voice and memorable catchphrases have become synonymous with the character, making Bart an iconic figure in television history. Cartwright’s dedication to her craft and her ability to bring characters to life have earned her numerous accolades and a dedicated fan base.

Beyond her work on “The Simpsons,” Cartwright has also lent her voice to various other animated projects, showcasing her versatility as a voice actor. Her contributions to the industry have inspired aspiring voice actors and left a lasting impact on the field.

Cartwright is not only known for her achievements as a voice actor but also for her participation and contributions to humanitarian activities such as human rights, drug prevention, alphabetization, and her association with the Church of Scientology. Her contributions to the world of voice acting are highly acknowledged, and her connection to Scientology continues to generate curiosity.

In conclusion, Nancy Cartwright’s talent and dedication have made her one of the most respected and influential voice actors in the industry. Her portrayal of Bart Simpson has become legendary, and her tips for success provide valuable insights for aspiring voice actors. Through her work, Cartwright has left an enduring legacy and continues to inspire future generations of voice talent.

The Evolution of Sound: Exploring the Latest Trends in Music

By
Charlie W. Grease
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0
The Evolution of Sound: Exploring the Latest Trends in Music
Photo by Mike Castro Demaria on Unsplash

Music is an art form that has evolved significantly over the years. From classical compositions to modern-day genres, every generation brings forth new trends and styles. The evolution of sound is an ongoing process, influenced by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and the creativity of musicians. In this article, we will delve into the latest trends in music and how they have shaped the industry.

The Rise of Electronic Music

Electronic music has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years. What started as a niche subgenre has now become a dominant force in the music industry. The combination of synthesizers, computer-generated sounds, and intricate production techniques has revolutionized the way we consume music. Genres like techno, house, dubstep, and EDM (Electronic Dance Music) have gained mass appeal, dominating airwaves, festivals, and even mainstream pop charts.

The accessibility of technology has played a significant role in the rise of electronic music. With the advent of home studios and software programs, budding musicians can now create intricate beats and melodies from the comfort of their homes. This democratization of music production has empowered artists from diverse backgrounds to experiment and bring new sounds to the forefront.

Furthermore, the rise of electronic music has led to the blurring of genre boundaries. Artists are now more willing to fuse different styles and experiment with unconventional sounds, resulting in a melting pot of influences. This blending of genres has given rise to subgenres like trap, future bass, and tropical house, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of sound.

The Power of Streaming and Digital Platforms

Another significant trend in music is the dominance of streaming and digital platforms. The advent of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube has not only changed the way we consume music but also how artists create and promote their work. This shift from physical to digital formats has had a profound impact on the industry.

Streaming platforms have given artists a wider audience reach, enabling them to connect with fans globally. It has also provided a space for unknown or independent artists to share their music without relying solely on record labels. The focus has shifted towards creating catchy singles and engaging with fans through social media rather than relying solely on album sales.

Furthermore, streaming platforms have altered the way artists earn revenue from their music. With the decline in physical album sales, artists now rely on streaming platforms for income. However, the economics of streaming are still a topic of debate, as artists earn a fraction of a cent per stream.

According to a study, on Spotify for a monthly subscription paid for 9.99 euros: 6.54 euros would be donated to intermediaries (70% to producers, 30% to the music platform), 1.99 euros for the State (VAT), 1 euro for royalties, finally the artists listened to would share 0.46 euro57.

The ranking of streaming platforms according to the number of listens necessary for an artist to obtain one euro:

  • Napster : 59.
  • Tidal : 89.
  • Apple Music : 151.
  • Deezer : 174.
  • Spotify : 254.
  • Amazon Music : 277.
  • YouTube Music : 1612.

This has led to discussions about fair compensation for artists and the need for industry reform.

The evolution of sound in music is a dynamic process driven by technology, culture, and the creative instincts of musicians. From the rise of electronic music to the dominance of streaming platforms, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. As new technologies emerge and global influences intertwine, it is exciting to think about the future trends that will shape the music we hear tomorrow. Artists are pushing boundaries, collaborating across genres, and constantly redefining our auditory experiences. Undoubtedly, the evolution of sound is an ever-unfolding narrative that keeps music vibrant and alive.

New research reveals the benefits of napping during the day

By
Gaston de Persigny
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0

Scientists analysed data from studies involving nearly 380,000 individuals aged 40 to 69.

In recent years, several studies have been published on the impact of daytime sleep on health. For instance, it is suggested to be linked with a heightened likelihood of stroke among older individuals. If daytime sleep exceeds 8 hours, there is a risk of reduced life expectancy. However, researchers from the USA and Uruguay hold contrasting viewpoints. In the journal Sleep Health, they present arguments advocating the advantages of daytime sleep.

These scientists examined data from studies encompassing nearly 380,000 individuals aged 40 to 69. The primary objective was to establish the correlation between daytime sleep and brain health. The researchers observed that individuals who tend to nap during the day possess a greater total brain volume.

Especially in the elderly, this serves as an indicator of good health, as a decrease in brain volume is typically associated with dementia and other cognitive disorders. With age, the organ diminishes in size, leading to a decline in cognitive functions. The findings revealed that the brains of individuals who nap were 2.6 to 6.5 years “younger.”

In conclusion, a definite connection indeed exists between daytime sleep and larger brain volume. The practice of taking a 10-15 minute nap during the day, according to scientists, enhances cognitive abilities, slows down the aging process, and improves memory.

This isn’t the first instance of disparate scientific opinions regarding the same phenomenon. Such contradictions and disparities are intrinsic to the development of science. But what is an ordinary person to do? The simplest advice, perhaps, is to avoid extremes and prioritize one’s own intuition.

By the way, the afternoon nap is a centuries-old tradition in many Mediterranean countries.

Nonetheless, sleep quality holds greater significance for one’s overall quality of life than sleep duration. This was established by a study conducted by Czech researchers and reported by Neuroscience News in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

While numerous studies have connected sleep quality to an individual’s overall quality of life,

there is limited research on the relative influence of changes in sleep duration, quality, and timing on long-term quality of life.

To delve into this query, Michaela Kudrnachova from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University in Prague and Aleš Kudrnach of the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences employed data from the annual Czech household survey spanning from 2018 to 2020. Diverse adults within the same household participated in the survey; a total of 5,132 Czech adults responded in 2018, 2,046 in 2019, and 2,161 in 2020.

The authors analysed responses to queries related to life satisfaction, well-being, happiness, subjective health, and workplace stress, alongside self-reported responses concerning sleep duration, sleep quality, and instances where socially determined sleep patterns conflicted with innate biological rhythms (e.g., starting a new job with different working hours).

At the individual level, reported sleep quality displayed significant associations with all five quality-of-life measures, excluding workplace stress. Furthermore, sleep quality exhibited a significantly positive relationship with all measures of quality of life.

The study revealed that sleep duration was significantly linked to subjective health and happiness, while the misalignment between the biological sleep rhythm and the rhythm dictated by social obligations was notably associated with life satisfaction and workplace stress.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/apartment-bed-carpet-chair-269141/

Extreme Summer Scorching Heat and Wildfires

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Newsdesk
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silhouette of trees during sunset

In a summer marked by extremes, dangerous weather events have wreaked havoc across the Northern Hemisphere, inflicting severe damage on both human health and the environment. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this summer has witnessed a series of alarming occurrences, including intense heatwaves, record-breaking rainfall, wildfires, and marine heatwaves. Let us delve into the WMO’s report, featuring expert voices and quotes from their study, to gain deeper insights into the implications of these extreme events.

“The extreme weather – an increasingly frequent occurrence in our warming climate – is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy, and water supplies. This underlines the increasing urgency of cutting greenhouse gas emissions as quickly and as deeply as possible.” – WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.

“In addition, we have to step up efforts to help society adapt to what is, unfortunately, becoming the new normal. The WMO community is providing forecasts and warnings to protect lives and livelihoods as we strive to achieve our goal of Early Warnings for All.” – Prof. Petteri Taalas.

The Heatwaves: Setting New Records

China experienced a new national daily temperature record in July, with the Sanbao weather station in Turpan City in China’s Xinjiang province registering a temperature of 52.2°C on 16 July, setting a new national temperature record according to a report by the China Meteorological Administration.

Europe and North Africa reported new maximum temperature records. In Catalonia, Figueres recorded a new temperature record of 45.4 °C on 18 July (provisional all-time maximum). Similarly, a station on the Italian island of Sardinia recorded a scorching 48.2°C on 24 July.

Iran faced a staggering 50°C in early August, topping the list of extreme temperatures.

North America’s Battle with Heatwaves

Parts of the USA endured extensive heatwaves, and Phoenix, Arizona, suffered through the hottest July on record, with an average temperature of 102.7°F (39.3°C). According to the US National Weather Service, Phoenix recorded 31 days, as of 30 July, of daytime temperatures above 110 °F (43.3 °C). The overnight low temperatures were repeatedly more than 90°F (32.2°C).

Health experts have emphasized the importance of considering minimum temperatures in addressing the impact of heat waves on human health and infrastructure. “We need to broaden the focus beyond maximum temperatures because the minimum temperature is most important for health and critical infrastructure,” said WMO’s extreme heat senior advisor John Nairn.

Wildfires: A Trail of Destruction

Canada faced its worst wildfire season in history, with over 650 wildfires raging and more than 11 million hectares already burnt in 2023 – compared to the 10-year average of about 800,000 hectares. The resultant emissions significantly impacted air quality, affecting millions of people across North America.

“The total estimated wildfire carbon emissions for the year to date reached double the previous Canadian annual total,” reported the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) as of the end of July.

Marine Heatwaves: Oceans in Crisis

Rising sea surface temperatures have led to severe marine heatwaves, with the Mediterranean Sea experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, exceeding 30 °C in some parts, and more than 4 °C above average in a large part of the western Mediterranean.

“The impacts of marine heatwaves include migration of species and extinctions, arrival of invasive species with consequences for fisheries and aquaculture,” stated the WMO.

Heavy Rains and Floods: Asia’s Ordeal

China’s capital, Beijing, and the province of Hebei experienced record-breaking rainfall induced by tropical cyclones, leading to significant casualties and prompting major relief and rescue operations.

“As the planet warms, the expectation is that we will see more and more intense, more frequent, more severe rainfall events, leading also to more severe flooding,” said Stefan Uhlenbrook, Director of hydrology, water, and cryosphere at WMO.

In northern India, heavy monsoonal rainfall and flooding caused dozens of fatalities, with the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh being badly hit, along with the regions of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. New Delhi reportedly marked its wettest July day in 40 years, with 153 millimetres (6 inches) of rain falling in one day.

Urgent Action Needed

The WMO’s report sheds light on the severity of extreme weather events and underlines the necessity for global efforts to combat climate change, adapt to these new challenges, and protect lives and livelihoods. As we strive to achieve the goal of early warnings for all, our ability to mitigate the impact of such events will depend on immediate and collective action on a global scale. The summer of [current year] has served as a stark reminder of the urgent action needed to address climate change and its far-reaching consequences.

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