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This is where I post short articles about things that I discover.

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Credit: Midjourney




My Submission to the PATH Caucus

October 3, 2024
opinion
politics

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-170/issue-129/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E809-3 Summary of the letter: The PATH Caucus was created to raise awareness about the therapeutic potential of psychedelic and entactogenic drugs for mental health conditions. The Caucus is seeking input on implementing programs and policies for novel therapies using these substances. The Caucus aims to gather input from the public, those who have received psychedelic-assisted therapies, and stakeholders in the behavioral health ecosystem. The Caucus acknowledges the cultural significance of certain psychedelic substances and seeks input from indigenous communities. ...

Oregon's regulation of synthetically derived cannabinoids

September 17, 2024
opinion
politics, law

Oregon’s approach to regulating synthetically derived cannabinoids has evolved significantly in recent years. Initially, the focus was primarily on controlling their sale and distribution, while possession was treated as a minor infraction under Measure 110, which broadly decriminalized drug possession. However, the legal landscape has shifted dramatically with the passage of House Bill 4002. This new legislation repeals the previous Class E violation for possessing small amounts of controlled substances and introduces a more serious misdemeanor offense. ...

Carse 2008 Project Announcement

August 11, 2024
project
religion, book

James Carse’s The Religious Case Against Belief, published in 2008, was a groundbreaking work. Tragically, Carse passed away in 2020, just as large language models (LLMs) were making amazing advances. The book’s complex language, likely with a Flesch-Kincaid score above 15, makes it inaccessible to many readers. This is unfortunate, as its insights deserve a wider audience. Imagine if this influential book could be simplified without losing its core message. ...

Free lunch

August 11, 2024
news
kindness

I had lunch at La Fondita 2 (3330 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301) today at around 11 a.m. A man I had barely met paid for my burrito. 🌯 He didn’t mention his name, and the restaurant staff didn’t know him either. Apparently, I was the accidental beneficiary of a random act of kindness. I’m not sure whether this has ever happened to me before. ♥️

Polypaternity

July 22, 2024
opinion
semantics

Here’s a satirical take on polypaternity, parodying the concept of polyamory. Scenario # Suppose your relationship with your dad is loving but falls short of idyllic expectations. This isn’t attributable to paternity uncertainty; he is your biological dad, sharing 50% of his DNA.1 So what do you do? You obviously have only two options: Work through existing conflicts with your dad to improve your relationship. Abandon the pursuit of expansive satisfaction and contentment with one dad figure, instead seeking to fill the void with multiple dad figures. ...

Bouquet

May 17, 2024
art

A vibrant bouquet of flowers in watercolor. The composition includes a variety of blooms, primarily featuring roses in different shades. There are yellow, orange, and deep red roses, each detailed with delicate petal layers. Accompanying the roses are white hydrangea clusters, adding a soft contrast to the vivid colors. Additionally, there are smaller pinkish flowers and green leaves interspersed throughout the bouquet, providing a lush and natural backdrop. The artist has used a delicate, almost translucent wash technique, allowing for a gentle blending of colors and soft edges that enhance the overall elegance and freshness of the floral arrangement. ...

Establishing Self/Part Connection, Beyond the Basics

May 10, 2024
opinion
therapy, internal family systems

Introduction # Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy emphasizes the client’s Self as the core element for achieving healing. The therapist typically acts as a supportive guide, facilitating connection between the client’s various parts and their Self. This connection is crucial for progress. Without it, healing can be significantly slowed down or even impeded. This is especially true for exiled parts, those that have been disconnected and burdened with emotional pain. ...

Repose

April 21, 2024
art

Reference on left, drawing on right.