US Secretary of Education Betsy Devos is arguably the worst Secretary of Education in living memory, favoring private religious schools and appearing to disadvantage the victims of sexual harassment. Among other things. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act—passed was by Congress in March. $13.5 billion was allocated to K-12 schools. Using a …
Continue reading ‘A wrecking ball ( a little long, but important).’ »
I walk in wonder through a wood Like some great temple, moist and still, Bid fair to meet some forest god Or spirit of the Spring’s new growth, Maybe just perched upon a bough, Or peeping round some mossy root. “Do you, good stranger, come in peace, Or will you jar our ageless calm?” In …
Old news, but people may be able to “cure” themselves of type-2 diabetes by going on a radical 800-calorie-a-day soup and shake diet. Previous research has indicated that the disease can be temporarily reversed in this way. Now a study has suggested that the recovery can be permanent – provided the weight loss is sufficiently …
Mindfulness and meditation can worsen depression and anxiety. Mindfulness (paying close attention to your own thoughts) and other types of meditation are usually seen as simple stress-relievers – but they can sometimes leave people worse off, worsening depression and anxiety. About one in 12 people who try meditation experience an unwanted negative effect, usually a …
Continue reading ‘Mindfulness and meditation: are they good for you?’ »
It is well documented that less religious nations tend to be more prosperous. This is most true of the advanced democracies, but also usually holds elsewhere – see how officially atheistic China outperforms more pious India. The trend tends to hold up within countries too: the most irreligious US states are better off than the …
