A look back at some of the top political stories of 2023
2023 was a year of big anniversaries
An unprecedented year in immigration, and in anti-immigration rhetoric
The most powerful news photos of the year

U.S. appeals court grants Apple's request to pause smartwatch import ban
Apple halts online sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple stops selling latest Apple Watch after losing patent case
4 things to know about the Apple Watch fiasco

People want to make everything better — but sometimes different is just as good

Breaking with tradition, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25 this year

Pope calls for end to Gaza war as world celebrates Christmas
Pope Francis mourns the rejection of peace and 'futile logic of war' this Christmas
'A solid step forward' — LGBTQ+ Catholics react to same-sex blessing declaration
Pope Francis approves Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, but not for marriage
Pope cancels trip to U.N. climate conference on doctors' orders after getting the flu

Nothing Drains You Like Mixed Emotions

7 powerful lessons from the book "Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism" by Fumio Sasaki

1. True happiness comes from within, not from material possessions. Sasaki argues that the pursuit of material possessions often leads to stress, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. True happiness, he suggests, comes from cultivating meaningful relationships, pursuing passions, and living in alignment with one's values.

2. Minimalism is not about deprivation; it's about intentionality. Minimalism is not about living an austere, stripped-down existence. It's about making conscious choices about what you bring into your life and what you leave behind. It's about curating a space that reflects your values and priorities.

3. Decluttering is a liberating experience. Letting go of excess belongings can be a deeply liberating experience. It can free up your physical space, mental energy, and emotional baggage. It can allow you to focus on what truly matters.

4. Less is more. Sasaki advocates for a minimalist approach to life, suggesting that having less paradoxically leads to more. With fewer possessions, you have more time, energy, and freedom to pursue your passions and experience life to the fullest.

5. Gratitude is essential. Cultivating a sense of gratitude for the things you do have is a powerful antidote to the materialistic mindset. By focusing on what you appreciate, you can reduce cravings for more and find contentment in the present moment.

6. Minimalism is a journey, not a destination. Sasaki emphasizes that minimalism is an ongoing process of refinement and simplification. It's not about achieving a perfect state of minimalism; it's about continuously evaluating your relationship with your possessions and making conscious choices that align with your values.

7. Minimalism is a personal journey. Minimalism is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The degree of minimalism you choose is a personal decision, based on your own values, preferences, and circumstances. What matters most is that you are intentional about your choices and creating a life that is authentic and fulfilling to you.

Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no chaos, trouble, or hard realities to deal with. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still remain mentally, emotionally, and physically centered. - Marcandangel

I’m Teaching My Teens to Self-Advocate by Asking Them These 5 Questions

Women have another option. They can aspire to be wise, not merely nice; to be competent, not merely helpful; to be strong, not merely graceful; to be ambitious for themselves, not merely for themselves in relation to men and children. They can let themselves age naturally and without embarrassment, actively protesting and disobeying the conventions that stem from this society’s double standard about aging. Instead of being girls, girls as long as possible, who then age humiliatingly into middle-aged women, they can become women much earlier — and remain active adults, enjoying the long, erotic career of which women are capable, far longer. Women should allow their faces to show the lives they have lived. Women should tell the truth. - Susan Sontag

Love blossoms whenever we step beyong our fears and rest in the generosity of the heart. - Jack Kornfield

Sometimes people walk away from love because it is so beautiful that it terrifies them. Sometimes they leave because the connection shines a bright light on their dark places and they are not ready to work them through. Sometimes they run away because they are not developmentally prepared to merge with another – they have more individuation work to do first. Sometimes they take off because love is not a priority in their lives- they have another path and purpose to walk first. Sometimes they end it because they prefer a relationship that is more practical than conscious, one that does not threaten the ways that they organize reality. Because so many of us carry shame, we have a tendency to personalize love’s leavings, triggered by the rejection and feelings of abandonment. But this is not always true. Sometimes it has nothing to do with us. Sometimes the one who leaves is just not ready to hold it safe. Sometimes they know something we don’t – they know their limits at that moment in time. Real love is no easy path – readiness is everything. May we grieve loss without personalizing it. May we learn to love ourselves in the absence of the lover. - Jeff Brown

Evidence of an impending breakup may exist in speech patterns

Identical twins compared a vegan diet with meat-eating and found the vegan diet led to fat loss and more energy
Eating less meat would be good for the Earth. Small nudges can change behavior

Many parents don’t know when kids are behind in school. Are report cards telling enough?

Stop trying to predict what others think about you, and be mindful of what you're allowing yourself to think, feel, and believe. - J. Mike Fields

Do not let your happienss depend on something you may lose. - C.S. Lewis

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things. - Henry Ward Beecher

This is a subtle truth.
Whatever you love, you are. - Rum

Sis, if he's not "looking for anything serious" then he's not looking for you. - Jackie Dorman

Love always involves some sacrifice. - Gary Chapman

To love at all is to be vulnerable. - C.S.Lewis

" I am a soul, however I have got a thousand bodies.
There are a lot of people who say "me" and "I".
There is no one to simply say:" I am you. "- Rumi

The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything. - Theodre Roosevelt

May peopke with pure intentions. find people with pure intentions. - unknown

Just how big can a snowflake get? It depends on what you mean by 'snowflake'

Indigenous students can attend UW-Madison for free under new program

“There are millions of people on the planet, alive now, who’s worst enemy lives between their two ears.” – Eckhart Tolle

Kah-Nee-Tah resort's grand reopening set for summer 2024: Hot springs, authentic Teepees, Tribal food cart, and more
Kah-Nee-Ta announces new reopening plan for summer 2024

In the West Bank, Palestinian olive farmers fear for the worst in this year's harvest

The war in Gaza is a big story on campus. These student reporters aren't shying away
Despite backlash, Masha Gessen says comparing Gaza to a Nazi-era ghetto is necessary
An inside account of delivering aid to Gaza: 'Each time it's getting more desperate'
Gaza war is world's 'moral failure', Red Cross chief says
Germany pledged 'never again.' Here's how it's grappling with Israel's bombing of Gaza
There's no Christmas in Bethlehem this year. With war in Gaza, festivities are off

You've heard of Santa, maybe even Krampus, but what about the child-eating Yule Cat?
For more eco-friendly holiday wrapping, some turn to the Japanese art of furoshiki
Internet decor legends redefine the Christmas tree
When do children stop believing in Santa Claus?
Unique ways Americans celebrate the holidays, from skiing Santas to Festivus feats
'Christmas tree syndrome' is real. Here's how to avoid it this holiday season.
Advent calendars, explained: Where they came from and why they're everywhere now

A plane stuck for days in France for a human trafficking investigation is leaving

Christmas Day storm forecast to bring blizzard conditions to Plains and Midwest
More rain to lash Southern California today as flood threat persists in some areas
'People shrieking in tears': Cruise passengers returned to flooded cars at port
A stunning storm: Historic downpours, evacuations reported in Southern California
Pacific storm dumps heavy rains, unleashes flooding in California coastal cities
Evacuations, flooding hit Southern California: Millions in path of soaking rain
Millions across Southern California are under flood threat that could snarl travel ahead of the holiday weekend
Flood threat increasing across California with over 20 million under flood alerts
Deadly storm batters the Northeast, knocking out power and grounding flights
Hundreds of thousands are without power in Northeast as temperatures are set to plummet today
After pummeling Florida, a strengthening storm system is drenching the Atlantic coast
A major storm slamming the Northeast is knocking out power and snarling travel
Powerful Northeast storm knocks out power to tens of thousands and forces water rescues
Major storm targets East Coast ahead of holiday travel rush
Tennessee tornado recovery complicated by freezing temps
Snowfall, rain, gusty winds hit Northeast as Tennessee recovers from deadly tornadoes
Massive weekend storm to pack a punch for millions in eastern half of US
2 bodies found in creeks as atmospheric river drops record-breaking rain in Pacific Northwest
An atmospheric river is soaking the Pacific Northwest with record-breaking rain
Deadly flooding strikes Northwest as 'Pineapple Express' storm sends rivers raging in Washington, Oregon
Atmospheric River bringing steady stream of rainfall to Northwest US
Atmospheric river to wallop Northwest to start December with flooding rain, feet of snow

As conflicts rage abroad, a fractured Congress tries to rally support for historic global challenges
Congress passed so few laws this year that we explained them all in 1,000 words.
Biden's Ukraine aid deadline falls prey to rapidly shifting U.S. immigration politics
U.S. and Europe Eye Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine as Funding Dries Up
House Dysfunction by the Numbers: 724 Votes, Only 27 Laws Enacted
Biden faces battle with Democratic base over Israel, Ukraine, border
How the US keeps funding Ukraine's military — even as it says it's out of money
Zelenskyy's Pitch for More American Dollars
US declassifies intel as the White House pushes for more Ukraine funding
Zelenskyy is making a last-ditch push to get more U.S. weapons and aid for Ukraine
White House, Congress scramble on last-minute deals on Ukraine and US immigration
New US aid for Ukraine by year-end seems increasingly of out reach as GOP ties it to border security
Biden the closer? Senate GOP urges president to clinch Ukraine-border deal
Biden Tied Ukraine Aid to Border Security, and It Backfired on Him
Senate fails to advance Ukraine aid despite dire warnings from Biden
Senate Republicans to block Ukraine funding after tempers flare at classified briefing
As federal debt grows, a bipartisan push for another commission to address it
Biden says Congress must approve Ukraine aid this month: 'We can't let Putin win'
Senate Republicans hold firm in face of last-minute White House push for Ukraine aid
US senators square off at Ukraine briefing after Zelensky pulls out
'We are about to abandon Ukraine'
The U.S. is running out of money for Ukraine, the White House warns
House Speaker Mike Johnson's honeymoon period is over. Congress is still bracing for fights.
GOP faces ominous signs in effort to avoid January shutdown
McConnell faces difficult test leading GOP on Ukraine
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like a Republican Government Shutdown
Johnson Learns on the Job, Drawing the Ire of the Republican Right
In His First Big Showdown, an Unyielding Conservative Yields
Senate passes stopgap spending bill, avoiding the threat of a shutdown
Conservatives tank procedural vote on appropriations measure, signaling trouble
Averting government shutdown, Congress approves temporary funding through the holidays
House abruptly heads home early after conservatives retaliate over Johnson's government funding plan
House stalls impeachment of Homeland Secretary Mayorkas for handling of immigration
GOP rifts boil over in exchange between Reps. McCarthy and Burchett
House will vote on Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to avert a government shutdown
Democrats signal support for Speaker Johnson's plan to avert a government shutdown
House blocks Marjorie Taylor Greene's push to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
US House to vote on impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas

“Of all things, love is the most potent.” —Maria Montessori

A child is going to remember who was there, not what you spent on them. Kids ourgrow toys and outfits, but they never outgrow time and love. - tinybuddha.com

Who cooks the most in your home? NPR readers weigh in
Nothing to fear with kitchen gear: 'America's Test Kitchen' guide to tools, gadgets

Our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of our heart. - Rumi

"When you walk the path of awareness, you are bringing a systematic consciousness to the experience of living that only makes living more vibrant, more real." -Jon Kabat-Zinn

Parents, friends, families.. etc

Seeing your parents for who they are and understanding their level of maturity will allow you to stop seeking from them what they aren't able to give. - Dr. Nicole LePers

Be th light in dark places, when all other lights go out. - J.R.R. Tolkien

Owe Someone an Apology? Here’s How to Make Things Right

Excited to serve with this Non profit again for Christmas

Potluck in the Park

One of the deep sercrest of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others. - Lewis Carroll

Houthi attacks upend trade as ships are forced long way around Africa
Russian-Israeli relations crumble over Gaza war: analysts
Houthi leader threatens to attack US warships if Washington targets Yemen
Amid Gaza War and Red Sea Attacks, Yemen’s Houthis Refuse to Back Down
Israel keeps pounding Gaza, Houthis vow more Red Sea attacks
Pentagon announces new international maritime protection force for the Red Sea
'Financially solid': Hamas revenues set to withstand war with Israel
President Weah steps in to reverse Liberia's U.N. vote against Gaza ceasefire
US-led force to patrol Red Sea in response to attacks by Houthis backing Palestinians
Houthis launch more drone attacks as shipping companies suspend Red Sea operations
Exclusive-On edge over Red Sea attacks, Riyadh seeks to contain fall-out
Houthi missiles strike commercial ships in Red Sea, while U.S. warship downs drones

A YouTuber was accused of plagiarism. His apology highlighted a larger issue among creators.

To Dodgers Fans Everywhere, It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas With Reports Of Yamamoto Signing
Fans Rejoice As Shohei Ohtani Is Introduced As An LA Dodger. What It Means To The Japanese Diaspora
Baseball Superstar Shohei Ohtani Leaves Angels, Signs With Dodgers For Blockbuster $700M Deal

Day of mourning declared after gunman kills at least 14 at Prague university
A lone gunman opens fire in a Prague university, killing 15 people and injuring 24
10 people are killed in a mass shooting in downtown Prague
10 people killed in a mass shooting in downtown Prague
Philippine president says 'foreign terrorists' behind bomb that killed 4 during mass
A Philippine radio anchor was shot and killed while on a Facebook livestream
Firearms charge against Washington state senator Jeff Wilson dismissed in Hong Kong court

Spain's Christmas lottery 'El Gordo' starts dishing out millions of dollars in prizes

MIT, Yale, and other elite colleges are finally reaching out to rural students

Met museum is returning looted ancient art to Cambodia and Thailand

It's not just you: Christmas lights look different now, and can give you headaches

Court revives Nirvana child pornography lawsuit over 'Nevermind' cover

Ky. Gov. Beshear talks second term, Democrats’ future and GOP legislature

'The language of Hitler': Kamala Harris denounces Donald Trump's comments attacking immigrants
Is A Trump Win In Iowa A Done Deal?
How schools (but not necessarily education) became central to the Republican primary
Senate Republicans recoil at Trump ‘poisoning the blood of our country’ remarks
Trump’s rhetoric in final campaign sprint goes to new dark extremes

World experienced nature's fury in 2023 as climate crisis fueled bad weather
2023 was a tragic and bizarre year of wildfires. Will it mark a turning point?
A massive pay cut for federal wildland firefighters may be averted. But not for long
A California town wiped off the map by wildfire is still recovering five years on
With wildfires growing, California writes new rules on where to plant shrubs
U.S. fire season on track to be one of slowest in years
Oregon vulnerable communities more exposed to wildfires than other social groups, study shows
Wildfire risk is growing everywhere, even as more Americans move into harm's way

US regulator sounds alarm over Doraemon toy magnets after seven deaths

Hurt people hurt others, but luckily, healed people heal others. Safe people, shelter others. Free spirits, free others. Enlightened people, illuminate others. And love always wins. So shine your light of love on all who may cross your path in life, because what you do matters. - unknown

Fear of credit card debt adds fuel to the 'Buy Now, Pay Later' surge

Kumon tutoring TikToks are bringing up hilariously painful memories for Asian millennials and Gen Zers

Food truck serving Japanese sandwiches bids sayonara to Portland — for now

In a major shift, Northwest tribes — not US officials — will control salmon recovery funds
Tribes celebrate historic deal with White House that could save Pacific Northwest salmon
Klamath Tribes all hands on deck to save endangered C’waam and Koptu suckerfish
EPA plans to review chemical used in car tires that kills salmon after petition from West Coast tribes
‘Killing salmon to lose money’: A costly, questionable plan on the Willamette
The largest dam removal in history stirs hopes of restoring California tribes' way of life
Biden memo directs US agencies to restore 'healthy and abundant' salmon runs in the Northwest

Biden threatened by generation gap on Israel among Democrats, Yahoo News/YouGov poll finds
Young voters explain why they’re bailing on Biden — and whether they’d come back
How should the media cover Trump and Biden in 2024? One man has an answer
CNN Polls: Trump leads Biden in Michigan and Georgia as broad majorities hold negative views of the current president
A postcard from the Lesser-Known Candidate Forum, a New Hampshire primary tradition
Democratic support for Biden ticks up on handling of Israel-Hamas war, AP-NORC poll says
'Rebuild the base': How the Biden campaign will tackle a possible Trump rematch
Biden says he's 'not the only one who can defeat' Trump
Q&A: Dean Phillips is Biden's new Democratic challenger. Does he really think he can win?
The GOP primary campaign could be over just as Trump's trials are getting underway
"https://www.npr.org/2023/12/03/1216809440/biden-trump-2024-presidential-campaign-strategy-obamacare">Biden used to keep quiet about Trump. Now Biden's invoking his name to raise alarms
Muslim leaders in swing states pledge to ‘abandon’ Biden over his refusal to call for ceasefire
Biden backers rev up write-in campaign in New Hampshire to avoid loss

Flavored tobacco ban for Multnomah County set to start on Jan. 1

Some Mexican pharmacies are selling full bottles of Adderall. But it's actually meth.

'Barbie' movie star Ryan Gosling drops 'I'm Just Ken' Christmas ballad: Listen

MLB rule changes for 2024 amend pitch clock, runner's lane and more

If you knew the extent of what a person had to endure to have the impact, empthay, and outlook they have today, you wouldn't't be intimidated. You would be empowered. - Morgan Richard Olivier

Pornhub owner pays $1.8 million to resolve US probe of sex trafficking ties

I can't believe I allowed myself to be disrespected so many times just because I care about other people's feeling more than mine. - unknown

Gen Z and millennials are reviving public libraries, study reveals

Scientists successfully replicate historic nuclear fusion breakthrough three times

Happy Winter solstice

The time of the solstice is rich with potential to take a pause, relfect, reconnect with our deeper values, and set intentions. - Heather Sundberg

It's the winter solstice. Here are 5 ways people celebrate the return of light
Winter solstice: The shortest day and longest night of the year
How much daylight will Portland have on the shortest day of the year?

Jan. 4th!

Bidse.
Harvard Finds More Instances of ‘Duplicative Language’ in President’s Work
How a 6-Second Video Turned a Campus Protest Into a National Firestorm
The Fight Over Free Speech on College Campuses
'Fear rather than sensitivity': Most U.S. scholars on the Mideast are self-censoring
Campus Palestinian allies demand UC board chair resign, citing 'one-sided' social media actions
Penn president, board of trustees chair resign after antisemitism hearing
Harvard, UPenn and MIT presidents face backlash after hearing on antisemitism on campus. Here’s what’s happening.
Rabbi David Wolpe resigns from Harvard’s antisemitism advisory group
Major donor calls on UPenn president to resign for disastrous testimony on antisemitism, threatening $100 million gift
Emhoff says 3 college presidents showed a 'lack of moral clarity' on antisemitism
Harvard, Penn Criticized for ‘Insane’ Testimony on Antisemitism
Billionaire Bill Ackman says Harvard, Penn and MIT presidents ‘must all resign in disgrace’
Lawmakers grill the presidents of Harvard, MIT and Penn over antisemitism on campus
US anti-Semitism a 'five alarm fire,' Senate leader warns
Schumer: Too many Americans are ‘leaping toward a virulent antisemitism’

George Santos traded a $174K congressional salary for a six-figure career on Cameo. The app’s CEO says it’s one of ‘the best launches we’ve ever had’
Georgia redistricting tests if the Voting Rights Act protects 'coalition districts'
George Santos says he'll be back — and other takeaways from his Ziwe interview
Florida GOP suspends chairman and demands his resignation amid rape investigation
Republican anti-immigrant rhetoric challenges Iowa's Latino community
New Michigan law means people leaving prison will automatically be registered to vote
Republicans Have a Replacement for George Santos—and She’s a Doozy
GOP picks Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip as candidate to replace George Santos in NY-3
NY voters to get new congressional districts in major win for Democrats

Human beings need food and water, but they also need recognition just as much. - David Brooks

Science says declining social invites is OK. Here are 3 tips for doing it

Key Hamas Plotters of Oct. 7 Elude Israel’s Grip on Gaza
As Israel fights to destroy Hamas, the group's popularity surges among Palestinians
Israeli airstrikes kill dozens more Palestinians across the Gaza Strip
Gaza residents fear death is imminent. So they are writing their last words
Israel Gaza: Hamas releases video showing three elderly Israeli hostages
Israel troops kill motorist in West Bank: Palestinian media
Hamas leader narrowly evades capture as Israeli forces hunt him in Gaza tunnels
Israel signals gradual shift in Gaza war, after US defense chief visit
Army demolishes home of Palestinian accused of killing 2 Israelis
Israeli family members shocked to see elderly hostages appear in Hamas video
Gaza hospital in rubble after Israeli withdrawal
Israeli army says it uncovered biggest Hamas tunnel yet
Israel's military says hostages waved a white flag before being killed by a soldier
U.S. defense secretary presses Israel officials on protecting civilian lives in Gaza
Israel finds large tunnel adjacent to Gaza, raising new questions about prewar intelligence
Israel says Gaza hospital military 'activity' over
It’s Not Just the Killing. Why Must Israel Dehumanize Palestinians?
Israel social security data reveals true picture of Oct 7 deaths
Israeli military says it mistakenly killed 3 Israeli hostages in battle-torn part of Gaza
As Biden-Netanyahu gulf widens, Israeli leader vows to continue Gaza war 'until the end'
Videos show Israeli soldiers in Gaza burning food, vandalizing a shop and ransacking private homes
Israel-Hamas war: Rockets fired on Jerusalem in rare attack
Damage epicenter shifts to Khan Younis as Israel-Hamas fighting moves south, data shows
Israel recovers bodies of 3 hostages taken by Hamas
Hungry, thirsty and humiliated: Israel's mass arrest campaign sows fear in northern Gaza
‘We have the right to live.’ Starvation, disease, and winter chill threaten the survival of displaced civilians in Gaza
Gaza families beg for bread, eat donkey meat as aid deliveries falter
The accounts of freed Israeli hostages add pressure to save those still in captivity
Israel is using an AI system to find targets in Gaza. Experts say it's just the start
US and Israel discuss when to scale back Gaza combat but agree fight will take months, envoy says
How American citizens are leading rise of ‘settler violence’ on Palestinian lands
9 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza City ambush in sign that Hamas resistance is still strong
Biden meets with families of 8 Americans still being held hostage in Gaza. Here's what we know about them.
Letters to the Editor: You can't plead for Gaza without acknowledging how Hamas started this war
Amid outcry over Gaza tactics, videos of soldiers acting maliciously create new headache for Israel
At 1 Gaza hospital, doctors are fleeing, supplies are low and there's not enough beds

The Curious Personality Changes of Older Age
Hearing loss can lead to deadly falls, but hearing aids may cut the risk
Older Americans are dominating like never before, but what comes next?
How age, stress and genetics turn hair gray
The Puzzling Gap Between How Old You Are And How Old You Think You Are

Student loan forgiveness isn't dead yet, and other takeaways from 2023
Government efforts to erase student loan debt have now reached 3.6 million borrowers
Millions could benefit from a new way out of student loan default
Fresh Start for Student Loan Borrowers in Default
Education Department punishes student loan servicer for billing mistakes
Education Department punishes student loan servicer Mohela for billing mistakes
MOHELA made borrowers delinquent. Now the student loan servicer is being penalized
Confusion clouds return of student loan payments
Student loans for parents can be a debt trap. But there's a loophole
Biden strengthens rules to keep schools from saddling students with unaffordable debt
Feds offer students new protections against programs that lead to high debt, low pay
How new borrowers can prepare for their first student loan payment
The US Department Of Education Clears Student Loan Debt For 804,000 Borrowers
Biden's SAVE plan for student loan repayment may seem confusing. Here's how to use it.
Student loan borrowers are spending a lot of time on hold, says federal watchdog
US government cancels loans for former Ashford University students and plans to recoup costs
Borrowers can now apply for new, income-based student loan repayment
Student loans: Biden officially launches new, affordable payment plan
Student loans: Bankruptcy filers get $198 million settlement from Navient
Student loans: Biden debuts application for new affordable repayment plan
Biden discharges $130M in student debt for 7,400 CollegeAmerica borrowers
Supreme Court kills Biden's student debt plan in a setback for millions of borrowers
What the Supreme Court's rejection of student loan relief means for borrowers
'There is no trust now': Student loan borrowers respond to Supreme Court decision
Education Secretary says US to use 'whatever pathway we can' on student loan relief
House fails to overturn Biden veto in effort to cancel student debt relief
Biden vetoes measure overturning student loan forgiveness plan
Student loans: Biden vetoes bill to claw back student loan relief
Senate passes GOP-led resolution to block Biden's student loan relief plan

Just as food is essential for your body, self-love is essential for your soul. - Nitin Namdeo

You are the ice cube of bodhi, floating cool and spacious in our glasss of neurosis. - Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Jailed Americans land in Texas after U.S. reaches deal with Venezuela to release an ally of President Nicolás Maduro
Who is 'Fat Leonard' and how did he end up as part of the Venezuelan prisoner swap?
U.S. strikes prisoner swap deal with Venezuela, plus extradition of 'Fat Leonard'
Venezuelans approve referendum to claim territory in neighboring Guyana

Land of the free, home of the inefficient: appliance standards as culture war target
How a utility company fought to keep two Colorado towns hooked on fossil fuels
Making oil is more profitable than saving the planet. These numbers tell the story

"Our ability to touch love and kindness and be touched by them lies buried below our own fears and hurts, below our greed and hatreds, below our desperate clinging to the illusion that we are separate and alone." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

The Census Bureau sees an older, more diverse America in 2100 in three immigration scenarios

I think I say I love you too much.
It's strange how sometimes it startles people.
But then I remember, that's why I'm here.
To love and to startle. - JKKennedy

I intentionally avoid spaces that require a reduced version of me. I want to be me. Always and abundantly. - unknown

10 Things to do going into 2024:

1. Manage which friends, co-workers & relatives influences you both negatively and positively
Eliminate those who suck your energy and increase time with those who inspire and challenge you.
Don’t confuse someone being negative as challenging you.
Challenging you properly is someone who is engaged and in pursuit of their dreams.

2. Choose which circles you’d like to be in
Make a list of 10 names you’d like to be in their circle.
Then ask yourself the question, why they would want you in their circle.
If you don’t have a strong argument for it yet, make your case with results in 2024.
There are levels to circles so manage expectations of the circles you want to be a part of up front.

3. Choose to recreate yourself.
One of the most annoying aspects of recreating yourself is accepting the fact that the CURRENT YOU isn’t good enough for the next level.
Which issues kept reappearing in 2023 that needs to be addressed.
Excuses?
Same approach to conflicts?
Over reaction?
Under reaction?
Blame?
Skill set?
Then create a step by step plan to how you plan on recreating yourself.

4. Be overly prepared up front for 2024
Anticipation has been and will continue to be a very valuable resource in today’s economy.
Those who anticipate both opportunities and crisis for 2024 Will succeed and those who won’t will get crushed.

5. Drop 2 things you eat that is killing you.
Whether it’s cigarettes, vaping, candy, chocolate, sweets, soda, bread or whatever your weakness is, drop a thing or two that you know it’s not good for you.

6. Work on your faith
In a time where faith is boring and not cool, I recommend working on this are.
People are afraid and embarrassed to discuss their faith.
Working on your Faith, whatever it may be gives you a few great qualities to win in life.
- Discipline
- Confidence
- Decreases your chances of making dumb decisions
- Helps you think bigger knowing no matter how bad things may be, future looks bright
- You become a better leader

7. Create a better process and standard for making better decisions.
This will take time and it’s not easy.
The challenge of making good decisions logically while emotions are high is tough.

8. Spend at least a full day writing out your business and life plan for 2024

9. Choose your enemies wisely
Everyone has enemies.
Some are public
Some are private
Whether you know it or not, even you’re on people’s list of enemies.
If you’re not, that means you’re living a small life not working on anything big.
10. FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT.

7 LESSONS FROM THE BOOK "THE COURAGE TO BE DISLIKED BY FUMITAKE KOGA AND ICHIRO KISHIMI:

Lesson 1: Embrace the separation of concerns.
Adler's concept of separation of concerns emphasizes that we should not let the opinions of others control our lives. We should focus on our own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and not worry about what others think of us.

Lesson 2: Take responsibility for your own life.
Adler believed that we are responsible for our own happiness and our own success. We should not blame others for our problems, and we should not let our past control us.

Lesson 3: Challenge your assumptions.
We often have negative assumptions about ourselves and the world around us. Adler encouraged us to challenge these assumptions and see things from a different perspective.

Lesson 4: Create your own purpose in life.
Adler believed that we all have a purpose in life, and it is up to us to find it. This purpose can be anything that gives our lives meaning and makes us feel fulfilled.

Lesson 5: Practice self-acceptance.
Adler believed that we should accept ourselves for who we are, flaws and all. This does not mean that we should not strive to improve ourselves, but it does mean that we should not let our imperfections hold us back.

Lesson 6: Be mindful of your language.
The way we speak to ourselves and others can have a profound impact on our thoughts and feelings. Adler encouraged us to use positive and empowering language.

Lesson 7: Live in the present moment.
Adler believed that we should not dwell on the past or worry about the future. We should focus on living our best life right now.

Falling in love with taking care of yourself. Fall in love with the path of deep healing. Fall in love with becoming the best version of yourself but with patience, with compassion and respect to your own journey. - S. McNutt

15 valuable lessons from Boundaries: Where You End and I Begin - How to Recognize and Set Healthy Boundaries by Anne Katherine:

1. Understand your boundaries: Boundaries are the limits you set between yourself and others. They help to define who you are and what you are willing to accept.

2. Recognize boundary violations: Boundary violations occur when someone crosses your limits. This can happen in a variety of ways, such as physical touch, verbal abuse, or emotional manipulation.

3. Set clear boundaries: Once you recognize boundary violations, it is important to set clear boundaries with the person who is violating them. This means communicating your limits in a direct and assertive way.

4. Enforce your boundaries: After you set your boundaries, it is important to enforce them. This means following through with the consequences you have set if your boundaries are crossed.

5. Be prepared to say no: It is okay to say no to requests that make you uncomfortable or that you do not want to do. Saying no is not selfish; it is about respecting your own boundaries.

6. Don't make excuses: When you set boundaries, don't feel the need to make excuses for yourself. You have the right to set boundaries without explanation.

7. Don't be afraid to walk away: If someone is repeatedly violating your boundaries, it is okay to walk away from the relationship. It is not worth your time and energy to be in a relationship with someone who does not respect you.

8. Forgive yourself for past boundary violations: We all make mistakes, and that includes violating our own boundaries. If you have made mistakes in the past, forgive yourself and move on.

9. Learn from your mistakes: Reflect on what went wrong in past situations where your boundaries were violated. This will help you to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

10. Be patient with yourself: It takes time to learn to set and enforce healthy boundaries. Don't expect to become a boundary expert overnight. Just keep practicing and you will eventually get there.

11. Find support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your struggles with boundaries. Having support from others can make a big difference.

12. Educate yourself: Read books and articles about boundaries. The more you know about boundaries, the better equipped you will be to set and enforce your own.

13. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and emotional health. This will help you to have the strength and resilience to set and enforce healthy boundaries.

14. Believe in yourself: You are capable of setting and enforcing healthy boundaries. Believe in yourself and don't give up.

15. Remember that you deserve to be happy and healthy: You deserve to live a life that is free from boundary violations. Don't settle for anything less.

You can't control how others interpret your actions or words. Everyone perceives things based on their current situations and mindset. Just keep acting with honestly, love and a good heart. - unknown

Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life. - unknown

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When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern.

The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now. Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits - islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides. - Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. - Maya Angelou

To love someone is to learn the song in their heart and sing it to them when they have forgotten it. - unknown

Sending love to everyone who is trying to rediscover their voice after life made them believe that silence was safer. - Michell C. Clark

Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. - Jubal Harshaw

I hope that real love and truth are stronger in the end than any evil or misfortune in the world. - Charles Dickens

Understanding love is one of the hardest things in the world. - Fred Rogers

Overcome the devils with a thing called love. - Bob Marley

Peace is not something you wish for, it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away. - John Lennon

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