Friday, February 14, 2014
Joining Foreigners Fighting in Syria - Pepe Tey Pugés
Indonesian Militants Join Foreigners Fighting in Syria (JAN. 31, 2014)
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesians have joined
the thousands of foreign fighters who have traveled to Syria to help extremist
groups trying to create an Islamic state there, according to a new report, a
finding that analysts said Friday could help revive a weakened jihadi movement
in Indonesia and set off more attacks on minority Shiites in the Southeast
Asian country.
The report by the Institute for Policy Analysis
of Conflict, based in Jakarta, said that the Syrian conflict, approaching its
third anniversary in March, had “captured the imagination of Indonesian
extremists in a way no foreign war has before.”
CRISIS IN SYRIA
News, analysis and photos of the conflict that
has left more than 100,000 dead and millions displaced.
As many as 11,000 foreign fighters have poured
into Syria by way of the Middle East and North Africa. The fighters include
radicalized young Muslims with Western passports from Europe, North America and
Australia.
Ms. Jones said Indonesian fighters could easily
fly on commercial airlines to Turkey, where Ahrar al-Sham, one of the Islamic
groups fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad, helped them cross
the border into Syria. Some Indonesian extremists have also been linking up
with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a hard-line group linked to Al Qaeda,
she said.
“There are two main concerns for Indonesia,”
Ms. Jones said. “One is the return of foreign fighters and what that could mean
to providing leadership to the very weak and incompetent jihadi movement here.”
“Second, the process of raising funds for Syria
could strengthen the resource base of groups in Indonesia, such as Jemaah
Islamiyah,” she said, referring to the Southeast Asian terrorist network linked
to Al Qaeda that carried out the Bali bombings in 2002, and whose members and
splinter cells carried out other terrorist attacks in Indonesia from 2000 to
2009. She said Jemaah Islamiyah had used its network to recruit and send
Indonesian fighters to Syria.
Indonesian extremists are known to have trained
and fought in Afghanistan in the 1980s and ’90s, in the southern Philippines
and possibly in Bosnia. The involvement of Indonesian fighters in Syria became
more prominent after an extremist from the Borneo Island of Indonesia named
Riza Fardi was killed there last year, according to the report from the
Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict.
“The
Indonesian Shiite groups are worried about these movements,” Mr. Noor said. “It
creates ramifications where you see tensions between the Sunni and Shiite
communities in Indonesia.”
Ms. Jones, of the Institute for Policy Analysis
of Conflict, said another major concern was that Jemaah Islamiyah, which had fallen
off the radar after ceasing terrorist attacks on Western targets in Indonesia
in 2007 because of, among other things, an internal backlash over the fact that
the majority of its victims were Indonesian Muslims, was increasing its
prestige by helping to send fighters to Syria.
The revival of Jemaah Islamiyah as a jihadi
organization could have significant consequences in the long term, she said.
PSYCHOLOGY OF COLORS-BEA FERRER
Wonder why red is the color of love? Why being surrounded by a forest of green is comforting, or why you’re supposed to wear black to an interview?
Color does more than make the world absolutely stunning. It has powerful effects on our mind and body.
Certain colors can make you more creative, more energetic, and ever alter decisions. Many of these effects are subconscious and usually go unnoticed (advertising companies and political parties have been aware of this for a long time). But, by being aware of these effects you can put the right colors in the right places in life.
RED
Red is an intense and powerful color. It represents two of the strongest things in human context: love and danger. We use red in the world is to capture attention or signal danger (stop signs, red lights, fire trucks)
Body Reaction:
Red sets off a furry of physical reactions on the body due to it being a danger cue. In the presence of red your heart rate increases, and circulation speeds up to enhance physical reaction. You become more aware and alert and enter a minor “fight or flight” response.
Mood:
Psychologically, red makes you more attentive, but in mass amounts can be overpowering and cause anxiety, and worry.
How to use it:
If used correctly red can have some incredible effects on your everyday life. Use it in life where you need attention to be drawn to.
BLUE
Blue is the opposite of red. It symbolizes the peacefulness of the sky or the ocean.
Body Reaction:
It lowers blood pressure and releases calming chemicals into the brain that give you a soothing feeling.
Mood:
Blue puts you in the setting for relaxation,. It also boosts clarity and creativity in lighter shades.
How to use it:
Any area of your life you want to add relaxation to, put blue into it.
BLACK
Black is the color of authority, power, and evil. It is the only color that absorbs all light in the color spectrum and this may be the reason it is associated with fear and death. It symboloizes a lot of negative conotations as well (black sheep, black heart, and black magic).
Body Reaction:
It spark feelings of fear. Studies have shown that in the presence of black the part of the brain called the amygdala is activated, this is the brains control center for fear. This may also be an insight as to why you’re afraid of the dark.
Mood:
If used in larger amounts black sets a quite serious and somber tone, but in the right doses it instils confidence and control. Its serious vibe also creates a sophisticated feel to it.
How to use it:
Black can be used in many settings.
GREEN
Green is the symbol of nature, fertility, and growth. For these reasons it can represent life itself. But, with shades of grey it can represent the opposite though, sickeness and decay(cartoons always turn green when sick).
Body Reaction:
Green makes you breath slower and deeper, and eliminates stress causing chemicals adding relaxation to your muscles.
Mood:
Being a cool color like blue it has similar effects, It relieves stress and relaxes your thoughts. It makes you feel more connected with nature and life itself.
How to use it:
YELLOW
Yellow is the color of energy and warmth. It is related to the sun and brightness and is closely associated with happiness
Body reaction:
Yellow stimulates nerves in the brain and purifies the body. It also has been shown to have positive effects on memory and give your muscles that extra bit of energy.
Mood:
It gives us a general uplifting feeling and happy mood. It can make you more decisive and confident. It can also have a “straining effect” that causes anxiety, if exposed to it for too long.
How to use it:
Conclusion
Take control of the color spectrum. Start thinking about the color of clothes you wear daily, or what color your going to paint your room. Make sure that you sending the write message for the setting. If you’re an entrepreneur, spend the extra time getting the color of your logo right. If you’re a performer, think about what vibe your outfit will send to an audience. These small effects can add up to make a big difference in our lives.
Wonder why red is the color of love? Why being surrounded by a forest of green is comforting, or why you’re supposed to wear black to an interview?
Color does more than make the world absolutely stunning. It has powerful effects on our mind and body.
Certain colors can make you more creative, more energetic, and ever alter decisions. Many of these effects are subconscious and usually go unnoticed (advertising companies and political parties have been aware of this for a long time). But, by being aware of these effects you can put the right colors in the right places in life.
RED
Red is an intense and powerful color. It represents two of the strongest things in human context: love and danger. We use red in the world is to capture attention or signal danger (stop signs, red lights, fire trucks)
Body Reaction:
Red sets off a furry of physical reactions on the body due to it being a danger cue. In the presence of red your heart rate increases, and circulation speeds up to enhance physical reaction. You become more aware and alert and enter a minor “fight or flight” response.
Mood:
Psychologically, red makes you more attentive, but in mass amounts can be overpowering and cause anxiety, and worry.
How to use it:
If used correctly red can have some incredible effects on your everyday life. Use it in life where you need attention to be drawn to.
- Have a red work folder if you constantly lose focus.
- Wear that red skirt or sweater if you want all eyes on you,
- It even has subconscious effects that create more physical attraction, so keep it on the presence of that special someone.
BLUE
Blue is the opposite of red. It symbolizes the peacefulness of the sky or the ocean.
Body Reaction:
It lowers blood pressure and releases calming chemicals into the brain that give you a soothing feeling.
Mood:
Blue puts you in the setting for relaxation,. It also boosts clarity and creativity in lighter shades.
How to use it:
Any area of your life you want to add relaxation to, put blue into it.
- Paint your “chill” room blue, or wear that blue sweater when your lazing around.
- Cover your workspace in light blue as it has been shown to increase productivity and stimulate creativity.
BLACK
Black is the color of authority, power, and evil. It is the only color that absorbs all light in the color spectrum and this may be the reason it is associated with fear and death. It symboloizes a lot of negative conotations as well (black sheep, black heart, and black magic).
Body Reaction:
It spark feelings of fear. Studies have shown that in the presence of black the part of the brain called the amygdala is activated, this is the brains control center for fear. This may also be an insight as to why you’re afraid of the dark.
Mood:
If used in larger amounts black sets a quite serious and somber tone, but in the right doses it instils confidence and control. Its serious vibe also creates a sophisticated feel to it.
How to use it:
Black can be used in many settings.
- When meeting someone of importance,(interview, girlfriends father, or co-workers) dress in black be taken seriously and have a sense of control.
- Use it in fashion as it a timeless color of elegance.
- In designing any product, use black to make it appear more expensive and fancier than it is. It also makes anything look heavier as well, so don’t believe the myth of black is slimming.
- When you have mastered the art of black itself mix it with other colors, it contrasts stunningly with many other colors.
GREEN
Green is the symbol of nature, fertility, and growth. For these reasons it can represent life itself. But, with shades of grey it can represent the opposite though, sickeness and decay(cartoons always turn green when sick).
Body Reaction:
Green makes you breath slower and deeper, and eliminates stress causing chemicals adding relaxation to your muscles.
Mood:
Being a cool color like blue it has similar effects, It relieves stress and relaxes your thoughts. It makes you feel more connected with nature and life itself.
How to use it:
- Nature doesn’t lie: Eat more greens!
- If you live in a big city have some green in your living space to stay connected with nature and avoid that uptight city feel.
- Being the universal sign of growth it also can help heal parts of your life, hospitals actually use it on patients to speed up their recovery.
- With its soothing qualities it has also shown to improve reading ability(this is why all street signs are green with white writing). It allows for easy reading and a higher rate of comprehension. Try putting a transparent green sheet on the book your reading, it actually works.
YELLOW
Yellow is the color of energy and warmth. It is related to the sun and brightness and is closely associated with happiness
Body reaction:
Yellow stimulates nerves in the brain and purifies the body. It also has been shown to have positive effects on memory and give your muscles that extra bit of energy.
Mood:
It gives us a general uplifting feeling and happy mood. It can make you more decisive and confident. It can also have a “straining effect” that causes anxiety, if exposed to it for too long.
How to use it:
- Use it small amounts to avoid negative overpowering effects
- Add splashes of yellow to your workspace to improve energy and clarity.
- It can represent the sign of something new coming, so add it places where you want to influence change.
- Wear it when public speaking to hold attention well.
Conclusion
Take control of the color spectrum. Start thinking about the color of clothes you wear daily, or what color your going to paint your room. Make sure that you sending the write message for the setting. If you’re an entrepreneur, spend the extra time getting the color of your logo right. If you’re a performer, think about what vibe your outfit will send to an audience. These small effects can add up to make a big difference in our lives.
Read more: http://www.interestingarticles.com/creativity/the-psychology-behind-color-6819.html#ixzz2tJTMj4Aj
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
REGRETS OF THE DYING- JAKE SABIN
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
Monday, February 10, 2014
City tourism report cites strong economic impact (Pati Diaz)
The city's tourism wing says the Big Apple is the place to be for visitors, and it wants the next mayor to ensure that it doesn't lose its shine.
NYC & Company released to the mayoral candidates and media Monday its first comprehensive report on the economic impact of the tourism industry since Mayor Michael Bloomberg created the group in 2006. Last year, the city had a record number of visitors, 52 million, a 19 percent jump from seven years ago. Those visitors spend almost $37 billion annually in the city.
George Fertitta, NYC & Company's chief executive, said his team created the report not only to show the candidates how important tourism is for the city's economy -- it got a boost of $55.3 billion last year from the industry -- but also to cultivate ideas for how to expand it.
The largest increase in tourists came from international visitors, with 11 million non-Americans coming into the city last year versus 7.26 million in 2006. Tourists from Asian and Latin American countries -- such as India, Brazil and China -- represented the biggest jumps, the report said.
Fertitta said the challenge his group and the next administration will face is to make sure those tourists return to the city and spread the word.
"The other thing we noticed is that . . . once they experience New York City, whether they come from a small town or an international market, it stays with people," he said. "Most of them never want to leave, and some decide to live here."
Fertitta added that the only downtime for tourism occurs in January and February, but his team has found several ways to fill the void with events such as Restaurant Week and Broadway Week.
The campaign offices of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, city Comptroller John Liu, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and GOP candidate Joe Lhota confirmed they received the report, all saying they would continue to back NYC & Company's initiative to promote outer-borough destinations.
"One of the best ways to boost tourism - and our city's economy - is to invest in programs and infrastructure that bring more people into boroughs beyond Manhattan," Quinn said in a statement.
Said Liu in a statement: "We can promote tourism even further by leveraging the ties that many of our neighborhoods enjoy with places all over the world."
A spokesman for de Blasio said: "Bill de Blasio believes promoting travel and tourism opportunities across the five boroughs is key to creating jobs and ensuring we're projecting a positive image of New York City to visitors from across the globe."
A representative for Lhota said in a statement: "As the city's fastest-growing industry, Joe understands the importance of tourism to our economy and job base."
Fertitta said he predicts that all of the candidates will make tourism a priority and was optimistic that it would achieve NYC & Company's goal of 55 million visitors and $70 billion in economic impact by 2015.
"These are important milestones to recognize and not falter," he said
UNDERWATER SAFARI: DIVING WITH SHARKS-Paloma Cabestany
For some people, swimming in shark-infested waters is just what they're after. Adrenaline junkies and admirers of dangerous megafauna can now experience the ocean's apex predators up close, in their natural habitat, thanks to a number of shark diving trips that are being offered around the planet. Shark spotting has become an ultimate dive experience, and shark diving spots have become destinations that are on top of the bucket list for both the experienced and beginner divers.
Most of these spots are not the place for inexperienced divers - and not only because the sharks can be dangerous. Diving there can be a challenge. Best shark diving spots tend to be in the waters with strong currents, because the flow of water brings with it sharks' prey: the smaller fish that feed on plankton.
The great white is the first to come to mind when we think about sharks, but this species is best viewed using shark cages, to keep the divers safe. If you want to dive with the great white sharks, Neptune Islands in South Australia, Isla Guadalupe in Mexico, South Africa and New Zealand are the place to go. The favorite region for less dangerous sharks, such as tiger sharks, bull sharks, and oceanic white-tips, is Bahamas.
Three islands in the East Pacific, Cocos Island, Galapagos and Malpelo, make the "Hammerhead Triangle" - the best place in the world to dive with the hammerhead sharks. Hammerhead sharks are aggressive predators, but do not actively seek human prey. They are however known to attack when provoked.
Costa Rican Cocos Island - inspiration for Crichton's "Jurassic Park" - is a remote, uninhabited volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific. In 1994, Jacques Cousteau described the island's Marine Park as "the most beautiful in the world". Cocos Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and is also known as the island of the sharks!
Deep waters surrounding the island are cold, with strong currents, and not a place for the beginner diver. They are however the best place in the world to watch hammerhead sharks. During the summer months, they school in hundreds here. Large numbers of white-tip sharks are gathering at night to hunt for sleeping fish.
Sharks have been around for millions of years, and are in a way the pinnacle of marine life evolution. They play a vital role in the ecosystem of the oceans. Sharks have only one natural predator: man. Many populations of sharks all over the world are seriously endangered because of the shark fin trade. The global shark tourism is currently a five hundred million dollar industry, and growing. Hopefully, more people around the world will start to realize that sharks generate more money alive than dead.
Most of these spots are not the place for inexperienced divers - and not only because the sharks can be dangerous. Diving there can be a challenge. Best shark diving spots tend to be in the waters with strong currents, because the flow of water brings with it sharks' prey: the smaller fish that feed on plankton.
The great white is the first to come to mind when we think about sharks, but this species is best viewed using shark cages, to keep the divers safe. If you want to dive with the great white sharks, Neptune Islands in South Australia, Isla Guadalupe in Mexico, South Africa and New Zealand are the place to go. The favorite region for less dangerous sharks, such as tiger sharks, bull sharks, and oceanic white-tips, is Bahamas.
Three islands in the East Pacific, Cocos Island, Galapagos and Malpelo, make the "Hammerhead Triangle" - the best place in the world to dive with the hammerhead sharks. Hammerhead sharks are aggressive predators, but do not actively seek human prey. They are however known to attack when provoked.
Costa Rican Cocos Island - inspiration for Crichton's "Jurassic Park" - is a remote, uninhabited volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific. In 1994, Jacques Cousteau described the island's Marine Park as "the most beautiful in the world". Cocos Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and is also known as the island of the sharks!
Deep waters surrounding the island are cold, with strong currents, and not a place for the beginner diver. They are however the best place in the world to watch hammerhead sharks. During the summer months, they school in hundreds here. Large numbers of white-tip sharks are gathering at night to hunt for sleeping fish.
Sharks have been around for millions of years, and are in a way the pinnacle of marine life evolution. They play a vital role in the ecosystem of the oceans. Sharks have only one natural predator: man. Many populations of sharks all over the world are seriously endangered because of the shark fin trade. The global shark tourism is currently a five hundred million dollar industry, and growing. Hopefully, more people around the world will start to realize that sharks generate more money alive than dead.
Read more: http://www.interestingarticles.com/adventure-travel/underwater-safari-diving-with-sharks-14780.html#ixzz2swWvDzzb
Sunday, February 9, 2014
LUCIA DE GISPERT
I've just found this article about the winter olympic games, i thought it was interesting to know something about it. The games have already started!
Sochi 2014 begins with teams, classical music and a flying girl
(CNN) -- With lights, floats and flying, Russia kicked off the opening ceremony in Sochi as the world turns its attention to the costliest Olympic Games in history.
Spectators from all over the world watched the introduction of athletes that marked the official start of the Winter Olympics.
Light shows and music, lots of it, filled the air, starting at exactly 8:14 p.m. local time, or 20:14 in military time.
"Most of the ceremony focuses heavily on Russian classical music," said Konstantin Ernst, the main creative producer of the ceremony.
"Unfortunately, unlike London, we cannot boast a plethora of famous world-known pop performers. This is why we are now focusing on what Russia is best known for musically around the world; namely, classical music."
The celebration opened with a dream sequence of a little girl, who imagined all of the letters in the Russian alphabet, each letter recalling a Russian writer, artist or landmark.
Then the girl, rigged with wires, flew into the air and floated dreamlike over floats that depicted Russian landscapes.
The athletes followed.
Despite anxiety about terror strikes, controversy over gay rights and ridicule for poor preparations, the nation's officials have maintained that the sites in Sochi are secure.
It will be "the safest place on Earth during the Olympics," said Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the Games.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pushed the International Olympic Committee to hold the Games in the nation, attended the ceremony.
The opening ceremony was the only event scheduled for the day.
About 40,000 people watched from the stands at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.
Russian classical music star Anna Netrebko performed the Olympic anthem.
A day before, high excitement marked qualification events in the men's and women's slopestyle, women's moguls and team figure skating.
All the addictions come from pain - Maria Serra
Editor's note: Caledonia Curry, also known as Swoon, is an artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Her work focuses on printmaking, sculptural installations and community-based projects. She gave a talk about her mother's addiction at the 2013 Feast Conference.
She's fired it once
already. Two of the taller neighborhood kids are nearby, one standing on
top of the other's shoulders, peering over the fence and describing
what she sees. "Your grandpa's got a 2 by 4 and he's going into the
house." The scene ends.
I could tell you dozens
of stories like this. Years later, I learned that grandpa had broken
down the door to find mom on the bed with a shotgun and a suicide note,
maybe too scared to pull the trigger.
Caledonia Curry
My mother was a lifelong
addict -- from heroin to alcohol and pills to methadone and pills. If
you asked her why, she would tell you she just liked getting high. If
you were inclined to believe the prevailing sentiment about addiction as
a kind of degenerate hedonism, you could hate her for being a junky
screw-up, and for never managing to put anyone or anything before her
addiction.
And it wasn't just my
mother. Mental illness, drug addiction and suicidal tendency ran so
thick in my family that as a teenager I just waited for the day when I
would get mine. The medical professionals in those days just focused on
the genes. They didn't talk as much about the life circumstances
surrounding the addicts.
But a few years ago, I
started to hear some different ideas. "Addictions always originate in
pain, so the question is never really why the addiction, but why the
pain," said Dr. Gabor Mate, a Canadian physician who specializes in the
study and treatment of addiction. He went on to say that nearly every
single one of his skid row junkies had a severe history of childhood
trauma.
This idea was new to me. I
began to learn more about the effects of trauma on the human psyche,
and I found my family on every page of the literature. Mental illnesses
of all kinds, suicidal tendency and addiction are all the remnants of a
past severely marred by abuse, neglect and the utter lack of control
over one's circumstances.
I learned that unresolved trauma fractures the psyche, and hardwires the brain to permanently elevated levels of stress.
The result is that
chronically traumatized people no longer have any baseline state of calm
or comfort. Owing to these chronically elevated stress levels,
substances like alcohol and heroin, which offer an intoxicating buzz to
the average person, give the chronically traumatized individuals their
first taste of soothing and calm, which make them feel normal for the
first time in their lives.
Letting some of this new
understanding take root, I found that I could begin to forgive my then
ailing mother for the harm she and her addictions had caused over the
years.
I could grieve for the
difficult life she must have lived before my birth, even if I didn't
understand the details, and I could offer her a compassion that I didn't
think I was capable of before.
And then something
unexpected happened. Released from the firewall of my rage, she was able
to open up and tell me about her own history of trauma. Caught between a
sexually abusive uncle and an emotionally abusive mother, she had
turned to black-out binge drinking at age 14, and it had been one
substance or another every day ever since.
And here's where the
light went on. Talking to my mother, I realized that nothing that our
punitive systems and shaming culture might inflict on her would ever be
greater than the internal suffering that compelled her to constantly
seek obliteration of her own life with substances and suicide attempts.
I now believe that
punishing those who are already suffering will never foster the kind of
change we all so desperately need these individuals to make.
Because this particular
addict was my mother, I had the incentive to do the hard work of finding
the human being behind the nightmare, of letting go of the disgust and
blame, and seeing an incredibly wounded person in need of our support.
This is much harder to do when the person is a stranger on the street,
or in the prison system.
My mother died of lung
cancer six months ago. I can't speak to what may have happened if she
had access to truly empathetic health care and trauma counseling. I can
say that understanding her pain, and the roots of her addiction, has
been incredibly healing for me.
We need a society that
focuses less on retribution and more on recovery for its most troubled
members. We need to design policies that enable people to end their
cycles of violent and addictive behaviors. Punishment is not an end in
itself, and may lead to more damage, and the exacerbation of these
cycles.
What if we were to take a
moment to realign our values toward seeing the injured human behind the
unconscionable actions? Could we then do better at creating systems
within which people can actually heal and change and recover?
I believe that by
starting with the right questions -- simple and compassionate -- like
"Why the pain?" we can come up with better solutions.
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