Mountain View
Paisley Marten
Unexpected Perils of Long Farmhouse Driveways
I used to deliver for UPS and Amazon Flex. As a child, I was taught never to drive onto someone’s property unless they explicitly invited me to. This rule applied to family and friends’ homes alike. So, when delivering for UPS and Flex, encountering a mile-long driveway—or even one just longer than a typical city driveway—posed a dilemma. We either had to spend 30 minutes or more walking a heavy package up a long gravel driveway, risking being shot at or attacked by the owner’s farm dog, or we had to drive up their driveway onto their private property. It seems like such an inconvenience. Not just for package and food delivery people, but also for themselves... I mean, that’s a long walk or an unnecessary drive just to get your mail every day.
Rodeos Unmasked: The Fine Line Between Cruelty and Entertainment
Lately, PETA has been targeting the new movie Twisters because it represents the rodeo world. As a huge animal lover - preferring animals over most people on most days - I did not like rodeos when I was a child for the same reason.
Defiant Generation: The Surge of Disrespect in the Age of Gentle Parenting
This article may contain AI-generated content or images. The debate over the effectiveness of corporal punishment versus non-physical forms of discipline has been a contentious issue for decades. In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, many countries, including the United States, saw a significant shift in attitudes towards child-rearing practices. As legislation and societal norms increasingly moved away from corporal punishment, a new challenge emerged: a perceived rise in disrespectful and disobedient behavior among youth.
Real Barns, Real Homes: Why Metal 'Barndominiums' Miss the Mark
My artwork hangs in many new and old homes alike, including barndominiums. "Barndominiums" have taken the real estate world by storm. When I first heard the term, I was excited about the blending of rustic charm and modern conveniences. However, I was quickly disheartened when I was invited to hang my artwork in barndominiums that weren't actually barns but instead were built using sleek, modern materials like metal.
Targets of History: Analyzing Assassination Attempts on Lincoln, JFK, Reagan, and Trump
This article may contain AI-generated content or images. Yesterday's alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, brings to mind the harrowing events surrounding Presidents Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. Each incident highlights the vulnerabilities and resilience of presidential security measures.
SMART Tech Exposed: Privacy Innovation or Government Surveillance?
This article may contain AI-generated content or images. Understanding the Term "SMART" in Modern Technology. "SMART" refers to "self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology" and implies that these technologies are designed to trick people into digital control and surveillance.
From Safety Net to Trap: The "Unintended" Consequences of America's Welfare Programs
This article may contain AI-generated content or images. In the mid-20th century, the United States faced significant economic and social challenges. To address these, the government introduced programs aimed at providing temporary relief to its citizens. Two such programs were food stamps and medical assistance. Originally designed as short-term solutions, these programs have since evolved in ways that have sparked debate about their intended purpose and long-term impact.
The Impact of Biden's Open Border Policy
This article may contain AI-generated content or images. The debate over immigration policy has intensified in recent years, with President Joe Biden's administration adopting a more open approach to the U.S.-Mexico border. Critics argue that this has led to significant challenges for American cities, exacerbating issues such as homelessness, crime, and economic strain. Furthermore, the refusal by the Democratic Party to implement voter ID laws has raised questions about the motivations behind these policies and their potential impact on American democracy.
Rising Threat: The TDA Gang's Expansion from New York Across America
This article may contain AI-generated content or images. The NYPD has recently unveiled alarming information about the rise of the ruthless Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang is now establishing its presence in New York City. This reveals a significant shift in the gang’s operations and therefore poses new challenges for both citizens and law enforcement.
Unit Bunker 73 in the Iraqi Desert: A Gulf War Legacy
This article may contain AI-generated content or photos. The Gulf War, often remembered for its rapid and decisive combat operations, also left behind a complex and troubling legacy. Among the many stories that emerged from this conflict is the enigmatic tale of Unit Bunker 73, a site in the Iraqi desert that has since become a symbol of the health issues afflicting many Gulf War veterans.
Stop Setting Your Thermostat at 72: A Case for Energy Efficiency and Comfort
I live part-time in Arizona and part-time in Texas, both of which have hot summers yet distinct climates. Arizona's dry heat contrasts with Texas's more humid conditions. In both places, I maintain my thermostat at a steady 79ºF all day and night and never adjust it. My sister, who works at a large regional electric company, has mentioned that while many people, including her, set their thermostats at 72ºF, keeping it at 78ºF or 79ºF is actually best for energy efficiency and overall comfort.
Redefining Masculinity: The $10,000 Crying Retreats and the Evolution of the Alpha Male
This article may contain some AI-generated content or images. On Twitter (X) today, I saw this video of men crying in each other's arms. As a retired therapist, it piqued my interest and I did some research.
The Great Arizona Orphan Abduction of 1904: A Tale of Race, Vigilantism, and Justice Denied
As an Arizona native, I had always been fascinated by the myriad stories and histories scattered across our expansive state. However, it wasn't until I relocated to the small town of Safford that I stumbled upon a tale that was as disturbing as it was obscure. Initially, my quest for local knowledge began innocently enough—I was looking for hiking trails and interesting weekend destinations. Curiously, my new coworkers repeatedly warned me to steer clear of the neighboring towns of Morenci and Clifton, ominously describing them as places "riddled with evil and witchcraft."
Brazil's Most Powerful Crime Syndicate Infiltrates the USA
This article may contain AI-generated content or images. The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), or First Command of the Capital, has risen to become the largest, most powerful, and most lethal gang in Brazil. According to the Economist, it's the most powerful drug gang in all of South America (2023). Originating in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, the PCC has expanded its reach across the continent and beyond, establishing a significant presence in the United States.
Catholic Church and Stillborn Baptism: Myth or Reality?
The Catholic Church's doctrines and rituals throughout the centuries have evolved and offer a complex theology. A particularly poignant example of this is the Church's stance on baptism for stillborn infants, which emphasizes the nuanced and often contradictory interpretations of when life begins.
The Secret Legacy of the Ethiopian Bible: Unveiling Ancient Truths
The Ethiopian Bible, revered within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, is one of the oldest and most unique Bibles to ever exist. It contains a larger number of books than both the Protestant and Roman Catholic Bibles. Its unique work of written art and historical significance offer a comprehensive glimpse into the rich tapestry of Ethiopian Christianity (EC). EC has withstood the tides of time and survived against vast amounts of foreign influence. This article delves into the historical, religious, and cultural dimensions of the Ethiopian Bible.
Red-Haired Giants in Every Civilization: Myth or Reality?
This article may contain AI-generated content or images. The idea that every ancient civilization on every continent has stories of red-haired giants is an exaggeration. While there are myths and legends about giants in various cultures, the specific detail of red hair is not universally present.
Did Angel-Human Hybrids Breed a Race Known as Nephilim?
This post contains AI-generated content or images. Throughout human history, every culture has spun and shared its own religious history. These include tales of giants, demigods, and other extraordinary beings. One of the most interesting yet controversial stories comes from the ancient texts of the Hebrew Bible, concerning the Nephilims - a culture or race of giants that are supposedly the children of an angelic male and human female.
LGBTQIA+ is Not New: Timeless Presence of Same-Sex Relationships in Biblical History
This article may contain AI-generated content and / or images. As a proud heterosexual woman, I often wonder why there is such a strong focus on celebrating one's sexuality. Why can't intimacy remain private, away from public display? For those who share my curiosity, I explore these questions in my article "The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Visibility: A Historical Perspective." To understand how we arrived at this point, you might find my article "How Sex Ed Has Changed in Public Schools From the 1960s to 2024" enlightening.
Unveiling the Secrets of the 613 Commandments: The Hidden Foundations of Morality and Faith
This article may contain AI-generated content and images. Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, contains a very comprehensive set of laws and commandments. These laws or commandments are meant to govern various aspects of life for the Jewish people. Originally, Jewish scholars identified 613 commandments called "Mitzvot" within the Torah. The Mitzvot is derived from the first five books of the Bible, namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Among these, the Ten Commandments hold particular significance in both the Jewish and Christian traditions. The purpose of this article is to explore the historical and biblical development of these commandments and how their significance impacts our faith, behaviors, and overall religious thoughts.
Paisley Marten
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Mixed-race writer uncovering the hidden secrets of religion, history, and archaeology, with a touch of today's topics.
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