Including The Darkness, Larkin Poe, Devin Townsend and five other upstanding members of the rock'n'roll royal family

The book of Genesis gives an account of what led up to the great flood as follows: And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come […] The post Why They Always Lie appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The proposal for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary marks a big step in protecting California’s coastline. This sanctuary, which spans more than 116 miles of the state’s central coast, will become the third largest of its kind in the United States, and it will be California’s first national marine sanctuary designation in more than three decades. The process just reached a major milestone with the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which details the proposed sanctuary’s environmental, economic, and social implications. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to establish the sanctuary, which will include 4,543 square miles of offshore and coastal seas along California’s picturesque coastline. A victory for Chumash people and conservationists “This is a huge moment for the Chumash People and all who have tirelessly supported our campaign over the years,” said Violet Sage Walker, Northern Chumash Tribal Council chairperson. Her father, the late Chief Fred Collins, spearheaded the effort to safeguard these waters four decades ago. “We have been so proud to continue his work,” Walker concluded. The Chumash Heritage Sanctuary will showcase the region’s cultural and historical value while also ensuring its conservation for future generations. The sanctuary acknowledges the Chumash people’s strong connection to these waters. It will be the first national marine sanctuary proposed by Indigenous peoples in the United States, marking a watershed moment for Indigenous communities nationwide. “Efforts to make the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary the first Indigenous-focused sanctuary nomination have spanned many years,” said Brenda Mallory, the White House Council on Environmental Quality chair.  Protecting ecosystems and promoting clean energy The sanctuary will protect various marine ecosystems, such as kelp forests, rocky reefs, sandy beaches, and underwater mountains. These locations are home to a diverse range of marine life and significant cultural relics, including over 200 documented shipwrecks. The sanctuary will use a community- and ecosystem-based management approach to safeguard the long-term survival of these vital resources. Importantly, the sanctuary’s limits will not interfere with planned offshore wind energy projects or transmission cables, ensuring that California’s push for renewable energy continues while protecting the environment. The Biden-Harris Administration’s America the Beautiful campaign, which aims to preserve 30 percent of the country’s lands and waters by 2030, lends assistance to these local conservation activities.  “By respecting and supporting tribal leadership and stewardship, we are bringing California one step closer to meeting our aggressive clean energy goals while protecting biodiversity,” the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom, said. The sanctuary will play an important role in balancing conservation and the demand for sustainable energy development. A cultural and environmental milestone The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is not just a success for environmental protection, but also a crucial step toward preserving the Chumash people’s cultural and historical ties. According to Kenneth Kahn, chairperson of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, “the Chumash people take great strides in restoring our connection to our maritime history.” The sanctuary will incorporate Indigenous knowledge and traditions into its stewardship through active tribal participation in management choices. The Biden-Harris administration prioritizes Indigenous co-stewardship in natural resource management. Vice President Kamala Harris, who supported the sanctuary proposal during her time as a U.S. Senator, highlighted its broader impact: “As a Senator, I was proud to support efforts to create the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off California’s coast to honor our commitments to Indigenous communities and promote natural spaces.” The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary designation is expected to be finalized 30 days after the FEIS is published. Once granted, the sanctuary will not only safeguard marine habitats but also benefit local economies that rely on sustainable fishing, tourism, and conservation initiatives. “Urban district heating projects that utilize climate-neutral technologies are essential for advancing global efforts to reduce carbon emissions,” noted Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions. The project’s approval will provide much-needed stability and long-term conservation plans for the region’s waterways, ensuring that the natural beauty of California’s coastline may be enjoyed by future generations.The post California’s first national marine sanctuary in 30 years to protect 116 miles of coastline first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Have you ever woken up from a full night’s sleep feeling more drained than when you went to bed? Or do you find yourself zoning out while in conversation, even after having a good night’s sleep? If you’ve felt exhausted despite getting enough sleep, you’re not alone. It turns out that rest entails considerably more than just sleeping. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a busy physician and mother of two, discovered herself burned out and perennially fatigued about ten years ago, despite sleeping well. “What happens if you get eight hours and you’re still exhausted? Cause that’s where I found myself,” she says. As a result, she began to investigate why she, like many of her patients, felt fatigued. What she uncovered was eye-opening: we all require seven different forms of rest to feel completely rejuvenated. Dr. Dalton-Smith’s research, which is detailed in her book Sacred Rest (2017), highlights seven important areas of rest: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, and creative. Let’s look at each type and how they might help you refresh your mind, body, and spirit. 1. Physical rest Sleep, as it turns out, is only one component of physical rest. There is also active physical rest, which includes relaxing activities such as yoga, stretching, and massage therapy. These techniques benefit your body by improving blood flow, decreasing stress, and promoting healing. If you’re experiencing aches or stress in your body, you could be due for some active rest. According to Dr. Dalton-Smith, physical rest involves more than just going to bed at night; it also includes giving your body relaxation during the day. Try introducing active rest into your routine, such as going for a walk or performing some moderate stretching, and you’ll notice the difference. 2. Mental rest Do racing thoughts keep you up at night? Or do you struggle to concentrate on daily tasks? This could indicate that you are short on mental rest. “Mental rest deficit has consistently been one of the top two types of rest people need,” said Dr. Dalton-Smith.  A quick trip may provide temporary relief, but long-term treatments such as taking regular pauses throughout the day to clear your mind are more sustainable. Whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing or writing in a notebook, allowing your brain to relax is essential for mental recuperation. 3. Spiritual rest Spiritual rest meets our deepest needs for meaning, purpose, and connection. No matter what your views are, everyone benefits from feeling like they belong and that their life is important. A lack of spiritual rest may make you feel distant from your purpose. To restore spiritual rest, try engaging in practices that are meaningful to you, such as prayer, meditation, or spending time with a supportive community. Giving back to others or expressing gratitude can help meet spiritual needs. 4. Emotional rest You may require emotional respite if you continually put on a brave face or struggle to say “no” to others. According to Dr. Dalton-Smith, “An emotionally rested person answers the question, ‘How are you?’ with a truthful, ‘I’m not OK.’” Emotional rest occurs when we can express ourselves authentically, without having to disguise our emotions. This might be as simple as talking to a trusted friend or seeking treatment to process feelings in a secure environment. 5. Sensory rest Between the continual buzz of technology and overstimulating situations, our senses are frequently overloaded. “Most of us aren’t aware of how sensory environments can impact our feelings and energy levels,” Dr. Dalton-Smith explains. Sensory rest entails taking a break from these distractions. Try spending time in silence, turning off bright lights, or simply closing your eyes for a few moments throughout a hectic day. Unplugging from screens and other stimulation can benefit your neurological system. 6. Social rest Social rest is beneficial for everyone, not just introverts. Dr. Dalton-Smith defines social rest as the balance between relationships that energize us and those that deplete us. If you’re always satisfying the demands of others, you could require social respite. To restore social balance, prioritize spending time with people who inspire you without expecting anything in return. This could include declining some social gatherings or creating limits with people who deplete your energy. 7. Creative rest Whether you realize it or not, you utilize creativity every day to solve problems, develop ideas, and think beyond the box. However, when you’re at your lowest point, creative relaxation is just what you need to rekindle your passion. Appreciating beauty in nature, art, or music promotes creative rest. As Dr. Dalton-Smith points out, when we simply absorb beauty without feeling compelled to create something from it, we replenish our creative energy. To refuel your creativity, go on a walk in nature, visit an art gallery, or listen to your favorite music without distraction. Prioritizing rest in a busy world Regardless of what society tells us, rest is necessary—not something we deserve after working hard. Dr. Dalton-Smith emphasizes the importance of resting on a daily basis, rather than only during vacations or weekends. By addressing these seven sorts of rest, you may overcome the burnout culture and feel really rejuvenated. So, what form of relaxation do you require the most right now? Dr. Dalton-Smith’s Rest Quiz can help you identify which aspects of your life require attention. The goal is not merely to get more sleep, but to rest in ways that rejuvenate your entire being. As we take time to rest in many areas, we can enter what Dr. Dalton-Smith refers to as a “rest revolution,” in which feeling energized and well is a necessity rather than a luxury.The post The 7 types of rest you need to feel truly refreshed first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

We may not feel worthy of God’s call, but nevertheless, He makes us complete.

My man Seth went full kayfabe

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