Twenty-one years ago… The owners of The Station, Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, and Great White tour manager Dan Biechele are each charged with involuntary manslaughter. One hundred people were killed the previous February in a fire at the West Warwick, Rhode Island club after Biechele lit the pyrotechnics that sparked the blaze during a Great White show (frontman Jack Russell pictured). Michael Derderian, who installed the flammable soundproof foam that caught fire and Biechele, who failed to acquire the necessary permits, pleaded no contest to the charges in 2006, and served prison sentences. A settlement of $176 million, reached prior to going to trial, was approved by a federal judge in 2019, ending a lengthy lawsuit. The defendants in the case included the club’s owners, foam manufacturers, Anheuser-Busch, Clear Channel Broadcasting and the town of West Warwick. A trust fund was set up to hold funds for more than 300 people affected by the fire. ### The post A Day In Rock: December 9th, 2003 – Involuntary Manslaughter Charges Filed appeared first on RockinTown.

by Susan Crabtree, Real Clear Wire: After a screaming match between acting Secret Service Director Ron Rowe and Texas Rep. Pat Fallon erupted at a Thursday House hearing on the attempted assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump, new details are emerging about the circumstances that sparked the outburst. Several Secret Service sources question whether Rowe […]

  Across the 24 books of Homer’s Iliad, the epic account of Achilles’ wrath at the siege of Troy, there are 240 battlefield deaths. Whether by sword or spear, an average of ten combatants perish per book. What then, of the god responsible for leading these men to the underworld? While many are familiar with Hades, the ruler of the underworld, the Greek god of death itself, Thanatos, is much less well-known. From Homer to Hesiod, and from the ancient stage to the modern canvas, there is a rich mythology to this morbid and minor deity.   Who Are the Parents of the Greek God Thanatos Portrait of Hesiod, c. 1775. Source: British Museum   Perhaps Thanatos’ lack of wider cultural familiarity stems from his lacking the mythological aristocracy of Hades, the other deity associated with the dead. The latter was the brother of Zeus, the ruler of the skies and lord of the gods, and of Poseidon, the god of the seas. He was also the oldest of these three sons of the Titans, Cronus and Rhea. His status as the eldest meant that he had the misfortune of being the last to be regurgitated by their murderous father.   In contrast, Thanatos had no father. According to the Theogony of Hesiod, a poem from the 8th century BCE that outlines ancient Greek cosmology and the genealogies of the gods and goddesses, Thanatos was the son of Nyx, the goddess or personification of Night. His brother was the god of Sleep, Hypnos.   Title page to works by Hesiod, Netherlands, c. 1650-1680. Source: British Museum   As befitting his role as the god of death, the portrait of Thanatos and account of his extended genealogy in Hesiod is rather macabre: “awful gods… the glowing Sun never looks upon them…” He is unloved even by his fellow gods. His character is similarly grimly recounted. He has a heart of iron and an immutable, pitiless spirit. Once he has grasped a man, there can be no escape. Despite this, he was not the least agreeable of the gods of death in Greek mythology. In some accounts, Thanatos is the god of peaceful death, while those who face a violent end are carried away by the bloodthirsty Keres, female death spirits.   Thanatos’ other siblings included several negative personifications, including Geras (Old Age), Oizys (Suffering), Nemesis (Retribution), and Moros (Doom). In Hesiod, he is also closely associated with the Three Fates, as they are also the daughters of Nyx and technically siblings. Of these three deities, he is most closely associated with Atropos, who was also a goddess of death.   Death Cheated: Thanatos and Sisyphus Sculpted marble column drum from the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos, depicting a winged youth identified as Thanatos, c. 325-300 BCE. Source: British Museum   Despite his apparent immovable character and merciless spirit, there are episodes throughout Greek mythology where the wiliest characters—both human and immortal—were able, for a brief time, to trick the god of death. The most famous of these was the notoriously cunning King of Corinth, Sisyphus, who actually managed the feat twice! In the first instance, Thanatos had been sent to take Sisyphus to the underworld, where he would be chained up in Tartarus. This was to be the king of Corninth’s punishment for betraying the confidence of Aegina to her father, the river god Asopus, who rewarded Sisyphus by causing a spring to flow from the Corinthian Acropolis.   Thanatos then fell for the oldest trick in the book, though, to his credit, it was perhaps less old at this time. Sisyphus asked Thanatos to demonstrate how the chains in Tartarus worked and so trapped the god of death in his place. Soon, there was chaos on earth. While death being unable to fulfill his duty would have been good news for the mortals, Ares, the god of war, was sent into a rage; the battles he orchestrated were now futile. Releasing Thanatos from his embarrassing bind, he turned Sisyphus over to the god of death once more.   Black-figure amphora from Vulci, depicting Persephone supervising Sisyphus pushing his boulder in the underworld, c. 530 BCE. Source: Staatliche Antikensammlungen   Not content with foiling Thanatos once, Sisyphus would have a second opportunity. Again, the Corinthian king escaped the underworld, but this time, he convinced Persephone, the wife of Hades, that he had not received a proper burial from his wife. Released from the underworld, he returned to his wife and scolded her for her lack of respect. Again, however, Sisyphus refused to return to the realm of the dead. Hermes, the messenger god, was compelled to retrieve Sisyphus and drag him back to the underworld. There, he was consigned to his eternal torture. Sisyphus was ordered to roll an enormous boulder to the top of a steep hill in Tartarus. However, upon reaching the summit, the boulder, bewitched by Hades, would roll back to the bottom once more. Sisyphus’ labor would begin once again, and go on forever and ever.   Character Building: Thanatos in Greek Literature Marble sarcophagus of C. Junius Euhodus and Metilia Acte with scenes from the myth of Admetus and Alecestis, c. 161-170 CE. Source: Museo Chiaramonti   The account of Thanatos being deceived by Sisyphus is known from a fragment of a poem by Alcaeus, which was composed in the 6th century BCE. Along with this fragment and Hesiod’s Theogony, the god of death also appears elsewhere in ancient Greek literature. This includes Homer’s Iliad. Although Thanatos is less prominent than perhaps might be expected in a work in which so many warriors are killed, he does feature once. The god of death and his brother Hypnos are charged by Zeus in book 16 to deliver the fallen hero Sarpedon to his homeland in Lycia.   Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis, by Lord Leighton Frederic, c. 1869-1871. Source: Wadsworth Atheneum   Perhaps the other most famous encounter with Thanatos in Greek literature occurs in the Alecestis. Written by the Athenian playwright Euripides, the play defies easy categorization as tragedy or comedy and was first performed at the City Dionysia festival in 438 BCE. The crux of the play is Admetus, the king of Pherai (Thessaly), and his quest to cheat death. His wife, Alcestis, offers up her life so that her husband can go on living.   During the play, Admetus is visited by Herakles, who is received as an honored guest in the king’s palace. In recompense for the king’s hospitality, Herakles offers to confront death on behalf of his host, thus sparing not only the king but also winning back Alcestis. Sure enough, when Thanatos emerges from Hades to claim the king’s wife, he is seized by Herakles and overpowered. Alecestis is returned and, embarrassed and empty-handed, Thanatos flees.   Playing at Death: Thanatosis Etruscan bronze Cista handle likely depicting Thanatos and Hypnos carrying the body of Sarpedon, the Lycian hero, c. 400-375 BCE. Source: Cleveland Museum of Art   Etymology is the study of the origin of words. Often, especially in European languages, the roots of many words can be found in the ancient world, including the Greek and Latin languages. The myths from these ancient cultures have also supplied modern societies with a host of words, phrases, and idioms. This includes Thanatos. From the same ancient Greek root verb, Thnesko (meaning “I die”) that the name Thanatos derives, there is the term “Thanatosis.” Also referred to as “apparent death” or perhaps more commonly as “playing dead,” thanatosis refers to the behavior in the animal kingdom where an animal will take on the appearance of being dead, often to confuse or put off a potential predator. However, some creatures will use thantosis with more devious intentions in mind, such as to lure potential prey even closer.   Perhaps the most well-known example of thantosis in the animal kingdom is that of the opossum. These mammals, native to North America, will resort to playing dead to avoid predators and other threats. However, this can often backfire when they adopt this strategy in the face of oncoming traffic. The behavior of thanatosis is so commonly associated with opossums that it has actually spawned the idiomatic phrase “to play possum,” meaning to play dead.   Thanatos in Modern Culture: Greek God of Death Re-imagined Copper alloy coin with obverse portrait of Caracalla and reverse depiction of winged Thanatos, minted at Plotinopolis, Thrace, c. 211-217. Source: British Museum   Despite his relatively minor role in ancient Greek mythology, Thanatos has enjoyed a rich and varied afterlife in modern cultures. Even in antiquity, the god featured on the reverse of coins minted in Thrace and Moesia in the Roman Empire. Suitably, the god of death was paired with rather bloodthirsty emperors, including Caracalla.   Extending beyond the etymological developments and the behaviors of animals, the ancient Greek god of death has been incorporated into psychology. Although not named explicitly as such by Sigmund Freud, in the psychologist’s theories, “Thanatos” is the name given to the human “death drive.” This is the counterweight to the “life instinct,” which is similarly named after a figure from Classical mythology: Eros, the god of love. The death drive, in this psychological conceptualization, is the part of the human mind that drives people into risky, self-destructive acts.   Sleep and His Half-Brother Death, by John William Waterhouse, 1874. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Thanatos has also been reimagined on canvases and other artistic media throughout the centuries. The idea of the god of death has been presented in a variety of styles, from more abstract compositions to those that are more obviously rooted in the Classical tradition. This includes the work of the Pre-Raphaelite painter John William Waterhouse.   Notable for his works depicting scenes of Greek mythology and Arthurian legend, the British painter of the 19th century produced Sleep and His Half-Brother Death in 1874. The oil on canvas work shows the two Greek gods side-by-side, resting. The figure in the foreground, Hypnos, is shown in light, while his brother, Thanatos, is somewhat obscured by the shade. The use of light here reflects the attitudes to the two deities that had been enshrined since antiquity. Waterhouse’s choice of subject was perhaps motivated by personal tragedy. Prior to the exhibition of this painting, his younger brothers had both died of tuberculosis.   Statuette of a youth, identified as Thanatos, c. late 1st century BCE. Source: National Archaeological Museum of Athens   Beyond psychology classes and museums, modern audiences are perhaps most familiar with Thanatos from the big screen. The ancient Greek god of death, through his incorporation into Freudian psychology, became the inspiration for the Marvel Comics villain, Thanos. Debuting in 1973, the villain’s most famous story arc concerns his attempts to woo “Mistress Death” (the goddess of death in the Marvel universe) by collecting all six infinity stones and using them to kill half of the universe’s population.   The journey from Hesiod to Marvel is perhaps a surprising one, but, to paraphrase the comic book villain, it was inevitable. Thanatos, the ancient Greek god of death, will continue to be re-imagined and remain culturally relevant, despite his macabre destiny.

in 1978 Kate Bush appeared on Saturday Night Live, impressing a budding musician and inspiring a future cinema star

"With unflagging support of the United States.” The post Biden Takes Credit for Syria Regime Change He Tried to Prevent appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

Israel is thinking tactically and the Biden administration is on autopilot. The post Biden Admin Calls Syria’s WMDs “Top Tier Priority”, Israel Does Something About Them appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

So much for 'Stop This Terrorist'. The post US Has $10M Reward Out for Syria Terror Leader We’re Negotiating With appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For many people, the holiday season is synonymous with joy, family, and warm rituals. However, for some, the “most wonderful time of the year” brings strain, stress, and emotional hurdles. Whether it’s dealing with grief, managing family expectations, or balancing financial constraints, this time of year can put even the most resilient of us to the test. “We go into the holiday season hoping we can step away from the pain of current events, family dynamics, and grief,” explains Sadie Salazar, LCSW, psychotherapist and COO of Sage Therapy. “The challenge is that when we put pressure on something to be perfect, it rarely turns out that way.” With shorter days, colder temperatures, and jam-packed schedules, it’s no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed. The American Psychological Association reports that over 89 percent of adults in the United States experience stress during the holiday season. But there is hope. You can tackle this season more easily if you plan ahead of time and approach things with the right mindset. Here are nine therapist-approved recommendations to help you manage your mental health as the year comes to an end. Practical tips for protecting your mental health 1. Set goals Set one or two basic, meaningful goals to help you feel anchored in the chaos. “It can be as small as taking a holiday photo, sharing a meal with someone special, or carving out alone time,” says Nawal Alomari, LCPC, founder of Noor Psychology & Wellness. Choose goals that you can control to give yourself a sense of accomplishment in the midst of the rush. 2. Establish boundaries and expectations The holidays often exacerbate family conflicts. Salazar advocates establishing strict boundaries to protect your energy. This could involve restricting your time with relatives or sticking to a budget. “You don’t have to do everything they ask you to do,” Alomari continues. “Decide what you’re willing to do and practice saying no.” 3. Stick to your routine Routines frequently fall by the wayside during the holiday season. However, predictability is essential for maintaining stability. “Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, take breaks from socializing, and resist the urge to push everything off until January,” advises Salazar. 4. Keep moving When schedules become hectic, movement frequently slips by the wayside. Physical activity, even simple motions like yoga or a brisk walk, can help relieve tension. “Stress is a nervous system response, and the best way to regulate your nervous system is to move your body,” Salazar says. 5. Write a letter Grief can feel more intense over the holidays, whether it is the loss of a loved one or a longing for something missing. Alomari suggests drafting a letter to the person or experience you’re mourning. “It’s a way to foster connection and release those feelings from your body,” she says. 6. Plan ahead Loneliness can be especially acute this time of year, but Salazar advocates making the effort to create plans. “Don’t wait for invitations—reach out and schedule something you’ll look forward to,” she suggests. Even simple pleasures, like as watching a beloved movie or indulging in a special dessert, can provide consolation. 7. Give back Volunteering is an effective method to interact with your community while shifting your emphasis from stress to thankfulness. Giving back, whether through a toy drive, meal delivery, or volunteering at an animal shelter, can improve your mood and give you a feeling of purpose. 8. Feel your feelings The holidays can create an underlying pressure to be joyful. Salazar, on the other hand, emphasizes the significance of respecting one’s feelings. “Allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling without judgment,” she tells me. Alomari adds that setting a time limit for sadness, such as giving oneself an hour to cry, might help you process while moving forward. 9. Remember: it’s just a season Sometimes the most effective method to deal with holiday stress is to remind yourself that it is only temporary. “The holidays are a bubble,” Alomari explains. “They last a few weeks, then pop, and we’re back to normal life.” Take solace in knowing that this, too, will pass. Wrapping it up The holidays do not have to be flawless to be memorable. During this hectic season, you can achieve balance and even joy by setting boundaries, staying grounded, and offering yourself grace. “The holidays are what you make of them,” Alomari explains. “With a little planning and self-compassion, you can create moments that matter.” So take a big breath, define your priorities, and remember that it’s good to put yourself first.The post 9 therapist-supported tips for maintaining mental health during the holidays first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a major triumph for climate activists, over 77 percent of UK institutions pledged to divest from fossil fuels. The achievement is the culmination of over a decade of tireless effort by students and faculty. People & Planet’s Fossil Free campaign, established in 2013, calls for colleges to cut off links with fossil fuel extractor companies in solidarity with Indigenous and frontline communities impacted by both climate change and extraction projects. The campaign has encouraged divestment while also raising awareness about higher education institutions’ ethical and environmental obligations. Laura Clayson, Campaign Manager for Climate Justice at People & Planet, emphasizes the importance of this accomplishment: “Over three-quarters of UK universities excluding fossil fuels from their investments would have been unimaginable just a decade ago. This victory is thanks to generations of students and staff who have fought for justice in solidarity with impacted communities.” The numbers behind the milestone According to People & Planet, 115 of 149 UK colleges have publically committed to divesting from fossil fuels, putting an estimated £17.7 billion ($22.6 billion) in endowments out of reach for fossil fuel businesses. Recent pledges from Birmingham City University, Glasgow School of Art, Royal Northern College of Music, and the University of Bradford have helped the higher education sector get closer to its aim of ethical investing. These commitments were published in the 2024 People & Planet University League, which ranks universities based on their ethical and environmental performance. Student campaigners have played a key role in advancing these changes, often working together with university officials to advocate for Ethical Investment Policies that exclude fossil fuel firms. The global impact of divestment The impact of divestment goes far beyond academic campuses. By withdrawing investments from fossil fuel businesses, institutions send a strong message of accountability and solidarity to communities directly impacted by extraction projects. One such project is the contentious East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a 1,443-kilometer pipeline that will transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert region to Tanzania’s Port of Tanga. Despite significant opposition from local people and activists, TotalEnergies and CNOOC continue to build EACOP, which regularly faces allegations of human rights violations. “This industry represents a neo-colonial approach to resource extraction,” Clayson said. “The days of UK universities profiteering from investments in this neo-colonial industry are over.” The fight against EACOP and ongoing challenges The movement against EACOP has served as a rallying point for activists around the world. In Uganda, student organizers supported by Stop EACOP Uganda have faced arrests and state violence for opposing the pipeline. Stephen Kwikiriza, an activist, was reportedly abducted and abused in June 2024 for documenting alleged human rights violations. Ntambazi Imuran Java, lead coordinator of Stop EACOP Uganda, expressed gratitude for the efforts of those fighting fossil fuel investments: “Regardless of the arrests and violations, we continue to demand that Ugandan authorities stop the project and instead invest in renewables. We commit to our principles of non-violence and call for urgent support to pressure the Ugandan government and EACOP shareholders.” Back in the UK, student activists are keeping the pressure on the remaining 34 universities that have yet to go fossil-free. Students at institutions such as the University of Strathclyde have repeatedly demanded divestment, emphasizing the growing minority position of those who refuse. Looking ahead While the accomplishments are tremendous, activists emphasize that there is still more work to do. The transition to renewable energy, global accountability for fossil fuel projects, and ongoing advocacy for ethical investments are critical. As Clayson concludes, “We look forward to announcing the sector’s stragglers as Fossil Free very soon.” The Fossil Free movement exemplifies the power of persistent action and collaboration, demonstrating that even established systems can be challenged—and improved.The post Over 75% of UK universities vow to divest from fossil fuels first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.