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More Songs That Make Me Feel More Alive
It's been six years since I posted my article Songs That Make Me Feel Alive Again. The songs in that list certainly still hold up and serve as a time capsule for what I was dealing with and how I was feeling at that moment in time. But the best thing about music is that people keep making it. There's so much new music as well as old music that's new to me. It continues it's pursuit of filling and fueling me and making me feel emotions I can't even give names to. So, to honor my original article's fifth birthday (which I actually think is in September, but disregard), here are more songs that make me feel more alive. In no particular order...
By Raine Neal6 days ago in Beat
Jesse Van Rootselaar: Understanding the Tumbler Ridge School Shooter
Jesse Van Rootselaar: The Life Behind the Tragedy On February 10, 2026, the quiet town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was shaken by one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent Canadian history. The suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, claimed the lives of nine people, including her own, leaving a community reeling and a nation searching for answers.
By Story Prism6 days ago in Criminal
Donkeys, Elephants, and the Great American Zoo: Is There a Way Out?
Donkeys, Elephants, and the Great American Zoo: Is There a Way Out? Do You Really Believe Them? Look, I’m going to be blunt with you. When you watch their polished debates, do you honestly believe they care about you? Or are they just talking to their billionaire donors? I remember checking my bank account after rent last month and thinking: this can’t be what “the greatest country on earth” looks like. Seriously, look at your own bills. Look at the crumbling roads in your neighborhood. How many times have the Elephants been in charge? How many times has the Donkey run the show? The names change, but has your life actually improved? This isn’t complicated. It’s a rigged game. If things keep going from bad to worse, why do you keep giving them your vote? It’s a joke. Your Money Abroad, Their Corruption at Home Doesn’t it boil your blood to see your hard-earned tax dollars shipped overseas to places like Israel—where citizens receive free healthcare and free education—while you are forced to borrow money just to earn a college degree and still can’t afford basic medicine? It’s a bitter irony: you are funding a lifestyle for others that you cannot even secure for yourself at home. And it’s not just about money; it’s about moral decay. The shadow of the Epstein documents still hangs over Washington. When you see names from both sides of the aisle entangled in that filth, you realize these people don’t share your values. They are an elite club, protected from the very laws that apply to you. I’m fed up with it. Aren’t you? The Trap: “Don’t Waste Your Vote” You know all of this is true. But when election day comes, they pull out their favorite weapon: fear. You vote for the Elephant so the Donkey doesn’t kick you. Or you vote for the Donkey so the Elephant doesn’t crush you. They’ve convinced you that any choice outside their circus is a “wasted vote.” But think about it: if every one of us stopped feeding them our power and gave it to someone else, the votes would be split—but their votes would be split too. Suddenly, they wouldn’t be “giants” anymore. Everyone would be standing on a level playing field. Your vote is only “wasted” when you give it to the same people who have been failing you for decades. The Human Alternative Now you’re probably asking: “Who’s the alternative? Are there other animals in this zoo besides the Donkey and the Elephant?” Look, the alternative doesn’t have to be another animal—we’re human beings, after all! 😂 Honestly, it’s time to stop looking for a mascot and start looking for a real solution. Here are the "Human" alternatives that Washington doesn't want you to take seriously: The Forward Party (The Center): This is for the millions of Americans who feel politically homeless. Founded by Andrew Yang and former governors from both sides, the Forward Party isn't about rigid ideology; it’s about fixing the "plumbing" of our democracy so it actually works for us. They focus on Ranked Choice Voting, which allows you to rank candidates by preference so you never have to worry about a "spoiler effect" again. They advocate for Open Primaries, meaning you aren't forced to join a specific "tribe" just to have a say in who runs. Their philosophy is "Not Left, Not Right, but Forward." They want to end the toxic polarization that treats half the country as the enemy and instead focus on data-driven, common-sense solutions that 70% of Americans already agree on. It’s about making the system functional, transparent, and representative of the sensible majority rather than the radical fringes. The Libertarian Party: For those who believe that you, not the government, should own your life. They want to slash federal spending, end the IRS, and bring our troops home. Their philosophy is simple: keep the government out of your wallet and out of your private life. It’s about maximum personal freedom and total fiscal responsibility. The Green Party: If you’ve had enough of corporate monopolies writing our laws. They focus on an economy that works for the people, not the 1%. This includes a "Green New Deal" that guarantees healthcare as a human right and living wages for all. They believe the economy should serve the people, not the CEOs. The Constitution Party: For those who feel we’ve drifted too far from our foundation. They want to strip power away from the federal government and return it to the states and the people, exactly as the Founders intended. They believe in limited government and the strict rule of law. The Choice Is Yours If we all decide—right now—to stop buying into their fear, the walls of this zoo will collapse. The system only works because we agree to stay in our cages. But the door isn't locked from the outside. The key to the cage is already in your pocket. It’s your voice, your dignity, and your refusal to be tricked again. Do you have the courage to use it?
By Beyond the Beltway6 days ago in The Swamp
Allied Properties Stock Plunges 27% After Announcing $500 Million Equity Raise. AI-Generated.
Introduction Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust saw its shares tumble sharply after announcing plans to raise $500 million through an equity issuance. The stock dropped as much as 27% in a single session, reflecting investor concerns over dilution, balance sheet pressure, and the broader outlook for the commercial real estate sector. The steep sell-off highlights how sensitive markets remain to capital-raising announcements, particularly in an environment of higher interest rates and cautious sentiment toward property-related stocks.
By Hammad Nawaz6 days ago in Trader
How To Integrate SEO Into Your Content Strategies: A Practical Guide To SEO Content That Ranks
Integrating SEO into your content is no longer optional; it is the backbone of any sustainable content marketing strategy. When you align smart content strategies with search engine optimization, every piece of content you publish works harder for you, pulling in organic traffic, leads, and sales over time. This article is worth reading if you want clear, practical steps to weave SEO into your content strategy without sacrificing quality, voice, or user experience.
By Subhan Jalbani6 days ago in Writers
The Two-Setting Walk That Fixed My Photos (Without Buying Anything). AI-Generated.
I used to come home from a photo walk with 200 frames and one “maybe.” The problem wasn’t my camera. It was my brain—spinning through menus, second-guessing every choice, and turning a simple moment into a technical debate.
By Puryear Pebley6 days ago in Photography
Long-Term Financial Planning Strategies
Introduction Long-term financial planning is a cornerstone for sustaining healthcare and behavioral health organizations. It ensures that facilities can meet operational demands, invest in growth, and continue delivering high-quality care over time. Strategic financial planning goes beyond short-term budgeting by forecasting revenue, expenses, and potential risks over several years. It also integrates investment strategies, funding sources, and contingency planning to maintain financial stability. Organizations that adopt long-term financial planning are better positioned to navigate industry changes, respond to economic uncertainties, and make informed decisions that support patient care and organizational growth.
By Abdul Mueed6 days ago in Journal
Chloe Kim Eyes Historic Three-Peat at 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Snowboarding Halfpipe
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have delivered unforgettable moments across all disciplines, but few events have captured global attention like the Women’s Snowboarding Halfpipe. With the likes of Chloe Kim defending her Olympic titles, the competition has become a thrilling spectacle of athleticism, creativity, and nerve. As the Games reached February 12, 2026, the Halfpipe finals emerged as a centerpiece, blending high-stakes competition with the artistry and daring that define snowboarding at its highest level.
By Story Prism6 days ago in Unbalanced
