By David Stephen Although all functions can be automatically controlled, to some extent, there are still several functions that can be controlled by the human mind. This makes it possible to navigate the world within intent—vital for survival. This indicates that while non-intent appears to sprawl, intentionality still holds considerable possibility. Speech can be controlled–by pitch and by content, motor functions, and several thoughts can be controlled. If everything that can be controlled is assumed to be free will, what makes control or intentionality sometimes fail in some situations? There are cases where functions can be [say] taken over automatically…
Author: Tommy
Read More
By David Stephen Why do many instances of suicidal thoughts—in the mind—not route through fear, which often precedes risk when danger is close? There are too many situations that an individual would encounter that would immediately lead to fear, then flight, because of the risk of death. Why does suicide—and its thoughts—many times not go through this sequence The problem of suicide—and its thoughts—is also a problem of relays in the mind. Death is supposed to be scary and avoided. What breaks, that makes suicide become a choice that bypasses that fear? This is similar to questions in theoretical psychiatry,…
By Amaya Gayle Gregory I don’t like the God of Abraham, the God of War, of punishment, of hell and damnation, of violence and retribution, and a seemingly abiding need to be loved, the God who split himself into thirds to cause trouble, or sent deliberately mixed messages to the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims, initiating covenants in conflict, stirring up trouble. No … I am not a fan. In fact, I question the reality of such a weakling. Where’s the omnipresence? Where’s the omnipotence? Where’s the omniscience? It’s easy to rig a game and lay the blame for…
Verde Valley News – Throughout the month, local elected officials joined Verde Valley Sanctuary in officially proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, partnering with the agency in the fight against domestic and sexual violence and creating a community that refuses to tolerate abuse. “The time has come for us to stop considering domestic violence a family, or ‘private’ issue because it impacts entire communities,” VVS Executive Director Jessye Johnson said in a statement to Cottonwood City Council on Oct. 1. “Domestic violence effects thousands of people here in the Verde Valley and across Arizona, causes significant harm to the…
Sedona News – Authors Diane Phelps Budden, Chris Seeholzer, and Janeen Trevillyan along with photographer Mark Elder will discuss their book Sedona Movie Locations Then & Now at the Sedona Heritage Museum on Thursday, November 14, at 10 am in the historic Apple Shed. The talk is part of the Museum’s Sedona Stories speaker series. The book, published last year, highlights several of the popular Western movies filmed in and around Sedona over the years. Still shots from the movies are juxtaposed with modern photos of the same location, and includes locations to help fans find the spots. Speakers will…
Sedona News – Join the City of Sedona at the Solar Co-op 101 Workshop to learn more about going solar and how you can save money on energy bills and solar installation. Co-op Program background The City’s Sustainability Program has teamed up with the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) for another round of the Northern Arizona Solar Co-op — a free group to help you go solar. The solar co-op helps area homeowners and small business owners learn about solar and purchase solar panels together at a group rate from a single installer. After a competitive bidding process facilitated by…
By Rabbi Alicia Magal The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom. Erev Shabbat services begin at 5:30 pm on Friday, November 1, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal. A reading from Noach, (Genesis 6.9 – 11:32), the story of Noah and the Flood, enables congregants to come up for the honor of an aliyah during the Torah reading. Healing blessings give people an opportunity to pray for those who are ill, and…
… this morning was a first for me … with the new electric motor we headed down to Lynx Lake in Prescott … another first was launching into the lake with no dock to make it easy to get in and out of the boat. We did amazingly well with Jim in the boat as we launched and then maneuvering the boat to shore near the launch ramp where I was able to get in after I parked the car and trailer. We spent about two and a half hours on the lake and got some fun shots … a few Belted Kingfishers played…
Sedona News – Back by popular demand: The Sedona International Film Festival announces award-winning recording duo Sirsy will be performing live in concert Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in Sedona at 7 p.m. It’s hard to imagine a sound this big coming from just two people. The Boston Globe calls Sirsy the “little band with the big sound.” Fans call them the little band with big heart. Hailing from Upstate NY, Sirsy plays sassy singer-songwriter pop-rock with a charming intensity and lots of heart and soul. Sirsy’s passionate and down-to-earth live shows have loads of entertaining…
Verde Valley News – On October 21, 2024, Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Michael Bluff sentenced 26-year-old Andrew James Cook, of Prescott Valley, Arizona to 2.5 years in prison for Organized Retail Theft. Judge Bluff also sentenced Cook to a concurrent one year prison term for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and imposed six month jail sentences for DUI and Resisting Arrest. Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane stated, “Shoplifting and Organized Retail Theft have no place in Yavapai County. These crimes drive up prices for everyone, endanger employees and customers, and can be financially devastating to businesses. Too many communities in…
Sedona News – Join the city of Sedona, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Coconino National Forest, Arizona State Parks, Oak Creek Watershed Council and many other organizations for the first Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup! The cleanup day begins on November 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Slide Rock State Park. Volunteers will arrive by 8 a.m. to check in and receive a safety talk. Volunteer roles include picking up trash along the roadside, recreation areas, and streambanks along 13 miles of Oak Creek to reestablish a clean environment for wildlife and people. Participating volunteers may enter into a…
Arizona News – TÓ NANEESDIZÍ, (TUBA CITY, NAVAJO NATION) – Yee Ha’ólníi Doo, a Utah-based non-profit organization led by Navajo women, has recently broken ground on a new traditional Hogan in Monument Valley. The project, funded by a $12,200 grant from the Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) awarded in the winter of 2023, is an important step toward preserving Navajo culture and fostering community resilience. The Hogan, a traditional Navajo dwelling, will serve as a central gathering place for the Monument Valley community, where people can come together for ceremonies, cultural events, educational workshops, and other activities. By constructing the…
Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Charu Suri: A Sonic Journey Through India” — featuring Peter Sterling on harp and Joe Lastie from Preservation Hall on drums — at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m. Join multi award-winning pianist and composer, Charu Suri, in a unique concert featuring her signature “raga jazz” style blending Indian ragas and jazz. Charu became the first Indian born jazz artist at Carnegie Hall and will perform there for the fifth time in 2025. Join her in an unforgettable sonic journey in Sedona…
Sedona News – The University Women of Sedona will host their next informational program on Monday, November 4 at 9:30 a.m. when representatives of Yavapai College will share updates on several of their specialty programs. Linda Shook, Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning and the Sedona Center, will bring an update on OLLI classes, which are aimed at people 50 and older, share information about Community Education and Experiential Learning, and also present information about lifelong learning programs at the Sedona Center, Verde Valley Campus, and the Prescott Campus. Heather Mulcaire, Associate Dean of the Verde Valley Campus of Yavapai College, will discuss…
Sedona News – Join the City of Sedona for a garden cleanup day at the West Sedona Elementary School garden! The teachers and principal are working with Gardens for Humanity and the City’s Sustainability Department to reinvigorate the school’s garden space to utilize for future classroom teachings. Before the garden can flourish, the weeds must be pulled and the foundation strengthened. During this cleanup day, anyone may meet at the garden to volunteer between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Bring your reusable water bottle and any garden tools (rake, hand trowel, shovel, wheelbarrow, gloves, etc.). Light refreshments will be served,…