Justice is the foremost virtue of the civilizing races. It subdues the barbarous nations, while injustice arouses the weakest.

 

Jose Rizal

Ninja Scroll

 

"Ninja Scroll" (Japanese: 獣兵衛忍風帖, Hepburn: Jūbē Ninpūchō, lit. "Jubei's Ninja Chronicles") is a 1993 Japanese animated jidaigeki-chanbara film, a genre that blends historical drama and samurai action. The film was written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and features a talented voice cast including Kōichi Yamadera, Emi Shinohara, Takeshi Aono, Daisuke Gōri, Toshihiko Seki, and Shūichirō Moriyama.

Produced through a collaboration between JVC, Toho, and Movic, with Madhouse as the animation studio, "Ninja Scroll" tells a gripping story filled with intense action and rich, detailed animation. The film was first released in Japan on June 5, 1993, and later brought to English-speaking audiences through an English-dubbed release by Manga Entertainment in 1995. It has since become a classic in the anime genre, known for its stylized violence, intricate plot, and iconic characters.

It is not the end of the physical body that should worry us. Rather, our concern must be to live while we're alive - to release our inner selves from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a facade designed to conform to external definitions of who and what we are.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.

 Horace Mann

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.

 Norman Cousins

From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity.

 Edvard Munch

The Impact of Medications

Medications play significant roles in our lives, particularly when it comes to managing health conditions and improving our overall well-being. However, their long-term use can have varying impacts, both positive and negative. 

Antidepressants are lifesavers for many, providing relief from the grips of depression and anxiety. However, their long-term use comes with its own set of challenges:

Long-term use can lead to weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and sometimes an emotional numbness. Withdrawal symptoms can also be severe if the medication is stopped abruptly.

From my own experience, it's important to find the right balance and work closely with healthcare providers to manage these medications effectively.

Painkillers can provide much-needed relief from debilitating pain, improving the quality of life for many.

Long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Additionally, they can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, and respiratory issues

One of the most difficult periods of my life involved having to cease an antipsychotic I'd been on for about ten years due a condition with my heart the medication had caused. Long story short, this abrupt change led to a month-long stay in a psychiatric ward, involuntarily. 

The experience underscored the delicate balance required in managing mental health medications and the profound impact they can have on one's physical and emotional well-being. 

Guilt is perhaps the most painful companion of death.

 Coco Chanel

Millions long for immortality who don't know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

 Susan Ertz

The Mosaic of First Impressions: How Judgments Shape Our Interactions

In the tapestry of human interaction, first impressions are the threads that intertwine, often shaping our perceptions and judgments of others before we truly understand the complexities of their stories. These initial perceptions can significantly impact our relationships, influencing everything from casual encounters to long-term engagements.

This blog post explores the multifaceted nature of first impressions, taking into account cultural backgrounds, personality clashes, individual experiences, and how our physical and emotional states play pivotal roles.

Every culture carries its set of norms and traditions, which can heavily influence the first impressions we have of others. For instance, in cultures where direct eye contact is deemed respectful, failing to meet someone's gaze might be interpreted as dishonesty or shyness. Conversely, in cultures where direct eye contact is considered confrontational, such behavior might be viewed more favorably.

Personality differences further complicate these cultural nuances. Extroverts might perceive introverts as aloof or disinterested during first meetings, while introverts might view extroverts as overwhelming or invasive. These personality clashes can lead to misunderstandings and judgments that aren’t necessarily fair or accurate.

Our personal histories and health—both physical and emotional—also filter the way we perceive others. Someone struggling with chronic pain or mental health challenges like depression may come across as withdrawn or less energetic, which can be misinterpreted as unfriendliness or lack of interest. Similarly, individuals who have had negative past experiences may carry biases that unfairly color their perceptions of others, even if subconsciously.

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in the impressions we leave on others. Choices that lead to poor health, such as smoking or an erratic sleep schedule, can affect one's physical appearance and vitality, potentially leading to negative judgments. Moreover, antisocial or disorderly behaviors, often stemming from unhealthy lifestyle choices or emotional struggles, can create stark impressions that might overshadow other qualities the individual possesses.

Despite these differences, there are common traits and reactions that many of us share. A warm smile, for instance, tends to be universally recognized as a sign of friendliness and openness. Traditional gestures, such as a handshake or a polite nod, can also bridge the gap between differing impressions, serving as a common language of respect and acknowledgment.

Understanding the vast influences that shape our first impressions can lead to more mindful interactions. By recognizing that each person is a product of a unique set of circumstances—cultural background, personality, personal experiences, and health—we can approach our initial judgments with more empathy and openness.

'The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.' - Robert Jordan

"Joy isn't about the absence of suffering, but the presence of perseverance. In the face of adversity, we learn to endure, adapt, and find moments of light.

Keep bending, keep surviving, and joy will find its way to you."