Benzo Brain #1 *
“It’s a chemical imbalance
in the brain.” Ad copy from
Don Draper. I bought it. An
almost mouse scampers
across the floor. A Native
woman with saucer eyes.
She’s nice. Someone in the
kitchen plays You Suffer by
Napalm Death. A firefly smiles.
Who knew? Adorable. Doc
says up dose for two weeks.
Stars in the living room. Kurt
Cobain hovers. “Hi. Miss you.”
“Mommy I can still crawl!”
Big Pharma cashes in.
2024
Mailbox
On occasion this distant memory surfaces at curious moments. I’m unsure why. However random and peculiar, I suppose the event, over fifty years ago, had some significance for my young mind. One night when I was six or seven, in my pajamas after my bath but before bedtime, close to Hop on Pop and Green Eggs and Ham, we are all in the kitchen, Mom, Dad, me. I’m eating either cereal with six teaspoons of sugar or Nestle’s Quik chocolate milk and Oreos with even more sugar. There may or may not be a brushing of teeth soon. There’s a knock at our door and there’s the neighbor kid, the Klines’ oldest teenager sheepishly apologetic, informing Dad that he just hit our mailbox with his father’s car at the end of our long, washed-out lane. I worry about getting a letter tomorrow from Patty, my girlfriend. He is opening his wallet offering to pay Dad for the damage – the few dollars he has now and the rest on payday.
Dad said later that he could have kept on going and no one would be the wiser, except maybe the father if he looked closely at the fender or grill. But he stopped and did the right thing. This made an impression upon Dad and apparently it made an impression upon me as at that age anything that would impress Dad was certain to impress me. Here was the outset of an honorable young man. Dad told him not to worry about it – to put his wallet away. The next day Dad and I went to the hardware store, bought a new box, and affixed our numbers to it. Dad showed me how to dig a post hole, setting a flat stone in the bottom so the wood would not rot, righting the post with the level, then tamping the dirt down around the base to firm it up. I used this knowledge a few times for my own mailboxes at the end of my own driveways. When I began driving, I was lucky not to destroy any mailboxes, although I do recall scraping against a city limits sign on the way to school – but there was no one handy to confess to. And fortunately, so far, none of my mailboxes have been demolished by a neighbor.
the birds told me about silence forest temple spring *** The cut off silence of snow You swam out of the kefir night into the dawn I dug a hole for you and I made a coffin for you I ghosting and brought the lonely future closer Cracks in the air crunched loudly Someone is sneaking someone is looking for you in the silence Blizzard blossoms like apple tree above And from below under the ground worms are crawling into the future Triangular night is knocking on the back of head And in the back of the head there is nothing except wormy posthumous tin *** we prayed to everyone: from Jesus and Satan to Batman and the Joker as a result: your face is now forever young the photo on the cemetery granite slab never changes *** grass under your feet glass under your feet crunch underfoot crunch inside Rainer Kunze's rain gardens fall on the heads of silent stones that we were before we were born *** a person is born with a noose around his neck a rope that is attached to god who will wash us in the rain without a home who will wash our feet like in ancient times one cheek for a hit, one cheek for suicide and somewhere between the cheeks there are eyes that slid down from what they saw *** torn belly herbarium autumn leaves stick to the eyes future in the rain moisture attracts worms birds drink the silence in an abandoned cemetery
Books are our friends
In our life we can meet different educated people, who read different books to achieve these successes. It is these books that made the uneducated and educated people become scientists. There are many types of books. There are also books for people with different skills. There are many books of world literature.
Among us there are folk proverbs like: ‘a book is our friend’ and ‘a book is a source of knowledge’. Always full of valuable and useful information for us. I mostly like to read world literature. I am especially interested in the works of Shakespeare and Pushkin. I recommend it to you too. A person who reads books is never lacking. Besides, he craves knowledge in his adult life. We can use the wide opportunities given to young people to visit various libraries and read to our heart’s content. It is this books that make scientists, and we should read various magazine and articles without limiting ourselves to books.
Mo’minjonova Diyora was born in 2007, 4th September in Turakurgan. She is a student of 11th grade.
Key Aspects of Children’s Education: A Brief Overview
Children’s education is essential for personal development and societal progress. This article highlights the most important aspects of children’s education, including early childhood development, the role of play, parental involvement, social and emotional learning, inclusive education, and technology integration.
1. Early Childhood Development
Early childhood is crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional growth. High-quality early education programs promote language, problem-solving, and creative skills while also fostering emotional and social development. These programs provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and academic success.
2. The Role of Play in Learning
Play is vital for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. It helps children explore, solve problems, and develop social skills. Different types of play, such as imaginative, structured, and physical play, contribute to creativity, strategic thinking, and physical health. Incorporating play into education enhances engagement and holistic growth.
3. Parental Involvement
Active parental involvement is linked to better academic performance, higher self-esteem, and improved behavior in children. Effective involvement includes supporting learning goals, fostering a love for reading, and establishing strong partnerships with educators. Quality of involvement is more impactful than quantity.
4. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL focuses on developing skills like empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Integrating SEL into the curriculum promotes better academic outcomes, reduces bullying, and builds resilience. It equips children with essential life skills to manage emotions and relationships.
5. Inclusive and Equitable Education
Inclusive education ensures that all children, regardless of background or ability, have equal opportunities to learn. It involves adapting teaching methods and providing support to meet diverse needs. Equitable education addresses disparities related to socioeconomic status, race, and other factors, creating a fair and supportive learning environment.
6. Technology Integration
Technology enhances learning by offering interactive and personalized content. Effective use of digital tools can foster creativity and collaboration but must be thoughtfully integrated to support traditional learning methods and ensure equitable access for all students.
Conclusion
Focusing on these key aspects helps create an educational environment that nurtures each child’s potential, preparing them for a successful and fulfilling life.
Ibrohimova Durdonaxon was born on April 6, 2005. She studies at Kokand State Pedagogical Institute and lives in the Pandigon neighborhood of Quva District, Fergana Region.
The story of a girl
Do you know? What am I afraid of the ringing of the phone… At that time I was an eight-year-old child. My father was a soldier. My mother worked as a teacher at school. because of my dad’s work, we often moved. My mother had to constantly change her job from province to province. But it was not always possible to find a job for my mother. I didn’t have any close friends because my school changed every time. At school, it would take time for me to learn from my teachers. I couldn’t go out with anyone. All my classmates used to make fun of me as a nomad. but I love my dad’s work. Every time my father left for work, he would kiss me goodbye.
Like all children, I longed for my father to be with me more. But it remained a dream. my father always came home late from work, and sometimes stayed on night duty. At night, I would go to sleep waiting for my father…
I remember that day was my birthday. I was nine years old. On that day, my mother told my father to come from work early today for our daughter’s birthday. Dad came home at nine o’clock late. Four came in. For me, my dad’s arrival made me the happiest out of all four. My happiness did not last long. Until that phone rang, my dad left in a hurry. I did not know that that day would be the last time I would see my father…
Numonova Khonzodabegim Shuhratbek’s daughter is a student of the 11th grade.
First of all, an announcement on behalf of Synchronized Chaos Magazine. We’re going to help authors with research by setting up a section where readers and contributors can volunteer to provide information to authors who want to do research for their writing projects. So, if you have knowledge or lived experience in some area and are open to answering questions for someone’s project, please email us at synchchaos@gmail.com and we’ll add you to our upcoming list!
Now for this month’s issue: Self, Others, Source. As a teenager I attended a spiritual retreat where the leader encouraged us to think of our relationship to ourselves, the people and other beings in our lives, and our Source, the higher power, however we understood that. He commented that when we got in trouble, we could imagine sending out an S-O-S and looking within, to our social networks, and our faith.
Some of this issue’s contributors engage with the self.
Bari Robinson’s excerpt from An American Daughter of Brown describes the inner strength and struggles of a young civil rights-era Black girl claiming her sense of self.
Sandra Rochelle describes a healing journey where a woman chooses play and joy over self-conscious judgement.
Rus Khomutoff speaks to dreams, the surreal, and the subconscious as Texas Fontanella’s pieces express energy, tension, and action within the artist’s mind and Mark Young sends up swatches and swathes of color and texture. J.D. Nelson experiments with thought bubble bursts of words.
J.J. Campbell reflects on memories and disillusionment and the fragility of hope as Elan Barnehama offers an exploration of how an introvert and an extrovert cope with tragedy.
Jonibek Miraxmedov presents the poetry of youth: first love, optimism, dedication and determination, and joy in life. Z.I. Mahmud examines the psychological and emotional world of T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.
Mykyta Ryzhykh speculates on the competing twin powers of passion and destruction, Eros and Thanatos, sensuality and fear and death. Prosper Isaac draws on the dual nature of the cultural symbol of flowers, joy and grief, weddings and funerals, the happiness and sorrow making up all of our lives.
Salihu Muhammad’s piece reminds us that like ripples in a pond, our attitudes and character shape how we view the world.
Other work addresses the human and natural world around us.
Kylian Cubilla Gomez’ photography captures moments of delicacy, small creatures or objects, and encourages us to pay attention to our world on a micro level.
Marisa LaPorte describes a quest for peace of mind and peace within a family. Taylor Dibbert continues to reflect on a divorce and all it portends for his poetic speaker. Abdel Zahra Amara’s short story, translated by poet Faleeha Hassan, comments on the difference between pretty sentimentality and actual love.
David Sapp reflects on adult friendship and what makes a good friend versus a good colleague as Quinn’s evocative story highlights the power of childhood friendship to change a life and remain in a person’s memory for years.
Talia Borochaner finds the poetry in childbirth, gardens, and kitchens as the heart of much existence. Abdullajonova Zurakhan’s poem laments a caring and faithful uncle who passed away. Nosirova Gavhar writes of a young ballerina shaped by the love and encouragement of her father. Ilhomova Mohichehra celebrates the sweet fruit and memories of her home village. Tursunova Sarvino brings a scientific analysis to an aspect of childcare, the development of children’s speech abilities.
Akmalova Zebokhan Akobirkhan contributes a whimsical love poem about the disorientation she feels due to her emotions. Maja Milojkovic reflects on different types of sentimental sweetness in life and cautions us to enjoy with discretion. Mesfakus Salahin evokes the various senses in his love poem.
Raquel and Brian Barbeito reminisce on the joy of living with seven dogs throughout their lives, each of whom had a unique personality. Sushant Kumar merges with both the Earth and a lover in his poem. Sayani Mukherjee highlights the power of the sun in an evocative summer pond scene while Wazed Abdullah reflects on the calm of a moonlit night. Naeem Aziz’ poem draws on natural imagery to highlight the inner and outer beauty of a woman he loves. Maftuna Rustamova’s work urges preservation of the natural environment as Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa calls on people to step up amidst their trauma and exhaustion to heal Mother Earth.
Madinabonu Mavlonova outlines methods to improve seed germination in a plant biology laboratory. Ilnura Ibrohimova points out the importance of food safety and safe preservation of food as part of a strategy to feed the world.
Jonibek also suggests ways for Uzbek businesses to adapt to technological changes and increasing environmental awareness. Muquaddas Maxmarejabova outlines the many practical and social changes that came with industrialization.
Isabel Gomez de Diego’s work captures history still standing: a concrete cellar and castle from centuries ago and a dinosaur museum. Shodiyeva Mehribon asserts the pride she takes in her heritage and homeland of Uzbekistan as a young person shaping her country’s future as Alina Ibrohimova offers a tribute to the nation’s Olympic athletes.
Sitora Otajonova outlines the promise and problems of social media for contemporary users. Pat Doyne expresses her hopes for civil dialogue, equality, and progressive values.
Fatima Abdulwahab’s piece is a lament for a lost home and family in a war-torn country while Faleeha Hassan describes war as a hungry, predatory, grotesque animal. The poetry of Abdulrasheed Yakubu Ladan highlights the corruption often present in politics when there is a great power imbalance. Mahbub Alam draws on the metaphor of a large bird being chased away to depict the recent student revolution in Bangladesh. Daniel DeCulla’s poetry highlights how even candidates praised with lofty rhetoric and slogans will not be perfect or bring peace to our world. Naeem Aziz writes of students taking to the streets to make things right.
Anila Bukhari encourages writers to bring hope to those who struggle and bear witness to the world’s tragedies. Martha Ellen’s poetry muses about wide-ranging effects of trauma on a personal level, finding compassion for aggressors as well as victims. Komron Mirza laments the decline of dignity, ethics, and compassion in his society.
Bekzod Ergashev highlights the problem of youth unemployment within Uzbekistan and its effects on the economy as well as on youth confidence.
Nigora Tursunboyeva’s short story highlights the pain of impoverished orphans in Uzbekistan and the fragility of all our lives. Sonmin Yoongi urges people to live lives of compassion, dignity, and faith.
And still other contributors consider matters of faith, the divine, and sources of ultimate purpose and meaning in life.
Stephen Jarrell Williams’ poem evokes the light of truth coming through the darkness.
Jacques Fleury reviews Lori Shiller’s The Quiet Room through a philosophical lens, as a memoir of finding purpose and meaning through community and service while living with disabling mental illness.
Amirah Al-Wassif renders family tragedies and spiritual searchings into surrealist poetry while Kahlil Crawford reviews the eclectic, evocative, and ethereal stylings of musical artist Pinhdar.
Duane Vorhees probes and turns over thoughts about religion and art, history and youth, in his poetry.
Of course, facets of our existence cannot so easily be divided into three boxes. Many contributors’ sense of self is shaped by their communities and cultures, many times meaning and purpose in life comes from serving others, and it becomes possible to live in a healthy relationship with others when one is strong within oneself.
So, while these dimensions inevitably overlap and influence each other, they provide a general guide to understanding ourselves and are a source of artistic inspiration.