First, from contributor Jacques Fleury, an announcement of a new book! “Immortal Lines of Poetry” by Sourav Sarkar and Jacques Fleury

A collaboration between myself and internationally renowned poet Sourav Sarkar of India. The book presents us both as “2 Poets of the Common Era Literature Period” (a term Sarkar claims to have coined himself on Oct. 24, 2021 and is celebrated worldwide on its founding date yearly) and allows the reader an opportunity to “sample” our poetic styles and substance. It is at times a supple staccato or eroticism, at times mesmerizingly musical of humanism, at times visceral to its soul core but eventually reaches a crescendo to volcanic eruption of literary passion, hope and inspiration for our seemingly crumbling humanity. Here is a sample of one of MY poems from the book. Hope you check it out on Amazon. Merci beaucoup! 

This month’s issue focuses on what’s going on inside of all of us, and how that shapes who we are. We’re going Beneath the Surface.

Stella Kwon’s paintings explore dreams, childhood, fantasy, and the interiority needed for a creative life. Jacques Fleury’s sample poem from his new book Immortal Lines of Poetry looks into dreams and internal inspiration. Debabrata Maji’s poem traces his heart’s inner journey. Damon Hubbs tracks the odds and ends running through his mind while watching competitive tennis. Annabel Kim’s artwork explores and celebrates human and natural creativity. Ma Yongbo evokes the change of seasons, nature, and mortality.

Mark Young renders maps and nature into works of art in his ‘geographies.’ J.K. Durick speaks to intellectual experiences – the news, books, museums – and how we communicate ourselves to ourselves. Jasmina Saidova honors an inspirational teacher as Abdirashidova Ozoda explores possibilities for digital technology in early childhood education. Eshmamatova Shabbona traces the history and evolution of Uzbek literature and Munira Xolmirzayeva traces the history of Russian writing.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou praises the delicate elegance of Lily Swarn’s new poetry collection A Drop of Cosmos. Uralova Gulmira highlights themes of personal experience and motherhood in the patriotic writings of Uzbek poet Saida Zunnunova. Sayani Mukherjee reflects on being driven towards poetry in a full and changing world. Dr. Rasmiyya Sabir writes of romantic love, poetic inspiration, and the irrepressible drive to be heard.

Jakhongir Nomozov interviews poet Rustam Bekhrudi, who intends to capture and convey the resilient Turkish spirit in his writing. Mesfakus Salahin speaks to human psychology and the drive to live amid the allure of death. Mahbub Alam describes a night of discomfort due to mosquitoes, which he endures by thinking of people who have it much worse. Abdisattorova Hurshida’s short story highlights the dignity and self-determination and patience of the hardworking rural poor in Uzbekistan, even when facing death.

Hanen Marouani probes our internal emotional life with tenderness. Bill Tope uncovers the veil of a past sixth grade classroom where the students and teacher are full of inner and outer turmoil. Alan Catlin continues his surreal examination of the physical manifestations of work anxiety as Elbekova Nilufar warns of the danger to our eyes and psyches posed by Internet addiction. Emeniano Somoza Jr. reflects on what we lose by lessening the ups and downs of our emotional nature. Donia Sahab’s poetry probes the psychological torment and confusion Dr. Alaa Basheer alludes to in his painting. J.J. Campbell navigates loneliness with his trademark wit and cynicism.

Joana L.J. Milovanovic’s words bear witness to the psychological and physical damage domestic abusers inflict. Mykyta Ryzhykh’s characters find themselves subsumed by the crushing violence of a metaphorical “leviathan.” Alex S. Johnson reflects on his friendship with Runaways band member and visionary Kari Lee Krome and how the music industry elevates and chews people up.

Jakhongir Nomozov’s speaker reasserts himself after intense seasons of emotional pain and rejection. Soumen Roy highlights the importance of respect and patience in true love. Munisa Rustamova expresses gratitude for her mother’s constant love in a harsh world full of fake people. Alex S. Johnson and Kandy Fontaine assert their confidence in their way of living and loving and show how power is expressed through service and care, not abuse. Liderqiz demonstrates this ethic of service through a profile of Uzbek Information Service leader Dilbar Ashilbayeva.

Andela Bunos speaks of the universal human grief of lost love. Kristy Raines’ poetry expresses commitment to a romantic relationship despite being separated. Lola Ijbrater outlines the rise and fall of a romance through a series of flowers. Ken Gosse describes heartbreak through clever poems with increasing numbers of lines. Eva Petropoulou’s lines address intimate love and the beauty of forgiveness. Annamurodov Umarbek reflects on coming of age after losing his father.

Journalist Giorgos Pratzikos and literary figure Eva Petropoulou Lianou interview Greek writer Fay Rempelou about how she intends to inspire peace, creativity, and humanity through her poetry. Nilufar Mo’ydinova presents a thoughtful exploration of artificial intelligence’s potential and how to mindfully develop it for the benefit of human creativity. Taghrid Bou Merhi traces the moral ascent of humankind, as societies developed respect for life, human rights, and gender equity. Omonova Sevinch highlights the importance of educating women and girls to uplift society. Graciela Noemi Villaverde points out the power of icons and commemorations of peace to interrupt the hostility that leads to war.

Giorgos Pratzikos interviews actor and children’s author Zisis Papaioanou on his craft, his artistic vision, his inspirations in Christ and Aristotle, and desire for Greeks to have more neighborly concern and look out for each other.

Taylor Dibbert reflects on the impression Americans make while traveling abroad. Doug Hawley and Bill Tope present a humorous tale of unintended interplanetary cooperation. Duane Vorhees’ poetry deals with our humanity, the roles we play in life and who we choose to become to each other.

Abdel Iatif Moubarak’s words express solitude and the hopes and dreams of individuals and communities in an uncertain world. Abigail George reviews Nadine AuCoin’s horror novel Tucked Inn, a tale of survival and good overcoming evil. Justin Faisal, a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar and advocate for his fellow refugees, writes of his inner journey of perseverance and finding beauty in life. Sharifova Saidaxon reflects on similar sentiments, finding forgiveness and acceptance through her faith.

We hope this issue inspires you to dig into your inner psyche and uncover strength and reach for your hopes and dreams.

In the Corners of Longing- translated from Arabic

By Dr. Jihane el-Feghali 

See how butterflies drift away in silence when they find no flower in the garden to play with its colors.

And how the breezes sigh when the trees ignore them, searching, in vain, for a branch to cradle them…

See how a melody falls mute when the words abandon it—lost between presence and absence, 

between being and nothingness.

 Childhood glimmers alone in the world of grown-ups

mocked by cunning fingers, watched by eyes that whisper farewell.

Look at the birds, how they changed their path when orchards no longer danced to the rhythm of their songs.

There, in the corners of longing, a small dream scatters despite the pain of separation—racing with time, playing with its shadow, and dozing off in its embrace…

It redraws old meetings—will they ever return?

There, in the corners of longing, a face still lingers on the horizon,

a beating heart bleeding in silence,

words dwelling in untold tales—seeking the echo of a breeze, a voice to return to them the sigh of memory.

And a rose, whose fragrance is the whisper of a wish.

And a star…

APPRECIATED TEACHER

A bright star shines in my heart,

 You are a classic among people. Your traces are in every letter and word,

 A dear teacher who opened the way to hearts.

We have learned manners and knowledge by following you,

 We have learned every aspect of knowledge.

 You were kind even in your reprimands, 

Now we are learning the lessons of life.

The lessons you taught have paved the way, 

We have laid the foundation for our future dreams.

 The kindness and attention we have received from you always motivates us to justify our trust.

Thank you, teacher, for your kindness, 

Your value to us is high and great. You will live forever in our hearts, My dear teacher, 

I bow to you a thousand times.

Jasmina Abdusaidova was born on July 20, 2011 in Gallaorol district, Jizzakh region. She is a student of district school No. 22.

THE POSSIBLE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN ASSOCIATED WITH EXCESSIVE INTERNET USAGE: EXPLORING COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME AND DEPRESSION.

Elbekova Nilufar Nodirbek kizi

20-school Namangan region, Uzbekistan

nilufarelbekova31@gmail.com

Annotation: Internet usage (IU) is becoming problematic among children, which is raising the possible health problems associated with IU. This article aimed to assess how children are becoming addicted to the virtual world and explore possible physical and psychological problems associated with IU. According to the latest available data, children spend an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes on social media every day, raising the possibility of having serious digital health problems among children, which can be either psychological or physical. Several studies globally, and numerous anecdotal media reports, suggest possible links between overuse of the Internet by adolescents and young adults and negative health consequences such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, excessive daytime sleepiness, problematic alcohol use, or injury [1]. About 90 percent of children and adolescents aged 5-17 (47 million persons) use computers, and about 59 percent (31 million people) use the internet [2]. 

Key words: Internet usage (IU), Virtual world , Internet addiction, Computer vision syndrome (CVS) , Digital health, Depression, Support vector machine (SVM), Children, Physical health problem, Psychological health problem, Major depressive disorder (MDD), Bipolar disorder, Dysthymia.

Abstract: The use of internet among children has been increasing dramatically. Sadly, one of the biggest factors that children becoming addicted to internet is many parents` dependence on virtual world. The enough attention is not giving to children while they are being busy with internet-related activities and on top of that, even some parents are allowing them to engage with useless and harmful activities, subconsciously. About 60 percent of parents globally let their children use the Internet without any limits and do whatever they want on social media, and they do not even pay much attention to how much time their children spend in the digital world. The Internet has been having a big impact on academic performance in the last decade, making computers and electronic devices an indispensable source of education in many classrooms. Although nearly all schools have Internet access, many children and adolescents are more likely to access the Internet from their homes. Of those children and adolescents who use the Internet 78 percent access it at home compared to 68 percent who access it at school. Many of those who rely more an access at school come from lower income families (less than $35,000 per year) or have parents who have not earned at least a high school credential [2]. According to Of com, 9 out of 10 UK children aged 5 to 15 went online with an electronic device.98 per cent of 5-7-year-olds watch TV programs or films on any device for an average of over 11 hours per week. And younger kids aged 3-4 are watching for even longer with 12 hours and 42 minutes per week with 24 per cent even having their tablet [3]. Excessive use of internet gaming apps during childhood may be associated with hyperactivity, peer problems, high socioeconomic level, alexithymia concerns, shorter daytime sleep duration, and a delayed morning wake-up [4].We divide digital health problems arising from overuse of Internet into two categories : physical and psychological problems.

PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEM: Computer vision syndrome (CVS)

       1.1 General information about CVS: One of the biggest and problematic physical health issue associated with children is computer vision syndrome (CVS). Studies have shown that eye-related symptoms are the most frequently occurring health problems among VDT users. Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices.These devices include computers, tablets, smartphones, and even e-readers. CVS is characterized by a range of symptoms that primarily affect the eyes and may manifest in various ways, such as eye discomfort, blurred vision, and headaches [5]. CVS is one of the most common and conspicuous physical health problem associated with overuse of smartphones and UV devices. A study conducted by the American Optometric Association (AOA) reported that nearly 25% of children between the ages of 6 and 18 have experienced symptoms of CVS [5].

1.2 Causes of CVS: Several causes are found but the first and primary one is prolonged screen time which is followed by long time screening. Children often spend hours on social media, entertainment apps and games. Even if they are doing assignment, this does not mean they will be bypassed. Second biggest factor is poor seating posture while working with computer, forcing child to come closer to the screen and absorbing high UV lights. That is the reason why office workers make sure that they are taking short breaks while working long hours—not only to ensure their safety and health, but also because taking quick breaks means standing up and doing some physical activity to avoid long-time sitting pain. Another interesting but simple cause of CVS is reduced blinking or in another terms -starring at screen for a long time without blinking. Eyes cannot become wet if blinking is not normal, which creates an ideal environment for UV light to more deeply penetrate the eye [5]. The last one is Blue light emitted by digital screens is known to be a significant factor in CVS. Exposure to excessive blue light, especially before bedtime, can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and cause digital eye strain. Many devices now offer blue light filters to mitigate this issue [5]. These are the main causes of CVS, and according to many surveys it is found that many people who have suffered from it have faced these causes in the first place.

1.3 Symptoms of CVS: As CVS has several causes, the symptoms are not less. Frequent eyestrain or eye discomfort. This is manifested in the way the eyes itch, redden or often blink , often disturbs child to focus on tasks. Headaches are the most painful part of CVS. The strain on the eye muscles and the continuous effort required to focus on screens can trigger headaches, which can be quite debilitating [5]. These are quiet common among children. Researchers always involve blurred vision as a symptom CVS. Difficulty in focusing on near or distant objects is a sign of a blurred vision. It has many negative effects on childrens academic performance as they might face to some difficulties while reading from a distance or writing thanks to blurred vision. Dry eyes-as mentioned earlier, reduced blinking while using digital devices can lead to dry eyes. Dry eyes can cause discomfort, redness, and even pain. In severe cases, it may lead to long-term eye problems [5]. Symptoms are not so painful, but it is difficult for children to solve such health problems, even if they are always small. Parents should not allow these symptoms to be experienced by young children. They must teach children about the consequences of excessive IU and show some experiences for children to reflect on such physical problems.

1.4 Methods and materials: Many studies are conducted by researchers and results are approved by doctors of ophthalmology departments. Cases can be studied in various ways: assessment of the patients history, by testing patients with measurement of visual acuity, by refraction tests (it determines the necessary lens power to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism), by eye focus and coordination tests and questioning patients. 

1.5 Results: According to recent studies female (all ages)are the most likely to have CVS than male. Age group also plays a role and children aged 8-11 develop this syndrome faster than adults with headaches has seen as the most common and frequent symptoms of CVS among all studies.Continents Percentage of children-adults

Asia (India) 50%

Africa ( Nigeria) 50-65%

North America (US) 65%

South America (Brazil) 33%

Antarctica No permanent residents

Europe (UK) 55%

Australia 58%

It is clear that 65% (around 48 million) children in US experienced with the symptoms of CVS which shows that the highest percentage among other 5 countries. Except from South America (Brazil) with the lowest percentage, other continent`s given countries showed around 50-60% of children with CVS. Because of Antarctica has no permanent residents, there is no any research has held.

                                               Adults Children

                                 Male Female Boys Girls 

                                 61,8% 71,4% 48-52% 50-55%

In all categories women (especially office workers) are more likely to have symptoms of computer vision syndrome, which is because they have hormonal influences to computer more than man and they are more sensitive to UV lights.

Elbekova Nilufar, daughter of Nodirbek, was born on the 7th of March in 2010 in the Namangan region, Namangan district. Study in 10th grade at 20-local school located in the Namangan district. Nilufar is interested in reading books and 3D designing as well as curious about learning new languages. Her articles have been published in various local journals. Her main aim is to become the leader of her chosen field and share her knowledge with youth.

International Day of Peace 

The essence of a firefly in a child’s palm,

a faint spark against perpetual night,

echo of laughter in a valley of silence.

Hummingbird graffiti on a concrete wall,

a color that breaks the monotony of hatred,

a musical note out of tune with a war anthem.

Origami cranes,

a thousand wishes folded in paper of hope,

an army of dreams invading reality.

It is not a white flag of surrender,

but a secret garden blossoming ideas,

a weeping willow’s embrace

comforting the warrior.

A river of ink writing new stories,

a canvas painting possible futures,

a constellation of joined hands

illuminating the universe.

The Bites of the Mosquitoes

The mosquitoes bit me that night

I could not sleep the whole night

The condition was so drastic

Like the tortured dogs on the roads

The sun was still late to rise

Night, not the night only

A blood sucking night

Sometimes I stood up, sometimes I fell down

On the hot beach of the ocean

The sleepless nightmares for a while suffocated my breath

Though slightly I could avoid death

In this life and death I found myself

Where the sun rose

A shower of lightning ascended to relieve

Who is escorted by the inhabitants of Gaza in these suffering nights?

Can the fearful faces see the light of the day still?

Though the sun rises and awakens us all everyday morning.

Md. Mahbubul Alam is from Bangladesh. His writer name is Mahbub John in Bangladesh. He is a Senior Teacher (English) of Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. Chapainawabganj is a district town of Bangladesh. He is an MA in English Literature from Rajshahi College under National University. He has published three books of poems in Bangla. He writes mainly poems but other branches of literature such as prose, article, essay etc. also have been published in national and local newspapers, magazines, little magazines. He has achieved three times the Best Teacher Certificate and Crest in National Education Week in the District Wise Competition in Chapainawabganj District. He has gained many literary awards from home and abroad. His English writings have been published in Synchronized Chaos for seven years.

The Enduring Power of Russian Literature 

Russian literature holds a singular place in world culture, offering profound explorations of the human soul, moral conflict, and the complexities of social change. From the early chronicles of medieval Rus to the masterpieces of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Russian writers have consistently used fiction as a mirror of national identity and universal human experience. 

The “Golden Age” of the nineteenth century remains the cornerstone of Russian literary achievement. Alexander Pushkin, often called the father of modern Russian literature, established a new, flexible poetic language that bridged classical tradition and modern sensibility. His narrative poem Eugene Onegin not only shaped the Russian novel in verse but also captured the emerging tensions of a society moving toward modernization. 

Following Pushkin, the great novelists—Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Ivan Turgenev—pushed psychological and philosophical depth to unprecedented levels. Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov delve into questions of morality, free will, and redemption. Tolstoy’s sweeping epics, War and Peace and Anna Karenina, portray the intricacies of Russian society while contemplating fate, love, and spiritual awakening. Turgenev, with works like Fathers and Sons, introduced a refined realism and examined the generational conflicts of a rapidly changing nation. 

The “Silver Age” at the turn of the twentieth century brought experimentation and symbolism. Poets such as Anna Akhmatova, Alexander Blok, and Marina Tsvetaeva infused lyricism with mystical and political undertones, reflecting the turbulence of revolution and war. Meanwhile, modernist prose writers like Andrei Bely and later Mikhail Bulgakov—author of the fantastical The Master and Margarita—combined satire, magic, and philosophical inquiry to challenge official ideologies. 

Despite political repression and censorship during the Soviet era, Russian literature continued to evolve. Writers such as Boris Pasternak, whose Doctor Zhivago became a testament to love and resilience, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, whose One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich exposed the brutal reality of labor camps, kept alive a tradition of moral courage. 

Today, Russian literature remains a global conversation partner. Contemporary authors, including Lyudmila Ulitskaya and Vladimir Sorokin, address issues of memory, identity, and the tension between tradition and innovation. Their works demonstrate that the Russian literary spirit—marked by psychological intensity, philosophical depth, and a search for moral truth—continues to inspire readers worldwide. 

From Pushkin’s poetic breakthroughs to the postmodern experiments of the present, Russian literature endures as a vast landscape of thought and emotion, reminding us that the written word can illuminate both the darkest and most luminous corners of the human condition. 

Annotation 

This article provides an overview of Russian literature from its nineteenth-century Golden Age to contemporary authors. It highlights the philosophical depth, psychological insight, and moral questioning found in the works of writers such as Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Turgenev, Akhmatova, Bulgakov, and modern voices like Ulitskaya and Sorokin. The text emphasizes Russian literature’s enduring influence on world culture and its continuing relevance in exploring the complexities of human existence. 

Keywords 

Russian literature; Golden Age; Silver Age; Pushkin; Dostoevsky; Tolstoy; Turgenev; Akhmatova; Bulgakov; contemporary Russian authors; psychological depth; philosophical inquiry; world literature influence. 

References 

Belknap, Robert L. The Genesis of The Brothers Karamazov. Northwestern University Press, 1990. 

Emerson, Caryl. The Cambridge Introduction to Russian Literature. Cambridge University Press, 2008. 

Figes, Orlando. Natasha’s Dance: A Cultural History of Russia. Metropolitan Books, 2002. 

Kelly, Catriona. Russian Literature: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2001. 

Terras, Victor. Handbook of Russian Literature. Yale University Press, 1985.