A soft knock on the front door. I opened the door. It was a man I had never seen before.
What can I do you for, I said
He said, I need someone to talk to. I need help. Well no one is here right now, I said. I really need someone to talk to, he said
I said, Well come on in. You don’t look like you’re feeling too well.
Would you like a glass of water?
Do you have a beer?
I got a beer from the refrigerator. We sat down at my kitchen table
Well, come on, I said, I don’t have all day. What do you want to talk about?
I did have all day but sometimes a man has to feel important. What do you have to do that’s so important, he asked? Never mind, I said. Long story short, he said, I’m afraid of my girlfriend’s husband. She told him we’re having an affair and he wants to kill me.
Why would she do something so crazy, I said. Because she loves to be spanked on the ass, he said.
She loves me and wants to marry me. Why don’t you marry her?
Because I’m married, he said. Someone knocked an angry knock on the front door, again and again and again.
Mars, an angry man yelled from my front porch, I ’m going to kill you. I know You’re in there.
Whoever you are, I yelled, go away or I’ll call the police. I looked out the window, saw a guy in flip-flops walk across my lawn into the house next door without knocking.
You’re having an affair with a woman who lives next door to you? I asked
Do you have any weed, he asked? Are you in love with this woman?
No, he said, but she’s so damn hot. Does your wife know about this affair? Why should I tell her? That would be damn stupid and just cause trouble.
Knowing her, she would just tell all the neighbors.
What’s your plan, pendejo? I moved to Kansas City but she telephoned me every night, begging me to come back. I told her I was dating a new girlfriend, an intelligent, compassionate women that doesn’t appeal to me like you do because you are the best lover I’ve ever had.
Have you had many lovers? she asked Do you mean lovers I was in love with?
Yes, she said. That memory has been wiped away, I said, laughing into my iPhone. It was a joke. She didn’t think it was funny.
Do you like fish? she asked. Yes, I said, I do.
Well take a perch, she said. I never want to talk to you again. She hung up.
I moved back home to Tulsa, Moved back in with my wife, next door to my former lover. Her husband and I have become damn good friends. He chugged his beer, turned his baseball cap backwards, Got up from the table, shook my hand, said, Thanks old man. I couldn’t have ended this affair without your advice. You’re the best neighbor I’ve ever had.
TAMARISK TREE
The tamarisk tree wears a green diaphanous gown & needs a shave
A ladder of stars beneath an arroyo feeds her children
The tamarisk tree traces her genealogy to angels & the eternal pilgrimage of fish
The tamarisk tree near La Joya, near a cemetery where I hear a baby rabbit cry itself to death
The tamarisk tree is not Christian, has never read the Bible
She loves to chant Buddhist mantras
Jesus Christ was once her secret lover
She loves hawks, psychedelic mushrooms, Wittgenstein, Gertrude Stein, Buffy St.-Maria, Patti Smith, Pablo Picasso and the old Bob Dylan
Dear dear tamarisk tree
Tiny glaciers slide beneath her holy bark
Blue porcelain dolphins frolic in her white gloved hands
She is surrounded by the shadow of Einstein
The tamarisk tree plays tungsten horn in her spare time
She has eyes for Little Orphan Annie
She is terrified surrounded by America’s fear and greed
She remembers when and where music became transparency solidified
Blind fish swim in her iridescent roots
A lather of clouds in her hair of ocean foam
Tiny winged beings in her superluminal womb
She is a breathing grave
Dances for the sun
Loves the moon
Is bi-sexual and horny
Sunlight glides over her skin like the soft mouth of a dream lover
The drum in her leaves skips a beat
Poor tree
She has never seen the transcendental light of Taos
She has never seen a cubist painting or Marx Brother’s movie
Exploring Imagination, Innovation, and Inspiration: My Journey at ANIM CAMP 2025
In the heart of the majestic Bo‘stonliq mountains in Tashkent region, something extraordinary unfolded in May 2025 — ANIM CAMP, a vibrant week-long animation and creativity camp that brought together 200 talented and curious young minds. Organized by United Soft in partnership with the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan, the camp promised much more than a break from daily routine — it offered a chance to dive into the world of animation, technology, and personal growth.
As one of the selected participants, I had the privilege to live, learn, and create in an inspiring environment that blended natural beauty with digital exploration. Here’s a detailed glimpse into what made this camp such a transformative and unforgettable experience.
Days 1–3: The Future is Here — Artificial Intelligence and Creativity
Our journey began with a deep dive into one of the most talked-about and rapidly evolving technologies of our time — Artificial Intelligence (AI). The first three days of the camp were dedicated to understanding the foundations of AI and how it’s revolutionizing the creative industry, especially animation.
We didn’t just study theory — we explored how AI tools can be used to design posters and visual content. It was fascinating to learn how machine learning models can assist artists, generate visuals from prompts, and turn simple ideas into stunning artwork. We experimented with AI-driven design platforms and created our own posters, blending technology with artistic expression.
These sessions opened up a new world of possibilities for us. For many participants, including myself, it was the first time seeing AI as a creative companion — not just a technical tool, but a new way of thinking and storytelling.
Day 3: Learning from the Masters of the Industry
As the third day continued, we had the honor of meeting expert guest speakers from United Soft, Lola Animation, and Media House — three leading names in the Uzbek media and animation industry. These professionals didn’t just share their resumes — they opened up about their creative journeys, career challenges, and what it takes to thrive in this competitive field.
We discussed emerging trends in animation, the growing demand for interdisciplinary skills, and how to stay relevant in a fast-changing world. The sessions were filled with practical advice and real-life insights, inspiring us to dream big and keep pushing our creative limits.
Day 4: Practice, Projects, and Professionalism
On the fourth day, the focus shifted towards hands-on learning and teamwork. Our lessons continued as usual, but with a deeper emphasis on collaborative projects and real-world applications.
One of the key projects launched was “Keyframe uz” (Ctrl+Z) — a creative team challenge that required us to brainstorm, plan, and begin working on an original animation concept. We started building ideas, assigning roles, and discussing technical strategies. The experience of working in a team — learning to listen, lead, and adapt — was one of the most valuable takeaways of the camp.
Additionally, we explored VFX (Visual Effects) as a career direction. We examined the workflow used in the industry, the level of discipline required, and the importance of consistency and attention to detail in post-production work. It was both eye-opening and exciting, especially for those of us who dream of working behind the scenes in film or digital media.
Day 5: Soulful Reflections with Erkin Bozorov
Just when we thought the camp couldn’t get any more inspiring, Day 5 gave us a beautiful surprise — a motivational and cultural session with the beloved poet and speaker Erkin Bozorov.
Held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the session focused on themes of self-discovery, purpose, creativity, and resilience. Mr. Bozorov shared personal stories and reflected on the challenges young people face in finding their path.
His words encouraged us to trust our instincts, stay disciplined, and embrace our uniqueness.
But the highlight was his reading of motivational poems, which captivated everyone. His voice, filled with emotion and wisdom, left a deep impression on us all. We engaged in a heartfelt conversation, asking questions, sharing thoughts, and connecting as a community of learners and dreamers.
What Made ANIM CAMP So Special?
From dawn to dusk, ANIM CAMP 2025 offered a perfect balance of education, creativity, and joy. Each day was carefully designed to encourage exploration, collaboration, and personal development. Some of the most remarkable features of the camp included:
Daily animation and AI workshops
Hands-on poster design using artificial intelligence tools
Masterclasses by industry experts and professional animators
Creative group activities, games, and challenges with prizes
Opportunities to present projects and receive feedback
Delicious food and a cozy camp atmosphere
Inclusive participation for both girls and boys, promoting equality in creativity
Motivational sessions to fuel ambition and purpose
Final Reflections: More Than Just a Camp
ANIM CAMP was not just a camp — it was a gateway to possibility. It gave us access to resources, mentorship, and experiences that many young creators only dream of. More importantly, it gave us the confidence to believe that our ideas matter and that we have the tools to shape our futures.
For me, it was a turning point — a place where I learned not only how to animate, but how to dream boldly and create fearlessly. I left the camp with new skills, amazing friends, unforgettable memories, and a renewed sense of direction.
To every young person who wants to explore their creative potential: opportunities like ANIM CAMP are where your journey begins. Don’t hesitate — step into the world of animation and let your imagination come alive.
Surayyo Nosirova Elyor qizi was born on May 13, 2006, in the Narpay district of the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. From an early age, she showed a deep interest in literature, languages, and creative expression. Her passion for learning and writing became evident during her school years, where she actively participated in various academic, literary, and cultural activities. Currently, Surayyo is a sophomore student at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University, specializing in English Philology and Teaching. She is known for her strong academic performance and her dedication to mastering the English language. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom—she is the author of three published books: Heartfelt Thoughts, Voices in Writing, and Beyond Words: Mastering English. Each of these works reflects her insights into language learning, writing skills, and the emotional depth of student life. In addition to her books, Surayyo has written numerous articles.
In a small village lived two little brothers, Idil and Imir. Alongside the brothers were their elderly grandfather, a fat cow, and a constantly meowing kitten. Both brothers were very mischievous children. While their grandfather worked in the fields, they would jump and play around him, and the old man, watching their joy, would smile to himself.
Days passed, and for twelve months of the year, the grandfather never rested. Every autumn, he would take Idil and Imir to the city and buy them new clothes and toys. The children were always thrilled to go to the city. Surrounded by forests, the village was so isolated that they would wait an entire year for that one trip to town. They would pester their grandfather constantly:
“Grandpa, when will autumn come? Why doesn’t autumn come twice a year?”
They never let the old man rest with such questions.
The village was located in the farthest corner of the country, surrounded by forests and valleys, and it had fallen far behind in terms of development. It was as if this place had been left behind by time, frozen and forgotten. Things that were invented long ago in the city would only reach their village a year or two later. Life itself – and the government too – seemed to have forgotten this place. The people lived and died in their own way, unnoticed by the world.
Whenever Idil and Imir went to the city, it felt as if they had entered an entirely different world.
Seasons changed, and finally, autumn came. The old grandfather joined the other villagers, and together with Idil and Imir, they set out for the city. After eight days of travel, they arrived in the city just in time for lunch. As they reached the central school, the bell began to ring.
“Jingle-jingle”
Like a dam bursting through the river, the children poured into the schoolyard.
Idil and Imir stood in awe, watching the children – clean, neat, and dressed identically. Their old grandfather tugged at their sleeves.
“Come on, let’s not fall behind. We still have a lot to buy.”
“Grandpa, what is that?”
As the children followed their grandfather, they couldn’t take their eyes off their peers. Their games seemed completely different, fascinating. Had they ever seen such things before?
The grandfather and the boys wandered around the market. They bought everything they needed. But neither Idil nor Imir could forget the children in matching uniforms.
The villagers began preparing for the journey back home. The boys longed to pass by that same place again, to see those children one more time, but the guide led them down a completely different street.
At last, everyone returned home, riding carts full of gifts and purchases, satisfied. Yet this time, Idil and Imir were not jumping for joy as they usually did.
“Grandpa,” Idil nudged the old man, “what was that place, where the children were?”
The grandfather’s expression darkened. His already wrinkled face tightened further in thought.
“That… that’s a school.”
“A school?!”
“Yes.”
“What do they do there?”
“They study.”
“What is studying?”
“Studying is…” the old man’s face scrunched even more, “…where they write, draw, and do things like that.”
Others joined in the conversation between the old man and the boys. Everyone started talking about things they had never seen with their own eyes.
“They say they beat children in school!”
“No way…”
Sitting on the edge of the cart was a small-framed young man whose face was covered with large blotches. He started an intriguing conversation.
“Could it really be that they beat them?!”
“Yes, with a long stick, they say,” someone replied.
Idil was intrigued by this.
“Does everyone go to school?” he asked.
“Everyone does,” the same young man answered.
“Then why don’t we go? We’re people too, aren’t we?”
“Because we don’t have a school,” said a fat man with a large belly, laughing as if he had just told the funniest joke. But when he saw that no one else was laughing, he gave a little cough and fell silent.
The cart rolled along slowly. Stars twinkled above. Just like their owners, the horses pulling the cart walked with their heads lowered. Everyone was quiet, walking with their heads down. Even Idil and Imir could feel deep inside that it wasn’t the right moment to ask any more questions.
The cart driver finally lost his patience and flicked his whip, urging the horses forward.
“Chuv! Move, you creatures, chuv!”
“Where are the spirited young men of this golden valley? Where are the beautiful maidens of these homes…?”
He began to sing the familiar song at the top of his voice. The others joined in chorus. It was such a relief – everyone had secretly longed to escape the heavy burden of those difficult questions. As if released from a weight pressing down on their shoulders, their faces lit up. Cheerfully, they continued on their way. There was bread, there was water – the days passed. Who really needed school anyway?
Only Idil, Imir, and the old grandfather did not smile. His stern face grew darker still. A sorrowful look settled in his eyes.
Finally, they arrived home. Idil and Imir fell asleep. But the old grandfather did not sleep. Early in the morning, the children woke to a stir of noise. Something was happening.
Their grandfather was gathering things into a sack. From outside came the voice of the cart driver:
“Hey, old man! Why are you bothering me at the crack of dawn? I haven’t even recovered from yesterday’s exhaustion.”
“Take me to the city.”
“To the city? But we just came back yesterday.”
Just then, the fat man from yesterday entered, holding a small bag. He handed it to the grandfather.
“Your house wasn’t really worth this much – but since you’re my neighbor, fine. Still, why are you selling it?”
“I’m leaving.”
“Seriously? Where to?”
“To school!”
At the grandfather’s words, both the neighbor and the cart driver burst out laughing.
But the old man ignored them and began dressing his grandchildren. The boys were overjoyed.
At last, the cart driver, sensing the seriousness of the situation, tried to talk the old man out of it.
“Come on now, could we really go to school? Look at those who left before – none of them came back. The city’s not like the village. The city is heartless.”
“Are you taking us or not?” the grandfather stared straight at him.
Realizing it was useless to argue, the cart driver gave in.
“Fine… but you’ll pay me more.”
“Alright.”
The villagers came out to see them off. Some, with tears in their eyes, wished them good luck; others scoffed and chuckled with disbelief.
On the cart sat Old Grandpa, the little brothers Idil and Imir, their constantly meowing kitten, and the cart driver. The fat cow had been sold to the fat neighbor.
The old man turned to look at the village fading into the distance and said:
“Someone has to begin…”
But no one heard his voice except himself. Then, glancing at his two hopeful, dream-filled grandchildren who reminded him of his younger days, he smiled.
“They’re not like me,” he whispered.
With pride, the old man raised his humble head – something he had never done before. The road was long ahead, but now it was time to prove to the world that they too existed, that they too mattered.
At that very moment, in a small home back in the village, a young bride hung a tiny clock on the wall – a wedding gift from her husband.
“Tick.” “Tick.” Time began to count the seconds.
Urazaliyeva Sarvinoz Saidakhmadovan was born on December 27, 2002, in Sirdarya region. She is currently pursuing an incomplete higher education. In 2020, she graduated from the specialized boarding school for English language in Mirzaobod district. She is now a 4th-year student at the Nizami Tashkent State Pedagogical University. In 2021, she became the winner of the regional stage and a participant of the national stage in the prose category of the “Duel” Republican Creative Contest.
The Biological Importance of Sleep and Its Connection with Stress
Introduction
Relevance of the Topic:
In modern life, due to changes in people’s lifestyles, increased speed, technological influences, and psychological pressure, serious problems with the quality and quantity of sleep have emerged. Lack of sleep leads to both physical and psychological changes in the body, particularly increasing stress levels. Sleep and stress are closely interconnected—one can be the cause or result of the other.
Purpose of the Project:
The main purpose of this project is to study the biological importance of sleep for the human body and to analyze the connection between sleep and stress. In addition, the project aims to examine the negative impact of chronic and continuous stress on health based on scientific articles and research findings.
Research Methods:
Books, scientific articles, statistical data, and practical experiments.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Biological Importance of Sleep
What is Sleep?
Types of Sleep: REM and NON-REM
Health Benefits of Quality Sleep
The Effect of Sleep on Memory
Chapter 2: Stress and Its Biological Foundations
What is Stress?
Effects of Stress on the Body
Types of Stress
Recommendations for Overcoming Stress
Chapter 3: The Interconnection Between Sleep and Stress
How Stress Disrupts Sleep
Scientific Research: For example, a 2018 study involving 549 participants
How Sleep Deprivation Increases Stress Levels
Chapter 1: The Biological Importance of Sleep
Sleep is a vital physiological condition controlled by the central nervous system during which the body and brain rest and recover. It regularly occurs throughout a person’s life and is extremely important for maintaining good health. Sleep is an active physiological process—meaning the body doesn’t completely shut down but internal systems shift and regenerate.
During sleep, a person becomes less responsive to external stimuli and is not in a conscious state, yet not completely “switched off.” The brain processes information during sleep, strengthens memory, produces hormones, and repairs tissues.
Sleep reduces stress, enhances memory and learning, maintains heart function, boosts immunity, and restores the nervous system. One interesting fact about sleep is that a third of our lives—about 25 years—is spent sleeping. Sleep is linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and insomnia. According to traffic authority statistics, fatigue and sleep deprivation are among the leading causes of road accidents. The record for the longest time without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes. The person who set the record reported hallucinations, paranoia, vision issues, speech problems, difficulty concentrating, and memory decline.
Inventors like Edison, Da Vinci, Franklin, Tesla, and Churchill reportedly slept less than the average but still felt healthy. There are several stages of sleep:
Stage 1: Transition from wakefulness to sleep. The person may deny they were sleeping if awakened.
Stage 2: After about 20 minutes, light sleep begins and makes up about half of total sleep time. If awakened, the person can easily fall back asleep. This may repeat several times during the day.
Stage 3: Deep sleep. The brain starts to rest, but not completely—it still monitors other organs.
Stage 4: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. The shortest stage, but when we dream.
How much sleep does a healthy person need? Consistent lack of sleep negatively affects the immune system and reduces hormone production, which can disrupt the nervous system. Sleeping less than 5–5.5 hours for 3 consecutive nights can result in symptoms similar to total sleep deprivation.
Lack of sleep can cause dull eyes, brittle hair and skin. A person who passes through all 4 stages of sleep and wakes up refreshed has had truly restorative rest.
Sleep Stages:
NON-REM Sleep (3 stages): The body rests, heart rate slows.
REM Sleep: Dreaming occurs, the brain is highly active, while the body remains still.
Benefits of Quality Sleep:
Improves brain function
Supports cardiovascular health
Maintains hormonal balance
Reduces stress and stabilizes mental state
Chapter 2: Stress and Its Biological Foundations
Stress is a physiological and psychological response of the body to external or internal threats, pressure, fear, pain, or tension.
There are various scientific explanations for stress. One of the most popular is Hans Selye’s theory, which states that the body has mechanisms to maintain balance. Strong and prolonged external and internal stressors can disrupt this balance. In response, the body activates high-level defense and adaptation mechanisms. This adaptive reaction is known as stress.
Stress symptoms can be physiological, psychological, behavioral, or pathological, and are often accompanied by emotional tension.
Common signs of stress:
Physiological Signs: Increased heart and breathing rate, facial flushing or paleness, sweating, increased adrenaline levels.
As N.X. Kirvin stated, “Stress is everywhere—it is the shadow of life. Some benefit from it and use it to reach success, while for others, it causes harm.”
Types of Stress:
Eustress: Positive stress, such as the pressure before an exam that boosts performance.
Distress: Negative stress, which harms health due to prolonged fear and anxiety.
Chronic Stress: Long-term stress that lowers immunity and causes depression and sleep disorders.
Ways to Reduce Stress:
Quality sleep (7–8 hours), regular exercise
Breathing exercises, meditation
Engaging in enjoyable activities
Sleep deprivation increases stress hormone levels in the body.
Conclusion:
The connection between sleep and stress is a complex system where both conditions directly influence each other. Developing stress management skills and reducing negative internal thoughts can help prevent sleep-related problems. This project has demonstrated that sleep is vital to human health and is closely linked to stress.
My name is Boyqobilova Nargiz Alimardonovna. I was born on September 8, 2001, in Oqorbulok neighborhood, Oltinsoy district, Surxondaryo region. I am 25 years old. Currently, I am the beloved daughter of my parents and my parents-in-law, the cherished daughter-in-law of the family, and a loving wife to my husband. I am also the proud mother of two sweet daughters. I am a 3rd-year student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, majoring in Biology at Termez State University.
