“Moral values reflect the mores of a society, such as goodness, fairness, truth etc. as in the past. Can we apply the values of the past, which no longer govern our modern society, to castigate the forward looking people of our society?”
When we mention the word ‘moral’, the ideas of goodness, honesty, fairness and righteousness, well up in our mind. These were the ideals which moved our past generations. But for the great men of today, these words are like moral tortures. Can we call their behaviour immoral if they are just following the neo-morality of our times which has come to stay in society?
Let us go back a bit to the root of the word ‘moral’. It has a historical connection with ‘mores’. We get moral from the Latin word ‘moralis’ which is drawn from ‘mos’ meaning ‘custom’ or ‘habit’. The derivation of ‘moral’ from ‘mores’ shows that moral values are shaped by cultural and social norms of a society. Historically, many societies have valued honesty, kindness and fairness which were reflected in their value system. As mores evolve over time, it is natural the concept of moral values will also change.
Presently, it is thought that morality stands for goodness, fairness, honesty, and a value-based living style. In this way, immoral constitutes anything that violates the moral code of a society, the ‘mores’ which form the ‘custom’ base of a social set up. The society in which we are living, it is very difficult to say it is based on old moral principles. When we indict this society, we are using the moral yardstick which belongs to the social mores of times which have gone by.
What are the ‘mores’ of this society? What are its ‘customs’ and what the ‘habits of the people? In other words, what type of moral culture we have created that sustains our society? If we cast a neutral look, we will be shocked to discover that ‘good’, ‘fairness’, ‘honesty’ are absconding. In their place, the ‘mores’ of our society include ‘dishonesty’ ‘unfair behaviour’ and ‘corruption’. If we go by the formation of the word ‘moral’, then ‘these’ are the mores from which we can deduce moral values of these times.
It is a painful revelation that according to this phenomena, corruption, unfairness, dishonesty, ‘tam sam dand bhed’ are the values which create the moral stratosphere of our society. Just as in the past, the law would take care of the people who did not believe in truth and honesty, they were put behind the bars; applying the same yardstick, people who violate the canons of the post-modern society, those who do not believe in hatred, dishonesty, untruth, falsehood, lies, and unfair conduct, – are ‘dangerous’ elements, not fit to live in this society, because they do not accept and honour its moral values. So, law will take care of such people, even if they are righteous, and their conduct is good.
The basics of good conduct in this evolved society are: you should have a compatible mind set, compromising nature, adjustable attitude, fear God and visit shrines ostensibly, but go for evil whenever it helps you. There is nothing bad if you get your work done with the help of money. If you grab the wealth of another person, nobody can drag you to a court of law, because it is the morally accepted value of the society in which the apex people believe and practise.
Religion has a great role to play in the evolved set up. It blesses the people who make great offerings. From where the money comes, it is none of their business. Those who stick their head out in the name of honesty, truth and goodness, they stand to lose it. It should not be forgotten that a religion flourishes on the strength of state power. When state power is involved, everything is passe.
In a nutshell, the truthful, fair and the honest of past times are ‘unsocial elements’ for the postmodern society who spread immortality. The moral values of the postmodern society stand for ‘tam sam dand bhed’. Man is larger than society, do whatever you can to accumulate wealth and enjoy it the way you like. It is a free society, where even religion and law have to lionize the style of living of the rich people and label it as morally upright. Only those films are hit which violate all sacred norms upheld by the bygone era.
While the front liners of the society believe in the neo-moralities, the poor masses are given the dose of ‘satay kathas’ from holy scriptures. There is a clash of two value systems in the name of morality. This is because major portions of society are kept confused in the old times, while the front-liners of modern society have accepted the neo-morality of the post-modern times.
The Importance of Transitioning to the Second Curve in life transitioning to the second curve in life is a crucial factor . Without reaching the end of the first path, why do you consider it right to move to the second path without hesitation ? One thing must not be forgotten: having alternative options in life allows a person to easily navigate out of the most complex situations and prevents harm to their personality and social status due to negative events. I believe this is essential.
Charles Handy , in his book The Second Curve , rightly states , ” Before the decline of the first curve, transitioning to a new direction is true success . ” This clearly indicates that in life , a person should not be limited to one thing but should always seek new directions and hobbies.
Transitioning to the second curve may seem difficult at times because our close ones or family members may not understand this. They might ask , “Why do you need this? What will you do? Everything is fine with you,” and similar questions can continue. However , considering that not everything in life goes as we expect or desire, we can respond to such questions by saying, ” Yes , everything can be in my life , but I always want to open myself to new things, and I hope you understand my decisions . “
No matter how important the first curve is in life , transitioning to the second curve can be challenging because the beginning of the path always seems difficult. Repeated efforts, failures, and great experience are needed to carry both curves simultaneously, and of course, resilience is also required. When choosing a new path, it is essential not to be passive and to clearly define goals and objectives. Every step taken should be well thought out, just like in a chess game. Sometimes, in both personal and social life, we may not have enough courage to transition to the second curve. One of the main reasons for this is the fear left by past memories. If a person cannot overcome this fear, they lose themselves , their values , and even their identity . In the end , this only harms themselves .
Courage is about learning from the past , accepting it , and living with hope for better things . Transitioning to the second curve and giving oneself another chance is very important . In life , a person who does not make mistakes is not themselves , but correcting those mistakes and learning from them is not something everyone can do .
Embracing Growth and Overcoming Fear in Life one of the essential principles when transitioning to the second curve in life is always being ready to grow and learn. As a person learns, they become more adept at navigating life’s complexities. Despair becomes foreign to such individuals. Only those who extract the necessary lessons from every fall and pain can advance boldly in life without fear . Fear is the opposite of victory , whether in personal or social life .
Constantly fearing risks , a person may only console themselves with past memories, endlessly lamenting , ” Why is not my life like theirs ? ” Such thoughts lead to stress and stagnation. Taking a step forward with courage can change many things in life. If success follows, it’s a reward; if not, it becomes a lesson and motivation to try again.
Facing fear with confidence the only effective way to overcome fear is to look it straight in the eye. No matter how difficult it may seem, everything that happens in our lives occurs for a reason and only in certain parts of our journey. Even people we encounter are part of this. Pain and challenges serve to strengthen and enrich us. Initially, these words might sound unusual, but as time passes, when presented with an opportunity to choose a different path, old roads and familiar faces may reappear . In those moments , we must remember the new steps we’ve taken. The past cannot be undone , and the future hasn’t arrived yet . Therefore , to live today as we’ve always dreamed, we must be willing to transition to the second curve , even if the first curve has not concluded.
Physical fatigue is insignificant if the spirit remains strong. If fears are not conquered, life may seem meaningless . That’s why we should always be open to new paths and goals. “Just because it did not work once does not mean it never will.” Renewed effort, confidence, and patience will lead you to the results you seek.
Another remarkable sentence from Charles Handy ‘s book that resonated with me is: “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” This emphasizes that earning money should not become our sole purpose; instead, we should view it as a mere tool. Money is akin to a deceitful friend — It remains with us only as long as we can control it . The duration of its presence depends on how we manage our relationship with it . The Role of Money and Our Relationship with It . Money should merely serve as a tool to achieve our goals , not become the ultimate objective . If we make earning money our sole purpose, we risk losing control over it. Our values and dignity, especially in the eyes of our loved ones, should not be measured by wealth. In this world, not everything can be bought with money , nor is everything measured by it. Therefore, we must focus on what truly matters to us and treat money as a servant, not a master, to avoid losing our true selves.
We should not work for money ; rather , money should work for us. If we allow money to dictate our actions, we risk straying from our path.
The Importance of Making Independent Decisions in Life one of the greatest acts of kindness we can do for ourselves in this life is to be able to make our own decisions . When someone else makes decisions on our behalf , we become like puppets, losing our autonomy. In such situations, life loses its meaning and excitement. What I mean to convey here is that in life, when choosing the second path , it is crucial that our loved ones do not exert undue influence on us . Only by acting based on our own principles and decisions can we reach the pinnacle of success . Whether people see our failures depends entirely on us. One of the key secrets to success is the ability to keep things confidential . Not everything happening in our lives should be shared with everyone, because not everyone wishes us well . Choosing the Second Curve: A personal journey when you opt for the second curve in life, keep it to yourself . Let your results speak for you. The less we engage in exhausting debates and the more we distance ourselves from people who drain our energy, the easier and more effective our journey toward our goals becomes.
Achieving Success in Business: Embracing the Second Curve in business, to attain success, it is essential to develop a comprehensive plan that considers every aspect, including both positive and negative factors. Only by doing so can we ensure that when we transition to the second curve , our lives open up to positive paths . Embracing change and being able to accept each innovation correctly and attentively transforms a true businessman into a professional who possesses a personal brand and does not lose himself in the market . Transitioning to the Second Curve: Embracing New Opportunities the first curve in life serves as a test, while the second curve represents opportunity and experience. This principle is fundamental both in life and in business . Stepping out of comfortable circumstances and creating a new era for ourselves is facilitated by embracing the second curve.
The Power of Self-Confidence in Life and Business the greatest success and the strongest driving force in life and business is our self-confidence . It transcends all other factors . Only we and our actions can propel us forward . No matter how many times our efforts seem futile , our ability to find strength to start anew depends on our self-confidence. Even when transitioning to the second curve without completing the first , this confidence is crucial . Taking steps forward and embracing risks are fundamentally driven by our belief in ourselves . Maintaining Confidence and taking bold steps forward . No matter what happens , we must strive to never lose our self-confidence . If we fall , we fall to the ground , not to the sky. Every step taken with confidence is rarely accompanied by mistakes or shortcomings . Some defeats serve as tests of our willpower . Rather than hesitating and standing still , we should make plans and set goals to take bold steps forward with unwavering confidence .
Summary : Embracing the Second Curve with Confidence and Action in summary , transitioning to the second curve in life and business represents a pivotal opportunity for growth and success . However , this shift also brings challenges such as uncertainty and fear. The key to navigating this transition lies in our self -confidence and proactive efforts . While we cannot change the past or undo the first curve , we have the power to shape our future . By embracing the second curve with determination and clarity , we open doors to new possibilities and achievements .
Tairrie B Murphy: Outlaw Spirit and the Return of My Ruin
I first interviewed Tairrie B Murphy at a coffee house in Hollywood. The setting was intimate, far from the roar of amplifiers, and she teased me about probably eating all the cookies once she left. That playful moment revealed her warmth and humor, qualities that coexist with her volcanic stage presence. During that interview for Juggernaut: The Magazine of Extreme Music, she told me I was her hero for putting Karyn Crisis on the cover. She even hung that cover on her wall. For Tairrie, Karyn represented a kindred outlaw spirit—fierce, feminist, uncompromising.
That resonance was later captured visually when Amelia G and Forrest Black of Blue Blood magazine photographed Tairrie with her own variation on Karyn’s iconic angel wings. Where Karyn had worn angel wings, Tairrie chose bat wings, a darker inversion, a declaration of her volcanic energy. I designed that cover in collaboration with Amelia and Forrest, ensuring the imagery reflected both homage and individuality. At the end of that interview, she leaned in with a mischievous smile and told me she had a hot date with Burton C. Bell, then frontman of Fear Factory. It was classic Tairrie—candid, bold, and unafraid to let her personal life brush against her public persona.
I was also present when Tairrie opened up for and introduced a secret debut of Sepultura with their new singer. On the marquee, Sepultura’s name was disguised as Troops of Doom. Tairrie performed her ass off that night, commanding the stage with volcanic intensity. I was high on cocaine, and when Sepultura launched into the opening riff of “Troops of Doom,” the rhythm tracked perfectly with my heartbeat, fusing the music with my own pulse in a way that felt transcendent. It was one of those moments where the outlaw energy of the scene, the rawness of Tairrie’s performance, and the primal force of Sepultura collided in unforgettable synchronicity. At another concert headlined by Jack Off Jill and Switchblade Symphony, I found myself backstage in a disappointing encounter with Tina Root, who despite once calling me “cool” in an interview, was standoffish and cold. Then Tairrie appeared. Arms wide, voice sharp and affectionate in its outlaw cadence: “Hey motherfucker!” she called out, reclaiming the moment with boldness and warmth, pulling me into one of her trademark squeezns.
That same night, she made a surprise appearance onstage with Jessicka from Jack Off Jill. The two kissed passionately in front of the crowd—not as a stunt, but as an expression of queer solidarity. It was a gesture of unity, defiance, and shared identity, embodying the raw energy of the era while affirming inclusivity and resistance.
Tairrie has always spoken about her career with defiance. She once declared, “Age is meaningless; I have never felt my art came with an expiration date.” She also reclaimed the word bitch as a badge of power, describing herself as “a bitch in total charge of herself.” That ethos runs through her career, from her rap beginnings to her volcanic metal persona. Power of a Woman (1990) established her as one of the first women in gangsta rap. She fronted Manhole, later renamed Tura Satana, then formed My Ruin in 1999. In later years she revisited hip‑hop with tracks like Beware the Crone, infusing witchy Gothic aesthetics into her rhymes. “Sometimes I miss that rapper part of me and the freedom to check a motherfucker with my lyrics,” she admitted, underscoring her refusal to be confined by genre.
Her personal life has been as intertwined with her art as her music. Tairrie and guitarist Mick Murphy married in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee in 2008. Their union is both personal and artistic: together they released multiple My Ruin albums, ran their own imprint, and later launched new projects like SWTEVL. After years in Los Angeles, the couple relocated to Knoxville, Mick’s hometown. Tairrie described it as a “life‑changing move” that allowed them to focus intensely on new music. Their 2011 album A Southern Revelation was written in direct response to political and industry betrayals, sharpening her activist streak. “Being that I’m an ex‑rapper, certain things come very easy to me and I have always loved a good ‘dis’ song. I learned to vent my anger in songs very early on,” she explained.
Her forthcoming My Ruin album, Declaration of Resistance, continues this tradition—a protest record against authoritarianism and censorship, created in the shadow of Trump’s presidency. My collaborations with Amelia G and Forrest Black extended beyond Tairrie. Later, they photographed Dina Cancer and Lesli Spivey from Penis Flytrap for my exclusive interview with Dinah. Those sessions reinforced the outlaw aesthetic that runs through this scene. I remain friends with Lesli and Lucifer Fulci to this day, connections that testify to the enduring bonds forged in underground music and art.
After more than a decade of silence, My Ruin—the duo of Tairrie B and Mick Murphy—are back with Declaration of Resistance. Scheduled for release in late 2025, it marks their first full‑length record in twelve years. The album is framed as a protest record, aligning with their belief in free speech, freedom of expression, and freedom from religion. The lead single, Compromised, dropped in October 2025 to coincide with the nationwide #NoKingsProtest, underscoring their commitment to art as activism. Mick Murphy described the release as My Ruin “getting very LOUD” again, inviting fans to join them on a new journey.
From teasing about cookies in a Hollywood coffee house to bat‑winged photo shoots, from surprise backstage hugs to kissing Jessicka onstage in queer solidarity, from rap beginnings to Gothic witchcraft rhymes, from Los Angeles to Tennessee, from collaborations with Dina Cancer and Lesli Spivey to lasting friendships with Lucifer Fulci, and from the secret Sepultura debut where her performance tracked with my own heartbeat, Tairrie B Murphy has always embodied the outlaw archetype. Bold, feminist, uncompromising, and intensely human, she continues to shape her persona into something completely unique. With Declaration of Resistance, she proves once again that her art has no expiration date—and that her outlaw spirit burns brighter than ever.
Dream
The avalanche of broken dreams
The choir of new sought promise
Surmise me as I go on seeking the world
The telepathy of numerous things
All at once come undone under my periphery
The vision of hydrangeas and little faiths
What if all a dreamscape of muted epiphanies?
Truly dream then again and again under the canopy
For faith of all things come around
The sun basks in a miraculous height
The trampoline circus of humanity at a standstill
Still flickering and sowing the seeds of freedom.
First, an announcement: published poet and contributor Tao Yucheng would like to host and judge a poetry contest open to all readers of Synchronized Chaos Magazine.
Synchronized Chaos Poetry Contest
We seek short, powerful, imaginative, and strange poetry. While we welcome all forms of free verse and subject matter, we prefer concise work that makes an impact.
Guidelines: Submit up to five poems per person to taoyucheng921129@proton.me. Each poem should not exceed one page (ideally half a page or less). All styles and themes welcome. Deadline for submissions will be in early March.
Prizes: First Place: $50 Second Place: $10, payable via online transfer. One Honorable Mention. Selected finalists will be published in Synchronized Chaos Magazine.
From the back of the book: J.J. Campbell’s work is an unflinching look into a life spent alone with the bottle and the page readily at hand. It is raw, honest, and uncompromising in every sense of the word. You are keyed into the fact that this is a writer who doesn’t sugarcoat a single line to ever soften the blow. Campbell’s work is perfect in that sense, and in this newest collection, you are getting a writer at the top of his form.
Now, for our first issue of 2026. This issue explores what makes us who we are, physically and psychologically, as individuals and as communities and nations.
Nicholas Gunther explores what makes him human, where in his body his consciousness might be located. Kassandra Aguilera also speculates about her consciousness, considering what makes her feel alive.
Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso explores some Eastern and Western philosophical conceptions of what it means to live a conscious human life. Morley Cacoethes’ haikus also explore where and how we find inner wisdom and knowledge. Nilufar Mo’ydinova outlines themes of free will and the search for truth through experience in Goethe’s Faust.
Brian Michael Barbeito crafts a lyrical winter meditation on a person’s holding onto nature and his identity in an alienating new world. Satimboyeva Risolat echoes the importance of maintaining one’s personal values. Mahbub Alam urges people to draw on the wisdom they possess to make the world more just and healthier. Türkan Ergör considers the unpredictable nature of our lives and the need to choose kindness. Zeki Celic reminds us to make the most of the limited time we each have on earth as Stephen Jarrell Williams depicts characters choosing freedom, peace, and love.
Aliyeva Aziza Utkirovna points to the eyes as a place where humans reveal their inner feelings. Nurbek Norchayev’s evocative piece celebrates the power of poetry to convey emotion and sensibility. Aliyeva Zulaykho highlights the role of breath in vocal expression while reading texts.
Chloe Schoenfeld delves into Walter Gramatte’s painting of German artist, art historian, and social activist Rosa Schapire. She wonders how much of the craft of creating a likeness is about the subject and how much is about the associations the artist draws on to help them imagine and understand the person.
Shomurodova Dilafro’z Bahodir qizi explores approaches to Uzbek linguistics that focus more on the people creating texts rather than merely on the texts as isolated objects. Fayziyeva Hafiza Alisher qizi also looks at human life and culture’s influence upon languages.
J.K. Durick reflects on the seasons of life where we are observers, contemplating those around us or what has happened. Taylor Dibbert‘s poetic speaker considers his own role in the dissolution of his marriage. Bill Tope’s short story depicts family pulled apart, then back together, then apart again.
Dr. Jernail Singh urges parents to let their young adult children learn and work for their own dreams in life. Also, he reminds us to consider the legacies we leave behind for the rest of the world once we become successful enough to care for ourselves and our families. Tolqinova Marifatoi Shavkatjon qizi outlines research into approaches to social and vocational training for young adults.
Lan Qyqalla recollects his romance with his late wife as Adalat Eroglu versifies about a tender romance and Özcan İşler urges his love to remember him. Nasser Alshaikh Ahmed Arabia’s poetic mind wanders through the jasmine-scented depths and alleyways of love. Ramona Yolanda-Montiel considers an old and warm poncho as a sign of her family’s love. J.J. Campbell writes his way through another lonely, disillusioned holiday, wishing he had love and a close family.
Aleksandra Soltysiak wonders at gentle miracles at Christmas, within nature and within families. Gabriel Bates reflects on the ways he distracts and enjoys himself during holiday celebrations. S. Afrose sings of the joys of the Christmas season. Til Kumari Sharma highlights the beauty and value of the Christian faith at Christmas as Maja Milojkovic expresses gratitude to the archangel Michael. Kalipada Ghosh celebrates life, faith, love, and joy at the holiday season. Sardar Makhmudova’s short story shares how a little girl’s brave adventure lets her discover the meaning of the season, sharing love with others. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Dalai goes into poetic rapture about romantic love, world peace, and personal stillness.
Ahmed Miqdad laments the cold winter endured by Palestinian refugees in a call for global peace and justice. Pat Doyne reflects on the United States’ gun violence epidemic and the lack of progress to tackle it. Also, she speaks to the political chaos in America and its negative effects on consumer prices. Giulia Mozzati Zacco mourns the deaths of children in school shootings through the ancient form of the ghazal. Ziyoda Muradilova reflects on cultural pressures that social media has placed on the craft of journalism, to be fast, interactive, and appealing to readers, and how that poses challenges to the task of delivering truth.
Eva Petropoulou Lianou reminds us that true freedom is a society where people can live safely together, not merely the chance to serve ourselves at others’ expense. Dr. Jernail Singh reminds us that what goes around, comes around, both in terms of the legal system and the religious concept of karma. Duane Vorhees points out that concepts such as justice and poetry and perception should not remain purely abstract but carry practical meanings in the real world.
Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza considers how formal education taught him the facts of history, but poetry showed him how to survive it. Ruqaya Mehran, interviewed by poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou, discusses her work as a museum guide, influencer, and historian of ancient Egypt. Dylan Lloyd speaks to the emerging, burgeoning magic of creativity. Taro Hokkyo’s short story illustrates the power of self-belief in overcoming oppression and obstacles. Zaxina Tohirova highlights the lessons we can learn from failure and perseverance. Aziza Xasamova urges us through piercing prose not to give up, whatever happens in our lives.
Elza Hansen celebrates the maternal and paternal love at the heart of the Christmas holiday. Abu Rayhan Beruni connects the importance of strong families to a strong nation.
Dildora Khojyozova highlights the cultural renaissance of the nation of Uzbekistan as Diyorbek Elmirzayev looks at Uzbekistan’s increasing government debt as an outgrowth of economic growth and investments in modernization. Lolaxon Sodiqxonova highlights the importance of gender equality and initiatives to empower Uzbek women in economics and education. Dilshoda Nodir qizi Nurboboyeva presents strategies for educating and raising children without gender stereotypes. Priyanka Neogi urges women around the world to move forward with self-respect, creativity, and independence. Ashraf Al-Mismar provides a literary analysis of gender, identity, and migration in his novel Soul Shards.
Communication is integral to intercultural understanding and migration. Shaxriniso Savranboyeva outlines various approaches to translating idioms across languages and cultures. Saminjon Khakimov points to how language instructors can harness the phenomenon of code-switching, reverting to one’s native tongue, in the classroom. Abdurashidova Sabina Eldarovna highlights teen code-switching, from normal language to chat-speak and slang. Eshpo’latova Xilola highlights the role of audiovisual teaching aids in enhancing students’ foreign language acquisition. Ruziyeva Sitora outlines why and how English is still considered a global language as Ubaydullayeva Saodat discusses the role of English in international travel.
Abdullayeva Feruza suggests visual activities that help accentuate young children’s learning. Yusupov Otajon Ulug’bek ogli outlines various creative approaches to teaching and learning foreign languages. Gulsevar Amirqulova encourages teachers to practice and develop their own creativity as part of professional development. Jo’ranazova Dilobar Dilmurod qizi highlights different ways to teach young children their mother tongue. Nasulloyeva Feruzabonu expounds on the value of science and technology education for society in ways that go above and beyond the practical. Dr. Jernail Singh Anand urges society and our educational system to teach wisdom and the humanities rather than simply focusing on speeding up students’ financial success. Bahora Akmalova considers approaches to teaching preschool children social skills in a classroom setting. Rupa Rao interviews writing mentor Balachandran Nair about his work with emerging authors.
Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews Dr. Reda Abdel Rahim, inspector of Egyptian antiquities at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, about his work with artifacts of his nation’s past. Jeffrey Spahr-Summers’ digitally altered photographs glimpse a more recent past, giving homes and street scenes a hazy, nostalgic feel.
Image c/o Jeffrey Spahr Summers
Sayani Mukherjee’s imagistic work explores nature, love, loss, and the concept of home. Natasha Leung draws on oceans and canoes as a metaphor for a couple who are separated all too often. Eleanor Hazel Hill reflects on physical mementos of summer fun. Yusufjonova O’gilxon revels in the chill pleasantries of winter. Soumen Roy looks to a river metaphor to express consistent flow, purpose, humility and resilience. Dr. Byeong-Cheol Kang evokes the resoluteness and strength of an eagle. Kujtim Hajdari highlights ecological themes in his review of Eva Petropoulou’s poetry. Axmadqulova Sapuraxon shares ideas for educating preschool children about the environment. A group of youth in China submits various short poems inspired by natural scenes. Alan Catlin patters out imagistic pieces inspired by various Japanese words for rain as O’rinboyeva Zarina speculates on life on a planet where rain is a rarity. Robert Beckvall reflects on his life’s winding path and how it deposited him on the lush big island of Hawaii. Mesfakus Salahin looks to the longer-lasting natural world for absolution from his complex memories. Riley Winters laments human exploitation of animals and the wilderness.
Mykyta Ryzhykh evokes the inextricable natures of life and death. Alyssa Trivett graphically renders the aftermath of a car accident. Nilufar Yoldoshova outlines similarities and differences between Uzbek and Korean funeral customs. Tea Russo’s work dramatizes the soul-killing effects of grief, loneliness, and shame. Gabriel Kang’s work exposes exploitation disguised as progress and love. Robin Beernaert outlines the psychological impact of a griever’s journey through poetry and prose.
Jessica Vanderwall composes an emotionally complex love letter to herself. Daniela Chourio-Soto reflects on the power of dreams to express and warn us about feelings in our waking lives. Joshua Obirija paints a lower-case portrait of the grief and lostness driving his writing.
Adrina Esparas-Hope crafts a graphic image of visceral love that could be a metaphor for creative pursuits. Brian Barbeito lets go of the need to understand everything before he can experience beauty and mystery. Texas Fontanella’s work revels in color and improvisation, reminiscent of jazz and electronica. Mark Young artistically alters geographical maps of checkerboards and Australian regions. Grant Guy intentionally erases parts of painted and typed texts as an artistic experiment. Zamira Moldiyeva Bahodirovna encourages readers and students to take up a refreshing and creative hobby. Federico Wardal explores the career and casting decisions of artists’ manager Adriano Aragozzini.
More practical fields can be creative as well. Shahlo Rustamova explores the role of discrete mathematics, particularly combinatorics, in understanding biological structures. Farangiz Musurmonova urges Uzbek accounting frameworks to match those of international professional standards. Medical student O’roqova Nargiza outlines the importance of salivary glands in the human body. Normurodova Salina Saitkulovna discusses how the medical field prepares for pandemics. Ahmedova Dilorom Mahmudovna highlights the progress of medical therapies for cancers caused by human papillomavirus.
We hope that this issue will inspire your creativity!
