Daniel Smith’s essay in The Atlantic explores the author’s struggle with the profound boredom of parenthood despite experiencing fierce, protective love for his children. When his first daughter was born, he discovered an unexpected paradox: while his love was instantaneous and complete, he disliked being a father. The activities that once sustained him—reading, seeing friends, solitude—vanished, replaced by exhausting routines and mind-numbing repetition.

The author confesses that much of parenting consists of “blunt, basic, run-of-the-mill boredom”—playgrounds, picture books, endless requests to “do it again.” He felt deficient for finding child-rearing tedious when society celebrates it as life’s greatest adventure. After divorce and remarrying, he now has three children and confronts the same feelings again.

Drawing on philosophers and poets like Kierkegaard, Frost, and Joseph Brodsky, the author reframes boredom not as something to suppress or escape, but as an emotion to move toward and understand. Brodsky’s commencement address argued that boredom teaches us our “utter insignificance” and that the most meaningful aspects of life—enduring relationships, serious work, art—all display patterns pregnant with boredom.

The essay concludes with a tender Sunday morning scene: the author shopping with his young son, noticing small moments of connection over hot chocolate. He realizes that boredom and meaning are inseparable—boredom is “the price we pay for a life rich with meaning.” Accepting rather than fighting this reality makes the feeling more endurable, transforming it from a shameful deficiency into an inevitable companion of love and commitment.

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President Trump has leveraged his second term to profit extensively from the presidency, amassing at least $1.4 billion—a figure likely underestimated due to undisclosed earnings. This total represents approximately 16,822 times the median U.S. household income.

His revenue streams include: $867 million from cryptocurrency ventures, with foreign investors secretly buying Trump family coins to gain influence; $90.5 million in settlements from major tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and ABC News for questionable legal claims; $28 million from Amazon for a Melania Trump documentary (far exceeding typical payments); $23 million from overseas licensing deals for Trump-branded properties in countries like Vietnam, Oman, and Saudi Arabia; and a $400 million Boeing 747 gift from Qatar that he’ll use as Air Force One and keep afterward.

These financial arrangements raise serious corruption concerns, as favorable policy decisions often follow payments. Vietnam received reduced tariffs after fast-tracking a Trump golf project, while the UAE gained chip access after committing $2 billion to a Trump firm.

Historically, presidents avoided even the appearance of profiting from office—Harry Truman left the White House without a car and refused jobs that would commercialize his service. Trump’s conduct represents a stark departure, with influence-seekers—including foreign governments—openly purchasing access through his businesses.

This corruption undermines democratic legitimacy and public trust. When leaders prioritize personal enrichment over public service, citizens lose faith in government institutions, creating a cynical spiral that threatens democratic participation and the rule of law.

Article Excerpt:

“The demands of avarice gradually corrupt the work of government as officials facilitate the accumulation of personal wealth. Worse, such a government corrupts the people who live under its rule. They learn by experience that they live in a society where the laws are written by the highest bidder. They become less likely to obey those laws, and to participate in the work of democracy — speaking, voting, paying taxes. The United States risks falling into this cynical spiral as Mr. Trump hollows out the institutions of government for personal gain.”

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The post How Trump Has Pocketed $1,408,500,000 first appeared on Sevenelles.

In this article, Curt Buermeyer discusses how the traditional model of trading time for money is rapidly becoming obsolete due to AI-driven productivity gains. For over a century, hourly billing has been standard across professions, but the workplace is now shifting from “pay-per-hour” to “pay-per-problem-solved.”

The most vulnerable workers are those whose value is measured by presence rather than performance. When employers pay for time, they’re actively seeking automation solutions to eliminate those costs entirely.

The new paradigm focuses on “problems solved per dollar.” A marketing strategist using AI to create an excellent plan in two hours delivers the same value as a traditional team spending 100 hours—clients only care about the outcome, not the process.

To adapt, professionals must reframe their value around specific problems solved rather than hours worked. This requires identifying the 20% of work requiring human judgment, strategy, and empathy that AI cannot replicate, while using AI to handle routine tasks efficiently.

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The post The Death of the Billable Hour: Why Your Salary is at Risk in 2026 first appeared on Sevenelles.

“Mutual hatred is a national wound that we will have to work to heal, and that will require letting go of who we’ve become. It’s the only way forward for all of us.”

Article Summary:

Esau McCaulley reflects on the dangers of consuming anger and the potential for personal and national healing through compassion and forgiveness. Drawing from his personal experience with an abusive father, he explores how rage can become a defining identity that prevents growth and understanding.

Initially, Esau harbored deep resentment towards his father, who was absent and struggled with addiction. Over time, he realized that his anger had become a form of self-definition, preventing him from moving toward a positive vision of life. When his father eventually apologized, the author was challenged to reimagine his identity beyond being a victim.

This personal journey parallels the author’s observations of current political polarization, particularly regarding issues like immigration and ICE. He suggests that many people, including those in the MAGA movement, might be trapped in cycles of anger and self-righteousness, similar to his own past experience.

Using a biblical parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector, the author illustrates the importance of humility and mercy. He argues that true healing requires acknowledging one’s own flaws and extending compassion to others, even those who have caused harm.

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The post It’s So Hard Not to Be Consumed by Rage first appeared on Sevenelles.

A leaked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) security threats assessment suggests that the American public is now considered the country’s most significant threat. The document, obtained by journalist Ken Klippenstein, expands the definition of domestic terrorism to include individuals with “class-based or economic grievances,” potentially targeting a wide range of citizens.

The report indicates that domestic violent extremists have been the most active threat actors in recent years, motivated by various factors including anti-government sentiment, racial and ethnic grievances, and conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war. DHS claims the rise in potential threats has been fueled by ongoing global tensions and terrorist media.

The assessment appears to challenge constitutional protections of free speech and protest, particularly in light of recent controversial government actions. In Minnesota, for example, DHS branded protesters as “domestic terrorists” following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents.

The new broad definition of domestic terrorism could potentially criminalize these acts of civic resistance, placing a more severe target on citizens challenging government actions. The report suggests a concerning shift in how the government perceives and responds to public dissent, potentially undermining fundamental rights to free expression and protest.

Link to the DHS document leak: https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/leaked-doc-homeland-securitys-domestic

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The post DHS Thinks You Are Biggest Threat to America first appeared on Sevenelles.

Dana Milbank discovers hope for reversing social media’s societal damage: A group of tech entrepreneurs from companies like Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are developing West Co., a new platform called “Tangle” that aims to help people live more meaningful lives through AI technology. Founders Christopher “Biz” Stone and Evan Sharp, who acknowledge their previous contributions to potentially harmful social media platforms, are seeking redemption by creating a purpose-discovery tool.

Tangle uses AI to help users define their life purposes by analyzing their calendars, photos, and personal information. The platform encourages users to set intentions, receive support from a community, and reflect on meaningful experiences. Unlike traditional tech products, West Co. focuses on human flourishing rather than maximizing screen time.

The company’s approach differs from typical Silicon Valley culture by incorporating rituals, moments of silence, and a focus on personal growth. Their goal is to use technology to help people live more intentionally and connect with causes greater than themselves.

Early testing shows promising results, with employees experiencing significant personal transformations. For instance, the COO quit her job to spend more time with her daughter, and Stone committed to being more present for his son.

While the platform is still in development and lacks a clear revenue model, the founders are self-funded and have received $29 million in seed funding. They aim to create a tool that helps people turn off “autopilot” and discover more meaningful life purposes.

The project represents a potential alternative approach to technology that prioritizes human well-being over engagement metrics and seeks to address the negative impacts of previous digital innovations.

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The post Social Media for People Who Hate Social Media first appeared on Sevenelles.

Despite widespread perceptions of moral decline, research suggests that human values and behavior remain fundamentally positive across different cultures and demographics. Multiple studies indicate that people consistently rank loyalty, honesty, and helpfulness as their highest values, while power and wealth rank lowest.

Contrary to popular belief, empirical evidence shows that most people tend to behave morally. For instance, in public conflicts, bystanders intervene in nine out of ten cases. Studies across various countries demonstrate prosocial behaviors like returning lost wallets with money and spending significant amounts on others or charitable causes.

The perception of moral decline can be attributed to several factors, including media’s focus on negative events and social media’s amplification of extreme views. News outlets often highlight negative incidents, creating a skewed representation of human behavior. Additionally, people with extreme political views and online bots are more likely to post inflammatory content.

Research suggests that misperceiving others’ values can have negative consequences. People who believe society is becoming more selfish are less likely to volunteer or participate in civic activities. Conversely, understanding that most people share similar compassionate values can increase trust and hope.

The evidence does not deny that some harmful behaviors exist, but it challenges the narrative of widespread moral deterioration. By promoting positive interactions, volunteering, and focusing on kindness, individuals can contribute to maintaining a cooperative and empathetic society.

Ultimately, the research suggests that moral decline is not inevitable, and people have the power to shape societal outcomes through their collective actions and perceptions.

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The post Think The World Is Getting Worse? Science Has Some Surprising Good News first appeared on Sevenelles.

“The right to assemble and protest is enshrined in American law, but it can still be dangerous to hit the streets to make your voice heard. Your devices are a treasure trove of information about you, and you may not always know who’s collecting that data. Take a few minutes before you go to assess your digital and physical safety.”

Article Summary:

The right to protest is protected in American law, but digital devices can compromise personal safety and privacy. Phones are particularly vulnerable to tracking and surveillance by law enforcement and government agencies.

Key digital risks during protests include:

• Cellular, GPS, and Wi-Fi tracking
• Stingray devices that intercept phone signals
• Potential data sharing by tech companies
• Location tracking through smart devices
• Facial recognition technologies
• Social media information exposure

To minimize digital risks, protesters should:

• Device Preparation:
• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Disable location services
• Consider leaving personal phones at home
• Use a “burner” phone if possible

Communication:

• Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal
• Set messages to automatically delete
• Be cautious about taking/sharing photos
• Avoid showing identifiable features in images

The Electronic Frontier Foundation recommends using passcodes instead of biometric authentication and being strategic about digital presence during protests. While digital tools can help coordinate and document events, they can also expose participants to potential tracking and legal complications.

Ultimately, the goal is to balance effective communication and organizing with personal digital safety and privacy protection.

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The post Protest-Proof Your Phone in Minutes first appeared on Sevenelles.

“People consistently underestimate how much they would enjoy just thinking.“

Article Summary:

In today’s digital age, people frequently turn to their phones during moments of downtime, checking them up to 50 times daily. However, research suggests that allowing one’s mind to wander instead could offer significant benefits for personal well-being, problem-solving, and relationships.

Contrary to popular belief, daydreaming can be more enjoyable than anticipated. A 2022 study revealed that people consistently underestimate the pleasure of simply thinking, often overestimating boredom. This mental wandering is uniquely human, helping us learn, imagine scenarios, and develop empathy.

Daydreaming is particularly effective for problem-solving. Researchers found that people are more likely to resolve complex issues after periods of mind-wandering, even when not consciously focusing on the problem. Neuroscience research shows that the brain remains active during these seemingly idle moments, with different regions continuing to work.

Additionally, daydreaming can enhance social connections. Studies demonstrate that imagining pleasant interactions with loved ones can increase emotional closeness and help individuals simulate and prepare for future social situations. This mental “time travel” allows people to explore potential scenarios and learn from past experiences.

Experts recommend deliberately creating opportunities for mind-wandering by engaging in simple, automatic activities like walking or puzzles. They also suggest focusing on positive, meaningful thoughts to make daydreaming more constructive.

Ultimately, resisting the urge to constantly check phones and instead allowing the mind to wander can be refreshing, providing a sense of thought ownership and potentially leading to more meaningful experiences.

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The post Put Down Your Phone and Daydream Instead first appeared on Sevenelles.

The article discusses the importance of preparing for potential internet and electrical grid disruptions. According to a Federal Emergency Management Agency survey, 57% of Americans are not prepared for potential disasters.

Security experts and preppers emphasize that internet and power outages are increasingly likely due to aging infrastructure and potential cyberattacks. They recommend several strategies for maintaining connectivity and functionality during such emergencies:

Key recommendations include:

1. Assume technology failures can happen
2. Plan and prepare in advance
3. Have multiple backup communication and power strategies
4. Keep emergency supplies readily accessible
5. Develop a family emergency communication plan

The overarching message is that preparedness is crucial. By anticipating potential technological disruptions and having contingency plans, individuals can better navigate unexpected emergencies and maintain essential communication and power capabilities.

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The post The Internet Will Go Down In A Big Way — Be Ready first appeared on Sevenelles.