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Its fairly obvious why the legacy media is ignoring or casting doubt on the Russiagate docs that show the whole thing was a politically-orchestrated hoax by Obama - the legacy media is complicit. They

By Jarrett Stepman, Op-ed contributor Saturday, July 26, 2025White House Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard talks to reporters in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on July

By Kaeley Harms, Saturday, July 26, 2025Getty ImagesIts been almost a week since theColdplay kiss cam scandal rocked the world, initiating a global conversation about tragically familiar topics

Spending their lives in monasteries, devoting their entire lives to God, monks in the Middle Ages experienced a quiet existence in a world with a growing sense of religious importance that valued the monastic life.Not only did they devote themselves to God, but they devoted themselves to their communities. Despite their seemingly introverted lifestyle, monks had a profound influence on Medieval society and played a significant role in the culture of the time.A Note on Monks and FriarsLeft: Franciscan Friar by Alfred Diston, 1828. Source: Yale Center for British Art; Right: Portrait of a Benedictine Monk by Juan Rizi, 17th century. Source: Wikimedia CommonsAlthough used interchangeably in common parlance, there is a difference between monks and friars, historically and canonically.Monks were, and still are, members of monastic orders that emphasize spiritual contemplation. They focus on living a quiet life of reflection. Friars, on the other hand, take a more active role in society, preaching, healing, and often traveling far and wide in their pursuit of aiding people around them.Why Choose a Life in the Monastery?Monks Chanting by Jean-Jacques de Boissieu, 1795. Source: Metropolitan Museum of ArtIn the Middle Ages, several reasons led boys and men to choose a monastic life. For many, it was a desire for spirituality, while for others, it was a need for learning and education. Others desired the social and economic status that came with being a monk. For young boys, sometimes it was not a choice, but a duty imposed on them by their parents.For those of the lower classes, becoming a monk was often a way out of poverty, and while it was not uncommon for this to happen, higher positions such as prior, provost, or abbot were generally occupied by those of noble status. In theory, the monastic orders were open to people from across the social spectrum (including women, who could become nuns), but theory and practice often did not sit well with each other. There was still the influence of the social elite, with nepotism and patronage swaying the decisions of religious authorities.A painted door depicting a Benedictine monk and a cat. Source: Wikimedia CommonsJoining a monastery involved a number of important steps, the first of which was postulancya period of observation usually lasting upwards of a month. During this time, candidates lived in the monastery and experienced monastic life to determine if it was truly the right path for them. Upon deciding this was something they wished to continue, they became a Novitiate, and took a Vow of Obedience, swearing to obey the abbot (or abbess in the case of nuns).Novitiates spent a year in training, learning about the spiritual life, after which they would take a vow, swearing to uphold a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Novitiates spent time Learning the Rule, internalizing the principles of their religious order. For most monks, this was the Benedictine Rule, which emphasized, among other things, obedience, silence, community, humility, and devotion to God.A Life of RoutineMonk Gardening by Carl Gustaf Hellqvist. Source: Gothenburg Museum of ArtA day in the life of a medieval monk is ruled by the Liturgy of the Hours, which structures the day into periods of prayer. Praying at fixed times followed Jewish tradition, and in the 6th century, St. Benedict of Nursia codified the practice in his Rule for Monasteries. The day was split into eight canonical hours, which varied in length. Matins was the longest of the hours, lasting from midnight until dawn. This was followed by Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline.There was much work to be done at monasteries, and monks involved themselves in various activities. Caring for the monasterys animals, crops, and other resources was of paramount importance. Monks were involved in various crafts, which differed from monastery to monastery. Carpentry, sculpture, brewing, gardening, baking, masonry, weaving, writing, and a host of other activities were common.Work wasnt just for the survival of the monastery. There was a deep spiritual connection between monks and the work they did. It was complementary to prayer and study, and it instilled ascetic discipline on the way to salvation. Work wasnt always the same, but it was broken up every day at exact times for prayer, meals, and meetings. There may have been a variety, but the path to God was rigid and strictly adhered to.Illuminated manuscript. Source: Wikimedia CommonsOne of the major pursuits was copying manuscripts in the scriptorium. Before the invention of the printing press in 1440, all books were copied painstakingly by hand, and this was done by very patient monks in monasteries, which also served as centers for the preservation of knowledge. The pace was slow, and monks spent countless hours creating illuminated manuscripts, books that were as much works of art as they were vessels for knowledge. Unsurprisingly, monks spent a lot of time reading and engaging in academic pursuits.Mealtimes were usually silent affairs, and the food was simple, reflecting the austere virtues of monkhood. Sleeping arrangements were mostly communal, and rest was often interrupted by night vigils, which consisted of prayer, meditation, and reading from Scripture.Religious DutiesTrappist Monks Welcoming a Stranger by Jules-Joseph Dauban, 1864. Source: Wikimedia CommonsMuch was expected of monks in their duties, and those who failed to adhere to them to satisfactory levels often faced reprimands and penance. Of course, the severity of the infraction determined the punishment, and monks could be excluded from religious activities. More severe penance could take the form of flagellation, fasting, manual labor (the non-enjoyable kind), and being forced to sleep on hard surfaces without blankets.Duties were assigned through daily Chapter House meetings in which monks also had the opportunity to confess their sins.A 13th-century illustration of a monk sneaking a drink. From a copy of Li livres dou sant by Aldobrandino of Siena. Source: British LibraryMonks had duties to both their fellow monks within their order and to the people in their community. In addition to caring for those within their order, monasteries often existed in lieu of hospitals, and people from all walks of life were treated by monks for medical ailments. Their duties were charitable, and they offered shelter to travelers, fed the hungry, and provided care for orphans and the elderly in society. Of course, they also offered spiritual guidance to those who sought it. Scholarship and manual labor also formed part of the monks duties.Some monks could also hear confessions and dictate penance, although this was usually done by a parish priest. Once a public ordeal, the practice of confession being a private affair gained traction, especially in Ireland, from where the tradition spread. Penance could also be observed in private.Other duties involved veneration of the saints, and of icons and relics. Relics were the subject of minor actions such as kissing, bowing, and making the sign of the cross. It was important for monks to recognize holy symbolism and treat it with the utmost respect.How Did Monks Influence Culture and Society?Scenes from the life of the peasants. The monks at the tavern. By Peter Brueghel the Younger, ca. 1620. Source: ArthiveOne of the main factors in monastic life and the surrounding society was the financial aspect. Monasteries often engaged in trade and sold the products they made, whether it was furniture, food, wool, or booze. As mentioned previously, monasteries were centers of learning, and monks advanced the academic pursuits, becoming worldly and knowledgeable in their quest for learning. Naturally, monks also developed and ran schools and libraries. In some cases, these monastic and cathedral schools evolved into universities, and many universities still in existence today in Europe can trace their founding back to religious orders and religious learning.A school setting from the 1882 book Gamla Stockholm (in Swedish). Source: Wikimedia CommonsMonasteries represented relief from the vagaries and challenges of Medieval life. They were islands of calm in seas of chaos, and the monks who lived in them acted as such. They welcomed pilgrims and actively engaged in charitable causes, readily giving to the poor and the needy. Monks provided much good for society. They took up the mantle of learning and teaching, preserving textsboth religious and non-religiousthus acting as conservators for Western Civilization, still reeling from the collapse of Rome.Monks were also great patrons of the arts and made huge strides in promoting art and architecture in Medieval society.In the higher offices of the clergy, abbots often acted as advisors to lords and kings. This was not unusual given the fact that monasteries could be extremely wealthy with plenty of land. As such, leaders of monasteries sometimes had great political influence.Benedictine monks singing vespers. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe life of a monk was one of quiet contemplation and hard work, and was one of intellectual as well as physical pursuits. Monasteries represented order in a seemingly chaotic world outside, and were thus seen as a refuge not just for monks, but for ordinary people who sought the divine protection that monasteries and monks could give.Far from being humble recluses, however, monks who sought it out could find themselves wielding significant power. Monasteries were dynamic places that had a great influence not just within their walls, but also on the world around them. Able to inform public opinion, and having the ears of nobles and monarchs, some monasteries molded society in their image, contributing to popular thought, religious belief, academia, and the economic landscape of the Middle Ages.

Thomas Stonewall Jackson remains one of the most iconic figures of the American Civil War. Born in 1824, in what is now West Virginia, his military genius propelled him through the ranks of the Confederate Army from a lowly major to General. Known for his iron discipline and peculiar character traits, Jackson earned his famous nickname at the First Battle of Bull Run. Today, Jackson is at the center of Southern folklore.Early LifeA young Thomas Jackson, while enrolled at the United States Military Academy at West Point, c. 1844. Source: Library of CongressThomas Jackson was born in 1824 in what is now West Virginia. Jackson grew up in the rugged frontier, where he learned how to survive the harsh realities of life in the 19th century. His childhood was tragic, but not unfamiliar for an average individual during the era.His younger sister, Elizabeth, died in 1826 at the age of six from typhoid fever. A year later, Jacksons father succumbed to the same disease. Jacksons mother remarried in 1830 to a hard-nosed man who did not care for his new wifes children. The strained relationships in the household led Jackson and his only surviving sister to be shipped away to relatives.Jackson spent the remainder of his adolescence with his uncle at their grist mill in Jacksons Mill, Virginia. Jacksons education at local schools and later at the United States Military Academy at West Point provided the training that honed his natural ability for hard work. Even as a young man, he demonstrated an uncommon focus, graduating 17th in his class of 59 students.Jackson would first see action as an officer in the Mexican-American War. Even as a junior officer, Jackson would show a peculiar calmness under intense fire. At the Battle of Chapultepec on September 13, 1847, Jackson refused an order from a superior officer to retreat and remained with his vastly outnumbered artillery unit. Jackson took control of one of the pieces of artillery himself and, with just one other man, repulsed the enemy attack. This action resulted in recognition from Winfield Scott, the commander of all US forces in Mexico. The experience Jackson gained during his time in Mexico prepared him for the coming Civil War and showcased the talents of the young officer.Thomas Becomes StonewallArtist rendition of Stonewall Jackson during the First Battle of Bull Run on August 17, 1861, c. 1900. Source: Library of CongressJacksons journey to earning the moniker Stonewall came during the first major engagement of Union and Confederate forces, when it appeared the Federal Army was going to win the battle.At the First Battle of Bull Run, called Manassas in Confederate reports, General Barnard Bees South Carolinians were soon overwhelmed and were retreating from the field. Jackson and his Virginians had just arrived at Bull Run moments earlier. Bee rode to Jackson, exclaiming his fear and frustration that a Confederate defeat was likely. Jackson told Bee that if they were to lose the day, his troops were to give them the bayonet point first.Accounts differ, but the historical narrative has been that Bee rode to his fleeing troops, pointed at Jackson, and said, Look, men, there stands Jackson like a stonewall. Rally around the Virginians. Bees men did just that, leading to a major Confederate victory.This display of resolve wasnt a one-off momentit was a reflection of his disciplined nature and sense of duty. Jackson often took orders literally. Early in Jacksons career, while stationed in Florida during the Seminole Wars, a superior officer ordered a young Jackson to remain in place until further orders were given. The next day, that same officer found a ragged Jackson in the same location he had left him the previous day. That fateful day at Bull Run cemented Jacksons legacy in the annals of military history.A Tactician Like No OtherPainting of Stonewall Jackson, by John Adams Elder, c. 1895. Source: Wikimedia CommonsRenowned for his brilliant decisions under fire, Stonewall Jackson was a master of maneuvering, whose strategies are still studied today in the military academies of the United States some 160 years after his death. Jackson could often sense what the enemy planned and was able to counter with actions on the battlefield, unlike any other commander on either side of the conflict.Jacksons campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley showcased his ability to outsmart the enemy, who were often vastly superior in manpower. Jackson would often use a small number of men to his advantage. At the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, in 1863, Jackson led his 31,000 men on a swift forced march twelve miles around the Union Army. Catching the enemy off guard, Jackson was able to successfully attack their right flank, routing them from the battlefield. Jacksons fellow officers, politicians, and historians marveled at his ability to transform numerical inferiority into victory.In every campaign until his death, Jackson displayed clear-headed planning and a willingness to take. His tactics are why Confederate forces often won major victories in the eastern theater during the early years of the war.Tumultuous LeadershipSheet music entitled The Stonewall Jackson Brigade, c. 1863. Source: Wikimedia CommonsStonewall Jacksons leadership style was effective, albeit strict. Known for his personal bravery and firm discipline, he led by example, often placing himself in danger to rally his troops. His presence on the battlefield was a constant source of inspiration. During the First Battle of Bull Run, where Jackson became Stonewall, he had been struck by a mine ball in his left hand.Jackson was demanding on the training ground, instilling in his men the very traits he possessed, the skills needed for combat, and a sense of duty to the Confederate war effort. Essentially, Jackson expected his men to become an extension of their commander. Early in the war, Jackson was quite unpopular with his men. Forcing them to train in disastrous conditions and marching miles more than other Corps, often up to twelve miles a day.After the war, veterans of the infamous Stonewall Brigade recounted these earlier events. While they initially disliked the vigor of their former commander, often calling him nicknames such as Ole Tom Fool, most recognized his peculiar ways led to their success. Jacksons leadership was not just about tactics; it was about building an unbreakable spirit within his soldiers.Religion Is EverythingArtist Rendition of Lieutenant General Thomas J. Jackson and His Family, c. 1866. Source: Wikimedia CommonsBeyond the battlefield, Stonewall Jackson was known for his strong religious conviction. When studying his actions, it becomes apparent that religion played a central role in shaping the eccentric generals decisions.Jacksons personal correspondence with his sister, Laura Jackson, and his journals reveal a man who often turned to prayer for guidance and solace. He believed that his military talents were gifts from God, meant to be used in service to his cause. His deeply religious beliefs led to his famous military exploits. His calmness under fire during the First Battle of Bull Run was due to his determined belief that his death would come when God so wished, and no man could alter his date with eternity.This deep spirituality not only influenced his behavior but also resonated with his troops, who admired his moral resolve and integrity. In a time of conflict and chaos, Jacksons unwavering belief in divine providence served as both an anchor and a source of inspiration, reinforcing his reputation as a man of unwavering principles.An Early and Tragic EndThe Death of Stonewall Jackson, c. 1863. Source: Library of CongressIn a twist of fate that shocked the Confederacy, Stonewall Jacksons promising career was abruptly cut short. In 1863, after his brilliant twelve-mile forced march around the Union line, Jackson was wounded by friendly fire one evening as he rode ahead of his men on a scouting expeditiona tragic incident that led to the amputation of his left arm.As he recovered from the loss of his arm, Jackson came down with a case of pneumonia. Unable to shake the infection, Jackson died on May 10, 1863, at the age of 39. His sudden demise sent shockwaves through the Confederate ranks, leaving a void that was deeply felt by his soldiers and comrades. Robert E. Lee reportedly said after hearing the passing of Jackson, The General has lost his left arm and I have lost my right. In the years that followed, Jacksons legacy was romanticized and mythologized, with many viewing his life as a testament to both the glory and tragedy of the Civil War.The Legacy of Thomas Stonewall JacksonGeneral Thomas Jonathan Stonewall Jackson, by James Reeve Stuart, c. 1869. Source: Wikimedia CommonsEven decades after his death, Stonewall Jacksons influence on military strategy and Southern identity endures. His innovative tactics and fearless leadership continue to be studied in military academies, while his personal story resonates as a symbol of determination and sacrifice.In modern times, debates over his memory reflect a broader conversation about history, heritage, and the Lost Cause, an ideology which tends to glorify the Confederate war effort as valiant despite their defeat and shifts the cause of the war from slavery to overreach by the government in Washington. Stonewall Jacksons story, filled with tragedy, triumph, and an untimely end, continues to inspire and provoke discussion.

3d illustration of the ancient Sumerian city of UrThe question of the older civilization between the Sumer and the Indus Valley Civilizations is interesting as both are considered to be among the earliest human civilizations known to man. That said, they rose at different timelines. To determine which of them was older, it is important to consider numerous factors including but not limited to archaeological findings such as artefacts, writings, and building structures which help to reveal a lot about their way of life and timeline.A Timeline to the Sumerian CivilizationMap of Ancient Sumers boundaries within the greater Near East in 2350 BCE. Source: Age of EmpiresThe Sumer civilization was situated in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) and is often considered to be one of the earliest societies in the world. It began around 4500 BCE and grew steadily from about 4000 to 3100 BCE. During this time, the Sumerians invented some unique practices and elements such as the cuneiform form of writing, structured leadership models, and more robust economic and trade systems that relied on the use of money. When it came to leadership, their society was set up such that there were levels of power with the leaders and priests being at the top of the hierarchy. At the time, they used a variety of items for money that included silver and bronze coins and trade goods.The Sumerians also created the first major cities in the world. They included Eridu, Uruk, and Ur. The cities featured unique buildings such as ziggurats which were essentially pyramid-shaped temple towers. They also harnessed water from the Euphrates and Tigris rivers to irrigate their crops. The strategy enabled them to grow sufficient food-crops.Cuneiform tablet with a small second tablet: private letter, c.a. 20th-19th century B.C.. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of ArtThe invention of the cuneiform form of writing in the region from about 3200 BC also had a significant influence on how records were kept. The writing technique utilized a reed stylus and clay blocks. Initially, the writing technique was mainly used by the administration for record-keeping purposes such as taxation. Later on, however, it was used to write literature and record important events. One of the earliest literary works, The Epic of Gilgamesh, was written in the Sumerian language.A Timeline for the Indus Valley EmergenceThe Ziggurat of Ur as it looks today. During the 1980s, Saddam Hussein had the staircase and the facade reconstructed. Source: Middle East EyeThe Indus Valley Civilization began around 3300 BC and was situated in the Indus Valley. The civilization which is also widely referred to as the Harappan Civilization lasted many years from about 3200 to 1300 BC. That said, the civilization reached its peak around 2600 BC.Like Sumer, it was one of the first major civilizations on earth. Its extensive territory covered parts of modern-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The civilization is acknowledged by historians for its elaborate city-grids and architecture which were advanced for its time. Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were, for example, built using standardized bricks and featured relatively elaborate drainage systems compared to previous civilizations.A CGI render of the Sumerian city of Uruk, focusing on the Temple of Inanna, a ziggurat in the center of Uruk. Source: Artefacts BerlinHowever, unlike the Sumerians, the Indus Valley people are a puzzle to experts as their writing has yet to be extensively deciphered. The Harappan writings found on their artefacts, for example, havent yet been completely understood. As such, not much is known about their religion, governance structures, and way of life. Even so, the items they left behind indicate an advanced society that also traded with other societies including those situated in Mesopotamia.Similarities Between the Indus and Sumerian CivilizationsA recently discovered fragment of a tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Iraq. Source: The Slemani Museum, BaghdadEven though they existed in different regions, the Ancient Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilizations had many things in common. While they were far apart, the two civilizations came up within the same era. Looking at their city planning, both the Sumerians and the Indus Valley people built their cities in relatively similar ways. Their city centers had well-planned layouts and were often important hubs for trading and administration.Farming was also very important for the people in the two societies and they came up with effective ways to harness water from nearby rivers for domestic utility and irrigation purposes. While the Sumerians relied on the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, the Indus Valley people utilized the Indus River. Trade was also very important for both groups. They carried out trade over long distances in order to obtain items like metals and cloth.The Tigris River, Photograph by Jane Sweeney. Source: National GeographicThey both also relied on writing techniques but in different ways. The Indus people used seals, for example, to formalize agreements, while the Sumerians wrote down administrative records and stories on clay tablets. In essence, both used writing for record-keeping purposes. In conclusion, it is safe to say that the Sumerian Civilization preceded the Indus Valley Civilization.