Where ritual sacrifice is mentioned, music often follows. Loud music is speculated to have been necessary during human sacrifices to drown out the cries of the victims. Twistedly, some children’s songs like “Ring Around the Rosie” have roots in this genre. It’s no surprise then that this association has bled over into pop culture, but with a twist. While there’s still incidents of human violence on occasion, the sacrifice has become symbolic through instrument destruction and burning effigies.
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Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
