By Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Business is so good on the Clown Motel that you just might expect more of the painted faces to be smiling.

But as Vijay Mehar learned in his years as owner of the scariest motel in Tonopah, Nevada, completely happy clowns aren't what most of his customers want.

What they apparently want is fear, disgust, painted faces, circus atmosphere and evidence of paranormal activity. Basically, Mehar said recently, “they want to be afraid.”

Aiming to lure more people off Main Street (aka US 95) to this 31-room motel in dusty, barren central Nevada, Mehar is upping his spooky quotient.

By the tip of 2025, he hopes to have accomplished a 900-square-foot expansion, doubling the scale of the motel's busy, unsettling lobby, museum and gift shop area. Meanwhile, Mehar is planning a year-round haunted house behind the motel, to be built out of 11 shipping containers.

Many details still have to be ironed out, but the concept is that these additions will complement the motel's existing guest rooms, that are teeming with enough clown imagery to place a Ringling Brothers reunion to shame. Mehar also desires to convert an existing room right into a bridal suite.

“America’s Scariest Motel,” the pamphlets on the checkout read. “Let the fear run down your spine.”

There are paintings, dolls and ceramic figurines, each with their very own expression – smiling, laughing, grinning, crying or quietly shrieking. And then there are the neighbors. The motel is adjoining to the Old Tonopah Cemetery, whose residents incessantly died in mining accidents between 1900 and 1911.

Some guests explore the cemetery after dark or google “fear of clowns” (). Others accept a horror film, perhaps considered one of the three filmed locally within the last six years. (“I'm the evil clown in 'Clown Motel 2,'” Mehar confessed.)

Mehar said that on busy days, a whole bunch of individuals stop by the motel, mostly concentrating on the gift shop and the museum's crowded, dusty shelves. The clowns donated there by donors worldwide aren’t on the market.

“When we came here, there were 800 or 850 clowns,” Mehar said. “Right now we have almost 6,000.”

The expansion of the lobby, gift shop and museum provides extra space to display them, together with presidential caricatures hanging on the motel's wall, including Joe Biden and Donald Trump, each wearing a red clown nose.

In the six years Mehar has owned the shop, the gift shop's inventory has grown from hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts to almost 100 products: art, ashtrays, bracelets, bumper stickers, clothing, keychains, magnets, mugs, patches, shot glasses and wallets.

“Do you use knives? I have clown knives,” Behar said, raising one in his right hand. The blades are 4 inches long.

In the hallways and within the motel's understated guest rooms (typically $85-$150; rated 3.5 stars on Yelp and Trip Advisor), the clowns proceed a color scheme of purple, yellow, and red, punctuated by blue and green polka dots is supplemented.

A spot check revealed five clowns in room 102 and a dozen in room 208 (but none within the restrooms). Several rooms are themed, including room 222, which has special accents Clownvis (mainly Elvis as a clown).

If you book this room, the motel warns, you could possibly be woken up by a mysterious “malevolent entity.” The hotel also warns all guests that despite monthly pest control visits, “UFIs (unwanted flying insects)” may occur because rooms are open to the outdoor area. (This a part of Nevada is thought for its many Mormon crickets.)

“If we had paid $60, $70, or even $80, this place might have been worth it,” one unimpressed motel guest recently wrote on Trip Advisor.

“We had a lot of fun and even better, we didn’t get murdered,” wrote one other.

It's a family project. After years as art director, Mehar's brother Hame Anand serves because the motel's manager and has designed its latest facelift, which incorporates two two-story-tall clown figures that attract passing traffic.

Many travelers make the 210-mile drive north from Las Vegas only for the clown experience. When booking or checking in, guests often join for a motel and cemetery tour with tour guide Wanda Crisp.

You could say the Clown Motel grew out of the cemetery. As local patrons tell the story, a miner and clown collector is mentioned Clarence David died in a mining accident in 1911 and was buried within the cemetery. When two of his children, Leona and Leroy, decided to open a motel (then generally known as the David Motel) next to the cemetery in 1985, they displayed about 150 of their late father's clown pictures and figurines.

A decade later, they sold it to longtime Tonopah entrepreneur Bob Perchetti, who remodeled the motel as a part of his effort to spice up local tourism.

The big breakthrough got here in 2015 as a crew from the tv series “Ghost Adventures” got here to film on the Clown Motel, fascinating lovers of kitsch and horror across the country.

At this point, Perchetti (who died this 12 months) was well into his 70s. A couple of years later, he put the 1.2-acre motel property up on the market, asking $900,000 or more $600,000 (Clown collection included). In 2019, veteran Las Vegas motel owner Mehar and his family purchased it.

Mehar, who now splits his time between Tonopah and Vegas, declined to reveal the sale price but said he could repay the loan inside a couple of years. Two to thrice a 12 months, “the paranormal people” book the entire place, Mehar said, “and every other day a YouTuber comes.”

That doesn't mean the motel is a gold mine — Mehar still does many of the repairs and enhancements himself — but it surely has no competitor in its area of interest.

“Do you know the American dream, rich and famous?” asked Mehar. “We’re halfway there.”

At the tip of July 2024, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris released a campaign ad across the US-Mexico border that was something out of the Republican playbook.

In the ad, Harris announced that as president she would deploy more border patrol agents, stop human traffickers and prosecute transnational gangs – precisely the things that Republican candidate Donald Trump has promised to do if elected.

Harris' shift to the correct is seen by her campaign strategists as a superb political move and reflects the increasingly anti-immigration attitude of the US population lately. According to a Gallup poll from July 202455% of Americans desired to tighten immigration restrictions, marking the primary time in nearly twenty years that a majority of Americans supported such restrictions.

These anti-immigration attitudes are partly as a result of exaggerated claims by conservative politicians and right-wing experts that the management of the US-Mexico border is a disaster and that the federal government is endangering public safety by allowing violent criminals to enter the US

Worse still, in the course of the Presidential debate On September 10, 2024, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump falsely accused Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, Dogs and cats eat.

As someone who has worked hard Given the big variety of asylum seekers on the border since 2019, I see clear differences between Harris and Trump on the immigration issue.

During his term, Trump implemented a restrictive immigration policy on the border that effectively eliminated the correct to asylum. He was also behind the controversial child separation policy in 2018 and attempted to Deferred measures for arriving childrenor DACA, the Obama-era federal program that forestalls the deportation of tons of of hundreds of illegal immigrants who got here to the United States as children.

Although Harris has not been as successful as Trump on immigration, as a senator and vp of the United States she has shown a willingness to embrace more restrictive border policies, but continues to support a path to citizenship for “Dreamers” and illegal immigrants married to U.S. residents.

Trump’s extremist rhetoric and policies

With border security becoming his essential issue, Trump could much more draconian measures than in his first term, including further restrict the asylum system And deportation as much as 20 million undocumented immigrants.

Perhaps Trump’s most controversial measure during his first term was his child separation policy in 2018, which resulted in over 5,000 children are kidnapped from their parents after they were arrested on the border. This motion led to nationwide protests and international condemnationFrom May 2024 about 1,400 children remained separated from their families.

Undeterred, Trump pursued further restrictive measures.

Trump signed an executive order in 2019 and launched the Migrant Protection Protocols, higher often known as Stay in Mexico Policy. This order required asylum seekers arriving on the U.S. border to be sent back to Mexico while their applications were processed. This program remained in effect until the tip of Trump's presidency in 2020 and led to 81,000 deportations.

Trump also used Restrictions under Title 42 in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, to expel migrants without visas quickly and without exceptions with a purpose to contain the pandemic. In the primary seven months 200,000 migrants were deported.

In particular, the usage of violent rhetoric against migrants increased dramatically during Trump's rise to the leadership of the Republican Party. During his first term, Trump and his officials discussed shootings Migrants crossing the border within the legTexas Governor Greg Abbott, considered one of his key allies, said the rationale officials there Don’t shoot migrants is because they might be charged fees by the federal government.

Trump also promised he could be willing to make use of the US military in Mexico to fight drug cartels.

Harris' balancing act

As a US Senator in 2019, Harris was voted against a constitutional amendment against sanctuary cities that may have allowed local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and potentially deport immigrants living within the United States illegally.

She was also the first sponsor of the laws This would limit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's actions against those caring for unaccompanied minors. However, as Attorney General of California, Harris supported the handover of minors living illegally within the United States to immigration authorities, which crimes committed.

As vp, Harris appears to support a more restrictive approach just like that of Biden on June 4, 2024. Implementing Regulation The law limited the variety of asylum seekers who were allowed to cross the border.

It also supports the CBP One App System which was created by the Biden administration in early 2023.

Under this procedure, asylum seekers are given the chance to satisfy an immigration officer, but often should wait for months under dangerous conditions in Mexico.

Harris has also repeatedly spoken out in regards to the need for support DACAThe Biden administration expanded medical health insurance in 2024 for DACA recipients, which provides them Access to insurance through the Affordable Healthcare Acthigher often known as Obamacare.

If elected, Harris would likely extend one other of Biden's terms into 2024. Implementing regulations This created a legal path to citizenship for immigrants who shouldn’t have legal residency within the United States but are married to U.S. residents.

In stark contrast has already criticized politics and said he would put an end to the practice if elected.

The Biden-Harris administration also has a mixed record on the subject of borders and deportations. It has deported almost as many immigrants living within the US without legal permission as Trump.

By June 2024, the variety of deportations because the start of the Biden administration in January 2021 had already reached 4.4 millionAt the identical time, these higher numbers reflect the proven fact that more persons are coming to the border as a result of the increased opportunities for entry.

In the primary three years of Biden's presidency, greater than 1 million migrants were allowed to enter the country on the border. temporary parole for humanitarian reasonsthat enables them to remain within the United States while they await their asylum hearing.

The reality of immigration

Republicans overwhelmingly portrayed immigration as a transparent and present threat, while Democrats portrayed it as an act of compassion.

However, in an increasingly anti-immigrant environment, one rarely hears that increased immigration under the Biden-Harris administration was a significant component in US economic growth.

In fact, many economists have also argued that working-class immigrants from across the border have contributed Reduce inflationI’m convinced that the United States needs more, not fewer, migrants, and that a tough line stance and policy is damaging to our society and economy.

While Trump's tough stance on immigrants each on the border and domestically is well-known, Harris' record stands out for a more balanced approach that gives support to at the least some immigrants and asylum seekers living within the U.S. illegally.

Luck could reshape America's political landscape.

Since the Nineteen Sixties and the election of President John F. Kennedy, younger voters have supported Democratic candidates while older voters have tended to support Republicans. But This dynamic has evolvedand today, in 2024, large parts of each groups defy traditional assumptions about their political affiliation.

This shift challenges the age-old political adage that youthful idealism gives approach to conservative pragmatism with age. As pollsters and pundits struggle to clarify the phenomenon, an intriguing theory is emerging: It might be come all the way down to happiness.

The dissatisfied vote for change

I’m a Researcher in interpersonal communication and co-founder and co-director of Mainstreet Laboratory for Political Communication at Florida Atlantic University. Our lab studies and analyzes public opinion and political trends across the country. With the election approaching, I actually have been particularly studying the potential influence of luck on voting behavior.

Worldwide research shows that glad people prefer to go away things as they’re. are inclined to vote for the incumbent in political electionsVoters who’re less glad usually tend to support anti-establishment candidates because they see the federal government as a source of their dissatisfaction.

These results may help explain the Democratic Party's declining support amongst young people.

This group remains to be reliably blue. Vice President Kamala Harris has a lead amongst voters under 30with 50% preferring her to 34% of former President Donald Trump. US voters aged 18 to 35 mainly prefer Democratic views on Issues reminiscent of abortion And LGBTQ+ rights. Nevertheless, they’re voting for the Republicans more often than up to now. especially young men.

Youth isn’t any longer carefree

Declining life satisfaction and happiness levels amongst young Americans could also be one reason for his or her changing political preferences.

Our Survey from March 2024 found that 55% of respondents aged 18 to 34 were dissatisfied with their lives, in comparison with 65% of the overall population.

These findings, and other national surveyschallenge the widespread belief that young maturity is one in every of the happiest periods of life.

Happiness is traditionally represented as a U-shaped curve, with the youngest and oldest voters reporting the best levels of happiness. Young adults worldwide Most reported feeling carefree and glad, having fun with their newfound independence and opportunities. Older people had finally left the stress of balancing work, family and relationships behind and were starting to enjoy their retirement.

Today’s young Americans are unhappier than previous generations. This is true worldwide, in accordance with World Happiness Report 2024however the decline is especially dramatic within the US, where the suicide rate amongst young people increased over 60% between 2007 and 2021.

Experts lead the Dissatisfaction amongst young Americans today is on account of countless aspectsincluding a childhood interrupted by the pandemic, the dramatic increase in School shootings and rising living costs. Young individuals are also stressed by political polarization, distrust of the media and the 2 wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Social media reinforces these fears by encouraging young people to match themselves to others in unhealthy ways and exposing them to loads of negative news, which make reality seem worse than it’s.

All of those happiness-reducing concerns could influence political preferences. Some dissatisfied young voters are drawn to candidates who promise economic stability and growth. Other young adults who’re dissatisfied with the political system want radical change – any change.

Seniors for Harris

The changing political preferences of unhappy young Americans are particularly revealing in comparison to those of older Americans who’ve grow to be happier in recent times.

Current survey data suggests that older voters, who’ve long been the Republican base, are trending toward Democrats in 2024. In September 2024, Harris leads amongst older voters, with between 51% and 55% preferring her to Trump.

These glad seniors seem concerned in regards to the profound changes that might occur under a brand new Trump administration, reminiscent of End much more abortion rightsThe Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 undid what was considered a serious milestone and achievement of this generation.

Older Americans also value the preservation Social security advantagesa Democratic priority that Trump has strayed from, and maintaining lower prescription drug costs. Both programs help keep older Americans glad and healthy. They have little relevance for young people.

Polls are notoriously unreliable and continuously changing, but age is increasingly not a great indicator of party affiliation.

Luck is vital on the ballot box

I'm not saying that luck determines all voting behavior or explains the changing political preferences within the United States. But I’m saying that it shouldn't be ignored.

My research shows that to grasp why people vote the best way they do, it is crucial to look at happiness alongside other key aspects reminiscent of the economy and private experiences. By examining how happiness is said to age, life experience, and social media engagement, researchers can gain clearer insights into the changing voting behavior of each young and old voters.

The 2024 presidential candidates appear to have sensed this. Harris' campaign is all about “joy” and Celebrating joy and communityThe Trump team is adopting an angrier tone and a more complaining approach.

Ultimately, happiness is greater than only a mood. The literal pursuit of happiness can influence decisions on the ballot box just as much as ideology.

Editor's note: The chart on this story documenting young people's dissatisfaction has been updated to correct a typo. Fifty-five percent of respondents under age 35 reported some level of dissatisfaction with their lives, not satisfaction.

More than 85% of girls – And greater than 300 million people worldwide at any time – use hormonal contraceptives for at the very least five years. Although they’re primarily used for contraception, many individuals also use hormonal contraceptives for treat quite a lot of symptoms related to menstruation, from cramps and pimples to mood swings.

For as much as 10% of girlsnevertheless, hormonal contraceptives may increase their risk of depression. Hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, are vital to brain health. So how does the alteration of hormone levels attributable to hormonal contraceptives affect mental health?

I’m a Researcher studying neuroscience of stress and emotion-related processes. I also study gender differences in vulnerability and resilience to mental disorders. Understanding how hormonal contraception affects mood will help researchers predict who will experience positive or negative effects.

How do hormonal contraceptives work?

In the USA and other Western countries most typical type of hormonal contraception Is “the pill“” – a mix of synthetic estrogen and artificial progesterone, two hormones involved in regulating the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy. Estrogen coordinates the timed release of other hormones, and progesterone maintains a pregnancy.

This could seem contradictory – why do naturally occurring hormones which might be essential for pregnancy also prevent pregnancy? And why does taking a hormone reduce the degrees of that very same hormone?

Hormonal cycles are tightly controlled by the hormones themselves. When progesterone levels rise, this prompts processes in cells that prevent the production of more progesterone. This known as negative feedback loop.

Estrogen and progesterone from the every day pill or other common contraceptives equivalent to implants or vaginal rings cause the body to diminish the production of those hormones, lowering them to levels seen outside the fertile window of the cycle. This disrupts the tightly orchestrated hormonal cycle required for ovulation, menstruation and pregnancy.

Effects of hormonal contraceptives on the brain

Hormonal contraceptives don’t only affect the ovaries and uterus.

The brain, particularly an area called the hypothalamus, controls the synchronization of ovarian hormone levels. Although they’re called “ovarian hormones”, estrogen And progesterone Receptors are also present throughout the brain.

Estrogen and progesterone have a broad impact on neurons and cellular processes that don’t have anything to do with reproduction. For example, estrogen plays a task in processes that Memory formation and brain protection from damage. Progesterone helps Regulating emotions.

By changing the degrees of those hormones within the brain and body, hormonal contraceptives can modulate mood – for higher or for worse.

Hormonal contraceptives interact with stress

Estrogen and progesterone also regulate the stress response – the body’s “fight-or-flight” response to physical or psychological challenges.

The important hormone involved within the stress response – cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents, each abbreviated as CORT – is primarily a metabolic hormone, meaning that a rise in blood levels of those hormones under stressful conditions results in more energy being mobilized from fat reserves. The interplay between stress systems and reproductive hormones is an important link between mood and hormonal contraception, as Energy regulation is amazingly necessary while pregnant.

So what happens to the stress response of an individual taking hormonal contraceptives?

When faced with a light stressor – for instance, putting your arm in cold water or giving a public speech – women who use hormonal contraceptives show a lower increase in CORT than in individuals who don’t take hormonal contraceptives.

The researchers observed the identical effect in Rats and mice – When treated every day with a mix of hormones just like the pill, female rats and mice also show suppression of the stress response.

Hormonal contraceptives and depression

Do hormonal contraception increase the chance of depression? The short answer is that it varies from individual to individual. But for most individuals, it's probably not the case.

It is very important to notice that neither increased nor decreased stress reactions are directly related to Risk for or resilience to depressionBut stress is closely linked to mood, and chronic stress increases significantly Risk of depression. By modifying stress responses, hormonal contraceptives increase the chance of depression following stress, leading to “protection” against depression in many individuals but “increased risk” in a minority. More than 9 out of 10 people Women who use hormonal contraceptives don’t experience mood swings or depression, and plenty of even experience improvement of their mood.

However, researchers don’t yet know who can be at increased risk. Genetic aspects and former stress increase the chance of depression, and evidently similar aspects contribute to mood swings related to hormonal contraception.

Currently, hormonal contraceptives are often prescribed by trying – If one type causes negative effects in a patient, one other with a distinct dose, delivery method, or formulation may be higher. But the strategy of “trying things out” is inefficient and frustrating, and plenty of people surrender relatively than switch to another choice. Identifying the particular aspects that increase the chance of depression and higher communicating the advantages of hormonal contraception beyond contraception may also help patients make more informed decisions about their health care.

The “Queen of Pop” Madonna rehearses on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 2, 2024, ahead of her free mega concert on Saturday, May 4, on the conclusion of her “Celebration” tour. Hundreds of fans got a primary have a look at the historic event, which marked Madonna's return to Brazil since 2012. During rehearsals, Madonna tried to cover some secrets by wearing different coloured balaclavas.