Most of us would love to be smarter, happier and healthier. And while there are many things needed to accomplish that, the research emerging around the highly medicinal Lion's Mane mushroom is showing that it actually could be a big part of the puzzle. Revered in many ancient cultures and used medicinally for thousands of years, this powerhouse fungi can do everything from protect your brain against cognitive decline, boost memory, support immunity, reduce anxiety, boost mood and enhance a sense of focus throughout your day, among many other things.
Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) grows abundantly throughout North America, Europe and Asia. While native to all four continents, it has been only recently used amongst Western culture, although its value has been widely known and understood throughout Asia in regions like China and Japan for millennia. The mushroom physically looks like the mane of lion—long, white and shaggy—with rich tentacle-like dreadlocks of mushroom wisdom bursting out from all sides. It resembles spongy neuronal tissue, just like that of the brain (often in nature plants very conveniently provide visual cues to the things they are good for). It generally grows on harder surfaces rich in plant cellulose, namely trees in wooded areas.
Lion's Mane benefits have been studied fairly extensively in animal models and more recently in clinical trials with humans. While Lion's Mane has revealed itself as a solution for various health concerns, this mushroom has rapidly grown a reputation for its brain-health benefits and mood- and cognitive-boosting properties. While there are more studies needed in humans to truly establish this as one of the great medicinal herbs of all time, there has been fairly extensive research in animal models that are showing some promising results. However, because of its remarkable safety, its use has grown widely in recent years amongst biohackers and wellness seekers, with rave reviews across the board and more research slated to be published on the way.
So what exactly is so special about this superstar mushroom? Read on to find out.
Lion's Mane is truly one of a kind. There is no other herb or mushroom that's been found in nature that seems to have the same effect on stimulating the production of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). [1,2] These are two remarkable compounds that essentially stimulate the growth of new nerve tissues and brain cells. Harvard psychiatrist John Ratey describes BDNF as "Miracle-Gro for your brain." BDNF is a powerful protein that essentially stimulates the production of new brain cells and strengthens existing ones. More specifically, when your body releases BDNF, it flips the switch on a series of genes that grow brand new brain cells and pathways. High levels of BDNF make you learn faster, remember better, age slower and rapidly rewire your brain.
As if that wasn't enough, BDNF also increases your brain's neuroplasticity. When your brain cells get damaged or if you are facing a stressful situation, BDNF protects them and helps them come back even stronger. It causes your neural pathways to become more flexible instead of shutting down.
If you're looking for natural, non-toxin brain steroids, then you need look no further than our fungal friend Lion's Mane. Mounting evidence points to this mushroom as helping to support cognitive functioning, boost mental focus and improve memory. Research in humans found positive results on mental functioning in the elderly,  and the mushroom's mood-boosting properties (more on that soon) help to promote a focused, calm and peaceful state of mind. Animal models show reduction in beta-amyloid plaque , a major bio-indicator that this mushroom can help to restore brain health; and there is also evidence that Lion's Mane interacts with parts of the brain's reward circuitry, specifically kappa-opioid receptors in the brain, that are related to learning and memory.  The biologically active compounds in Lion's Mane are thought to easily cross the blood-brain barrier for optimal neural-activity.
And, finally, preliminary studies on mice are showing that it may achieve its effects on the mood front by upregulating neurogenesis in the hippocampus.  The hippocampus is the area of the brain that neuroscientists believe to be responsible for regulating things like emotional stability and memory.
Studies in animal models have found enhanced immune functioning, particularly via antimicrobial activity in the gut and even anti-cancer activity from use of Lion's Mane. Because of its bacterial effects in the intestines, it has been shown to induce positive changes in probiotic gut bacteria, which in and of itself has numerous positive effects in terms of immunity. The mushroom also has beneficial effects on insulinemic response and blood sugar response  and seems to have various anti-inflammatory properties, all of which largely work together on various pathways in tandem to keep the body's immune system in tip-top shape.
Cancer is a complex disease, and Lion's Mane should absolutely not be considered a cure by any stretch; however, early research is showing it holds promise and definitely warrants further investigation in this area. Lab and animal studies suggest that the mushroom has cancer-fighting abilities thanks to several of its unique compounds. [30–31] In fact, when Lion's Mane mushroom extract is mixed with human cancer cells in a test tube, it causes the cancer cells to die at a faster rate. What's more, is that this has been demonstrated with several types of cancer cells, including colon, stomach, blood and liver cancer cells. [32,33,34] Another fascinating study discovered that an extract of Lion's Mane was actually more effective than traditional cancer medicines at slowing tumor growth in mice and also had fewer side effects.  But it's also important to note that the cancer-fighting effects of Lion's Mane have yet to be tested in humans, so more research is clearly needed.
In keeping with its reputation as a whole-body health tonic, Lion's Mane mushroom benefits heart health in a number of ways, in particular, by balancing cholesterol levels as well as improving circulation throughout the body. One study done on mice found that consuming an extract of the mushroom reduced total cholesterol, in addition to the bad LDL variety and triglycerides, while also increasing the good HDL cholesterol. Further studies in rats and mice have found that Lion's Mane also improves fat metabolism systemically. [36–37] In fact, in one of the papers, rats that were fed a high-fat diet while simultaneously being given daily doses of Lion's Mane extract were found to have 27% lower triglyceride levels and 42% less weight gain after 28 days of the therapy.  Finally, it may also improve circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation and preventing the thickening of arteries characteristic of atherosclerosis.
If all of that wasn't enough, Lion's Mane mushroom has been revered all through history for its culinary, spiritual and medicinal properties documented primarily within Asia. A long-time favorite of royalty and Buddhist Shaolin monks, the mushroom has been used historically to enhance and support meditation practice to generate "Qi"—a form of life force energy essential to an effective spiritual practice and for overall health and well-being—in the body. It was also referred to in Japan as "yamabushitake," which means "Mountain Priest Mushroom," a reference to its known effects on centering the mind and increasing spiritual potency.
Whenever possible, look for USDA-certified organic Lion's Mane products or those certifiably harvested sustainably in the wild. Mushrooms always consist of an inner and outer network. The inner network is generally known as the mycelium, and the outer network is known as the fruiting body. Products grown in the wild generally have both of these parts, while products grown indoors often, but not always, contain only the mycelium. Ideally, look for a full-spectrum inner and outer network product, whenever possible.
Sometimes fruiting body-only products have richer levels of active compounds; however, these ingredients are often grown outdoors (meaning that the growing environment isn't always controlled properly). This makes it important to be sure that the source doesn't have airborne heavy metals contamination. This can be avoided by seeking US-grown products or making sure those that come from India or China are certifiably grown in rural, pollution-free areas.
Also, keep an eye out for products that use a heat-based or enzyme-treated mushroom extract as these methods help breakdown any potential anti-nutritional factors the mushroom may have produced in self-defense against predators that sometimes can slightly impede absorption.
As far as dosages go, depending on the extract and source, benefits can be achieved with as little as a few hundred milligrams and can exceed up to several grams daily. Benefits can also be achieved when taken every other day, rotating with other medicinal mushrooms.
Sun Potion offers an ultra-high quality, certified organic, US-grown, full-spectrum Lion's Mane mushroom, including the fruiting body, primordia, spores and extracellular compounds produced throughout the entire life cycle for maximum medicinal potency and effectiveness. Minimally processed with a beneficial enzyme for optimum bioavailability.
Host Defense offers an organic full-spectrum Lion's Mane extract in convenient capsule form that is freeze-dried for maximum freshness and medicinal activity. Gently heat extracted to enhance bioavailability, their mushrooms are grown on their pristine farm where they can control the growing environment to enhance medicinal compounds in the product.
OM offers a California-grown, certified organic Lion's Mane mushroom extract grown using a specially developed methodology utilizing organic oats to produce a highly nutrient rich medicinal mushroom. This full-spectrum product is rich in polysaccharides, beta glucans, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids and more.
Four Sigmatic offers a tasty Lion's Mane tea extract in a convenient sachet for easy use on the go. But make no mistake, this is an ultra-high quality product made with organic wood-grown mushrooms, just like you'd find deep in the forest, that packs a serious brain-boosting medicinal punch. Delicious as a tea or a non-caffeinated coffee substitute.
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12. Yao W, Zhang JC, Dong C, et al. Effects of amycenone on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and depression-like behavior in mice after lipopolysaccharide administration. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2015;136:7-12.
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15. Mori K, Ouchi K, Hirasawa N. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion's Mane Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in a Coculture System of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and RAW264 Macrophages. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015;17(7):609-18.
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17. Zhu L, Wu D, Zhang H, et al. Effects of Atmospheric and Room Temperature Plasma (ARTP) Mutagenesis on Physicochemical Characteristics and Immune Activity In Vitro of Hericium erinaceus Polysaccharides. Molecules. 2019;24(2).
18. Chaiyasut C, Woraharn S, Sivamaruthi BS, Lailerd N, Kesika P, Peerajan S. Lactobacillus fermentum HP3-Mediated Fermented Hericium erinaceus Juice as a Health Promoting Food Supplement to Manage Diabetes Mellitus. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2018;23:2515690X18765699.
19. He X, Wang X, Fang J, et al. Structures, biological activities, and industrial applications of the polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom: A review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2017;97:228-237.
20. Noh HJ, Yang HH, Kim GS, et al. Chemical constituents of Hericium erinaceum associated with the inhibitory activity against cellular senescence in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2015;30(6):934-40.
21. Kim SP, Moon E, Nam SH, Friedman M. Hericium erinaceus mushroom extracts protect infected mice against Salmonella Typhimurium-Induced liver damage and mortality by stimulation of innate immune cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2012;60(22):5590-6.
22. Wang M, Konishi T, Gao Y, Xu D, Gao Q. Anti-Gastric Ulcer Activity of Polysaccharide Fraction Isolated from Mycelium Culture of Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes). Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015;17(11):1055-60.
23. Qin M, Geng Y, Lu Z, et al. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes), in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2016;18(3):227-34.
24. Jiang S, Wang S, Sun Y, Zhang Q. Medicinal properties of Hericium erinaceus and its potential to formulate novel mushroom-based pharmaceuticals. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2014;98(18):7661-70.
25. Therkelsen SP, Hetland G, Lyberg T, Lygren I, Johnson E. Effect of a Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract, AndoSan™, on Symptoms, Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo Controlled Study. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(3):e0150191.
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27. Kim YO, Lee SW, Oh CH, Rhee YH. Hericium erinaceus suppresses LPS-induced pro-inflammation gene activation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2012;34(3):504-12.
28. Geng Y, Zhu S, Lu Z, Xu H, Shi JS, Xu ZH. Anti-inflammatory activity of mycelial extracts from medicinal mushrooms. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2014;16(4):319-25.
29. Lee KF, Chen JH, Teng CC, et al. Protective effects of Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its isolated erinacine A against ischemia-injury-induced neuronal cell death via the inhibition of iNOS/p38 MAPK and nitrotyrosine. Int J Mol Sci. 2014;15(9):15073-89.
30. Lee SR, Jung K, Noh HJ, et al. A new cerebroside from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus and its applicability to cancer treatment. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2015;25(24):5712-5.
31. Li Y, Zhang G, Ng TB, Wang H. A novel lectin with antiproliferative and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activities from dried fruiting bodies of the monkey head mushroom Hericium erinaceum. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2010;2010:716515.
32. Kim SP, Kang MY, Choi YH, Kim JH, Nam SH, Friedman M. Mechanism of Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake) mushroom-induced apoptosis of U937 human monocytic leukemia cells. Food Funct. 2011;2(6):348-56.
33. Li W, Zhou W, Kim EJ, Shim SH, Kang HK, Kim YH. Isolation and identification of aromatic compounds in Lion's Mane Mushroom and their anticancer activities. Food Chem. 2015;170:336-42.
34. Li G, Yu K, Li F, et al. Anticancer potential of Hericium erinaceus extracts against human gastrointestinal cancers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;153(2):521-30.
35. Li G, Yu K, Li F, et al. Anticancer potential of Hericium erinaceus extracts against human gastrointestinal cancers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;153(2):521-30.
36. Choi WS, Kim YS, Park BS, Kim JE, Lee SE. Hypolipidaemic Effect of Hericium erinaceum Grown in Artemisia capillaris on Obese Rats. Mycobiology. 2013;41(2):94-9.
37. Yang BK, Park JB, Song CH. Hypolipidemic effect of an Exo-biopolymer produced from a submerged mycelial culture of Hericium erinaceus. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2003;67(6):1292-8.
38. Hiwatashi K, Kosaka Y, Suzuki N, et al. Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1447-51.


Ugandan novelist and short story writer, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi and Ghanaian novelist Ayesha Harruna Attah will chair the 2019 Writivism Short Story and Koffi Addo Nonfiction prizes' judging panels. They will be joined by Zimbabwean writer and editor, Emmanuel Sigauke and Ghanaian publisher, blogger and activist, Kinna Likimani for the short story prize as well as South African novelist, memoirist, poet and short story writer, Karen Jennings and Kenyan academic Dr. Christopher Ouma for the Koffi Addo Prize.
The judges will select ten entries for each prize that will be published in the 2019 annual Writivism anthology. They will further select three entries each for the prize shortlist. Six shortlisted writers for both prizes will join the judges to attend the 2019 Annual Writivism Festival in Kampala, between August 15 and 18 where they will receive USD 150$ cash. A winner for each prize will receive USD 500$ cash on being announced, qualify for a one-month writing (editing) residency at Stellenbosch University (and a stipend of USD 500$) and a publishing offer from Black Letter Media for their debut manuscript.
Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, a Ugandan novelist and short story writer, has a PhD from Lancaster University. Her first novel, Kintu, won the Kwani? Manuscript Project in 2013 and was longlisted for the Etisalat Prize in 2014. Her short story Let's Tell This Story Properly won the 2014 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, and will be included in her first collection of stories, Manchester Happened, to be published by Oneworld in 2019 and by Transit Books as Let's Tell This Story Properly for the North American market. In 2018, Jennifer was awarded the prestigious Windham-Campbell Prize for Fiction to support her writing. She lives in Manchester with her husband, Damian, and her son, Jordan, and teaches creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Born to two Ghanaian journalists, Ayesha Harruna Attah grew up in Accra and was educated at Mount Holyoke College, Columbia University, and NYU. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Asymptote Magazine, and the Caine Prize Writers' Anthology. Her debut novel, Harmattan Rain was nominated for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. Her second novel, Saturday's Shadows, was published in English and Dutch. In 2016 she was awarded the Miles Morland Foundation Scholarship. Her latest novel The Hundred Wells of Salaga has been translated into various languages.
Emmanuel Sigauke teaches English at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, California. Educated at Gwavachemai Secondary school in rural Zimbabwe and High Field High school in Harare, studied English at the University of Zimbabwe and California State University, Sacramento. He has been published in poetry and fiction anthologies, and his collection of short stories, Mukoma's Marriage and other Stories, was a finalist in the 2015 NAMA awards, Zimbabwe. In 2015 he co-edited Roses for Betty and other Stories, published by the Centre for African Cultural Excellence (CACE) and is the sole editor for Sundown and other stories, the 2016 Writivism Annual anthology and Transcending the Flame, the 2018 Writivism mentoring anthology. He has edited various other anthologies, notably the African Roar series. He has been a mentor on the Writivism programme and judge of the short story prize. He is also the founder and editor of Munyori Literary Journal. Emmanuel sits on the Writivism Advisory Board.
Karen Jennings holds Masters degrees in both English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town, and a PhD in English Literature from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her debut novel, Finding Soutbek, was shortlisted for the inaugural Etisalat Prize for Literature. In 2014, her short story collection, Away from the Dead, was longlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award. Her memoir, Travels with my Father, was published in 2016 and her poetry collection Space Inhabited by Echoes came out in 2018. In 2019 her new novel Upturned Earth will be published. She has recently completed postdoctoral research at the Federal University of Goiania, Brazil on the relationship between science and literature.
Kinna Likimani is a Director at Odekro, a Parliamentary monitoring organization based in Ghana. She is also the founder of Nsona Books which publishes fiction by emerging writers in Ghana. Her literary blog Kinna Reads, is one of the go-to locations online for dialogue on African literature. In 2012, she began an online based literacy challenge – the Africa Reading Challenge – which encourages participants to read, discover and discuss African literature for one year. She has degrees from Smith College and Columbia University in the U.S. Prior to her return to Ghana in 2004, she worked for ten years at Columbia University in the fields of medical informatics and technology transfer. She and her brood of boys live in Accra.
Christopher Ouma holds a Doctorate from the Department of African Literature at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a senior lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Cape Town. His research and teaching interests include the broader field of contemporary African and African Diasporic literary and cultural production. He is interested in African popular culture, black print cultures particularly small magazines, literary journals and literary periodicals. He has held fellowships at the Open University, Milton Keynes London, University of the Johannesburg and is currently the Mandela fellow at the Hutchins Centre at Harvard University. He has co-edited The Spoken Word Project: Stories Traveling through Africa, and recently co-edited a special issue of The Black Scholar titled "After Madiba: Black Studies in South Africa." He is co-editor of the Journal Social Dynamics: A Journal of African Studies. Chris is currently finishing a monograph on the imagination of childhood in contemporary African and African Diasporic literature" while working on a new project on "Contemporary Small Magazines and Black Internationalism".
Unpublished writers who live in any African country can submit their short fiction and creative nonfiction for the 2019 Writivism and Koffi Addo prizes until December 31, 2018. Find the submission guidelines here.


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Jay Barry Harris (1955-2016)
Eric C. Rosenberg
INSURER NOT OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR JERRY SANDUSKY'S LEGAL FEES
IADC Committee Newsletter
On March 1, 2013, U.S. District Judge Yvette Kane of the Middle District of Pennsylvania held that Federal Insurance Co. ("Federal") owed no duty to indemnify Jerry Sandusky's for legal fees incurred defending his criminal and civil actions. The Second Mile, Sandusky's charity, purchased Directors & Officers Liability and Entity Liability Coverage ("D & O") and Employment Practices Liability Coverage ("EPL") from Federal effective April 1, 2011 through April 1, 2012. The policy provided coverage for The Second Mile, its directors and officers on a "claims made" basis. This claim for reimbursement of legal fees arose from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury which charged Sandusky with multiple crimes related to his alleged sexual abuse of several male children, the criminal trial in which he was found guilty and sentenced to prison and the civil action filed against him in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
In December 2011, Sandusky filed a claim with Federal seeking coverage under the D & O and EPL policies purchased by The Second Mile. Federal responded by agreeing to defend him under a reservation of all rights and to advance $125,000 to Sandusky's criminal defense attorney. On the same day, Federal brought a declaratory judgment action against Sandusky, seeking a ruling that it was not obligated to provide coverage. In March 2012, Federal moved for a judgment on the pleadings, arguing that insurance coverage for the allegations against Sandusky violated public policy. The Court held that Pennsylvania's public policy does not permit the enforcement of the insurance policy issued to The Second Mile to the extent that it requires the indemnification of Sandusky for civil liability arising out of his alleged sexual abuse of children. However, the court deferred answering the question of whether Federal was obligated to provide Sandusky with a legal defense in his civil and criminal actions. Because Federal's motion related solely to its argument that coverage should be voided as contrary to public policy, the court did not determine whether the policy actually covered Sandusky's defense costs.
In its latest motion for summary judgment, Federal sought a declaration that it had no duty to defend or indemnify Sandusky, arguing that his alleged wrongful acts were not committed in an "insured capacity," i.e. in his role as a director, officer or employee of The Second Mile. Federal also renewed its argument that coverage for Sandusky's acts violated public policy. It also argued that no further discovery was necessary as collateral estoppel precluded the denial of facts underlying his criminal conviction.
Sandusky opposed the motion, arguing that "insured capacity" as defined in the policy was ambiguous. He also requested the opportunity to conduct discovery related to language contained in other Federal policies to exclude coverage for sexual abuse or molestation, information related to that exclusion that Federal submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance and Federal's underwriting manuals. Finally, Sandusky requested the opportunity to review the claims files related to the Federal policy.
Judge Kane rejected Sandusky's arguments, holding for Federal because she found that Sandusky's serial child abuse did not take place in his role as an agent of the charity, despite Sandusky's meeting his victims through his work with The Second Mile. She wrote that, "[a]pplying the facts set forth in the criminal and civil claims against defendant Sandusky to the language of the insurance policy leads to the clear conclusion that defendant Sandusky's offenses against children . . . were not conducted in his capacity as an employee or executive of The Second Mile." Specifically, Judge Kane reasoned that the sexual assaults described in the Grand Jury report took place in the "basement of Defendant Sandusky'shome, at a hotel, in Defendant's car, and on the Penn State campus." Similarly, the civil complaint contained allegations that Sandusky's abuse took place in the "facilities of Penn State, including the football locker room, within Philadelphia County, at out-of- state facilities connected with a Penn State bowl game, and at the Sanduskyhome."
However, the civil complaint also contained allegations that Sandusky "molested multiple victims through his activities with Second Mile and Penn State, dating back to the 1970's," and that some of the abuse occurred "during the course of activities of Second Mile." Judge Kane concluded that those allegations did not trigger coverage reasoning that the sexual molestation which occurred "during the course of activities of Second Mile . . . cannot be said to have been in Sandusky'scapacity as an executive or employee of The Second Mile." To support this conclusion, Judge Kane reasoned that Sandusky did not engage in wrongful conduct "in furtherance of his duties for The Second Mile." The fact that Sanduskymet his victims through his work with The Second Mile "did not change that his sexual abuse of children was personal in nature, and performed in his individual capacity." Consequently, the court ruled that the Federal policy did not cover Sandusky's acts of sexual abuse and that no further discovery was necessary.
This decision is consistent with Pennsylvania law which has traditionally upheld the insurer's right to disclaim coverage in sexual molestation cases. In finding for insurers, the Courts have held that public policy cannot condone requiring insurance coverage for such abhorrent conduct. Insurers have utilized this public policy argument to support their contention that this type of conduct does not constitute an occurrence, that the expected or intended exclusion would apply, or in this case, his conduct did not fall within Sandusky's capacity as an executive or employee of Second Mile.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


What Do You Know About Lupus?
May is Lupus Awareness Month, and boy, does this disease need it.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), 73 percent of Americans between 18-34 have either not heard about lupus or know little or nothing about lupus beyond the name. To put that in perspective, there are approximately 400,000 Americans living with multiple sclerosis and about 1 million living with Parkinson's disease.
The Lupus Foundation of America wants you to "Get to KNOW LUPUS." Allsup team members probably know more than most Americans because we help individuals with lupus obtain Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if they cannot continue working. Allsup is pleased to support LFA chapters throughout the country.
"Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is both mysterious and cruel," said LFA Heartland patient services manager Rosemary Chustak.
While lupus can strike anyone at any time, 90 percent of people living with lupus are females. Women of color are at an especially high risk. Hispanic, Asian and Native American populations also have an increased risk. Lupus usually develops between the ages of 15 and 44. Although symptoms range from mild to life threatening, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the disease is now more manageable than in years past.
Common symptoms include joint pain, headaches, anemia, edema, pleurisy, photosensitivity, hair loss, abnormal blood clotting, mouth or nose ulcers, skin rashes, overwhelming fatigue and fevers. For some people with lupus, symptoms can be debilitating, even to the point of forcing them to stop working.
I was at the St. Louis Walk to End Lupus Now last weekend and I talked with people about the challenges they face living with lupus, including the struggle to keep working. Many who had to stop working had filed for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and, like most who apply, they were denied benefits. They were looking for a better way to apply for SSDI or appeal their denial.
I was happy to tell them about empower by Allsup®, a free online tool that helps people determine their likelihood of obtaining SSDI benefits, and improves their chances of getting approved if they are eligible.
Lupus thrivers, share this blog and help me spread the word.
By Allsup|2018-03-21T17:46:21+00:00May 12th, 2017|Comments Off on What Do You Know About Lupus?


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Kris Jenner Slams President Obama's Remarks About Kim Kardashian & Kanye West [VIDEO]
NewsOne Staff
Kardashian family matriarch Kris Jenner pulled no punches on her show Kris Friday night when responding to President Barack Obama's subjectively defamatory remarks about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
During an interview with David Blum for Kindle Singles, Obama reflected on the distortion of the American Dream, blaming hyper-exposure to "the rich and famous" for youth having unrealistic perspectives of what qualifies as success. According to the POTUS, instead of striving for a quality education and a good job, young people now seek an extravagant lifestyle:
"The American Dream involved some pretty basic stuff. A good job where you felt some security. A good education… People felt if they worked hard they could get there… I don't think people went around saying to themselves, 'I need to have a 10,000-square-foot house'… I think, there has also been a shift in culture. We weren't exposed to the things we didn't have in the same way that kids these days are. There was not that window into the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Kids weren't monitoring every day what Kim Kardashian was wearing, or where Kanye West was going on vacation, and thinking that somehow that was the mark of success."
Makes sense, right?
Kris Jenner didn't think so and went all the way in on the POTUS:
"It's really great that people aspire to get a great job … but I wasn't aware that you could only set the bar so high and that we could only dream so big," Jenner said after reading the president's remarks to guest co-host, E! News' Terrence Jenkins. "I was taught: Dream big, work hard and you could have whatever you wanted."
"I bet the President has some friends with 10,000 square foot houses and that [you] probably wouldn't mind going over there, Mr. President, when you were asking them to have a party for you while you were campaigning for dollars to run for president."
"I find it so odd that he's picking on Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Well, Kanye West, first of all, doesn't go on vacation. Ever," Jenner said. "And Kim Kardashian is the hardest-working young lady in the world. She never sleeps, she never stops, she never slows down and works so hard for what she's got."
So I started thinking about her 10,000 square foot house, and I thought, 'Wow, her job affords her to live in a 10,000 square foot house, and if I'm not mistaken, Mr. President's job affords him to live in a 55,000 square foot house."
See Jenner's full remarks below:
Though Jenner makes some valid points, we're going to have to ride with Obama on this one — even if he clearly thinks West is a jackass. Not once did he criticize West or Kardashian in his recent remarks, rather the media's fixation with the couple that exposes them to a generation of children who view their wealth as the benchmark for success.
Our youth needs to understand that if they don't have a 10,000 square foot house — or are unable to afford West's $120 t-shirts — they are not failures.
And Jenner needs to understand that working hard to achieve success, and working hard to maintain success after being born on third base, are two very different things.
Rep: Chris Brown Suffers Seizure Because Of Stress
Usher Retains Custody, Hugs Ex-Wife After Emergency Hearing [VIDEO]
Kris Jenner Slams President Obama's Remarks About Kim Kardashian & Kanye West [VIDEO] was originally published on newsone.com
Kanye West	, kim kardashian	, Kris	, Kris Jenner	, president barack obama	, trending	, Trending Now
Also On WERE-AM 1490:
A Photo Book Into The Life Of Civil Rights Icon & Congressman John Lewis


Add vibrancy to your food with Organic Beetroot Powder. A highly versatile Beetroot Powder is gluten free and provides a sweet and earthy taste which can be enjoyed in juices, smoothies or baking for a bring boost to your dish.
Mix 2 teaspoons (6.4g) of Organic Beetroot Powder into juices, smoothies, in baking or other foods.


text:
Entertainment Festival Plus
OFFTA unveils the vibrant programming of its 16th edition
The 16th edition of OFFTA, a festival of performing arts, will be held from May 27 to June 5, 2022. An invitation to discover dazzling works put forward by the new generation of interdisciplinary artists.
This year, OFFTA returns to its (re)materialized form, like a breath of spring air that will allow the public to reconnect with the effervescence of festival life. The festival's programming offers a series of indoor and outdoor performances across different neighbourhoods of Montreal, investing not only in the city's theatres, but also in its libraries, telephone booths and wooded areas.
This OFFTA hatches, blooms, is shared. It is a plural and generous landscape, full of food.
This (very) long winter has simmered us with bright and bursting blooms. The works around which we will gather have matured in this fluctuating context, between dazzling and pitfalls.
Some are full of defiant power, hope, while others have found the strength to look at the awful, the monstrous and the unacceptable. Head on. Still others have simply gone on whimsical runs, mouths open to drunkenness.
Some have long fermented their desire to be shared, others will launch for the first time in front of you, fresh and green. The cycles were not the same for each of them, but the vertigo of the encounter is shared.
May this feast be impetuous, indocile and supportive!
– Excerpt from the editorial Présent élargi, written by
Claudel Doucet, Artistic Director and Co-General Manager and the entire festival team
ARTISTS OF THE 16th EDITION
Joshua Sofaer and Marion Leeper and Stéphane Maddix Albert and Kamini Ramachandran, Aurélie Pedron | Lilith & Cie, Nate Yaffe, Guillaume Saindon | 2359, Sarah Wendt and Pascal Dufaux, Collectif Tôle, Katia-Marie Germain, Camille Paré-Poirier, Kama La Mackerel, Rachelle Bourget, Audrée Juteau and N. Zoey Gauld and Catherine Lavoie-Marcus | Appendix A, Adam Kinner and Christopher Willes, Mohammadreza Akrami, JJ Houle and Charles Voyer | Independent Theatre, Caroline Gravel, Odile Gamache, Emile Pineault, Safia Nolin and Maryse Goudreau
See the full program here
ACCESS TO THE FESTIVAL
Always in a desire to improve the accessibility of the festival, OFFTA reiterates its philanthropic model of solidarity passes set up in the pandemic context. This initiative expands access to the festival while promoting a collective rather than an individual approach. Public participation demonstrates the commitment to OFFTA and the artists presented there, since 1/3 of the ticketing revenues will be given to the artists.
Starting April 21, festival-goers will be able to purchase one of the four passes giving access to the entire festival: the accessible at $30 and then the solidarity at $50 (donation of $20), $70 (donation of $40) and $90 (donation of $60). With the Early Bird, the pass will allow from April 21 to reserve tickets for the shows Bedtime Stories, Invisible, faith hole, HéTéROTOPIAS – Espèces Inconnues, and Feu de forêt. From May 3rd, reservations will be possible for the entire program with the pass.
OFFTA
offta.com
info@offta.com
#offta2022
GLASS ANIMALS RELEASES "I DON'T WANNA TALK (I JUST WANNA DANCE)" WITH ALBERT HAMMOND JR.
Virus: 32 on Shudder


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text:
Alumna's gratitude transforms Department of Restorative Dentistry & Prosthodontics
Published: August 05, 2021 by Kyle Rogers and John Evans Jr.
Dr. Victoria Cisneros (middle) stands with husband, Ricardo, and son, Ricky, in front of the Victoria Q. Cisneros, DDS, MS, Advanced Prosthodontics Clinic. Photo by Brian Schnupp.
Dr. Victoria Cisneros (middle) stands with Dr. Maria A. Loza (left), Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics chair, and Dr. John Valenza, dean, during the Advanced Prosthodontics Clinic naming reception. Photo by Brian Schnupp.
As Victoria Q. Cisneros, DDS, MS, balanced classes, labs, and clinics with family life, her fellow students would prove themselves much more than just classmates.
Dr. Cisneros started the Advanced Education in Prosthodontics Program at UTHealth School of Dentistry later than most; more than a decade after earning her DDS at University of De La Salle Bajío in Mexico, she had settled into life in Houston with her husband—third-generation Corpus Christi native Ricardo Cisneros—and young son, Ricky.
Her parents, Rafael Antonio Quiteño and Maria Teresa Marmol, had instilled in her the importance of education. When Jarvis Chan, DDS, PhD, encouraged her to apply to the School of Dentistry's program—offering his support and guidance—she was receptive to the idea.
"At the time though, I didn't have anyone to take care of Ricky. My husband worked nights at the airport," Dr. Cisneros said, adding that even with his tough work schedule, Ricardo—her husband now of 34 years—loved and supported her tremendously while she pursued her training.
With permission from Catherine Flaitz, DDS, MS, then dean of the school, Dr. Cisneros brought Ricky to her 7 a.m. pathology class—which Dr. Flaitz taught—before dropping him off at school. Her fellow students stepped in to help Dr. Cisneros manage her competing responsibilities; she remembers Patricia Riano, DDS, MS, taking Ricky to and from school when needed, while Amanda Echeverria, DDS, MS, and Fabian Paluk, DDS, MS, would bring him to the library for homework.
"It was tough, but Ricky was such a great kid," Dr. Cisneros said. "I am so thankful for my friends and classmates who went out of their way for us. He will actually be a dentist in a couple of years himself now."
Even with her own demanding schedule, Dr. Cisneros also found a way to help others, hosting the international students in her class—often from Latin American countries—on weekends and holidays so they would not feel homesick.
Since graduating in 2003 and developing her own private practice, Cisneros Dental Group, Dr. Cisneros has decided to give back to the program in a big way: pledging a substantial gift to the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, with an endowment to be established now and an estate commitment to bolster the future of the program. In recognition of her generosity, the graduate clinic will be named the "Victoria Q. Cisneros, DDS, MS, Advanced Prosthodontics Clinic."
"On behalf of our students, residents, faculty, and staff, I thank Dr. Cisneros for her generous support of UTHealth School of Dentistry," said Dean John A. Valenza, DDS, holder of the William N. Finnegan III Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Dental Sciences. "Her gift will advance innovative patient care, education, and research for the Advanced Prosthodontics Program and nurture the education of specialists like her for generations to come."
This is Dr. Cisneros's second major gift to the School of Dentistry; she established the Veteran's Oral Health Endowment in 2017 to honor members of her husband's family who served in the military: his father, Antonio, fought in World War II, and his three brothers served in Vietnam. That endowment also serves as a tribute to her mentor, Air Force veteran Robert L. Engelmeier, DMD, former director of the Advanced Education in Prosthodontics Program, who went the extra mile for residents and played a crucial role in her success.
"I come from a family of giving, so helping others was normal for me growing up," she said. "I also want to set an example for Ricky so he can continue to give back to the community."
Always grateful for those who helped her achieve her goals, Dr. Cisneros remembers them well: Mauricio Recinos, DDS, MS, who welcomed her into the program with open arms; Maria Gonzalez, DDS, MS, currently an associate professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics at the School of Dentistry, who helped with lab work during preceptor training; and Santiago Caram, DDS, MS, and Xavier Saab, DDS, MS, who helped her with PowerPoint presentations.
"I was lucky to have good friends and classmates when I was there," she said. "We always helped each other."
Looking back, the notion that "good times become good memories, but tough times become good lessons" resonates for Dr. Cisneros. However challenging it was, though, she wouldn't change a thing about her experience at UTHealth School of Dentistry, as it marked her path in dentistry.
"I received so much from the school, and I wouldn't be in the position I am now if it weren't for that opportunity," she said.
For information on ways to support UTHealth School of Dentistry through scholarships or other gifts, visit uth.edu/giving or contact UTHealth Office of Development at 713-500-3200.
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text:
Expect Closures Overnight Nov. 28 & 29 on I-25 Near Monument Hill
Expect Closures Overnight Nov. 28 & 29 on I-25 Near Monument Hill Nov. 26, 2018 - https://www.codot.gov/news/2018/november/expect-closures-overnight-nov-28-29-on-i-25-near-monument-hill https://www.codot.gov/@@site-logo/siteLogo.png
Nov. 26, 2018 -
MONUMENT—From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. overnight both Wednesday, Nov. 28 and Thursday, Nov. 28, crews will close a section of I-25 near Monument Hill as they repair pavement and stripe.
This is preparatory work for construction on the seven-mile-long southern portion of the 18-mile I-25 South Gap project, between Greenland Road and Monument. Prior to this, the most active construction has been along the northern five miles of the project, between Plum Creek Parkway and Sky View Lane (Tomah Road).
Travel Impacts
From 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 through 5 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, crews will close southbound I-25 between Monument Hill and Colorado Highway 105.
From 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29 through 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, the southbound I-25 section will be open and crews will close the same section on the northbound I-25 side. All construction schedules are weather dependent.
Detour Route
Traffic will funnel into one lane around the closures and detour through the weigh stations on I-25, a half mile north of CO 105. Please watch for crews and follow posted speed limits.
Additional Lane Closure Information
From 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. throughout construction, travelers can expect I-25 lane and ramp closures.
Two lanes of traffic will remain open during the day in both directions on I-25. Watch for trucks entering and exiting the median and obey the reduced speed limit, which is 65 mph in the I-25 construction zone and 40 mph on the frontage roads.
CDOT is improving 18 miles of I-25 from south of Castle Rock to Monument by widening the road from two to three lanes in each direction. The new lane will operate as an Express Lane, allowing motorists the choice of taking the Express Lane for a faster and more reliable travel time in exchange for a toll, or driving the general-purpose lanes for free. Carpools with three or more people will be able to ride the Express Lane for free.
Other improvements include widening the shoulders, rebuilding bridges, building new wildlife crossings, resurfacing with new pavement and modernizing technology.
The cost of the project is $350 million. Substantial completion of the project is expected late 2021, with Express Lanes opening in 2022.
i25gap.codot.gov
Text alerts: Text I25GAP to 21000
Travel conditions: COtrip.org
See scheduled lane closures.
Sign up for project email alerts
Project: I-25 South Gap
homepage news
Southeastern Colorado (Region 2)
GovD: Southeast Colorado
Central/Eastern Colorado (Region 1)
GovD: Denver Metro Area


Today I spent the afternoon with a nice bunch of ladies who stitch at stars & scraps in corona ca…they all brought food and it was all fabulous…I so appreciate the fact that I got to stitch with them instead of being in my hotel room…here are some pics from the day…the ladies were working on some cool projects..
The Quilted Journey US Tour 2013 has arrived and the roadies (nick and I) will be setting up tomorrow…there is a quilt only preview tomorrow (wednesday)and then the show opens at 9am on Thursday…hope to see you then!
Wow–you did get to share a feast and all the projects look like a lot of fun! Wish I was there instead of freezing in MN.
I am loving that snowman project…is it yours? or any idea what the name of it is?
Am also liking the snowman!!
I have lived in California my whiole life. It's a nice place to live. You have snow, ocean, hills and mountains. It's a wonderful state.
Please tell me that the flowing vine with flowers that a couple of the gals were working on is one of yours. It is so pretty and dainty.
Glad to have you back in California! It looks like you had a great food and sewing get together with that group of ladies. Love all of the different projects they were working on. Can't wait to see you at the Road to CA, definitely stopping by your booth!!!
love it all, especially your "Flying High" photo!
Could someone tell me the name of the quilt in picture 4? Love it.
I just have to say "thank you" for blogging. I know it takes extra time out of your busy, busy day, but it is certainly appreciated. Enjoy your time with hubby!
It was nice to see the different projects being worked on. The food of course is very important to quilters too.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip experiences.. Hope your walk with your honey was nice. Looking forward to your next blog.
We still have Tuesday and Wednesday of this below zero stuff to put up with in Wisconsin! Isn't stitching with others just the best?
It's freezing her in Michigan too, so I'm staying home and working on my wool/flannel wall hanging I started with you last Aug. I'm putting the last of the boarders on and then going to get it ready to quilt (by hand) !!! Good luck with your show, and these ladies in the latest pictures look happy and talented !!!
I too appreciate you blogging. It make me feel like I am not missing out. The photos are so informative — different projects and different thread boxes. Wow — Thanks !
I enjoy looking at all the projects! Love them all!
Glad to have you here in California, it is colder than usual for this time of year but still better than the east coast. Wish I could go to the quilt show but I have jury duty. Maybe next year or in Long Beach at the quilt festival.
Wow the Weather Channel certainly predicted your lovely blanket of snow. Oh my the wind chill! How do yall stand all that cold weather? Guess its perfect for sitting inside by the fire stitching away on some wool!
What an AWESOME pic from the plane. Lots of talent in that room – wish I was there. Enjoy your "roadie" status and have a good time at the show.
Is that courthouse steps log cabin with the vine and flowers your design? I saw that quilt at the show but only a kit was available. I would love to have the pattern. If it is not yours do you know who's it is?
Loved your booth at RD2CA as usual….spent about $100!!!
Sorry Wendy… I really don't know anything about that quilt..It is not my design…Kathy was finishing the binding on it that day…for any info you would need to contact stars & scraps shop..
Thanks for your reply Lisa. Hope you sold everything in your booth!!!


Join us for our Spring Fling Dance and help encourage spring to come out of hibernation!
Put on your favorite MWS or BLAZE Spiritwear and help get Spring to come out and dance!!!
Guest DJ -- can you guess who the mystery dance DJ is????


text:
Bacteria and viruses induce production of interferon in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with acute meningitis: A study of 57 cases and review
T. Chonmaitree, S. Baron
The CSF of 57 infants and children with bacterial or enterovirus meningitis was analyzed for the presence of interferon (IFN). CSF was collected when the diagnosis of meningitis was made; a bacterium or enterovirus was isolated in all cases. IFN was detectable in CSF in 24% of cases of bacterial meningitis and in 75% of cases of viral meningitis. Titers of IFN were generally lower in cases of bacterial meningitis. Neither the presence of IFN nor the level of IFN titers correlated with the patient's age or number of white blood cells or mononuclear cells in the CSF. Coxsackievirus induced production of IFN more consistently and in higher titers than did echovirus. None of 35 control patients had detectable IFN in CSF. A literature review and our data indicate that the presence of IFN in CSF suggests infection of the CNS but does not differentiate bacterial from viral infection. The finding of IFN in the CSF of children with bacterial meningitis supports evidence that bacteria and other nonviral microorganisms induce IFN production. The protective role of IFN in nonviral infections deserves further investigation.
Reviews of infectious diseases
https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/13.6.1061
10.1093/clinids/13.6.1061
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'Bacteria and viruses induce production of interferon in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with acute meningitis: A study of 57 cases and review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Meningitis Medicine & Life Sciences
Interferons Medicine & Life Sciences
Cerebrospinal Fluid Medicine & Life Sciences
Bacteria Medicine & Life Sciences
Viruses Medicine & Life Sciences
Bacterial Meningitides Medicine & Life Sciences
Enterovirus Medicine & Life Sciences
Chonmaitree, T., & Baron, S. (1991). Bacteria and viruses induce production of interferon in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with acute meningitis: A study of 57 cases and review. Reviews of infectious diseases, 13(6), 1061-1065. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/13.6.1061
Bacteria and viruses induce production of interferon in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with acute meningitis : A study of 57 cases and review. / Chonmaitree, T.; Baron, S.
In: Reviews of infectious diseases, Vol. 13, No. 6, 1991, p. 1061-1065.
Chonmaitree, T & Baron, S 1991, 'Bacteria and viruses induce production of interferon in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with acute meningitis: A study of 57 cases and review', Reviews of infectious diseases, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 1061-1065. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/13.6.1061
Chonmaitree T, Baron S. Bacteria and viruses induce production of interferon in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with acute meningitis: A study of 57 cases and review. Reviews of infectious diseases. 1991;13(6):1061-1065. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/13.6.1061
Chonmaitree, T. ; Baron, S. / Bacteria and viruses induce production of interferon in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with acute meningitis : A study of 57 cases and review. In: Reviews of infectious diseases. 1991 ; Vol. 13, No. 6. pp. 1061-1065.
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AB - The CSF of 57 infants and children with bacterial or enterovirus meningitis was analyzed for the presence of interferon (IFN). CSF was collected when the diagnosis of meningitis was made; a bacterium or enterovirus was isolated in all cases. IFN was detectable in CSF in 24% of cases of bacterial meningitis and in 75% of cases of viral meningitis. Titers of IFN were generally lower in cases of bacterial meningitis. Neither the presence of IFN nor the level of IFN titers correlated with the patient's age or number of white blood cells or mononuclear cells in the CSF. Coxsackievirus induced production of IFN more consistently and in higher titers than did echovirus. None of 35 control patients had detectable IFN in CSF. A literature review and our data indicate that the presence of IFN in CSF suggests infection of the CNS but does not differentiate bacterial from viral infection. The finding of IFN in the CSF of children with bacterial meningitis supports evidence that bacteria and other nonviral microorganisms induce IFN production. The protective role of IFN in nonviral infections deserves further investigation.
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This recipe makes use of frozen and prepared foods-but could easily be adapted to a fresher, more labor involved version—but I love how quick and easy it is to prepare with frozen vegetables—especial when making for 1 person. And there is almost no loss of vitamins with frozen vegetables.
One exception--I strongly recommend the real bacon bits from a jar—not only are these are easy, but they have less fat (and calories) than home cooked bacon. They also make portion control easy, too. There is just enough bacon to add flavor, with out addding too much saturated fat (and calories.
You should start with the best eggs—organic, or something like Egglands Best—with more omega 3's than run of the mill grocery store eggs, and better flavor, too. Fresh eggs are going to fit into the nests better too.
¼ to ½ cup chopped/diced onion (fresh or frozen)--I like onion and always use the greater amount.
1 tbsp. bacon bits—Use Real bacon bits--not fake soy bits.—the kind sold for/with salad fixing.
Spray pan with vegetable spray and begin to sauté onions over medium high heat.
Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach. Add spinach to onion/bacon mixture and stir well.
Reduce heat to medium, and crack an egg into each nest.
Cover, and cook till whites are just set—or till cook as you like them.
(I like set whites, with slightly runny yolks)about 3 to 5 minutes.
But you can cook less, or more –depending on how well done you like your eggs.
Season with fresh ground pepper, serve with toast points, or on toasted English muffin.
No salt is required—the bacon has plenty.
Bread/English muffin (see package for details) It's a little high in fat, but good eggs provide some Omega 3 fats.
Ohhhhh that looks delicious! It's a must try for us because we love eggs. Thanks 1 And Happy Mother's Day!


First, let's get through the mouthful of a title I have up there. I decided to make a name for when I share artists I think you should be listening to. Music I think you need in your life. Now. So from now on I'll just title the blog "MYNIYL" and the name of the artist/band. Anyways, with that out of the way, let me introduce you to somebody.
So a few months ago NPR did a story about this Belgian pop star. I really enjoyed the story and the music but by the time I got home, I forgot his name. Then the other day I stumbled across this news article and video on my Facebook and re-found Stromae.
Have any of you seen the film Boyhood? If so, it would be easy to compare this novel to that film. But only if the film started when the main character was much younger and followed them further into his adulthood. The novel starts with a nine year old Phillip Carey dealing with his mother's death and follows him for a number of years. Phillip goes off to school, decides to drop school to follow different careers, and has numerous philosophical and physical struggles with who he is and what he's supposed to do with life. He has numerous frustrating relationships with women and plenty of humorous and frustrating friendships. This novel is actually a pretty lengthy novel but it reads as Boyhood is portrayed. Following the events of a mundane life through the growth of a person. In the movie and this novel, I continuously expected some kind of dramatic event to happen and usually, it didn't. You could make the argument that this means the novel or the movie is boring or you could make the argument that this means we are so conditioned to expect drama and unbelievable events that we don't know what to do when a book or movie does not provide us with this. Anyways, while this was a slow moving and undramatic novel, I still really enjoyed reading it and looked forward to each new decision Phillip made about his life. I know I saw a lot of myself in him, not being completely sure what he desires to do for the rest of his life and seeing the easy road and the more alluring road and trying to decide which is better.
This is a short and interesting novella. The story follows Marlow, the narrator, as he transports ivory down the Congo River in Africa. At times a damning presentation of European colonization and a racist depiction of civilization around the Congo, the book can be a frustrating read. But in the end the question is if the racism is there because that was the belief and images of Africa at the time or if it represents the actual beliefs of Joseph Conrad (the story is based on his experiences and travels in Africa). If it's the former, than this is an important novella to question the importance and effectiveness of European colonization in Africa. If it's the latter, than it's an unnecessary story that as long as it continues to be read, it will continue to promote incorrect images of Africa then and now. I don't really know who's job it would be to decide this. Maybe nobody's, maybe everybody's. That said, if you have any interest in this time period or love a good boating story, it's a quick read for you.
This novel is a complete criticism of small-town life. Because of being raised in a smaller town and moving to a major city as soon as possible, I connected to a lot of what this novel tries to say. The story is about Carol, a young woman from Saint Paul, Minnesota, and her marriage to a small-town doctor. He convinces her to move to Gopher Prairie and ultimately, she could not have prepared herself for how much she disliked the town. But she decides that with her education and experience, she can transform the town into a cultured and beautiful mecca in the midwest. Coming up against small town politics, cliques, conservatism, backstabbing, and hypocrisy, it's difficult to say she was successful. Then she starts making friends outside of her social class and this will create all new kinds of trouble. Although the story gets long-winded at parts and can seem somewhat meandering, I did enjoy it as a whole. The historical context of being set around World War I and the years leading up to Prohibition and the twenties also added great social insight into America at the end of our isolationism. But the best part of the novel might have been that my edition had pictures of different Main Streets from around the world to showcase how similar they all look and, we can assume, act.
It's feeling pretty good getting farther down the list. Next is #69, The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. I hated her novel Ethan Frome in high school so let's see how this goes.


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Lyre of Hermes (7 or 9 strings) – ancient Greek lyre
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"So then, I will give you this lyre, glorious son of Zeus…" - Homeric Hymn to Hermes, line 490
This is a replica of a chelys lyre, named after the ancient god Hermes. According to ancient Greek mythology, Hermes was the one who invented the lyre in the first place. As the story goes, the young god Hermes stole a herd of sacred cows from Apollo. Along the way, Hermes slaughtered one of them and offered all but the entrails to the gods. From the entrails, he created the lyre. Apollo was furious, but after hearing the sound of the lyre, his anger faded. He offered to trade the herd of cattle for the lyre.
LUTHIEROS Lyre of Hermes has 7 strings, and it can be considered as a base instrument for anyone willing to learn how to play it, as many top-players and lyre instructors use 7-strings lyres for their courses. A 9-strings version is also available, giving a chromatic range of a full octave. With the use of harmonics and other advanced playing techniques, a 7-strings or 9-strings lyre can produce three to four full octaves, along with the sharps!
"He sang the story of the deathless gods and the dark earth, how at the first they came to be, and how each one received his portion." - Homeric Hymn to Hermes, line 414-435
Endorsed by the Best
Great performers using LUTHIEROS Lyre of Hermes
^ Theodore Koumartzis playing a LUTHIEROS Lyre of Hermes during rehearshals for PAUSIS Project coming album release.
Historic Accuracy & Playability
It's not a battle. It's about finding the right balance.
^ Orpheus seated playing the lyre, while Thracian soldiers listening to his music. Krater found in Gela (Sicily), 5th century B.C.. Antikensammlung Berlin collection.
< Orpheus seated playing the lyre, while Thracian soldiers listening to his music. Krater found in Gela (Sicily), 5th century B.C.. Antikensammlung Berlin collection.
Bringing Ancient Artifacts Back to Life
To handcraft premium ancient-replicas with a focus to the modern musician, you have to research a lot, analyze hundreds of ancient depictions, build a lot of prototypes, test them with great musicians, etc.
And all of these, to conclude to meaningful compromises that have to be made, that are both deeply justified and make sense in terms of usability/playability. All in all, our ultimate goal is to serve the modern musician, and to bring ancient artifacts back to life as fully functional musical instruments.
Manufactured at the premises of the ancient Europos (Northern Greece) by a family of musicians and luthiers, the LUTHIEROS Lyre of Hermes is made exclusively using natural materials available during the antiquity. All parts are made of quality wood with great musicality, the soundbox is a reproduction of an actual tortoiseshell, while the tuning pegs are made by ebony and mulberry wood. The bottom part of the strings is attached to animal skin, while the plectrum is manufactured by wood.
This ancient artifact was evolved to become a modern musical instrument ready to be used by both amateur and professional musicians. For all the minor (but very important) alterations, top-notch technologies were used during the prototyping phase (such as 3d Modeling and rapid prototyping) as part of University-based research by members of LUTHIEROS family. Key collaborations include the International Hellenic University and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Koumartzis et al. (2015). A New Music Instrument from Ancient Times: Modern Reconstruction of the Greek Lyre of Hermes using 3D Laser Scanning, Advanced Computer Aided Design and Audio Analysis. Journal of New Music Research. 44. 324-346.
Maas, M. & McIntosh Snyder, J. (1989). Stringed Instruments of Ancient Greece, New Haven.
Various authors (2012). Greek Musical Instruments: Research in visual and written sources (2000 B.C. - 2000 A.D.), Teloglion Foundation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
West, M.L. (1992). Ancient Greek Music, Oxford.
Our research is featured in major media:
With Each Order You Will Receive
Worldwide delivery with package tracking at any given time.
In the unlikely event of defects in materials or workmanship.
Tuning and maintenance guide
A thoughtful leaflet with guidelines for how to tune and maintain properly your unique and priceless musical instrument.
Instrument report
A detailed report about the materials, the exact dimensions, and manufacturing details, signed by our master luthiers, Anastasios and Jordan Koumartzis.
Superior strings
Every instrument handcrafted by LUTHIEROS is shipped with premium sugarcane strings, produced to match the needs of our ancient-inspired musical instruments by the world-renowned string supplier "Aquila Corde Armoniche". We choose sugarcane strings as a default due to their superior sound, brightness, and durability. Additionally, you can order premium gut strings here, produced specifically for LUTHIEROS musical instruments!
A pack of extras
Including a wooden plectrum, along with extra small gifts to say "thank you" for making our family's dream possible!
40+ ancient melodies
A book with 40+ ancient melodies that survives to this day, plus all the different ancient Greek modes according to Aristoxenus: Mixolydian, Phrygian, Dorian, etc. Find out what modes were used during the antiquity for evoking specific feelings such as sorrow, happiness, bravery, etc.
Ancient music album
A music album featuring some of the most talented performers around the world, with authentic ancient melodies and modern compositions.
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"All of these beautiful lyres, lovingly hand-crafted by Luthieros are indeed, divine artifacts, reintroduced into the modern world… " - Michael Levy, a world-renowned lyre player. Read his extended review here.
"Electric guitars are very often provided with vibrato, tremolo or whammy bars. That concept was in fact invented by the ancient Greeks twenty four hundred years ago. Kithara was a musical instrument very popular during the Golden Age of Ancient Greece. This is a reproduction that was made by the Greek master luthier Anastasios Koumartizis of Luthiers Music Instruments." - Peter Pringle, a professional Canadian musician, and well-known ancient instruments player. Watch his extended video review here.
"Can't be happier with my lyre! Learning how to play this amazing piece of art! The lyre has amazing finishes and you can feel it's made with love and skilfull hands." - Jaume Gual Bennàssar, Balearic Islands, Spain (verified review through Etsy.com).
Our family is world-renowned for its dedication, love and care. Here are some amazing reviews concerning our whole product range!
"It's handcrafted with such care and the materials are fine and well chosen. It arrived to us safely all the way from Greece and we were able to track it all the way so we always knew what was happening." - Rachel Loeb, Los Angeles, U.S.A. (verified review through Etsy.com).
"Amazing company! I was very skeptical about ordering an instrument online but it was packaged very safely and arrived in such a timely manner! Luthieros also has some of the best communication skills I've ever encountered with a company, I had many questions that were all answered with great detail shortly after I asked them." - Batherus Batherus, New York, U.S.A. (verified review through Etsy.com).
"The Koumartzis familia have been making replicas of ancient Greek instruments for many years, used by famous lyre players. They also contribute to their musical passions through research and collaborations." - Ancient History Encyclopedia. Read the extended tribute here.
"My ancient Kithara, handcrafted by Luthieros Music Instruments, is for me a very interesting challenge. As an instrument is both old and new. It carries a history of many centuries and at the same time_ it is a very modern challenge that requires a creative approach to musical archetypes. After many experiments […] I discover that this instrument has but many extensions and features that are not noticeable at first glance. The construction is both sturdy and thin, and made of quality woods, which are eclectic, stylish and durable." - Ross Daly, a professional world musician of Irish descent.
"Absolutely fantastic! A truly wonderfully crafted instrument. I can't put it down. It feels wonderful to play and is transporting me back in time." - Sarah Tilsley, West Sussex, U.K. (verified review through Etsy.com).
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