text:
Eating behaviors among the participants of an inpatient weight loss treatment
CZEGLÉDI Edit
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18071/isz.70.0055
ENGLISH 2017;70(01-02)
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Background and purpose - Eating behaviors play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of excess weight. The aim of the study was to explore the predictors and changes in eating behaviors among overweight and obese patients. Methods - The sample of the 6-month prospective survey consisted of patients who participated in the inpatient weight loss treatment program in the Lipidological Department of the Szent Imre Hospital (baseline: N=339, 19% men; follow-up: N=175, 16% men). The mean age was 50.2 years (SD=13.47), the mean BMI was 38.6 (SD=7.58) at baseline. Measures: self-reported anthropometric data, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised 21-Items, CES-D Depression Scale. Results - According to the results of Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes analysis, older age predicted greater cognitive restraint (b=0.12, p=0.047). Women were more prone to emotional eating than men (b=0.21, p<0.001). Higher levels of education predicted greater uncontrolled eating (b=0.16, p=0.007) and emotional eating (b=0.12, p=0.039). Depression showed a positive relationship with emotional eating (b=0.19, p=0.001), and mediated the relationship between gender and emotional eating (b=0.04, p=0.009), and BMI and emotional eating (b=0.03, p=0.015). Those whose weight loss was at least 5% showed a greater improvement in the eating behaviors than those whose weight loss was below 5% (cognitive restraint: t(168)=-4.765, p<0.001, uncontrolled eating: t(168)=-2.442, p=0.016, and emotional eating: Z=-2.011, p=0.044). Conclusions - Results reveal certain determinants of eating behaviors that enhance or obstruct successful long term weight loss and highlight the role of eating behavior changes in weight loss. These mark intervention points for the optimization of results achievable by weight loss treatments.
obesityeating behaviorsinpatient weight loss treatmentstructural equation modelingreliable change index
Symptom profiles and parental bonding in homicidal versus non-violent male schizophrenia patients
HALMAI Tamás, TÉNYI Tamás, GONDA Xénia
Objective - To compare the intensity and the profile of psychotic symptoms and the characteristics of parental bonding of male schizophrenia patients with a history of homicide and those without a history of violent behaviour. Clinical question - We hypothesized more intense psychotic symptoms, especially positive symptoms as signs of a more severe psychopathology in the background of homicidal behaviour. We also hypothesized a more negatively perceived pattern (less Care more Overprotection) of parental bonding in the case of homicidal schizophrenia patients than in non-violent patients and non-violent healthy controls. Method and subjects - Symptom severity and symptom profiles were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in a group of male schizophrenia patients (n=22) with the history of committed or attempted homicide, and another group (n=19) of male schizophrenia patients without a history of violent behaviour. Care- and Overprotection were assessed using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) in a third group of non-violent healthy controls (n=20), too. Results - Positive, negative and general psychopathology symptoms in the homicidal schizophrenia group were significantly (p<0.005) more severe than in the non-violent schizophrenia group. Non-violent schizophrenia patients scored lower on Care and higher on Overprotection than violent patients and healthy controls. Homicidal schizophrenia patients showed a pattern similar to the one in the healthy control group. Conclusions - It seems imperative to register intense positive psychotic symptoms as predictive markers for later violent behaviour. In the subgroup of male homicidal schizophrenia patients negatively experienced parental bonding does not appear to be major contributing factor to later homicidal behaviour.
Combination of severe facial and cervical vascular malformation with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: diagnostic and therapeutic approaches
FALUDI Béla, IMRE Marianna, BÜKI András, KOMOLY Sámuel, LUJBER László
The combination of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and vascular malformation within the head and neck region is a rare condition, and interestingly, only a few cases have recently been published. Propagation of the vascular mass to the larynx and pharynx can cause breathing and swallowing difficulties. Due to these sypmtoms, examination and initiation of appropriate therapy for such patients are indeed challenging. We reviewed the literature available and present our case of a 64 year old woman emphasizing the complaints of sleep apnea syndrome and vascular malformation of the face and neck region. Polygraphic examination detected severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The MR examination of the neck revealed extensive vascular mass narrowing the pharyngo-laryngeal region, thereby causing temporal bone destruction on the right side with intracranial propagation. ENT examination demonstrated significant narrowing of the pharyngeal lumen and the laryngeal aditus caused by multiple hemangiomas. CPAP titration showed the minimalization of the apnea-hypopnea index on the effective pressure level. Regular CPAP usage resulted in diminishing a majority of the patient's complaints. Our examination clearly demonstrates, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome coupled with significantly obstructing vascular malformation in the head and neck region can be effectively treated safely with a CPAP device, if surgical therapy is not possible. We summarized our findings and the data available in the literature to set up recommendations for the appropriate examination and therapy (including mask fit, etc.) of vascular malformations and hemangiomas causing pharyngo-laryngeal obstruction.
[Magnetic resonance imaging in the course of alemtuzumab and teriflunomide therapy]
MIKE Andrea, KINCSES Zsigmond Tamás, VÉCSEI László
[Our work aimed to review the published results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained in the course of alemtuzumab and teriflunomide therapy in multiplex sclerosis. In multiplex sclerosis MRI sensitively detects subclinical pathological processes, which do not manifest clinically in the early course of the disease, however have substantial significance from the viewpoint of the long-term disease prognosis. MRI has an increasingly important role in the early monitoring of the therapeutic efficacy. In the last 15 years several clinical trials have been conducted with alemtuzumab and teriflunomide in multiple sclerosis providing evidence about the favourable clinical effect of these drugs. MRI images were acquired in these trials as well, and the results published recently in the scientific literature. These MRI results denote the suppression of the disease activity and the neurodegenerative processes, which may imply a favourable effect on the long-term prognosis of the disease. ]
The timing of weaning alters the vulnerability to stress-induced gastric erosion in adult rats
LUDMILA Filaretova, LUDMILA Vataeva, ZELENA Dóra
Background - Weaning is an important period of life and its timing may influence the resilence for later stress. One of the most important stress-related disorder is gastric ulceration. Purpose and methods - Therefore we aimed to investigate the sensitivity of gastric mucosa to cold (at 16°C) water immersion stress (WIS for 3h) in adult (75-day-old) female and male rats after weaning them at different timepoints (at 17, 21, 30, 36 or 42 postnatal days). The connection with stress was studied by comparing control groups to those underwent WIS at the time of weaning and measuring corticosterone levels at the time of collecting the stomach samples. Results - The timing of weaning has strong impact on all studied parameters. Stress-induced erosion development was the smallest in rats weaned at 36-day independently from preconditioning with WIS at weaning, or sex, despite a clear sex-effect on blood corticosterone levels and body weight. WIS at weaning influenced only the body weight in adult rats weaned at 30-day, being higher in stressed than in control groups. There was no clear overall correlation between erosion area and blood corticosterone measures. Conclusions - Taken together our results confirm that the timing of weaning has long-lasting impact on the resiliance of gastric mucosa to ulcerogenic stressful events. In rats the postnatal day 30-36 seems to be optimal for weaning in both sexes as both earlier and later weaning increased vulnerability. Females seems to be more vulnerable to the effect of weaning than males.
The evaluation of the relationship between risk factors and prognosis in intracerebral hemorrhage patients
SONGUL Senadim, MURAT Cabalar, VILDAN Yayla, ANIL Bulut
Objective - Patients were assessed in terms of risk factors, hematoma size and localization, the effects of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on mortality and morbidity, and post-stroke depression. Materials and methods - The present study evaluated the demographic data, risk factors, and neurological examinations of 216 ICH patients. The diagnosis, volume, localization, and ventricular extension of the hematomas were determined using computed tomography scans. The mortality rate through the first 30 days was evaluated using ICH score and ICH grading scale. The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to determine the dependency status and functional recovery of each patient, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was administered to assess the psychosocial status of each patient. Results - The mean age of the patients was 65.3±14.5 years. The most common locations of the ICH lesions were as follows: lobar (28.3%), thalamus (26.4%), basal ganglia (24.0%), cerebellum (13.9%), and brainstem (7.4%). The average hematoma volume was 15.8±23.8 cm3; a ventricular extension of the hemorrhage developed in 34.4% of the patients, a midline shift in 28.7%, and perihematomal edema, as the most frequently occurring complication, in 27.8%. Over the 6-month follow-up period, 57.9% of patients showed a poor prognosis (mRS: ≥3), while 42.1% showed a good prognosis (mRS: <3). The mortality rate over the first 30 days was significantly higher in patients with a low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission, a large hematoma volume, and ventricular extension of the hemorrhage (p=0.0001). In the poor prognosis group, the presence of moderate depression (39.13%) was significantly higher than in the good prognosis group (p=0.0001). Conclusion - Determination and evaluation of the factors that could influence the prognosis and mortality of patients with ICH is crucial for the achievement of more effective patient management and improved quality of life.
Positive airway pressure normalizes glucose metabolism in obstructive sleep apnea independent of diabetes and obesity
KABELOĞLU Vasfiye, SENEL Benbir Gulçin, KARADENIZ Derya
The relationship among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and obesity is very complex and multi-directional. Obesity and increased visceral fat are important perpetuating factors for DM2 in patients with OSAS. On the other hand, OSAS itself leads to obesity by causing both leptin and insulin resistance as a consequence of activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Risk for developing DM2 further increases in patients with OSAS and obesity. Data regarding effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, gold standard treatment for OSAS, on glycemic control were inconsistent due to variability in duration of and adherence to PAP therapy. In our cohort study we investigated effects of PAP treatment on glucose metabolism in normal-weighted non-diabetic OSAS patients, in obese non-diabetic OSAS patients, and in OSAS patients with DM2. We prospectively analyzed 67 patients diagnosed with OSAS and documented to be effectively treated with PAP therapy for three months. Apnea-hypopnea index was highest in the diabetic group, being significantly higher than in the normal-weighted group (p=0.021). Mean HOMA values were significantly higher in obese (p=0.002) and diabetic group (p=0.001) than normal-weighted group; the differences were still significant after PAP therapy. HbA1c levels were significantly higher in diabetic group compared to those in normal-weighted (p=0.012) and obese (p=0.001) groups. After PAP treatment, decrease in HbA1c levels were significant in normal-weighted (p=0.008), obese (p=0.034), and diabetic (p=0.011) groups. There was no correlation with the change in HbA1c levels and age (p=0.212), BMI (p=0.322), AHI (p=0.098) or oxygen levels (p=0.122). Our study showed that treatment of OSAS by PAP therapy offers beneficial effect on glucose metabolism, not only in diabetic patients, but also in obese and normal-weighted OSAS patients. Although data regarding overall effects of PAP therapy on glycemic control present contradictory results in the literature, it should be emphasized that duration and adherence to PAP therapy were main determinants for beneficial outcome of treatment.
[The possibilities of pharmacological treatment of obesity]
PADOS Gyula, SIMONYI Gábor, BEDROS J. Róbert
[There have been attempts to treat obesity with medicines for nearly 100 years, since the discovery of ephedrine. For decades amphetamine derivates and agents stimulating or inhibiting the release of noradrenaline and dopamine have been applied. However, most of theses drugs had to be gradually withdrawn, due to their adverse effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous system or their sympaticotonic effect. Dexfenfluramine (Isolipan), which was introduced in the 90s, did not have such side effects, but it turned out to potentially cause valvular heart disease. Finally, sibutramin (Reductil) was introduced, which again had to be withdrawn in 2010 due to its hypertensive and cardiovascular side effects. After all, we were left without any appetite-suppressant drugs. Orlistat therapy, (Xenical 120 mg, alli 60 mg - OTC), which inhibits the absorption of fat, can eliminate only 30% of the consumed food's fat content, at the price of gastrointestinal side effects. The latest result of research carried out wordwide is that in 2012 the FDA approved commercial distribution of the selective 5HT2/c serotonin agonist lorcaserin (Belviq), which enhances satiety, in the USA. Unfortunately, in 2013 the EMEA temporarily postponed the lauch of this drug, until certain adverse effects are excluded. For diabetic patients, the GLP-1 agonist exenatid and the GLP-analog liraglutid, which can also reduce body weight, are available in the form of injections.]
[Obesity and cancer]
VALTINYI Dorottya
[The role of obesity in the development of cancer is well-known from ages. However, these days we witness the explosion-like increase of obesity, globally, but mainly in the economically advanced population, and, which is even more alarming, among youngsters. The prognosis of the obesity-related cancer is rather poor, therefore, the prevention, including the screening, have outstanding importance. Unfortunately, the participation of the obes persons, especially obes women, in these programs is very low. The diagnostics and therapies should consider the special features of obesity, which are related to the magnitude, distribution, composition of fatty tissue connected to the changes in pharmacokinetics. Moreover, the problems might be complicated with obesity-associated non-tumorous severe diseases (e.g. cardiovascular, diabetes type 2).This review covers different aspects of obesity-cancer relationships, with an emphasis on everyday oncology.]
[THE WORLDWIDE EPIDEMIC OF TYPE 2 DIABETES - CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES]
JERMENDY György
[The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has recently dramatically increased worldwide. While many factors contribute to the startling data, including changes in the diagnostic criteria of glucose intolerance, increase of life expectancy, manifestation of diabetes at younger ages, and increased detection of unrecognized diabetes due to more efficient screening, the genuine, steep rise in the incidence of diabetes is explained by the increasing prevalence of obesity. Among the late complications of both diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular diseases are particularly important. Insulin resistance due to visceral obesity plays a central role in the pathomechanism of type 2 diabetes. In the prevention of both type 2 diabetes and obesity, non-pharmacological intervention such as life style changes should be considered first. Supplementary pharmacological treatment should target all cardiovascular risk factors.]
[Deeper analysis of nebivolol effects]
KÉKES Ede
[Author presents the formation of nitric oxide as a largest vasodilator of human endothelium as well as the endothelial dysfunction a result of formation at adrenergic stimulus. He demonstrates in detail the benefits of selective β-1 blocker and β-3 adrenergic agonist nebivolol in the vascular system. This drug has also receptor independent effects. Complex effects of nebivolol causes vasodilation, inhibits oxidative stress and it is capable to neutralize the effects of free oxygen radicals and as a result the endothelial function will be better. Its clinical effects and the less wellknown beneficial properties are listed. The use of drug is discussed especially in hypertensives with smoking, COPD or PAD. The β-3 agonist effect provides positive reactions not only in the adipocytes and the myocardial tissue. but in the skeletal muscle as well: Increase in energy expenditure - as a compensatory mechanism - is increased in obesity and the glucose uptake + storage on skeletal muscle cells are increased in hyperglycemia. The insulin sensitivity will be better, leptin level is decreased, adiponectin level is increased by nebivolol. It is assumed this drug has antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects.]
https://doi.org/10.18071/isz.70.0055


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Discussion in 'iOS Apps' started by chrisfromalbany, Aug 2, 2010.
Best looking/playable games for new iphone 4..
I consider games thread different then apps.. I prefer just a games thread.
I have a lot of fun with Danger!Dodgeball, Angry Birds and DoodleJump.
I like angry birds as well just don't think it is different from 3GS game. Graphics are good but not great.
Street Fighter 4, Rock Band, Guitar Hero.
I play Plunderland a lot. Looks fantastic with RD and also uses the gyroscope.
Angry birds、Street Fighter 4 、N.O.V.A.
Is N.O.V.A. updated for iphone 4? or is it the same as it was before?
oh wait, it's a multiplayer game. i'm looking for something that is single player.
I have ferrari gt and need for speed on my iphone. its a really fun game. cool cars and awesome graphic interface.
i dont know about the other two.
Plants vs zombies.... Amazing imo.


Love Irish Pubs!!!...Love your Pub!!!
Create an Irish Pub in your own home. We can design and build a fully functioning personalised Home Bar. We can supply a wide range of furniture to complete the project along with lighting and Bric a Brac to style your Bar. Home bars have become increasingly popular and prices have become very affordable for any size requirements.
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Top Secret Website!: Did you know that Pet Detectives exist?
Did you know that Pet Detectives exist?
This is a blog created to demonstrate the spy projects of A', B' and C' Class students in Maria Markaki Language School.
The students now have the opportunity to exhibit their English skills through the Internet and thus obtain a sense of achievement or even develop extra motives to do their otherwise 'boring' homework.
It is to be noted that only few mistakes have been corrected, as some of them would probably confuse the reader. Apart from that, the pieces of writing published always reflect the thoughts and progress made by the particular student.
What you have to do to examine the pictures closer in order to read the text or look at the drawing is to click on the picture of your choice.
If you wish to leave a comment under the posts on the home page, you need to click on the word 'comments' under the text. Type your comment in the box, then choose 'Name/URL' and provide the details. Finally, click on 'publish comment'.
You will find all new additions made to the various blog pages on the home page.


Marco has launched its latest cable management product, the new G-shape steel wire cable tray.
Marco's new G-shape wire tray is designed for under desk cable management and above suspended ceilings for service containments in small voids.
The unique shape of the tray allows for both wall and ceiling mounting, and reduces the need for suspension brackets by being directly fixed to a solid surface using MCCL or MCCL25.
Available in four widths, the tray can be easily installed and modified on site by one person, fabricating bends using the same accessories used for Marco's other range of trays.
The product has chamfered edges to protect cables during installation with both power and data cables easily installed and added from the side.
Jeff Kerridge, Sales Manager of Marco Cable Management said: "The new G-shape tray adds further strength to our steel wire cable tray range. We continue to explore new ways to adapt and modify our products to support the contractor on site and simplify the installation process".
Jeff added: "The G-shaped tray has been designed as a very specific solution, developed following feedback and response from contractors. This is a quirky and interesting design which has been demanded by our market."
See more info on our G-shape tray.


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https://apnews.com/article/35952d7e6b334d5fb1ac6cac039b2ea5
Giffords focuses on high-profile Republicans in midterms
By STEVE PEOPLESFebruary 28, 2018 GMT
FILE - In this March 4, 2015 file photo, former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, about bipartisan legislation on gun safety. Giffords' political organization is targeting six high-profile members of Congress this fall _ House Speaker Paul Ryan, among them _ in a 2018 midterm strategy that will use high school students to challenge Republican lawmakers it blames for blocking efforts to curb gun violence. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — Gabby Giffords' political organization is focusing on six high-profile members of Congress this fall — House Speaker Paul Ryan, among them — in a 2018 midterm strategy that will use high school students to challenge Republican lawmakers it blames for blocking efforts to curb gun violence.
The group known as Giffords, named for the former Democratic congresswoman from Arizona who survived a shooting in 2011, says it plans to spend at least $10 million to influence the November elections. Seizing on the influential activism of student survivors of the Parkland, Florida school massacre, the group has begun planning "student summits" and high school voter registration drives in coordination with like-minded groups to engage students across the country.
Everytown for Gun Safety, a group backed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has signed up more than 10,000 high school and college student volunteers in the days since the shooting that left 17 dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
"A big part of our political program is going to be lifting these voices up and making sure voters are hearing directly from students who are literally protesting for their own lives," said Peter Ambler, Giffords executive director. "Our responsibility as an organization dedicated to safer gun laws is to take this extraordinary amount of grassroots enthusiasm you see around the country, this outrage and anger in the aftermath of Parkland shooting, and channel it toward 2018."
Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly have for years pushed Congress to enact gun control measures with little success. They shifted their focus to state legislatures in recent years, helping to strengthen background checks and domestic violence protections, among other modest protections. The group says it sees the midterms election as a moment to try to build on the momentum.
The group's initial "incumbent-defeat priority list" features all Republicans, most serving in suburban areas considered key battlegrounds in the Democratic Party's push to reclaim the House majority in November. The list includes:
— Ryan, a 10-term Wisconsin congressman who controls the House agenda as the chamber's top Republican.
— Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman, whose district is close to the site of three mass shootings since 1999: Columbine, Aurora and Littleton.
— Rep. Vern Buchanan, whose district is northwest of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High
— Rep. Pete Sessions, of Texas, who is among the House's top recipients of campaign contributions from the gun lobby.
— Rep. Barbara Comstock, whose suburban Virginia district is home to the National Rifle Association's national headquarters.
— Nevada Sen. Dean Heller is the only senator on Giffords' list. Heller's state was the scene of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, which left 58 people dead and more than 800 injured.
Giffords and Kelly plan to visit each of the targeted districts in the coming weeks to rally voters against the Republican incumbents, Ambler said. Their group will also fund TV and online advertising, a series of local events and voter registration drives to keep the pressure on.
"Across this country, we will spend every day until the polls close reminding Americans of the power they have — the power to vote," Giffords, who still struggles with speech after being shot through the head, said in a statement.
Giffords' group has received $5 million in new donations in the last five days, Ambler said. Still, the surge of interest in gun control has made little impact on Capitol hill.
Just two weeks after the Parkland shooting, momentum to pass significant gun control measures in Congress already appear to be stalling. At the same time, the National Rifle Association and its allies are expected to pour money and energy into key races this fall as well. And while Heller, Comstock, and Coffman are considered particularly vulnerable in their re-elections, Ryan has not lost an election in two decades.
NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker said it was too early to discuss the organization's midterm strategy. She declined to comment on other organizations' plans, but noted that the NRA would use its voice in the coming weeks and months to shape politics and policy.
"Our job is to defend and protect the 2nd Amendment," Baker said. "So as this debate moves forward and legislative proposals are introduced, we will weigh in, make our positions known, and let our members know what their lawmakers' positions are."
This story corrects that Buchanan's district is northwest of the Florida school massacre.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


It is with a sense of hospitality and maturity, that the 3rd Singapore Biennale welcomes visitors. After propagating a sense of belief in the local art scene in 2006, and a spirit to question and probe in 2008, this year's Singapore Biennale is entitled Open House. Standing steadfast in its values and outlook, it opens its doors is in an era of global dependency and connectivity, coupled in the face of global instability.
With over 60 artists from over 30 countries, this year's Biennale is a test bed for world premiering works. Over 70 new works are showcased in 4 venues scattered across the city.
This year's Biennale sees Marina Bay play host in more ways than 1 way. The Merlion Hotel, an art installation by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi, sees a temporary hotel built around the iconic emblem that is half lion, half fish, enshrined by pink Sir Stamford Raffles (Singapore's colonial founder) wallpaper. With a million dollar view from both the bathroom and the bedroom, bookings were snapped up within hours from when booking lines were opened. Everyone was vying for a chance to have a close encounter with the iconic creature. The closest perhaps are the couple who won a night's stay. The Merlion was a witness to their wedding proposal many years ago. Such is the place it has in peoples' hearts.
Roslisham Ismail's installation, Secret Affair brings out the voyager in visitors as one is invited to explore the contents of the fridges on showcase. Bags of crisps (in the fridge?) and wine. Strawberries and chocolate. Ham in the freezer. Condiments on top of the fridge. What does it say of the owner? What do you have in your fridge? Which fridge do you prefer?
The National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum play host to more traditional forms of works. Shao Yinong & Muchen's vast sheets of embroidery of various obscure currencies bring to mind the power of imagery and icons (we lost count on the number of heads of state). Money is after all in itself is the quintessential icon of power.
Julian Göthe's futuristic installation accompanied by rope drawings created a elaborative geometrical environment. Alluding to chess pawns, these massive sculptures evoke a sense of danger, fear and curiosity in a vast matrix.
As with every Biennale, new nuggets of the city are exposed to visitors. This year is no exception. Singapore's first civil airport, the former Kallang Airport plays host to the public after 50 years. With its hangars and control tower, it forms the new backdrop for artists to react to. Gosia Wlodarcazk's "frozen" drawings for example, drawn on glass, create an intriguing layer for visitors to interact with, as well as view out to.
Singapore Biennale 2011 opens its doors for others to create. It also opens its doors for others to relate. To understand. To be part of. That is what an open house should be all about.


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Home NEWS KTM 890 Duke R breaks cover at EICMA, to come in India
KTM 890 Duke R breaks cover at EICMA, to come in India
Akash Vashisth
The 2020 KTM 890 Duke pumps out 120bhp from 890cc engine
Recently KTM launched the much-awaited KTM 790 Duke in India with a price tag of Rs 8.64 lakh ex-showroom. Now the Austrian manufacturer has unveiled the successor of 790 Duke in the form of KTM 890 Duke R. There are few major updates over the already amazing 790 Duke.
At first, people believed that the price of 790 Duke is on a higher side when compared to the existing competition which included Suzuki GSX S750 and Kawasaki Z900. However, after checking the electronics package, agility as well as the dynamics of the bike, no one would ask for a discount.
The 890 Duke sport aggressive riding position
KTM 890 Duke R is based on the 790 Duke albeit a bigger engine. Where did the engine come from? The engineers at KTM's R&D facility took the 799cc engine and increased the bore and stroke to 90.7mm x 68.8mm from 790's 88mm x 65.7mm. Thus, the engine capacity increased to 890cc. Yeah, this time Duke will have exactly the same capacity as the moniker says. Not only this, but the crankcase is also worked on to accommodate the longer stroke. Pistons for 890 are made by forging process which are also lighter than before.
KTM 890 Duke R's engine gets new cam profile and bigger intake and exhaust valves to deal with larger cylinders. This powerplant develops 119bhp at 9250rpm and 99Nm torque at 7750rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with two-way quickshifter. There is also a race-shift feature where you can upshift by pushing the lever down (like is MotoGP bikes and Bajaj Discover). With the addition of a new counter balancer shaft, expect reduced vibrations throughout the rev range.
KTM might sell both 790 Duke as well as 890 Duke R in India
This time around the suspension system will come with fully adjustable WP Apex USD forks with split-function damping. At the rear is an adjustable monoshock with hydraulic preload adjuster. Braking is handled by twin-320mm discs with Brembo Stylema callipers for precision braking. There is a Brembo MCS master cylinder which will let a rider adjust the brake tuning and feel.
The electronics are same as that of 790 Duke with comes with 9-level traction control, IMU assisted safety features like cornering ABS, anti-wheelie and anti stoppie features. Everything can be seen on a colourful TFT display. Tyres are all-new Michelin Hypersport II for impeccable grip.
The KTM 890 Duke R will launch in India in late 2020 and might sell alongside the 790 Duke. A very good reason for this is that the 890 will cost upwards of Rs 10 lakh for all the added features and tech. Where 790 Duke will cater to the enthusiasts, the 890 Duke R will make pro riders happy.
Ride Safe, Ride Hard, and always wear a helmet while riding. Stay Tuned for more from the world of motorcycling.
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KTM 890 Duke R
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See, there are a lot of things to look at, but you are one hell of a person when your eyes are pulled towards beauty on two wheels. This guy here is one such animal who loves two wheels more than "Maa ke hath ka Khana." Not yet fully transformed into a seasoned rider but still, there are many things still "under construction." Akash is a writer, loves writing fiction but here at motorcycle diaries, its all about the world on two wheels.


text:
Q: Create file on azure file storage I have created file storage in Azure, can access it and verify the directory exists.  How can I create a file in the cloud directory and write to it?

A: General info, how to work with an Azure file storage:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/files/storage-dotnet-how-to-use-files
How to create file and add some text:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnkqqLOOnR4
// Create a CloudFileClient object for credentialed access to Azure Files.
CloudFileClient fileClient = storageAccount.CreateCloudFileClient();

// Get a reference to the file share we created previously.
CloudFileShare share = fileClient.GetShareReference("logs");

// Ensure that the share exists.
if (share.Exists())
{
    // Get a reference to the root directory for the share.
    CloudFileDirectory rootDir = share.GetRootDirectoryReference();

    // Get a reference to the directory we created previously.
    CloudFileDirectory sampleDir = rootDir.GetDirectoryReference("CustomLogs");

    // Ensure that the directory exists.
    if (sampleDir.Exists())
    {
        // Get a reference to the file we created previously.
        CloudFile file = sampleDir.GetFileReference("Log1.txt");

        // Ensure that the file exists.
        if (file.Exists())
        {
            // Write the contents of the file to the console window.
            Console.WriteLine(file.DownloadTextAsync().Result);
        }
    }
}

A: If you are looking for a solution to upload file to Azure container in C#, here's a function I use as a utility to upload files to Azure
public static string UploadBlob(string blobContainerName, string key, Stream sourceStrem, string contentType)
{
    //getting the storage account
    string uri = null;
    try
    {
        blobContainerName = blobContainerName.ToLowerInvariant();
        string azureStorageAccountConnection =
            ConfigurationManager.ConnectionStrings["AzureStorageAccount"].ConnectionString;
        CloudStorageAccount cloudStorageAccount = CloudStorageAccount.Parse(azureStorageAccountConnection);
        CloudBlobClient cloudBlobClient = cloudStorageAccount.CreateCloudBlobClient();

        CloudBlobContainer container = cloudBlobClient.GetContainerReference(blobContainerName);
        container.CreateIfNotExists();

        CloudBlockBlob blob = container.GetBlockBlobReference(key);
        blob.Properties.ContentType = contentType;

        blob.UploadFromStream(sourceStrem);
        uri = blob.Uri.ToString();
    }
    catch (Exception exception)
    {
        if (_logger.IsErrorEnabled)
            _logger.Error(exception.Message, exception);
    }
    return uri;
}

Where blobContainerName is your container on Azure, key is the name of the file with which you want to store this blob, third parameter is the Stream of file and last one is content type.
Hope it helps

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
WORLD Hillsborough disaster police chief to face trial
Hillsborough disaster police chief to face trial
David Duckenfield, matchday police commander at the Hillsborough stadium disaster, facing trial over the deaths of 95 Liverpool supporters. (Photo:AFP)
The police commander at the Hillsborough football stadium disaster will face trial on Monday over the deaths of 95 Liverpool supporters, 30 years on from the tragedy.
David Duckenfield was the match-day commander at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough ground on April 15, 1989.
He is charged with 95 counts of gross negligence manslaughter following the fatal crush in the Leppings Lane end.
The trial takes place at Preston Crown Court in northwest England. The city is 25 miles (40 kilometres) from Liverpool.
Duckenfield has pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
There is no manslaughter charge over the death of a 96th casualty, Anthony Bland, as he died almost four years later, and under the law in 1989 his death is now "out of time" to be prosecuted.
Once a 12-strong jury has been selected, the prosecution can begin to set out its case against Duckenfield.
It is unknown how long the trial is expected to last.
Duckenfield's co-defendant, former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, is charged with an offence involving the stadium safety certificate and a health and safety offence.
Families of the Hillsborough victims fought a long campaign for events surrounding the disaster to be re-investigated.
The Crown Prosecution Service, England's state prosecutors, announced the decision to press charges in June 2017.
"We will allege that David Duckenfield's failures to discharge his personal responsibility were extraordinarily bad and contributed substantially to the deaths," the CPS said at the time.
"It is not the function of the CPS to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the criminal court to consider."
Former police officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster, plus retired lawyer Peter Metcalf, will go on trial in September, charged with doing acts intended to pervert the course of justice.
The crush was Britain's worst sports stadium tragedy.
The final memorial at Liverpool's Anfield stadium for the 96 victims was held in 2016, 27 years to the day since the disaster took place.
Families of the deceased unanimously agreed the service would be the last public event at Anfield in memory of the supporters who died.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, wife Mackenzie decide to divorce
(File photo: China Daily)Amazon.com Inc Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos and wife MaCkenzie Bezos said on Wednesday they have decided to divorce after a long separation trial, Bezos posted a joint statement on
Thai, Saudi officials meet over case of young Saudi woman
In this photo released by the Immigration Police, Chief of Immigration Police Maj. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, right talks to Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun,second left, before leaving the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok Monday, Jan. 7, 2019. A Saudi woman who says she is fleeing abuse by her family and wants asylum in Australia has sent out desperate pleas for help
Fewer people dead, missing in natural disasters: ministry
(File photo: VCG)BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Fewer people in China died or went missing in natural disasters in 2018, official data showed Tuesday.A total of 589 people died and 46 others went missing because of natural disasters including floods and typhoons, 59 percent lower than the average level during the past five years, according to the Ministry of Emergency


text:
Home » Topics » Outsourcing » Rolls Royce picks Capgemini as 'services integrator'
Rolls Royce picks Capgemini as 'services integrator'
by Ben Rossi 20 March 2012
Rolls Royce, the UK-based engine and industrial systems manufacturer, has selected French IT services provider to be the lead partner in a new multisourced IT strategy.
The company selected Capgemini to be its new 'service integrator', charged with managing and integrating IT services from as-yet unannounced third party providers, after its 12-year, $1.3 billion IT outsourcing deal with HP Enterprise Services (formerly EDS) came to a close this year.
After 12 years with a single supplier, Rolls Royce is now pursuing the diametrically opposite IT sourcing strategy, choosing instead to use "a number of specialised outsourcing vendors able to provide 'best-of-breed' components in the company's overall IT environment," Capgemini said.
HMRC renegotiates Capgemini megadeal
As well as delivering business applications including the majority of Rolls Royce's ERP systems, Capgemini will be responsible for ensuring that those suppliers' services are "fully aligned, smoothyl integrated and centrally controlled".
"'It is vital that our world-class products, services and people are supported by equally world-class IT and that is what our new strategy is designed to achieve," said Rolls Royce CIO. "Capgemini as service integrator will be at the centre of this strategy and we look forward to working in close collaboration with them in the years ahead."
Capgemini said that the contract will transition from HP to itself by the end of this year. It will deliver the services from its facilities in the UK, US, Poland and India.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Rolls Royce has itself pioneered the use of outcome-based pricing for its customers. Under its trademarked "Power by the hour scheme", the company charges airlines for its aircraft engines on the basis of flight hours, retaining responsibility for maintenance and support.
Speaking to Information Age recently, Rashik Parmar, president of IBM's Academy of Technology, claimed that Rolls Royce's IT architecture is designed to reflect this outcome-based pricing model. "Rolls Royce is a good example of an outcome-driven technology architecture. The outcome they want to achieve is flight hours and so you redefine the architecture to deliver that outcome."
Parmar said IBM is currently researching "outcome-based architecture" for business applications and systems. "Most IT systems support existing processes, there are very few that are designed to deliver a certain outcome," he said.
How to maximise value from IT vendor collaborations
Businesses focus on outsourcing as a Covid-19 survival strategy
Why the traditional IT outsourcing business model needs redefinition
How to avoid software outsourcing problems
IT skills gap, innovation and Brexit: The future of outsourcing in 2019


When Eagles RB Ryan Mathews got playing time last season, he was very good. He carried the ball 106 times for 539 yards (5.1 YPC) and 6 TDs, which made him the most productive runner on the team. We stress that he was a good "runner."
Mathews is not a great fit for Doug Pederson's offense. Pederson has said that he wants to be able to move his backs around to create mismatches for opposing defenses in the passing game. That is not at all a strength of Mathews'.
Mathews has caught 78.3% of his career targets, which is good for 11th among 102 running backs with at least 100 catches since 2006. His hands are fine. Where he may be lacking is gaining yards after the catch. His Y/R (7.57) is mediocre. He's by far he best running back on the team at this point and we like his value in the 5th or 6th round. In the 24 games over the past three seasons where Mathews has at least 10 carries, he has averaged 87 total yards and 0.50 TD, or 13.4 PPR points per game. Those are solid RB1 numbers.


text:
Physical therapists use empathy to help paralysis patients heal
By Jen Jacobson | Posted - March 8, 2015 at 5:05 p.m.
(Jen Jacobson/KSL.com)
 19 photos
Jen Jacobson
SOUTH JORDAN — Almost 16 years after a former doctor survived an accident that made him a quadriplegic, Dale Hull is now seeing a rippling effect play out in his life: others' lives have changed for the better because of the way he dealt with his spinal cord injury.
"I realized quickly the world of a spinal cord injury was very scary and it didn't seem like we, (the medical community) were doing enough," said Hull. "People were just not getting the same opportunity that I was getting."
After realizing the ample resources for paralysis patients were the exception and not the norm, Hull teamed up with his former physical therapist, Jan Black, to bring that dream to life.
"We've just tried to create a different model for people to reach their highest level of recovery," Hull said.
Black says her entire paradigm changed in working with people like Hull who have dealt with spinal cord injuries in a more optimistic approach.
"Dale has said that many of us have strived for success. I think I've constantly strived for success (as a physical therapist,)" said Black. "But, especially as he's gotten older, (Hull has) talked a lot more about significance than success in life."
Hull's tenacious choice to work through his paralysis instead of giving up paved the way for others to do the same through physical and emotional support.
Matt Carter receives treatment after waking up with paralysis. (Photo: Matt Carter)
"What's amazing to me is how extraordinary these people are," said Hull. "How blessed I am to meet them. I've gotten more out of this than I ever put into it."
After investing 10 years into Neuroworx, Hull and Black are now looking forward to expanding their company.
That expansion brings more opportunities for people with physical disabilities to heal.
"My metaphor (for a paralysis accident) is from the movie 'The Wizard of Oz,' " said Hull. "Dorothy has this catastrophic event and wakes up in a world that is totally foreign. That's exactly what happens in a spinal chord injury. All the people who are there before are there again but are in different roles. Your parents, your spouse and your children are there but they have to take on different roles because things have drastically changed. So you say, I want to go back. How do I find home? People give you these generic 'follow the yellow brick road' answers. And you say 'what?'
"But eventually you say 'science has the answer.' So you go to Emerald City trying to find the answer in signs and you find it's just a man behind the curtain trying to do the best he can. At the end of the story you're the one wearing the ruby slippers. You're the one who determines how you're going to get home. It has to come from within."
AJ Hunt is now experiencing his own version of The Wizard of Oz.
In the summer of 2014, AJ was on his way home after months of selling security systems.
"My buddy lost control of the car," said Hunt. "The car flipped and my vertebrae popped out of life and messed up my spinal cord and my neck."
Regardless of his accident, Hunt stays positive, just like Hull, the owner of Neuroworx.
New Neuroworx Location Info
Grand Opening July 2015
9750 S. State in South Jordan
Neuroworx.org
"I believe that there is more to this life. I realize that, even if for the rest of my life I couldn't move, there would still be some time in the future that I will. I try to focus on the faith that I have. [Even though] it was scary, I honestly felt peace when it happened."
One of Hunt's physical therapists can also relate to what he went through.
One day, Matt Carter woke up as a paraplegic. Still to this day, Carter does not have the answer why.
After years of physical therapy, Carter slowly learned to walk again. He even went back to school and changed his career path in order to help others work towards hope and recovery.
"I started asking doctors if I could help people as a physical therapist," said Carter. "They were iffy for a while. Two years into my injury I went to physical therapy school because I wanted to give back to people with spinal cord injuries."
The desire to give back to the community is contagious at Neuroworx, proving its effects come full circle for the rest of the community.
"Our aspiration is to be a place that not only people are happy to come to but the rest of the community looks at as a valuable asset," said Hull. "(Neuroworx is) something that Utah can be very proud of."
Neuroworx specializes in several types of therapy: land, locomat, aquatic, and locomotor gait training. The non-for-profit company has a mission to help patients achieve the highest level of rehabilitation.
The physical therapist team at Neuroworx has seen so much success, they are expanding. The new Neuroworx facility will be located at 9750 S. State in South Jordan. The grand opening will be in July of 2015.
Hull strongly encourages paralysis patients and/or family members of paralysis patients to attend an upcoming seminar by New York Times best-selling author Norman Doidge, M.D.
Doidge will talk about neuroplasty and the brain's way of healing itself on March 31 in Salt Lake City. If you'd like to attend, visit avalonhillsfoundation.org or call 435-938-6030. E: jjacobson@ksl.com W: Jen-Jacobson.com
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This presentation template 41134 is complete compatible with Google Slides. Just download PPTX and open the theme in Google Slides. This discreet and clear template PowerPoint template with CONTACT US button on the keyboard on the background will be great choice for presentations on support services, call centers and company information. This template has been created in nice gray palette.


The Pharm.D. is a graduate degree program which requires specific preparation at the undergraduate level herein cited as pre-professional course work. Thus the admission process may be construed as two-tiered in that students must complete specific pre-professional course work and may apply to the Pharm.D. program prior to their senior year. One such route into the Pharm.D. program is by way of the B.H.S. pharmaceutical sciences concentration.
Admission requirements: The pre-professional program is taken in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for which admission requirements are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University. Counselors are available in the Office of Admissions for personal conferences to aid the prospective student.
Students will find it advantageous to have had at least one year each of algebra, biology, chemistry, and physics. English, mathematics, and science are strongly recommended.
Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy the University's English proficiency requirements. If coursework was completed at a non-US institution, transcripts must be evaluated by a WSU approved evaluation service (WES). The official course-by-course evaluation must be sent to PharmCAS and to Wayne State University.
The undergraduate pre-professional preparation for admission to the Pharm.D. degree program is cited in the B.H.S. with a concentration in pharmaceutical sciences section of this bulletin. These courses (or their equivalents) may be taken at Wayne State University, another university, or a community college. All prerequisite courses and General Education Requirements should be completed prior to admission to the pharmacy curriculum. All such courses (or their equivalents) must be completed with the grade of C (2.0 g.p.a.) or better. Grades of C-minus or below, or numerical grades below 2.0 g.p.a., are not acceptable.
Because of rapid changes in technology, pre-professional science credits must be completed within six years prior to admission to the professional program.
The PCAT is required for admission. This standardized examination is offered in major cities multiple times per year and must be completed no later than the year prior to admission. PCAT exam scores within 5 years of the application deadline are accepted.
Admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum is granted only for the Fall semester. Enrollment in this curriculum is limited to applicants who have met the general University admissions requirements by the stipulated deadline, who satisfy the admission criteria stated below, and who present evidence of professional admissibility and promise of academic and professional competence in pharmacy.
Application: Admission applications to the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum are available through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS).
Application Deadline: Deadline for submission of complete application materials to PharmCAS is November 1.
Admission Criteria: Admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum is competitive and the following criteria are used to evaluate applications from prospective students. Admission decisions are made by the Admissions Committee of the College.
Minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (g.p.a.) of 2.75 as calculated by PharmCAS. Completion of prerequisites with minimum grades does not guarantee admission.
Minimum prerequisite grade point average (g.p.a.) of 3.0 (4-point system) calculated on the final grades earned in the required pre-professional courses as calculated by the Wayne State University pharmacy admissions committee. No less than a 'C' grade (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) in any prerequisite course. Completion of prerequisites with minimum grades does not guarantee admission.
Promise of success in a professional curriculum. Transcripts are evaluated for continued success in a full-time, science-based curriculum. Patterns of course repetition and excessive withdrawals are considered. It is recommended that applicants have repeated not more than two mathematics and science courses in order to improve grades.
Two completed professional recommendations must accompany the completed application form. The applicant is encouraged to solicit the recommendations from two faculty members or one faculty member and one employer.
Applicants must include a personal resume, outlining community or vocational activities, honors, employment, extracurricular and volunteer activities, if invited to interview for the program.
All applicants must take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). A preferred composite score of 50th percentile or higher is required. Applicants with a score lower than 50% percentile will be considered for admission only if their prerequisite GPA is greater than or equal to 3.2. Additionally, 50th percentile or higher in each of the following sections: chemical processes, biological processes and quantitative reasoning, and 25th percentile or higher in and the critical reading section is preferred.
Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy the University's English proficiency requirements.
Students who are offered admission to the Pharm.D. program will have a Criminal Background Check. This will be performed by Certiphi, Inc through PharmCAS. Matriculation into the program will depend on the results of that check.
Further information concerning the Doctor of Pharmacy Program can be found in the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin.


One of the creative ways to start investing in real estate is to take advantage of the lease option. The biggest advantage of using the rental option to invest in real estate is –control. This method of investment, in principle, gives the investor the right to own – to be in control – and profit from the property without owning it.
A property lease option agreement is a combination of two documents.
Part of the lease agreement is where the landlord agrees to rent your property while you pay them rent for a certain period of time. During the tenancy period, the landlord cannot raise the rent, rent it to anyone else, or sell the property to anyone else.
The option part of the contract is the right to buy the property in the future at a specified price. If you decide to exercise the option to buy, the landlord must sell you the property at a negotiated price. The option part of the contract obliges the seller to sell the option to you during the term of the contract – but this does not oblige you to buy. You are obliged to pay the rent only as agreed during the term of the lease.
When the lease option agreement is properly written and structured, it can bring enormous benefits to the investor. If the tenancy includes a "sub-letting right", the investor can generate a positive cash flow by renting the property to the tenant for the duration of the tenancy, or an option to rent the property to the purchaser for positive cash flow and future profits. If the lease option includes an 'assignment right', the investor may transfer the contract to another purchaser for a quick return.
Lease option real estate investing is a flexible, low-risk, highly leveraged investment method, which can be carried out at little or no cost.
It is highly leveraged because you are able to take control of the property and profit from it – even if you don't have it yet. The fact that you are not the owner of the property also limits your personal responsibility and responsibility. Only if you decide to buy a property with the option to buy, will you take over the ownership of the property.
The cost of a real estate investor to complete a lease option agreement with the owner requires little to no money out of pocket because it is completely negotiable between the investor and the owner. There are also many ways in which an option fee can be arranged. It can be built on a installment plan, balloon payment or any other agreed agreement between both parties. The option fee can be as small as $1.00.
In order to secure the property for purchase at a later date, tenants buying usually pay a non-refundable option fee of about 2%-5% of the negotiated future purchase price to the seller. Depending on how the option lease agreement is written and structured, the investor may possibly use the buyer's lease option to pay any option fees due to the owner.
Rental option investing in real estate is a flexible investment method because terms and conditions such as payment amounts, payment dates, instalments, interest rates, interest-only payments, balloon payments, purchase price and other conditions are negotiated between the seller and the buyer. Obligations of both parties are also negotiable. For example, if the investor does not want to act as a landlord, he could specify in the tenancy agreement that the tenant-buyer will be responsible for all minor maintenance and repairs, and the seller will remain responsible for all major repairs.
This is a low financial risk because if the property does not grow enough to make a profit, you have purchased the right to change your mind and let the "call option" expire. Even if your tenant buyer decides not to buy the property, you have benefited from a positive monthly cash flow from the tenant's rent and a non-refundable option fee in advance.
Visit online RealEstateEDucation for more about real estate courses.


A number of studies have pointed to the benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables for memory and cognition in older adults. These benefits are thought to accrue from the antioxidants present in these foods, of which some are more important than others.
The anthocyanins appear to be the best — these are responsible for the reds, purples, and blues in some plants. Several studies have affirmed the cognitive benefits of blueberries and Concord grape juice (Concord grapes are particularly purple). Cell studies have also found the compounds in blackcurrants protect neurons from stress, such as that caused by the Alzheimer's peptide amyloid-beta. The darker the fruit, the more anthocyanins, and presumably the more powerful it will be. Another compound in blueberries called pterostilbene apparently, like resveratrol, which is found in grapes and red wine, lowers cholesterol. Yet another compound, called quercetin, has been found to protect against cell damage. This compound is also found in blueberries, and also cranberries. A particularly good source is apples, and red ones are best.
All of this perhaps explains why it is so much better to eat well rather than hope to receive what you need from dietary supplements! And do note that in most cases, most of the 'good' compounds are in the skin. That's why juices (and wines!) are often better ways of consuming these foods.
Of the vegetables, green leafy vegetables, especially spinach, have been found to be especially beneficial. Onions are also a good source of quercetin. Spirulina (not really a vegetable, I know) also appears to be of benefit.
Over the years, I have reported on several studies that have found evidence that colorful berries — blueberries in particular (but I think that's more of an artifact, due to the relative cheapness of these berries in North America) — benefit older brains. Indeed, I myself consume these every day (in my lunch smoothie) for this very reason (of course, the fact that they taste so good doesn't hurt!).
But to date these studies have involved rodents or only very small numbers of humans. Now a new study analyzes data from the very large and long-running Nurses' Health Study, which has questioned 121,700 female, registered nurses about their health and lifestyle since 1976. Since 1980, participants were also asked about their frequency of food consumption. Between 1995 and 2001, memory was measured in 16,010 participants over the age of 70 years (average age 74), at 2-year intervals.
The study found that those women who had 2 or more servings of strawberries and blueberries every week had a slower rate of cognitive decline. The effects were equivalent to some 1.5-2.5 years of normal cognitive aging.
While the researchers cannot completely rule out the possibility that higher berry consumption is associated with slower cognitive decline because of its association with some other factor that affects brain aging, they did take into account a large number of potentially confounding factors, including: education, smoking history and status, antidepressant use, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, physical activity, total calorie intake, fish consumption, alcohol use, overall diet scores, and various indirect measures of socioeconomic status.
Moreover, the findings are both consistent with both animal and cell studies, and with what we know about how the brain ages. The 'magic' ingredient of these berries is thought to lie in their flavonoids (particularly anthocyanidins), which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's thought that berries help the brain stay healthy both because they contain high levels of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage by harmful free radicals, and because they change the way neurons in the brain communicate, protecting against inflammation and oxidative stress.
As a rule of thumb, the deeper the color of the berry (or other fruit or vegetable), the more flavonoids it has. You can see a list of anthocyanin-rich foods here (acai isn't in the list, but it also has a very high rating).
 Devore, E. E., Kang J H., Breteler M MB., & Grodstein F.
(2012). Dietary intakes of berries and flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline.
 Shukitt-Hale, B., Lau F. C., & Joseph J. A.
(2008). Berry Fruit Supplementation and the Aging Brain.
J. Agric. Food Chem.. 56(3), 636 - 641.
Inflammation in the brain appears to be a key contributor to age-related memory problems, and it may be that this has to do with the dysregulation of microglia that, previous research has shown, occurs with age. As these specialized support cells in the brain do normally when there's an infection, with age microglia start to produce excessive cytokines, some of which result in the typical behaviors that accompany illness (sleepiness, appetite loss, cognitive deficits and depression).
Now new cell and mouse studies suggests that the flavenoid luteolin, known to have anti-inflammatory properties, apparently has these benefits because it acts directly on the microglial cells to reduce their production of inflammatory cytokines. It was found that although microglia exposed to a bacterial toxin produced inflammatory cytokines that killed neurons, if the microglia were first exposed to luteolin, the neurons lived. Exposing the neuron to luteolin had no effect.
Old mice fed a luteolin-supplemented diet for four weeks did better on a working memory test than old mice on an ordinary diet, and restored levels of inflammatory cytokines in their brains to that of younger mice.
Luteolin is found in many plants, including carrots, peppers, celery, olive oil, peppermint, rosemary and chamomile.
 Jang, S., Dilger R. N., & Johnson R. W.
(2010). Luteolin Inhibits Microglia and Alters Hippocampal-Dependent Spatial Working Memory in Aged Mice.
J. Nutr.. 140(10), 1892 - 1898.
A number of studies have found evidence that fruits and vegetables help fight age-related cognitive decline, and this has been thought to be due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A new study shows there may be an additional reason why polyphenols benefit the aging brain. One reason why the brain works less effectively as it gets older is that the cells (microglia) that remove and recycle biochemical debris not only fail to do their housekeeping work, but they actually begin to damage healthy cells. Polyphenols restore normal housekeeping, by inhibiting the action of a protein that shuts down the housekeeping (autophagy) process.
While many fruits and vegetables are good sources of polyphenols, berries and walnuts, and fruit and vegetables with deep red, orange, or blue colors, are particularly good.
Poulose, S. & Joseph, J. 2010. Paper presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.
A number of rodent studies have shown that blueberries can improve aging memory; now for the first time, a human study provides evidence. In the small study, nine older adults (mean age 76) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) drank the equivalent of 2-2 l/2 cups of a commercially available blueberry juice every day. After three months they showed significantly improved paired associate learning and word list recall. The findings will of course have to be confirmed by larger trials, but they are consistent with other research.
A companion study involving 12 older adults (75-80) with MCI found that those who drank a pure variety of Concord grape juice for 12 weeks also saw their performance progressively improve on tests in which they had to learn lists and remember items placed in a certain order.
 Krikorian, R., Shidler M. D., Nash T. A., Kalt W., Vinqvist-Tymchuk M. R., Shukitt-Hale B., et al.
(2010). Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 58(7), 3996 - 4000.
 Krikorian, R., Nash T. A., Shidler M. D., Shukitt-Hale B., & Joseph J. A.
(2010). Concord grape juice supplementation improves memory function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
The British Journal of Nutrition. 103(5), 730 - 734.
A pilot study involving 21 institutionalized individuals with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's found that, although drinking two 4-oz glasses of apple juice daily for a month produced no change in the Dementia Rating Scale or in the Activities of Daily Living measure, there was a significant (27%) improvement in behavioral and psychotic symptoms. The largest changes occurred in anxiety, agitation, and delusion.
 Remington, R., Chan A., Lepore A., Kotlya E., & Shea T. B.
(2010). Apple Juice Improved Behavioral But Not Cognitive Symptoms in Moderate-to-Late Stage Alzheimer's Disease in an Open-Label Pilot Study.
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias. 367 - 371.
Full text is available free for a limited time at http://aja.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/25/4/367.
A small pilot study, involving only 12 older adults with early memory decline, has found that those who drank Concord grape juice daily for a 12-week period showed significant improvement in list learning compared to those taking a placebo, and trends suggested improved short-term retention and spatial memory.
The results were presented at the 38th annual scientific meeting of the American Aging Society in Boulder, Colo., May 30-June 2, 2008.
An animal study has found that supplementing the regular diet of older animal with blueberries over a 12-week period, produced improvements in spatial working memory tasks emerged within three weeks. This improvement was associated with the activation of the protein CREB and increases in the level of BDNF in the hippocampus. Blueberries are a major source of flavonoids, in particular anthocyanins and flavanols.
 Williams, C. M., El Mohsen M A., Vauzour D., Rendeiro C., Butler L. T., Ellis J. A., et al.
(2008). Blueberry-induced changes in spatial working memory correlate with changes in hippocampal CREB phosphorylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
Free Radical Biology & Medicine. 45(3), 295 - 305.
A cultured cell study has found that compounds in blackcurrants strongly protect neuronal cells against the types of stress caused by dopamine and amyloid-b, a peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease. Blackcurrants and boysenberries also contain anthocyanins and polyphenolics. Those that are darker (like British blackcurrants) have more anthocyanins and are likely to be more potent. Compounds from these berries are already known to act as antioxidants, but a role in neuroprotection has not been demonstrated previously.
 Ghosh, D., McGhie T. K., Zhang J., Adaim A., & Skinner M.
(2006). Effects of anthocyanins and other phenolics of boysenberry and blackcurrant as inhibitors of oxidative stress and damage to cellular DNA in SH‐SY5Y and HL‐60 cells.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 86(5), 678 - 686.
A new rat study suggests antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables may limit brain damage from stroke and other neurological disorders. The study built upon previous research showing that diets enriched with blueberries, spinach or spirulina reversed normal age-related declines in memory and learning in old rats, and found that the same diet significantly reduced brain cell loss and improved recovery of movement in rats who had an ischemic stroke induced. The size of the stroke in the rats fed blueberry or spinach supplements was half that seen in the brains of untreated rats. Rats fed spirulina-enriched diets had stroke lesions 75% smaller than their untreated counterparts.
 Wang, Y., Chang C-F., Chou J., Chen H-L., Deng X., Harvey B. K., et al.
(2005). Dietary supplementation with blueberries, spinach, or spirulina reduces ischemic brain damage.
Experimental Neurology. 193(1), 75 - 84.
A new study of beagles provides more evidence that diet and mental stimulation are important in reducing or preventing age-related cognitive decline. The study, involving 48 older beagles (aged 7 to 11), compared four combinations of behavioral enrichment (regular exercise and lots of mental stimulation) and supplementation of diet with antioxidants had on a beagle's ability to learn: regular diet and regular experience; regular diet and enriched experience; regular experience and an enriched diet; and enriched diet and an enriched experience. The study followed the beagles over two years. Those in the groups with either an enriched diet or enriched environment did better than those without either, but those who had both the enriched diet and an enriched environment did noticeably better than all the rest.
 Milgram, N. W., Head E., Zicker S. C., Ikeda-Douglas C. J., Murphey H., Muggenburg B., et al.
(2005). Learning ability in aged beagle dogs is preserved by behavioral enrichment and dietary fortification: a two-year longitudinal study.
Neurobiology of Aging. 26(1), 77 - 90.
Several recent studies have provided evidence for the benefits of blueberries in preventing age-related cognitive decline. Consistent with this, and with the linking of cholesterol levels and age-related cognitive decline, is a new study suggesting a compound in blueberries may lower cholesterol as effectively as a commercial drug, with the potential for fewer side effects. The compound pterostilbene is an antioxidant that is similar to resveratrol, an antioxidant identified in grapes and red wine that is also believed to lower cholesterol. Pterostilbene has also been implicated in helping fight cancer, as well as having anti-diabetic properties.
The findings were presented on August 23 at the 228th national meeting of the American Chemical Society.
A study of older rats has found that Concord grape juice significantly improved their short-term memory in a water maze test as well as their neuro-motor skills in some coordination, balance and strength tests. The results are similar to those found with blueberries. Concord grape juice has the highest total antioxidants of any fruits, vegetables or juices tested (I assume the point of using "Concord" grape juice is the concentration of grape juice, not that this effect is specific to Concord grapes – although the fact that it is a "purple" grape juice is probably significant).
The preliminary report was presented at the 1st International Conference on Polyphenols and Health recently held in Vichy, France.
Several studies have come out supporting the value of a diet rich in antioxidants to help stave off cognitive impairment in old age. A recent study has found that old dogs on an antioxidant-rich diet performed as well as young animals on a variety of cognitive tests. Young dogs did not benefit from the diet. Two years ago, researchers reported that a blueberry-enriched antioxidant diet may prevent age-related deterioration of object recognition memory in aged rats. A new report, from a study of the same rats, reveals that the diet also prevented an age-related increase in a protein (NF-kappaB) that responds to oxidative stress, a probable cause of brain aging. This adds to growing evidence that a buildup of oxidative damage is an important factor in brain aging. Another rat study has found that blueberries can help lessen some of the damage caused by a brain injury.
The research was presented at the 2003 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.
The study involved adult and old mice (some engineered to develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms) being fed either a standard diet, a nutrient-deficient diet, or a nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with apple juice concentrate. The mice on the apple juice-supplemented diet showed an increased production of acetylcholine in their brains and performed significantly better on maze tests. The amount of consumption was comparable to humans drinking approximately two 8 oz. glasses of apple juice or eating 2-3 apples a day. The findings also suggest that the apple-supplemented diet was most helpful in the framework of an overall healthy diet. Acetylcholine levels declined in both adult and old mice on the nutrient-deficient diet.
Chan, A., Graves, V. & Shea, T.B. 2006. Apple juice concentrate maintains acetylcholine levels following dietary compromise. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 9(3), 287-291.
Previous research has found apple juice concentrate alleviated cognitive decline in genetically engineered mice compromised by a deficient diet. A study in normal, aging mice has now found that regular consumption of apple juice (in the context of a balanced diet) protected against the oxidative damage to brain cells that occurs in normal aging. Further, stronger mental acuity resulted when the mice consumed the human equivalent of 2-3 cups of apple juice or 2-4 apples a day. Apples are high in antioxidants.
 Tchantchou, F., Chan A., Kifle L., Ortiz D., & Shea T. B.
(2005). Apple juice concentrate prevents oxidative damage and impaired maze performance in aged mice.
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease: JAD. 8(3), 283 - 287.
Researchers are recommending that apples may be a particularly beneficial food to protect against Alzheimer's. A study that exposed groups of isolated rat brain cells to varying concentrations of either quercetin or vitamin C supports the theory that quercetin protects against cellular damage. A particularly good source of quercetin is apples — mainly in the skin. In general, red apples tend to have more of the antioxidant than green or yellow ones. Other foods containing high levels of quercetin include onions, which have some of the highest levels of quercetin among vegetables, as well as berries, particularly blueberries and cranberries.
 Heo, H J., & Lee C Y.
(2004). Protective Effects of Quercetin and Vitamin C against Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurodegeneration.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 52(25), 7514 - 7517.
Cell and mouse studies have found that luteolin, a plant flavonoid available in abundance in celery and green peppers, has a dramatic effect on a key component of the inflammatory response in the brain. The findings have implications for research on aging and diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.
 Choi, I-G., Hwang D-Y., Song H., Jang Y., Chung N., Kim S-H., et al.
(2008). Chemicals that modulate stem cell differentiation.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 105(21), 7467 - 7471.
A study of 3,718 Chicago residents aged 65 and older found that people who ate at least 2.8 servings of vegetables a day had a 40% slower rate of cognitive decline compared to people who consumed less than one serving of vegetables a day — equivalent to about five years of younger age. Green leafy vegetables had the strongest association to slowing the rate of cognitive decline. The benefit was greater the older the person. However, unexpectedly, fruit consumption was not associated with cognitive change.
 Morris, M C., Evans D. A., Tangney C. C., Bienias J. L., & Wilson R. S.
(2006). Associations of vegetable and fruit consumption with age-related cognitive change.
Neurology. 67(8), 1370 - 1376.
The search for a safe, orally active drug that activates memory-associated pathways and enhances memory has uncovered fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid commonly found in strawberries and other fruits and vegetables. Fisetin was one of several flavonoids (substances with anti-oxidant activities found in many plants) found to induce differentiation or maturation of neural cells. The signaling pathway activated by fisetin in neural differentiation also turned out to play a role in memory formation, specifically in the process called "long-term potentiation". When tested on mice, fisetin was found — after a single dose — to improve recall of familiar objects. Besides strawberries, fisetin is found in tomatoes, onions, oranges, apples, peaches, grapes, kiwifruit and persimmons (but not gingko biloba, although it is rich in other flavonoids). However, you would need to eat about 10 pounds of strawberries a day to achieve a beneficial effect.
 Maher, P., Akaishi T., & Abe K.
(2006). Flavonoid fisetin promotes ERK-dependent long-term potentiation and enhances memory.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 103(44), 16568 - 16573.
In a large epidemiological study, that followed 1836 Seattle residents for up to 10 years, it was found that those who drank three or more servings of fruit and vegetable juices per week had a 76% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than those who drank juice less than once a week. The benefit seemed greatest for those who carried the so-called "Alzheimer's gene". Previously, researchers suspected that antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C, E and -carotene) might help protect against Alzheimer's disease, but this has not been supported in recent clinical studies. Another class of antioxidant chemicals, polyphenols, are now suspected. Polyphenols generally exist primarily in the skins of fruits and vegetables and are particularly abundant in teas, juices and wines.
Dai, Q. et al. 2006. Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Alzheimer's Disease: The Kame Project. The American Journal of Medicine, 119 (9), 751-759.
Two new animal studies add to the growing body of evidence that certain fruits and vegetables may slow down or reverse age-related cognitive decline. In the first study, older rats fed a diet rich in spinach for six weeks learned a simple association faster than those fed regular rat food. The second study compared three different foods - one group of older rats ate a diet supplemented by spirulina (high in antioxidants), another was fed a daily ration of apple (moderate in antioxidant activity),and the third was given a cucumber-enriched diet (low in antioxidants). Those fed either spirulina-or apple-enriched diets for two weeks demonstrated improved neuron function, and a suppression of inflammatory substances in the brain. Indeed, spirulina reversed the impairment in adrenergic neural function normally associated with aging. There was no improvement in rats fed a diet supplemented with cucumber. The best fruits and vegetables for antioxidant activity are generally the most colorful.
 Cartford, C. M., Gemma C., & Bickford P. C.
(2002). Eighteen-Month-Old Fischer 344 Rats Fed a Spinach-Enriched Diet Show Improved Delay Classical Eyeblink Conditioning and Reduced Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFalpha ) and TNFbeta in the Cerebellum.
J. Neurosci.. 22(14), 5813 - 5816.
 Gemma, C., Mesches M. H., Sepesi B., Choo K., Holmes D. B., & Bickford P. C.
(2002). Diets Enriched in Foods with High Antioxidant Activity Reverse Age-Induced Decreases in Cerebellar beta -Adrenergic Function and Increases in Proinflammatory Cytokines.
J. Neurosci.. 22(14), 6114 - 6120.


In the distance, Planet Saturn glows brightly amidst a star filled cosmos and above a watery landscape of a satellite moon. Let your imagination wander within this three dimensional design, and stop by my galleries – Redbubble, Society 6 and Pixels – to find something out of this world!
Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of an individual wearing a newly purchased graphic t-shirt from Redbubble, featuring a star-filled cosmos with solar flare and typography. Available in sizes x-Small through 2XL, it has a fully printed polyester/elastane front panel and 100% cotton back, sleeves, and binding. Black and white colors available. Made in the USA. Enjoy your adventures in style!
Prepare to accelerate to warp speed into outer space, and don't forget to protect your communication device with this cool iPhone case! Available in Snap and Tough models for several different phones. Extremely durable with full access to all device ports.
Decorate the walls in your home or at the office with this framed print, featuring planets in the cosmos with stars and a colorful nebula cloud. Make this your own by selecting size, frame, mat, paper and finish options. Other items are also available. Enjoy!


text:
Collective. Convictional. Constructive. Concrete.
Empire Cracking: An Interview with Wilderness Way
On January 15, 2016 January 4, 2016 By RadicalDiscipleshipIn Subverting Empire
This interview was taken by Lydia Wylie-Kellermann as part of a writing project for Geez Magazine entitled "She is Breathing: Listening for Another World and an End to Empire." It was published in the Winter Issue.
Lydia Wylie-Kellermann: Biefly, what is Wilderness Way's story? How did it come to be? What was it in response to? What was it a calling away from and a calling to something different?
Solveig Nilsen-Goodin: Wilderness Way began with a friend of mine coming over one day in 2006 saying he was feeling led to start an alternative church at the margins of Christianity, and something inside of me immediately responded, YES! We spent the next six months listening for what "at the margins of Christianity" meant to us, and gathering others to join us, and soon the name, Wilderness Way Community, emerged. The name signifies the particular place we are planting ourselves. Biblically, the wilderness is the place outside the walls of empire, the place where prophets are called and fed, the place where manna is given and enoughness is taught, the place where John the Baptist initiated those who were defectors from and dehumanized by empire; the place where Jesus was tested and prepared for his prophetic, spiritual leadership. Wilderness also signifies the wild spaces that emerge and exist without human control. Within the context of Western civilization (particularly urban contexts) most of us are profoundly cut off from the "natural" world – a disconnection that is having devastating consequences for the planet, the poor, and our very souls. The values we seek to bring forward are, in fact, values found deep in the wilderness of both scripture and nature: the values of Sabbath, jubilee and shalom. When manifested, these values look a lot like what Jesus called the Kingdom of God, and that's the new (old) world that is emerging.
(Oh, and some institutional details that might be helpful are that I have been an ordained pastor in the Lutheran Church, ELCA since 1996. I started WW while I was "on leave from call" while having children. So from 2006 – 2013, the first seven years, we were forming with no institutional affiliation. Then in 2013 Wilderness Way became a "synodically authorized worshipping community" in the Oregon Synod of the ELCA, and the synod council called me 1/4 time to be their pastor/mission developer.)
LWK: What is the work that Wilderness Way is doing that is so different from what our culture asks of us?
SNG: The only way empires, and all the oppressive systems within them, can function is by taming or domesticating (or in the extreme, enslaving) people in order to serve the interests of empire/system of domination. Churches within empires most often – wittingly or unwittingly – participate in this taming process. Wilderness Way is about un-taming and un-domesticating – rewilding! – both ourselves and our Christian tradition, so that we might actually experience the freedom of the gospel! And in that freedom, become "wild Christian disciples and fearless spiritual leaders:" joyful and grounded people who can boldly lead and heal through the profound transitions and crises we are facing as humanity, and who are doing so by ushering in the reality of Sabbath, jubilee and shalom, what Jesus called the Kingdom of God.
LWK: How does the work of rewilding fit into another world happening? What is a story you hold onto as something new happening?
SNG: The existence of Wilderness Way at all is a testament to something new happening! 🙂
Small snapshots:
One year ago, the entire Wilderness Way Community (mostly in their 20's and 30's, many queer) leading a gathering of 120 Christians in a service/rally just before the People's Climate March in Portland, then with bucket drums and chants and songs, leading that group to join the 5,000 others, bringing power and joy, focus and energy to the entire march.
My son Stig playing at home and breaking into a song we just learned at Wilderness Way: "Mother, Father God, there's a healing goin' on!"
Queer women who did not grow up in the church asking me to read them Bible stories because of the Christianity they have encountered at Wilderness Way.
Several Wilderness Way members marching in the Second Annual Transgender Pride Parade in Portland, Oregon with our partner ministry, QueeringSacredSpaces (led by a queer identified Wilderness Way member & Mission Developer within the ELCA). Seeing tensions rise around a group shouting hateful things as the marchers passed, they moved toward the group, then turned around, and facing the oncoming marchers with the Queering Sacred Spaces banner, began singing, "Welcome, Sacred Ones! We have been waiting for you! We are so glad to see you!" The power of their song showered the marchers with love and drowned out the hate being shouted behind them. Shortly, the group spouting hateful rhetoric left. The Wilderness Way members had the courage, the trusting relationships and the SONG ready to transform that situation and bring forth another world! And by acting boldly and creatively in that situation, they were truly living out the mission of Wilderness Way: "to ground and cultivate wild Christian disciples and fearless spiritual leaders."
LWK: Do you believe that this is a new moment? What makes you believe or not believe that?
SNG: It's a little daunting to make a statement about whether we're in a new moment or not. Civilizations and institutions are collapsing and new visions and communities are emerging all the time, really, so in that way this moment is not much different than any other since humans have been forming civilizations and institutions. The boundaries of empire's reach have never been as global as they are today, but the dynamics of collapse/emergence are still the same. The good news about that is that the prophets, peasants and poor people of the Bible have a lot to teach us about how to live today! There is profound wisdom to draw from. We do not have to figure everything out by ourselves, as if our situation were so unique that no other wisdom applies.
At the same time, we are very near or at the peak of every exponential growth curve you can possibly imagine. The planet simply cannot sustain the combination of stressors we are creating. So, I can't imagine a time before now when we literally needed people all over the entire planet to participate in the empire-deconstruction, transition and transformation process. Some of us in Wilderness Way are also leaders in EcoFaith Recovery's Beyond Fossil Fuels initiative. There we are working collaboratively with 350.org to mobilize people to participate in fossil fuel resistance actions. 350.org is one of the most accessible ways I know to see first hand how people all over the world, literally, are taking action and forcing the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy, while also making it clear that this is our opportunity to manifest social, environmental and economic justice on global scales. It's pretty amazing!
The enormity and gravity of our situation can, however, send even the most grounded of us into despair. But again, empire is designed specifically to make people feel like they are weak and it is all powerful. But we are not weak, and it is not all powerful! Empires and systems of domination ALWAYS fail and fall eventually because they are trying to tame the untamable, to control the uncontrollable. The power of life, of God, can never ever be fully domesticated or extinguished! Never! Is that not the heart of the resurrection story? It's also the heart of rewilding. We are not small people trying to resist massive empire, small empires are violently resisting the massive power of the God of Life! And life in this God of the universe will never cease unfolding no matter what! To the extent that we align ourselves with the power of this wild God of Life, we can stand together and fearlessly and joyfully go about our work of dismantling empires and systems of domination, while creating new (and very old) ways of being in life-giving community with one another and all of creation.
Empire CrackingGeez MagazineLydia Wylie-KellermannSolveig Nilsen-GoodinWilderness Way
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