text:
NAM aidsmap
HIV & AIDS - Sharing knowledge, changing lives
Less than half of adolescents with HIV since birth in the US have an undetectable viral load 19 hours ago
What's the relationship between PrEP, condom use and STIs? 17 July 2019
Gay and bisexual men with problematic chemsex are a diverse group with significant sexual and psycho-social risks 15 July 2019
Featured NAM news and opinions
Coming soon: news from IAS 2019
Those who are not seen are not heard
The fight for access to abortion care in Europe
Could you help us test the new aidsmap website?
It is unwise to think we are on the brink of curing HIV
All our news, features and news selected from other sources.
NAM news and opinions
HIV update
A fortnightly summary of HIV research news.
The 10th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2019), organised by the International AIDS Society, is taking place in Mexico City, Mexico, from 21 to 24 July 2019.
What is HIV? And what is AIDS? Find answers to some common questions in this section.
How is HIV transmitted - and how is it not transmitted? Find out the answers in this section.
Worried you might have HIV? Have an HIV test - it's the only way to know for sure.
HIV treatment is not a cure, but it is keeping millions of people well. Start learning about it in this section.
In this section we have answered some of the questions you might have if you have just found out you have HIV.
Looking for support in your area?
Find healthcare services and support.
Testing and health monitoring
Types of HIV tests | HIV testing policies and guidelines | Taking an HIV test | HIV testing programmes | Self-testing and home testing | CD4 count | Viral load | Health monitoring in resource-limited settings
HIV treatment
Treatment guidelines | Starting treatment | Side-effects | Adherence | Drug interactions and pharmacokinetics | Treatment for women | Resistance | Changing treatment | Treatment interruptions | Treatment-experienced people | New and experimental HIV treatments | Long-acting HIV treatment | Treatment simplification strategies | Treatment outcomes and life expectancy | The search for a cure | Bad science and bogus treatments
PrEP science | PrEP policies and guidelines | PrEP programmes and uptake
Transmission and prevention
Undetectable viral load and treatment as prevention | The biology of HIV transmission | Sexual transmission | Medical procedures and other blood-borne exposure | Low and theoretical transmission risks | Condoms and lubricant | Harm reduction | Circumcision | PEP | Behaviour change interventions | Microbicides | The search for an HIV prevention vaccine | Epidemiology and behaviour | HIV prevention policy | Structural factors
Social and legal issues
Telling people you have HIV | Finding support | HIV and criminal law | Drug policy and policing | Money, benefits and housing | Employment | Religion and faith | Confidentiality, consent and medical ethics | Travel | End-of-life issues | Experiences of stigma | Discrimination and the law | Human rights | Combatting stigma | History of HIV and AIDS | People and personal stories | HIV in the arts and media
Hepatitis and HIV
Hepatitis C transmission and prevention | Hepatitis C symptoms and diagnosis | Hepatitis C treatment | Hepatitis C treatment side-effects | New and experimental hepatitis C treatment | Elimination of hepatitis C | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis A
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission | HIV treatment for children and young people | Infant feeding | Conception | Diagnosing children | Child developmental issues | Support issues for children and young people | Reproductive health
Tuberculosis and HIV
TB transmission and prevention | TB diagnosis | TB treatment | Drug-resistant TB
Dating, relationships and feelings | Contraception | Sexually transmitted infections epidemiology | Sexually transmitted infections prevention | Sexually transmitted infections tests and treatment | Sexually transmitted infections
Health services and systems
Delivery of care | Task shifting | UK health services | Palliative care | Epidemiology | Clinical trials | Government, leadership and policy | Activism | Pharmaceutical industry | Finance and funding | Global health initiatives | Access to medicines and treatment | Generic medicines | Retention and linkage to care | Achieving the 90-90-90 target | Conference announcements and declarations
Kidney problems | Ageing and HIV | Cancer | Mental and emotional health problems | Opportunistic infections | Cardiovascular disease | Diabetes | Malaria | Neurological and cognitive problems | Bone and joint problems | Lipodystrophy | Lung disease | Chemsex and recreational drug use | Low CD4 count | Organ transplants
How HIV works
Mental and emotional health and wellbeing | Nutrition | Exercise | Alcohol | Smoking | Complementary therapies | Vaccinations and immunisations | Sleep
View full list of topics
Antiretroviral drug chartA one-page reference guide to the anti-HIV drugs licensed for use in the European Union, with information on formulation, dosing, key side-effects and food restrictions.
Your next stepsA booklet with information for people who've just found out they have HIV.
View a full list of NAM's resources
An introduction to key issues about HIV treatment and living with HIV, presented as a series of illustrated leaflets.
Our award-winning series of booklets, with each title providing a comprehensive overview of one aspect of living with HIV.
Apps and online tools
Short factsheets, providing a summary of key topics. Particularly useful when looking for information on a specific issue, rather than exploring a wider topic.
Finnish (Suomen kieli)
Kazakh (Қазақ)
Romanian (Română)
Turkish (Türk)
Ukrainian (Yкраїнський)
Translating our resources
E-atlas
Search for HIV services across the world
Find contact details for over 900 key organisations in more than 189 countries
Get country-specific news and resources
An instant guide to HIV & AIDS in countries and regions around the world
Search for HIV services in the UK
The most comprehensive listing of HIV-related services in the UK
Coming soon: news from IAS 2019 05 July 2019The 10th International AIDS Society conference (IAS 2019) is being held...
Those who are not seen are not heard 01 July 2019A commentary on Optimising the Impact of Key Population Programming...
The fight for access to abortion care in Europe 27 June 2019Access to sexual and reproductive health and rights includes safe and...
Epidemiology and behaviour
MSM living in hostile social environments more likely to have negative feelings about sexuality, less likely to test for HIV
Dr Rigmor Berg speaking at the FEMP conference. Image by Kina Robberts Global Reporting.
Roger Pebody
The studies
Hidden epidemic
The largest ever international study of the sexual health of men who have sex with men (MSM), which recruited men from across the European continent, has found clear links between the social environment men live in and their own internal acceptance of their sexuality. Furthermore, men with 'internalised homonegativity' were much less likely to test for HIV.
These European results are to some extent confirmed by a study from the United States, which found that men living in states that are hostile to gay issues were more likely to have internalised homonegativity than men living in more tolerant states. However the American researchers found that the relationship between men's feelings about their sexuality and unprotected sex was quite weak.
Preliminary results from both studies were presented to the Future of European Prevention among MSM (FEMP) conference in Stockholm last week.
While the term 'homophobia' is probably better known than 'homonegativity', a number of researchers prefer the latter as it does not suggest that negative attitudes to homosexuality and homosexuals are fundamentally driven by fear. Public expressions of homonegativity may include discriminatory laws, personal rejection by family and friends, violent attacks in public spaces, disapproval from religious authorities and hostile newspaper articles.
When gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men have negative or ambivalent feelings about their own sexuality, this is termed 'internalised homonegativity'. It has been defined as "the gay person's direction of negative social attitudes toward the self, leading to a devaluation of the self and poor self-regard".
While it may seem obvious that negative social environments can create negative psychological states, the link between social factors at a country level and men's internalised homonegativity has not been clearly demonstrated before.
Dr Rigmor Berg of the Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services presented data from the European MSM Internet Sex Survey (EMIS), an internet-based questionnaire that was made available in 25 languages across Europe in 2010. With a total of a total of 174,209 valid responses, it is probably the largest international study of the sexual health of gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men ever conducted. (Other EMIS results have been previously reported on Aidsmap).
Respondents' countries of residence ranged from the relatively tolerant (for example, the Netherlands and Sweden) right through to the highly homonegative (for example, Lithuania, Romania and Ukraine). Berg described the sample as a "perfect data set" to examine both the structural predictors of internalised homonegativity and its association with individual behaviour.
Professor Simon Rossser of the University of Minnesota presented data from the cohort of 1725 men recruited for the Structural Interventions to Lower	Alcohol-related STI/HIV risk (SILAS) study. In the United States, most laws relating to homosexuality are determined by states, not by the federal government. The researchers therefore selected eight cities, each in a different state, which were judged to have anti-gay laws (for example, gay marriage not possible and no law against anti-gay discrimination). These were then matched on the basis of size, ethnic composition and region with eight cities in states with pro-gay laws.
The anti-gay cities included San Antonio, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah and Richmond, Virginia. The pro-gay cities included Boston, Massachusetts; Albuquerque, New Mexico and Portland, Oregon.
Both studies used the same method of assessing internalised homonegativity, a scale previously developed by Simon Rosser and colleagues. It includes questions on whether the respondent is comfortable in a range of situations: in gay bars, in social situations with gay men, being seen in public with obviously gay men and discussing homosexuality in public. Men were also asked whether they thought homosexuality was morally acceptable and if they would want to change their sexual orientation.
EMIS found that on a country level, internalised homonegativity scores tended to increase from west to east across the continent. The lowest scores were in western European and Scandinavian countries (the lowest of all in Sweden and the Netherlands); followed by a group of central European and some Mediterranean countries (plus the Republic of Ireland). The group of countries with the highest internalised homonegativity were primarily in the ex-Soviet Union and the Balkans, with the highest rating of all in Bulgaria.
Structurally, there was a clear and strong relationship between legal discrimination and internalised homonegativity. Legal factors examined included whether laws protected against anti-gay discrimination and the legality of gay marriage, civil unions and adoption. When such laws were absent, men who have sex with men tended to display more discomfort with their own sexuality (b 0.14).
Moreover, men living in countries with greater income inequality (measured by the GINI coefficient) had higher levels of internalised homonegativity (b 0.09). Men with higher internalised homonegativity also tended to live in smaller towns, rather than big cities (b 0.08).
There was also a very strong relationship between internalised homonegativity and being open about sexuality to fewer people (b 0.51).
Berg did not present any data on links between internalised homonegativity and sexual behaviour. However she did show that men with a high internalised homonegativity score were much less likely to have tested for HIV (b 0.01).
"The EMIS results suggest that improved affirmative policy environments can have positive health impacts on MSM populations," she argued.
Turning now to the American data, the researchers found statistically significant associations between a state's legal environment and men reporting that their family, friends and colleagues were less accepting of their sexuality (b 0.21). Similarly, negative laws were associated with respondents' perception of living in a hostile community environment (b 0.78).
Moreover, men who reported that family, colleagues and communities were accepting were less likely to have internalised homonegativity.
On the other hand, after statistical adjustment, there wasn't a direct association between a state's legal environment and men's internalised homonegativity.
During questions and answers, audience members noted that the measure of whether a state is "pro-gay" may be a little crude. Most legislation on gay issues has only been introduced very recently and that there is likely to be a time-lag between legal changes and more profound changes in social attitudes. Furthermore, analysis needs to consider not just whether a law exists, but also whether people know about it, it is implemented and there is access to justice.
In terms of impacts on health, men living in states which legally discriminated against them, as well as men who perceived their family, colleagues and communities to be somewhat hostile, were more likely to report depression. Whereas depression was associated with alcohol and drug use, living in anti-gay state or having internal homonegativity was not.
But the researchers did not find any association with unprotected sex, either in relation to the legal environment, perceived hostility or internalised homonegativity.
Simon Rosser summed up: "There appears to be a measurable effect of laws on behaviour, but it's indirect and the distance between laws and HIV risk behaviour is great."
Both studies were presented at the Future of European Prevention among MSM conference, where a recurrent theme was the difficult social environment in many countries of eastern and south-eastern Europe.
Presenting an overview of the issue, Smilkja de Lussigny from the World Health Organization noted that despite the difficulties, legislative change is possible. A large number of countries have legalised male-male sex in the past thirty years, although progress on discrimination laws and civil unions has been considerably slower. Gay pride marches have been held in a number of cities, but have frequently been met with a violent backlash.
In some countries, hostility among the general population is rising. When asked whether Ukrainian homosexuals should have the same rights as other citizens, the number of Ukrainians who say 'no' has risen from 34% in 2002 to 47% in 2007 and, most recently, 49% in 2011.
In terms of HIV prevention, Smilkja de Lussigny said that targeted programmes for men who have sex with men were practically non-existent before 2000. Even if many country's national strategies now mention MSM, governments do not fund or support interventions for them. Most programmes are small-scale pilots, delivered in a few key cities by non-governmental organisations who are funded from outside the country, often by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Men who identify as gay are more likely to be reached than other men who have sex with men. Programme activities tend to include the distribution of condoms and lubricants, educational brochures, web-based resources and the promotion of HIV testing.
In many other health services, the staff regard homosexuality as a disease, sin or perversion. HIV counselling and testing may be provided, but not in a way that is sensitive to the needs of men who have sex with men. Sometimes, testing for sexually transmitted infections is available, but treatment is not. Condoms may be supplied, but without lubricant.
In this context, few men who have sex with men disclose their status to healthcare staff and official statistics are unlikely to be accurate. Whereas the state of Belarus has, in the entire history of the epidemic, only ever recorded 47 cases of HIV infection in men who have sex with men, the MSM population of the country is estimated to be between 51,000 and 71,000. Surveys suggest that HIV prevalence in this population is 3.1%, leading de Lussigny to suggest that around 1600 men who have sex with men probably have HIV, even if only a minority are diagnosed.
Moreover, data from EMIS may be helpful in estimating the number of MSM with HIV in a country which has a poor public health surveillance system.
Berg R et al. Structural inequalities are associated with internalized homonegativity among European MSM. The Future of European Prevention among MSM conference, Stockholm, November 10 2011.
Rosser S. The relationship between discrimination, homophobia, mental health and HIV risk: findings from the SILAS study. The Future of European Prevention among MSM conference, Stockholm, November 11 2011.
de Lussigny S. The face of the hidden HIV epidemic in MSM in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: environment, response and unaddressed need. The Future of European Prevention among MSM conference, Stockholm, November 11 2011.
The EMIS project
Several other Aidsmap reports describe other findings from the European Men Who Have Sex with Men Internet Survey (EMIS).
Find out more about EMIS >
Experiences of stigma
Men who have sex with men (MSM)
Mental and emotional health problems
Structural factors
What's the relationship between PrEP, condom use and STIs?17 July 2019
One in five Americans living with HIV experience severe anxiety on an almost daily basis04 July 2019
How does condom use change over time as young MSM get older?03 May 2019
No reduction in HIV stigma in San Francisco, 2011 to 201725 April 2019
Related news selected from other sources
South Africa: SA 'Falling Short' On HIV Prevention GoalsAllAfrica - 16 June 2019
UK couples having less frequent sex than 10 years agoNHS Behind the Headlines - 10 May 2019
Molecular data helps identify HIV networksHealio - 05 March 2019
SF combats rise in HIV infections among homelessSan Francisco Examiner - 11 September 2018
More editors' picks on epidemiology and behaviour >
Australian gay and bisexual men interested in switching to on-demand PrEP11 July 2019
Starting ART at a high CD4 cell count has clear benefits for people with a low viral load10 July 2019
Less than half of adolescents with HIV since birth in the US have an undetectable viral load18 hours ago
The Information Standard Certified Member
NAM's information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.
aidsmap news feeds
Subscribe to our news feeds
Get the latest HIV news delivered to your inbox
NAM Publications
Registered office: Acorn House, 314-320 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8DP
Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales, number: 2707596
Registered charity, number: 1011220
© NAM Publications, 2019. All rights reserved. NAM is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Accessibility & terms of use
Sign the Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention
Together, we can make it happen
We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.
Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.
Sign it
The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.


text:
#1 INDIANAPOLIS - New Cleveland coach Mike Pettine calls a report "noise" that the Browns tried to trade for Jim Harbaugh. [url=htt Antworten
INDIANAPOLIS - New Cleveland coach Mike Pettine calls a report "noise" that the Browns tried to trade for Jim Harbaugh. Rollie Fingers Padres Jersey . The Pro Football Talk website reported Friday that before hiring Pettine last month Cleveland had a deal in place with San Francisco, but Harbaugh decided to stay. Via Twitter, 49ers CEO Jed York denied that was true. Pettine said Saturday the issue "has no bearing" on his job. The Browns didnt deny their attempt to acquire Harbaugh, but Pettine said that didnt bother him, either. He said he thought that shows the organizations commitment to turning around the struggling franchise. Harbaugh has led the 49ers to three straight NFC championship games, but they lost their only Super Bowl appearance with him. Pettine is the seventh head coach of the Browns since 1999. Ozzie Smith Padres Jersey .J. -- Freshman Eli Carter scored a career-high 31 points and hit the go-ahead basket in the second overtime as Rutgers rallied to stun No. Manny Machado Jersey . Long snapper Patrick Mannelly announced Friday that he is retiring after a 16-year-career with the Bears, a span in which he played in a team record 245 games and snapped the ball 2,282 times. http://www.padressale.com/padres-matt-strahm-jersey/ .C. United to a 4-1 victory over short-handed FC Dallas on Saturday night. CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Jay Bruce had hit the ball hard twice, only to see the worst slump of his career get deeper. He finally ended it with a hit that nobody was going to take away. Bruce emerged from his 0-for-26 skid with a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning on Sunday, rallying Mat Latos and the Cincinnati Reds over the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2. Bruce flied out to the wall in centre field and lined out to centre earlier in the game, so he took a little confidence into his game-changing at-bat. "I knew I wasnt going to go 0-for-my-career," Bruce said. "Id been making hard contact. I really didnt feel like I was 0-for-so-much." The Reds gained a game on the NL Central leaders by taking two of three in their series, moving to six back. Cincinnati has won 10 of 15 overall. "That could have easily gone the other way," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We really didnt want to lose ground on this team." The Brewers have lost five of six but still have the NLs best record and a comfortable lead. Bruce hit a two-run shot with one out off left-hander Will Smith (1-2), who took over for Yovani Gallardo. Smith hadnt allowed a homer to a left-handed batter all season, holding them to a .143 average. The matchup with the slumping Bruce seemed to favour Milwaukee in every way. "Its a crazy game," Bruce said. "You cant be surprised by anything that happens in the game of baseball." Smith got ahead 1-2 in the count, then threw a fastball that was up. Bruce pulled it to right field, the part of Great American Ball Park closest to the Ohio River. "Hes given a lot of people trouble," Price said of Smith. "He made a mistake. You do that and hes going to hit the ball in that creek out there." A replay review overturned Ramon Santiagos inside-the-park homer in the Reds second. A fan reached his mitt onto the field and hit right fielder Logan Schafers glove as he tried to catch the fly ball in front of the wall. The umpires initially ruled the ball in play, and Santiago circled the bases as Schafer and the ball fell to the ground. Following a 3-minute, 46-second review, Santiago was ruled out because of the fans interference. Latos (2-1) allowed two runs and four hits in a season-high eight innings. Jonathan Broxton pitched the ninth for his sixth save in eight chances. Closer Aroldis Chapman wasnt available because he slightly pulled a hamstring while running in the outfield before the game. Both teams were missing stars. Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun was sidelined by a stiff back that forced him to leave Saturdays game. Fernando Tatis Jr. Padres Jersey. Manager Ron Roenicke said the problem doesnt appear to be series. Reds first baseman Joey Votto got a day to rest his bothersome left leg. Votto missed 23 games with a strained muscle above his left knee and has batted .250 without a homer since his return. The muscle isnt expected to heal fully until after the season. Latos made his fifth start since recovering from torn knee cartilage and a strained pitching forearm that sidelined him until June 14. He let a 2-0 lead slip away. Schafer tripled and scored on Scooter Gennetts groundout in the sixth. Schafer also doubled off Latos with two outs in the eighth and came around on Rickie Weeks pinch-hit single, making Latos smack his glove in frustration. In his last three starts, Latos has allowed a total of four runs in 22 innings, showing hes fully recovered from the injuries. Devin Mesoraco had three hits, including an RBI single in the first inning off Gallardo, who gave up two runs in seven innings. Gallardo was coming off his worst start of the season: 10 hits, eight runs in five innings of a 10-4 loss to Colorado last Sunday. He settled in after a rough first inning. Bruce grounded into a forceout that drove in a run, and Mesoracos single made it 2-0. NOTES: The Brewers open a seven-game homestand against Philadelphia and St. Louis on Monday. Marco Estrada (7-5) faces Cole Hamels (2-5). The Reds continue their homestand with the start of a five-game series against the Cubs. Mike Leake (6-7), who has won his last three starts against Chicago, faces Edwin Jackson (5-8). ... The Reds put C Brayan Pena on the paternity list and called up C Tucker Barnhart for his third stint this season. ... RHP Raisel Iglesias is guaranteed $26.5 million under his seven-year contract with the Reds and can earn an extra $500,000 this year between his salary of $1,016,666 and a $250,000 reporting bonus if he reports to a minor league affiliate and receives U.S. work authorizations by Aug. 15. He gets a $5 million signing bonus, of which $1.5 million due when the contract is approved by the commissioners office, $1 million on Nov. 15, $1 million on Nov. 15, 2015, and $1.5 million on Nov. 15, 2016. He gets a maximum $500,000 this year between salary and reporting bonus, and salaries of $1 million next year, $2.5 million in 2016, $3.5 million in 2017, $4.5 million in 2018 and $5 million in each of the following two seasons. ' ' '
«« LOS ANGELES -- Rookie Tyler Toffoli and backup goaltender Ben Scrivens have made enormous contributions lately for the Los Angel
TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on the return of Paul Georges play, the defensive abilities of Chris Paul, the emergence »»

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Maryland wrestling went another year without a Big Ten win. Next year could be different.
Ashkan Motamedi
Jaron Smith circles Michigan State's Cam Caffey during Maryland wrestling's 29-6 loss to Michigan State on Feb. 4, 2022. (Cam Andrews/The Diamondback)
The Big Ten is one of the best and deepest conferences — 10 teams in the conference were ranked, and Maryland wrestling faced six of them this season.
The conference is also full of talented wrestlers up and down the standings who have achieved individual accolades such as All-Americans, NCAA Championships and even success overseas.
Once an ACC powerhouse, the Terps have picked up just one conference win since they joined the Big Ten in the 2014-15 season. That win came in 2016 against Michigan State.
Snapping that losing streak would have been a tall task for this year's rebuilding Maryland program.
After a 31-13 loss to No. 15 Rutgers, the team clinched another winless conference slate and another last-place finish for the Terps in year three of coach Alex Clemsen's tenure.
"We're just not there yet," Clemsen said. "We're getting exposed a little bit against some better programs … it is what it is."
Going into the dual against then-No. 2 Penn State back in January, Maryland was riding high and feeling confident.
But a 46-0 loss to the Nittany Lions dashed the Terps' hopes of an upset and held them in the basement of the conference.
Then, the Terps had their best chance to pick up an elusive win against an Indiana team that also ranks towards the bottom of the Big Ten.
[Maryland wrestling loses to No. 15 Rutgers, 31-13, is winless in Big Ten duals again]
Despite good performances from King Sandoval, Dominic Solis and Kyle Cochran in the dual, not having Danny Bertoni or Jaron Smith available due to health and safety protocols hurt Maryland's chances to pull away a win in a 26-12 loss.
As the schedule got more difficult, the Terps' results mirrored their troubles.
The understaffed Terps were outclassed on the road against a deep then-No. 6 Ohio State team. The Buckeyes' squad features InterMat top-10 wrestlers Sammy Sasso, Kaleb Romero and Carson Kharchla.
Maryland then began a three-dual homestand hoping they could pick up a win in front of the Xfinity Pavilion faithful. That wasn't the case — the Terps lost against a then-No. 10 Wisconsin team, managing just one win from Michael North in the 39-4 loss.
Despite Smith's top 10 upset win over Patrick Brucki, Maryland was no match for a deep then-No. 4 Michigan team in a 40-2 loss.
The dual against then-No. 17 Michigan State was full of missed opportunities scoring-wise. Maryland had chances in five bouts to put points on the board and put more pressure on the Spartans.
But at the end of the night, the score read 29-6 in favor of the Spartans. In their homestand, the Terps were outscored, 108-12.
Against Northwestern, Maryland was lackluster from the bottom position in the first half of the dual and found itself in a 21-0 hole after the 165 bout.
Despite good performances from its duo of Solis and Cochran at 174 and 184, the Terps lost 29-7 to the Wildcats.
[Maryland wrestling redshirt Jaxon Smith is a bright spot in the program's future]
"There's things that we can improve on, and I think that this program is just continuously building up from what we were," Cochran said. "There's some matches that could have been a little different, but everyone's improving. So that's all that matters."
In total, Maryland was outscored 279-48 in conference play. Compared to last season — where the Terps were shut out five times — they've improved, being able to salvage some wins in these blowout losses.
Even with good individual wins and performances, it's still a team loss. And Clemsen does not believe in moral victories.
With two duals left against Columbia and American with the Big Ten tournament and NCAA championship on the horizon, the Terps will have to wait another year to snap their conference dual-winning drought.
But there is a sense of hope for next season.
In the trip to Rutgers, Maryland brought every member of its 2021 class — ranked eighth in the country by InterMat — to get a feel of the Big Ten experience on the road.
The hope will be that class is a factor in flipping conference results in the Terps' favor next season.
"We have a good young group of kids waiting in the wings that are chomping at the bit," Clemsen said. "I expect to reverse this next year."
dominic solis
king sandoval
kyle cochran
maryland wrestling
michael north


Dynamic Concrete Pumping Inc. has career opportunities available in the following positions Click on each position available for more information regarding job duties.
Dynamic has an in house immigration specialist who will look after all applicants immigration and work visa paperwork at no charge for applicants located outside of Canada. We also look after settlement issues including housing, logistics, and workers needs and questions.
Placers are only required to place the concrete and float the edges and columns for finishing.


text:
Partnership Brings Free Multicultural Children's Books to Libraries
> Blog > Partnership Brings Free Multicultural Children's Books to Libraries
Authored by Gavin McGuire onFebruary 13, 2018
Posted In:Our Partners, Press Room
Austin– The Texas Center for the Book working in concert with First Book is bringing a new opportunity to help libraries celebrate Lone Star Día this April. The program is designed to support libraries who serve children in need.
"Lone Star Día is our Texas celebration of El día de los niños, El día de los libros, founded in 1996 by author and literacy advocate Pat Mora to encourage a love of books and reading among children of all cultures," said Mark Smith, Director and Librarian at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Grants of $200 will be available to purchase multicultural titles to augment Lone Star Día programs. Librarians will be able to use the funds towards books they select from the First Book Marketplace, which offers a wide array of diverse titles for children.
"Lone Star Día can be a great way to help encourage and reinforce the power of reading among all people in our communities," adds Smith.
Information about the program and how libraries may apply is available at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/lonestardia. The Texas Center for the Book is one of 50 state centers affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The funding is made possible by the Edouard Foundation and the Friends of Libraries and Archives of Texas.
First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need. Since founding in 1992, First Book has distributed more than 170 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families.
About the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information they need to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic, and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information visit tsl.texas.gov.
Rebekah Manley, Texas Center for the Book
rmanley@tsl.texas.gov


text:
Rhythmic gymnastics facts for kids
Dominika Červenková (Czech Republic) performing her ribbon routine at 2005 World Games.
Carolina Pascual
Ute Lehmann
Rhythmic gymnastics (short:RG) is a sport in which individuals or teams of competitors (generally five) manipulate one or two apparatus: rope, hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon. Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation. The victor is the participant who earns the most points, determined by a panel of judges, for leaps, balances, pirouettes, flexibilities, apparatus handling, execution, and artistic effect.
International competitions are split between Juniors, under sixteen by their year of birth; and Seniors, for women sixteen and over again by their year of birth. Gymnasts typically start training at a very young age and those at their peak are typically in their late teens or early twenties. The largest events in the sport are the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Grand-Prix Tournaments.
Rhythmic gymnastics is a type of gymnastics. People who do rhythmic gymnastics are called rhythmic gymnasts. In rhythmic gymnastics, there are different pieces of equipment that rhythmic gymnasts use while they do routines. They also do a group routine, which is a little bit different.
Images for kids
Rope is a piece of equipment that rhythmic gymnasts use. The length of the rope depends on how tall the gymnast using it is. They swing the rope, throw and catch the rope, make figure-eights, and more. They also leap and jump through the rope while they are holding it.
Hoop is used by rhythmic gymnasts too. The hoop is made of wood. Gymnasts toss it and catch it, spin it, swing it, and roll it. Gymnasts doing routines with the hoop are really exciting because gymnasts throw it very high and then catch it many different ways.
Another one of the pieces of equipment used by rhythmic gymnasts is the ball. The ball is made with rubber or plastic that is soft. Gymnasts throw balls and catch them, bounce and roll them, balance the ball on their hand, and do waves and circles.
The clubs are another piece of equipment that rhythmic gymnasts use. The clubs look a kind of like bowling pins or bottles. They are made of wood or plastic. Gymnasts use the clubs to do circles, throws, swings, plus tapping.
The group routine is a little bit different. It's not a piece of equipment; it's just a different kind of routine. In the group event, five rhythmic gymnasts will do a routine together. The gymnasts have to work together to make the routine work. In a group routine, gymnasts will exchange whatever equipment they are using with each other. Group routines are extremely exciting to watch!
Rhythmic gymnastics came from many different things, like ballet. It also came from the German way of using equipment and the Swedish way having freedom to work on rhythm.
Rhythmic gymnastics became official in 1963, and in 1964, the first competition happened. A gymnast from the Soviet Union named Ludmila Savinkova won.
The first time rhythmic gymnastics was in the Olympics was in 1984 in Los Angeles. That year, a Canadian gymnast called Lori Fung won.
Group rhythmic gymnasts from Greece in Sydney 2000
2 time Olympic Champion Evgenia Kanaeva (2008 Beijing and 2012 London)
Galina Shugurova
Bianka Panova
Olena Vitrychenko
Rhythmic gymnastics Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.
This page was last modified on 18 August 2021, at 05:15. Suggest an edit.


Feel the magic touch on your own skin and let yourself be carried on a wave of perfect relaxation and sensuality. In the Studio RELAX, your body will be pleased with the handsome masseuses who have gone through tantric massage classes. Therefore, you can rely on the expertise of the experienced experts to bring you to the mysteries and spells of this ritual.
Tantric massage will teach you to experience orgasmic states in a different dimension than you are used to. It's a developed art of touch that will surprise you with waves of joy, allow you to dive into your own inner space and then let you release all hidden emotions.
This is an energetic massage with tantra elements - soothing and regenerative massage. The maximum relaxation and healing effect is achieved mainly due to the fact that the tactile assembly respects the distribution of energy pathways. This massage will bring you sensuality, opens up new possibilities, offers a new look at sexuality. It will teach you with tenderness and pampering. Removes fatigue, internal tension, stress and mental exhaustion. You will be leaving the charge of energy.
Massage takes place on a sun lounger with meditation candlelight music. The whole body is massaged from the front to the front, leaving only intimate parts.


text:
Chelsea: Too early to criticise Frank Lampard, says Mario Melchiot
By Stephan Georgiou
'It's too early' – Mario Melchiot believes Frank Lampard criticism is premature
Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot believes it is too early to start judging new manager Frank Lampard following the Blues' mauling at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Chelsea found themselves on the wrong side of a 4-0 defeat in Lampard's first game in charge, with their first league game since the departure of Eden Hazard seeing a relatively new-look side open their Premier League account for the year in disappointing fashion.
There were seasonal debuts for Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Kurt Zouma following their returns from loan spells, while Christian Pulisic made his own Chelsea bow after his time at Borussia Dortmund came to an end following his sale back in January.
But despite a number of chances in the game – a total 18 shots from the away side – Lampard's reign has not got off to a positive start, though Melchiot thinks it is far too early to judge whether this is a sign of things to come.
He told TalkSPORT: "It's too early in the season to start talking. The only bad thing for Frank is that [the big games] come so quick against teams like Manchester United who were also revamping, and this was a big game for them, too – but then your next game is another big one.
"So hopefully he can keep the young boys motivated and not let their heads drop too early, because he has a young side."
Chelsea are in European action when they take on Liverpool in the Super Cup later this week, with the Champions League winners providing the Blues with yet more stern opposition to kick off their season.
And it seems Melchiot is wary of how another heavy defeat could potentially demoralise his former team so early in the campaign.
But clubs have turned poor starts into successful seasons at the top end of the league before, such as Manchester United's 2007/08 league triumph, which began with Sir Alex Ferguson's men gaining two points from their opening three games.
And judging by last season, with Spurs losing 13 matches on their way to securing a place in the Champions League, there really is no need to panic at this stage with destiny still very much in the hands of Lampard and his Chelsea team.
Related Items:Chelsea, Frank Lampard, Mario Melchiot, Premier League
Chelsea: Fans call for Mason Mount to be dropped from starting 11
Article title: Chelsea: Too early to criticise Frank Lampard, says Mario Melchiot


text:
M. NourbeSe Philip in dialogue with Khashayar Naderehvandi
Online on Zoom here.
Meet artist and author M. NourbeSe Philip in dialogue with writer and literary critic Khashayar Naderehvandi.
For the eleventh edition of Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art poet M. NourbeSe Philip has translated her work Zong! into another medium – from a book into an artwork in public space. The work is on view at Franska Tomten, a place in Gothenburg's historical harbour with connections to Swedish colonial history, and takes the form of a 17m long temporary installation on view until November 14th.
The poem Zong! revisits the historical trauma of a massacre at sea, telling a story that cannot be told yet must be told. In November 1781, the captain of the slave ship Zong ordered that some 150 enslaved Africans be murdered by drowning so that the ship's owners could collect insurance money. The insurance claim was documented in a legal decision — the only existent public record of the massacre. The poem relies entirely on the words of the legal document, excavated and transformed by M. NourbeSe Philip into a chant where the many other voices and perspectives on board the ship emerge. Excerpts from the original poem have been selected by the author for presentation as a public artwork. Its placement at Franska tomten in Gothenburg commemorates the victims of Sweden's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and of the colonial rule of the Caribbean island Saint Barthélemy (1784–1878).
The programme is organised by Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art in partnership with the Fine Art Academy at the Oslo National Academy of Art and supported by Embassy of Canada in Sweden.
M. NourbeSe Philip (b. 1947 in Tobago, based in Vancouver, Canada) is an unembedded poet, essayist, novelist, playwright, and independent scholar who lives in the space-time of the City of Toronto, where she practiced law for seven years before becoming a poet and writer. Her published works include She Tries Her Tongue, Her Silence Softly Breaks, Looking for Livingston: An Odyssey of Silence, Harriet's Daughter, Coups and Calypsos, and BlanK. Her book-length poem Zong! is a genre-breaking epic that explodes the legal archive as it relates to slavery. Among her awards are numerous Canada Council and Ontario Arts Council grants, including the prestigious Chalmers Award (Ontario Arts Council), the Canada Council's Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award (Outstanding mid-career artist), as well as the Pushcart Prize (USA), the Casa de las Americas Prize (Cuba), the Lawrence Foundation Prize (USA), the Arts Foundation of Toronto Writing and Publishing Award (Toronto), and Dora Award finalist (drama). M. NourbeSe Philip is the 2020 recipient of PEN/ Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature.
Khashayar Naderehvandi (b.1981, based in Malmö, Sweden) is a poet and writer of fiction. He holds a PhD in Artistic Practices and his most recent publication is his dissertation Vem vittnar för vittnet? (Autor, 2020). He is currently working on the translation of M. NourbeSe Philip's Zong! to Swedish. His upcoming novel is planned for publication in 2022.


text:
Spectacular Scotland
Author(s): James Gracie
Breathtaking photography captures the soul and passion of this spectacular land of bagpipes, heather, thistle, and tartans. This enchanting collection of images celebrates Scotland's world-famous vistas--the lofty highlands, placid lochs, and misty glens, the picturesque villages, the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the ancient castles, the breathtaking pastoral scenes, as well as the people who take pride in it all. An outstanding gift or souvenir, Spectacular Scotland brings the best of this wonderful country into sharp focus. This is a magnificent collection of 150 color photographs by some of Scotland's best landscape photographers.
"Within these pages, you'll find bucolic Highland panoramas dotted with sheep and portraits of castles--some of which, [author, Gracie] concedes, are "so much the better" for existing in a state of "romantic ruin." But there's a sense of balance at work: Edinburgh may be showcased on one page as a city paved with antiquated cobblestones while on the next it's revealed as a contemporary capital--animated by its vibrant citizens." "Metrosource"
James Gracie, a Scot born and bred, is a distinguished travel writer who has written many guidebooks about his native country. He is a regular contributor of travel- and heritage-related features to several national newspapers and magazines, including The Glasgow Herald, Daily Record, Scots Magazine, The Highlander, and Scottish Field.
Publisher : Universe Publishing
Imprint : Universe Publishing
Author : James Gracie


Certain recipe names promise a lot. If you call your pasta "four-cheese," I'll be expecting serious cheese flavor. A cracker called "crispy flatbreads" better measure up. And a cookie recipe titled "chocolate truffle cookies" whispers of gooey, rich, lusciousness ahead.
I am happy to announce that this cookie fully delivers on that promise. I've eaten, and even baked, lots of versions of this kind of cookie: fudgy and brownie-like on the inside with a thin crust that crackles delicately with each bite. Most of them are flourless, but this one is not.
Adding a touch of flour to the batter keeps the cookie from being too much like a truffle in the center. It still has chew and texture and enough of a crumb that you could happily dunk it in a glass of milk.
The technique for making the batter is a neat one too: You melt the butter and most of the chocolate together, and fold that into the base of your batter. Once you finish the batter, you let it cool slightly and then fold in more chocolate (chunks or chips or shards). The resulting dough has both pockets of toothsome chocolate and a background flavor of melted chocolate.
I highly recommend not skimping on the flaky sea salt on top. It's not crucial, but it helps to emphasis the chocolate and the sweetness. Ditto for the espresso powder, which is a wonderful ingredient to keep on hand if you are a baker. Just a pinch won't make your recipes taste like coffee, but will greatly enhance the flavor of chocolate.
Is there a reason you use bittersweet chocolate? What would happen if I use semisweet? Thx!
You can do that! It'll just be slightly sweeter.
How much is 2 cups of chocolate in grams?
This recipe sounds fantastic, but I am wondering if a fine matzoh meal could be substituted for the 1/4 cup of flour to make it possible to use it for Passover??
Hm interesting thought! I've not tried this but definitely think it would be doable since there is so little flour. Let me know how it turns out!
I am definitely going to make this, but first, a stupid question: What exactly is espresso powder? How is it different from instant coffee? I'm not sure what to look for here in Portugal.
Not a silly question at all! Espresso powder is made from actual espresso beans that have been ground, brewed, then dried -- it's much richer and more concentrated than instant coffee (for example, you wouldn't use it to actually make coffee, just to bake). I wouldn't suggest using instant coffee because it won't give the same kick and you'd need more, which can impart sort of a bitter coffee taste. You can totally just leave it out of the recipe -- it's not mandatory it just helps to emphasis the chocolate flavor. I think you could try using leftover espresso grounds and drying them on a sheet pan at a really low oven temp? Or, you can order it online!
But I *want* to include it! It sounds delicious! Thank you very much for the info - I'm off to make coffee now (and save the grounds). Boas festas!
I made vegan gluten free version. Excellent, although I will have to work on a binder as my version was a bit crumbly. Taste is excellent.
How much chocolate would this be if not using chips? About 12 ounces?
I used Nestle morsels and a gluten free flour mix. These were delicious! Will make again. Thanks, Posie!
Interesting recipe, and very easy. I was mostly interested in how it would work structurally- I don't have much background in confectionery. Quite well, as it turned out, though they took a little longer than advertised to bake. The chocolate (12 0z., by the way) is most of the content of these cookies, and I don't think chocolate chips are the best choice; I used Lindt 70% for the melted chocolate and Guittard Extra Dark chips for the rest- it was still a bit on the sweet side. Then again, my espresso powder had gone bad on me, it would have balanced much better with it. Assembly was easy, although as befits a recipe with melted chocolate, things got a little messy. I skipped the brief chill- the batter was quite stiff without it, and the cookies didn't spread much. I skipped the salt (I just find that combination repulsive) and didn't have the espresso- you could add all sorts of flavorants- orange oil, mint, any sort of extract, or things like chopped nuts- it's pretty much naked chocolate (not a bad thing) without. Could be a fun recipe to experiment with.
Those didn't last long- tried a 2.0 version with the expresso, and a bit less sugar (I almost always end up cutting sugar and omitting salt in dessert recipes), with some maple syrup. It was stiff enough to roll into balls with wet hands, and I rolled some in coconut, some in chopped walnuts. Came out just about right for me, but these really are more truffle than cookie. I think my batter may be stiffer than the author's (more like a dough really)- maybe I beat the egg more, or had the chocolate hotter when I added it.
I haven't frozen them (they were too delicious to last long, ha!) but I think they'd be great. The inside is brownie-like, and brownies freeze well. The outside might not shatter as delicately but it'd be fine.
What would be good butter replacement to make these dairy free?
The butter just seems to smooth out the melted chocolate a bit- you could certainly use margarine, probably vegetable oil would be ok- I think you could skip it entirely without disaster.
Thank you. Good to know what it's there for. Helps me know what to expect.
You can skip it! It's optional. It just enhances the chocolate but best not to use a substitute.
I am all out of espresso powder. But I do have several packs of nesspresso pods. Do you think if I open one and use a pinch of that would it work?? Or would it be best to use the liquid espresso and risk altering the recipe? Any advice would be appreciated.
First time I used flaky salt on top of cookies was making Amanda's Chewy Vanilla Spice Cookies with Chocolate Chunks. Totally loved it.
Could you substitute a different flour or cocoa powder for a gluten free version?
Hm, definitely you can try subbing a GF all-purpose flour. I haven't tried it so I can't vouch for the results!
No, I do not like flaky salt on my cookies.
You may MOST certainly leave that off. Dessert should be just the way you like it.
Where can I get flaky salt locally (live in Louisiana)? I've never looked for it before and assume it's not at the regular grocery store. Thanks!
Try any specialty food store. Look for Fleur de sell or Maldon Flake salt. Both are lovely finishing salts!


text:
Uses Of Cacao - image to repin / share
Cacao background image © volff - Fotolia.com. Other image credits - see foot of article
Cacao - Botany And History
Cacao is the plant, and subsequently the dried seeds or beans of the cacao plant. It is among the most popular products of the modern age, and is consumed as both a foodstuff and a beverage. Cacao-based foodstuffs are of course better known by their English moniker 'chocolate' - a key ingredient in many products, usually snacks and desserts.
The popularity of chocolate is so great and has so surpassed that of the unprocessed cacao bean that many people are unaware that cacao in unprocessed, natural form is also considered to some extent a natural medicine.
Cacao has a long and coloured history that dates back to the time of the early Mesoamericans who prized the seeds derived from the cacao plant and utilized them as a sacred ceremonial food, beverage, medicine and even as a type of currency.
The cacao plant is a decidedly small tree, almost resembling a shrub that is replete with long, broad leaves and tiny clusters of pale pink, white, or very pale lilac-hued flowers. The cacao beans are housed in pods resembling elongated gourds that are filled with a pink to slightly reddish flesh which not only cradles the beans, but actually coats them. This flesh is sweet and edible when ripe, and is typically eaten prior to the subsequent sorting and drying of the beans themselves. [1]
The processing of cacao beans have changed only very slightly since it had first been employed by the early Mesoamericans. To this day, the pods are still split open, and the seeds extracted, washed, and dried. The only significant change to the whole process involves roasting, which effectively darkens the seeds and releases many of its active compounds, as well as significantly improve its flavour. While the original method of preparing cacao beans as a beverage yielded a drink that would be considered unpalatable for modern tastes, innovations in the field of chocolate-making have yielded a wide array of different preparation methods that render cacao (next to coffee and tea) among the most well-loved drinks and foodstuffs available today. [2]
While cacao was a relatively unknown drink in the ancient past, popularization during the early 1600's – 1700's in various European territories has led to it becoming it a universal food and drink that is consumed in all parts of the world, in various methods and preparations.
Cacao - Herbal Uses
While processed chocolate (milk chocolate / white chocolate / sweetened chocolate / Dutch chocolate, and its ilk) is now generally considered solely as a treat for the taste buds, raw chocolate derived from cacao beans (called nibs), as well as the subsequent product produced from it sans any additives (dark chocolate) has long been considered a health food. In early Mesoamerica, cacao was not only ground up and consumed regularly as an invigorating beverage, but was also slathered onto skin to help treat minor skin problems and allay infection. [3]
Cacao (Leaf, Flower)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indo-Chinese herbalism, cacao seeds, when roasted, powdered, and dissolved in water, were said to be a warming and nourishing drink that was excellent for treating fevers (analgesic), bodily weakness, and for reconstituting one's health after a prolonged illness. Recent studies into the health benefits of raw cacao have yielded amazing results in the claimed benefits of the drink / food which include anticancer, anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. [4] Cacao nibs, eaten raw, or drunk in its un-prepared form is also said to help lower high blood pressure, alleviate depression, combat stress, and boost the body's immune system. [4] Consuming cacao on a regular basis may even help to promote weight loss, as it effectively increases the body's metabolic rate (just like green tea). Raw cacao and dark chocolate have also been suggested to act as an aphrodisiac that helps to increase both male and female libido. Perhaps this is part of the reason that chocolate is so widely considered to be one of the quintessential "lovers' gifts".
When used medicinally, individuals usually prefer consuming raw cacao seeds or nibs, or otherwise consuming moderate amounts of (often) unsweetened dark chocolate. In the Philippines, where cacao was once a precious cash crop during the time of the Spanish colonization of the country, the raw roasted beans were ground into a powder and shaped into medium-sized thick discs called 'tablea', which were then diluted in hot or boiling water and copiously sweetened with raw sugar, jaggery, or honey. It was a favourite drink among the elite and, later on, the middle class for its equally calming yet invigorating after-effects. Consuming dark chocolate or raw cacao on a regular basis may be beneficial to one's health, and, unlike coffee (and its active compound caffeine), cacao (and its active compound theobromine) does not result in jittery side-effects when consumed in larger amounts. [5]
The beans of the cacao are used for more than just food and drinks, as fatty substances derived from the seeds are often made into moisturizing and soothing skin-care products. This substance, called cacao butter, is considered an excellent emollient and anti-aging compound that is perfect for all skin types. [5] Typically used as a base for medicated salves or balms, it can also be used to make scented candles, lotions, and even pomades.
Cacao – Scientific Studies And Research
Recent research findings indicate that cocoa from cacao (Theobroma cacao) has a positive influence on blood pressure, insulin resistance, and vascular and platelet function and exerts both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. [1] In a recent 2012 study wherein fat, alkaloid, and polyphenol contents of two clones of cocoa (UIT1 and PBC 140) were removed and the remaining powder was autolyzed at pH 3.5 and 5.2, results showed that all cocoa autolysates significantly decreased the blood glucose of streptozotocin-diabetic rats used in this study within 4 hours, suggesting the hypoglycemic effect of cocoa obtained from cacao. [2]
Cacao – Active Ingredients / Phytochemistry
The cocoa powder derived from the extract of Theobroma cacao seeds is high in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and is deemed a concentrated source of flavanols by a 2011 American study wherein cocoa powder and products were compared to the powders and juices obtained from other "super fruits." [3] It is noteworthy to mention that a diet high in oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and hence in antioxidants, has been associated by various studies to lower stroke risk in women. [4]
The flavanols in cocoa and chocolate derived from cacao render a wide array of medically beneficial physiologic and antioxidant effects to the body. Cocoa flavanols have been linked to the treatment of vascular impairment, including dementia and strokes, by increasing the cerebral blood flow to the gray matter. [5] Flavanols also reduce coronary events by inducing vasodilation via the activation of the nitric oxide system. [6]
Cacao (Fruit, Seed)
A good battery of human dietary intervention trials have revealed cocoa flavanols' valuable vascular effects, implicating that a regular consumption of cocoa from cacao may decrease one's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). [7] Moreover, an improvement in cognitive function among the elderly with mild cognitive impairment has also been associated with the regular consumption of cocoa flavanols. [8] Flavanols are involved in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, in the synthesis of eicosanoids (i.e., the lipid mediators of inflammation), and in the activation of platelets as well. [9]
A good amount of flavonoids such as catechins, epicatechins, and procyanidins can also be derived from cocoa, biocompounds that work against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation – and by extension cancer and other chronic diseases. [10] Overall, these flavonoids inhibit certain enzymes, upregulate antioxidant defenses, and are generally antioxidative in nature. The cardiovascular effects that result from cacao or cocoa consumption are mediated through the anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa polyphenols and are modulated through the activity of NF-B. [11]
As Ramljak et al. (2005) had demonstrated in their study, the cocoa-derived pentameric procyanidin (pentamer) exerts a cytotoxic effect against human breast cancer cells. Procyanidin selectively deters their proliferation through inhibitory mechanisms most likely related to site-specific dephosphorylation or downregulation of numerous cell cycle regulatory proteins. [12]
Epicatechin and catechin in cocoa have been determined by research to have some inhibitory action against apoptosis induced by amyloid beta protein. When PC12 cells were treated with the toxic peptide (Abeta(25)(-)(35)) in a 2005 study, epicatechin, catechin, and their mixture protected the cellular membrane from Abeta-induced cytotoxicity and prevented neuronal cell death. This means that cacao and cocoa have not only chemopreventive effects but also anti-neurotoxicity activities, making cocoa from cacao a very good therapeutic regimen to delay or prevent neurodegeneration. [13]
Names of Cacao, Past and Present
Maya / Inca / Nahuatl / other Mesoamerican tribal languages: askakaw / kagaw / cacahuatl
Spanish: chocolate (pronounce choh-koh-lah-tey)
French: chocolat
Filipino: tsokolate
English: cocoa / cacao (adapted)
Greek: theobroma (lit. 'food of the gods')
Latin (scientific nomenclature): Theobroma cacao / Theobroma sativum
Infographic Image Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cacao.jpeg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cacao_beans.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cocoa_butter_p1410148.JPG
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma_cacao
[2] http://vegetarian.about.com/od/beverage1/a/raw-chocolate-nutrition.htm
[3] http://www.secrets-of-longevity-in-humans.com/raw-cacao-benefits.html
[4] http://www.ulimana.com/research/benefits-of-chocolate-and-raw-cacao/
[5] http://www.livestrong.com/article/522112-health-benefits-of-raw-cacao-nibs/
[6] Corti R., Flammer A.J., Hollenberg N.K., & Lüscher T.F. (2009). Cocoa and cardiovascular health. Circulation, 119(10): 1433–1441. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.827022. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19289648
[7] Sarmadi B., Aminuddin F., Hamid M., Saari N., Abdul-Hamid A., & Ismail A. (2012). Hypoglycemic effects of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) autolysates. Food Chemistry, 134(2): 905–911. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.02.202. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23107706
[8] Crozier S.J., Preston A.G., Hurst J.W., Payne M.J., Mann J., Hainly L., & Miller D.L. (2011). Cacao seeds are a "Super Fruit": A comparative analysis of various fruit powders and products. Chemistry Central Journal, 5:5. doi: 10.1186/1752-153X-5-5. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038885/
[9] Dragani R. (2011). Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Great For Reducing Stroke Risk. Boomer Health & Lifestyle. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.thirdage.com/news/oxygen-radical-absorbance-capacity-great-for-reducing-stroke-risk_12-04-2011
[10] Francis S.T., Head K., Morris P.G., & Macdonald I.A. (2006). The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on the fMRI response to a cognitive task in healthy young people. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 47 Suppl 2:S215–220. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16794461
[11] Fisher N.D., Hughes M., Gerhard-Herman M., & Hollenberg N.K. (2003). Flavanol-rich cocoa induces nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilation in healthy humans. Journal of Hypertension, 21(12): 2281–2286. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14654748
[12] Erdman J.W. Jr, Carson L., Kwik-Uribe C., Evans E.M., & Allen R.R. (2008). Effects of cocoa flavanols on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17 Suppl 1: 284–287. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18296357
[13] Desideri G. et al. (2012). Benefits in cognitive function, blood pressure, and insulin resistance through cocoa flavanol consumption in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment: the Cocoa, Cognition, and Aging (CoCoA) study. Hypertension, 60(3): 794–801. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.112.193060. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22892813
[14] Selmi C., Cocchi C.A., Lanfredini M., Keen C.L., & Gershwin M.E. (2008). Chocolate at heart: the anti-inflammatory impact of cocoa flavanols. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 52(11): 1340–1348. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.200700435. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18991246/
[15] Maskarinec G. (2009). Cancer protective properties of cocoa: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. Nutrition and Cancer, 61(5): 573–579. doi: 10.1080/01635580902825662. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19838930
[16] Katz D.L., Doughty K., & Ali A. (2011). Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 15(10): 2779–2811. doi: 10.1089/ars.2010.3697. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21470061
[17] Ramljak D. et al. (2005). Pentameric procyanidin from Theobroma cacao selectively inhibits growth of human breast cancer cells. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 4(4): 537–546. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15827326
[18] Heo H.J. & Lee C.Y. (2005). Epicatechin and catechin in cocoa inhibit amyloid beta protein induced apoptosis. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(5): 1445–1448. Retrieved 21 February 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15740021
Main article researched and created by Alexander Leonhardt. Scientific studies / phytochemistry report by Dan Ablir.
© herbshealthhappiness.com


Every homeowner wants the best for their home. That's why so many choose Mitsubishi for mini-split systems/heat pumps. They've long been leaders in the industry and their electric ductless heating & cooling systems are rated #1 for CT's heating & air conditioning options. With many indoor unit options and its Inverter technology, Mitsubishi can adequately heat and cool any home.
The indoor unit is called an Air Handler. The choice of air handler will depend on the layout of your room and other factors. The HVAC experts at Air Inc. Heating and Air Conditioning can help you consider these factors and pick the best option for your needs. Contact us today and schedule your free estimate in Guilford, North Haven, Branford, and nearby!
Wall Mount - These are the original "Ductless Air Handlers". They are installed high on a wall, usually 4" from the ceiling. These are the most popular air handlers. The wall mounted unit blends into the room and you don't even know it's there. No Ductwork required.
Floor Mount - Installs about 4" from the floor and is mounted to the wall. These are great for areas that have no available space on the walls, such as a room with many tall windows. No Ductwork required.
Low Static Air Handler - This unit is installed in an attic or basement, hidden away. Minimal ductwork is needed to transfer air to 2 or 3 rooms maximum. They are designed for very short lengths of ductwork so you cannot use them to heat and cool a whole house.
Multi-Position Air Handler - This unit is installed in an attic, basement, or closet. It is a state of the art air handler. It is very well built and whisper quiet. The multi-position air handler is designed to be connected to ductwork that can heat or cool a large area, multiple rooms or an entire home.
Ceiling-Cassette Air Handlers - These are designed for areas with suspended ceilings (Dropped Ceilings). With some carpentry work, they can be installed into a ceiling as long as there is an attic above the room. They are flush with the ceiling and blend into the room décor very well. No Ductwork required.
Call today for a free estimate on a Mini Split System install!
If you're looking for a brand you can trust then look no further than Mitsubishi. If you're looking for a ductless heating & cooling contractor you can trust then look no further than Air Inc. Heating and Air Conditioning. We're proud to be a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealer and can help you find the perfect ductless heating & cooling option for your home. You can't go wrong. Contact us today and schedule your free estimate for any of our services in New Haven, Madison, East Haven, West Haven, Milford, Woodbridge, Hamden, and nearby Connecticut!


With almost 10 years of experience in the construction industry, we offer specialized construction, artistic projects, and general construction. We offer start-to-finish solutions for every project. We guarantee high quality work for each and every project. Check out samples of our work, and you'll agree we're the best choice for your project.


text:
Trans Hormone Profiteer Planned Parenthood Teaches Public School Sex Ed In 16 States, Including Red Idaho
By: Tristan Justice
Image CreditIdaho Freedom TV / YouTube
The curriculum reportedly offers explicit material about 'porn literacy,' condoms, anal and vaginal sex with contraception, transgender ideology, and even guidance on abortion.
Tristan Justice
Visit on Twitter @JusticeTristan
A sex-ed curriculum developed by an offshoot of Planned Parenthood to teach children about abortion and radical gender ideology is being imposed on school districts across red-state Idaho.
The curriculum, called "Reducing the Risk," is a project of the nonprofit Education, Training and Research (ETR) developed in partnership with Planned Parenthood and already deployed across 16 states, including Idaho.
Students under the "queer-centered" curriculum, which is behind a paywall, are presented with a new definition of abstinence, which has been amended from its real meaning — refraining entirely from sex — to "choosing not to do any sexual activity that carries a risk for pregnancy or STD/HIV," according to the conservative Idaho Freedom Foundation. The curriculum then offers explicit material about "porn literacy," condoms, anal and vaginal sex with contraception, transgender ideology, and even guidance on abortion, the state think tank reported.
Anna Miller, the education policy director for the Idaho Freedom Foundation, blew the whistle on the curriculum in a video published on Twitter in September. The video features an apparent clip from the ETR package, which shows animated students watching porn.
Idaho's government offers "porn literacy" to students, planned parenthood curriculum and advocates for abortion.
If this can happen in Idaho, it can happen anywhere. pic.twitter.com/e0mjPIB0vo
— Anna K. Miller (@annakate_miller) September 13, 2022
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, a state agency, is facilitating the program in the state's schools with federal grant money, bypassing the state education department.
[READ: How Activists Use Your Tax Dollars To Sexualize Kids At School]
This is How The Federal Government is Corrupting our Schools on the State Level — Injecting Leftism, Sexualized Curriculum, and Abortion into Rural America. @scottyenor @CenterForAWL pic.twitter.com/uAkKjttCia
— Anna K. Miller (@annakate_miller) October 5, 2022
While the curriculum is designed for high school students, the state reported to the federal Department of Health and Human Services that kids as young as 12 are being presented with the material.
All seven of Idaho's health districts have either recommended or implemented the controversial curriculum in local schools, according to the Idaho Freedom Foundation. Districts have also begun to promote links to additional resources including Power to Decide, where kids can find where to get an abortion. Other resources include links to where students learn to hide their browsing history from parents and explore polyamory.
In a September statement responding to outrage over porn literacy being taught in Idaho schools, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare described the Planned Parenthood-sponsored curriculum as compliant with the "National Health Education Standards" from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the department's website on teen pregnancy does not link to standards from the CDC.
Instead, it links to the "National Sexuality Education Standards," which were created by a series of radical left-wing interest groups including the Human Rights Campaign and Planned Parenthood, which has become the nation's second-largest provider of transgender hormones. In other words, Planned Parenthood's trans-focused sex ed materials are encouraging kids to become its lifelong mutilation customers. The standards dictate that students should understand and "describe" the "role of hormone blockers on young people who identify as transgender" by the end of fifth grade.
In a bizarre student workbook for the "Reducing the Risk" curriculum on the Planned Parenthood website, students are trained to call clinics to inquire about sterilization, shop for condoms, and answer questions about different hypothetical situations. One situation describes a scene where "a lot of kids are getting high and some couples are leaving — maybe to have sex." Another worksheet guides students to document how to get to a so-called "family planning clinic," such as abortion giant Planned Parenthood, by bus or train.
The trans-centered curriculum in Idaho is being implemented without notifying parents, many of whom are being left in the dark by administrators claiming to teach "abstinence education."
Children have become a prime target for left-wing ideologues promoting radical transgender ideology. Health care networks have taken notice, capitalizing on gender-confused kids who then become life-long patients when they start to pursue irreversible gender-bending treatments.
According to a report from Grand View Research, a California-based business consulting firm, transgender surgeries will become a $5 billion industry over the next 10 years. In September, Vanderbilt University earned national attention for openly placing dollar signs on children as a "big money maker."
Vanderbilt was apparently concerned that not all of its staff would be on board. Dr. Ellen Clayton warned that "conscientious objections" are "problematic." Anyone who decides not to be involved in transition surgeries due to "religious beliefs" will face "consequences" pic.twitter.com/CgNicrG4Mg
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) September 20, 2022
Boston Children's Hospital has also promoted "gender-affirming" hysterectomies and sterilizations for minors, who are almost always introduced to transgender ideology either on social media or in the classroom.
Idaho Freedom Foundation
transgender ideology
More from Education
Two States Now Have Universal School Choice — And Yours Could Be Next
Keri Ingraham January 27, 2023
DeSantis' College Appointees Like Chris Rufo Show The Battle For America's Academies Is Far From Over
Samuel Mangold-Lenett January 26, 2023
Why DeSantis Should Be Skeptical Of Promised Revisions To The White House-Backed Racist AP Class
Joy Pullmann January 26, 2023
The More Taxpayers Pay For College, The Worse It Gets
Kate Farmer January 26, 2023