text:
How Elder Kevin W. Pearson continually strives to 'stay by the tree'
Ever since he was a young man, Elder Kevin W. Pearson has been profoundly affected by Lehi's dream, as recorded in 1 Nephi, chapter 8
By Julie Dockstader Heaps,
Church News staff writer
June 14, 2008 2 a.m. EDT
Elder Kevin W. Pearson and and Sister June L. Pearson pose for a photo on April 7, 2008, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Elder Pearson is a new General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Keith Johnson, Deseret News
Ever since he was a young man, Elder Kevin W. Pearson has been profoundly affected by Lehi's dream, as recorded in 1 Nephi, chapter 8.
"Today, that continues to be one of the most impactive stories. I see the entire world through that dream," said one of the newest members of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
"That is the prism through which I've seen life. And I've always wanted to make sure that I was in with group number four, that I got to the tree and I stayed there and didn't wander off.
"We've tried to instill that in our missionaries," said Elder Pearson, who has been serving as president of the Washington Tacoma Mission since 2005. "They know that whenever we see them for the rest of their lives, the first question we'll be asking is, 'Are you staying by the tree?' Staying by the tree means that they are going to stay true and faithful."
Sustained to the First Quorum of the Seventy during April general conference, the soft spoken tall man with a quick wit has been striving to "stay by the tree" from his boyhood in Salt Lake City. His parents, Wayne F. and Velda Labrum Pearson, are "true, faithful, loving people, the kind of couple you'd find in almost any ward in the Church. They are just stalwart people. They are just good to the core."
For example, Elder Pearson, 51, remembers getting into mischief like other typical boys while growing up and, as he described it, getting "grounded quite a bit."
Elder Kevin W. Pearson, General Authority Seventy
"They would let me sit in my room for awhile, and then my dad would come and sit on my bed and we would have these great talks. Dad instilled in me a couple of things. One, you can do whatever you want in life. My mother used to have on the refrigerator, 'Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.' And that thought never left me."
Then, when he was about 18, his mother invited him to join her for an afternoon continuing education class held at the Holladay Utah South Stake Center, their home stake. Sitting on the back row, a young Kevin Pearson heard the teacher bear testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
"In that moment I knew. It just burned in my heart. I knew that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. It created such a drive to learn about him. That was a powerful moment in my life."
So powerful that it carried him through some cold, lonely days tracting in the Finland Helsinki Mission where baptisms were few and far between. However, every time he had the opportunity to bear testimony of the Prophet Joseph, "that burning in my heart came back again. A million people could stand up in succession and tell me I was out of my mind and it wasn't true, but I knew that it was true and knowing that has just been an anchor in my life."
In fact, upon returning home from his mission, the former pitcher for the University of Utah baseball team decided not to return to the sport. He focused on his studies, which eventually led him to a master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.
His other focus was a certain young woman he'd known before his mission, June Langeland. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 24, 1980. At the time, he had returned from a Washington, D.C., internship with the Hinckley Institute of Politics and had won a write-in campaign to become student body president at the University of Utah. She was a student at BYU.
They have five sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren.
About 15 years ago, Elder and Sister Pearson had what they call the "pendulum experience of our lives." Their youngest son, Benjamin, then 3 months old, was diagnosed with retinal blastoma. Working in the healthcare industry, Elder Pearson found a renowned doctor in San Francisco, Calif., to care for his son.
Prior to surgery to remove the affected eye, the Pearson family, friends and ward members joined in fasting and prayer. Elder and Sister Pearson felt sure their son would not have to lose his eye.
But on the day of surgery, the doctor emerged from the operating room and said there were two tumors in Benjamin's eye and that in another month the cancer would have gone to his brain.
"It just crushed us," Sister Pearson recalled.
"I was devastated. I couldn't talk," Elder Pearson added.
After informing the rest of the family, the then 35-year-old father walked out of the hospital and began walking in the rain sobbing and praying.
"I was so angry. We'd kept the commandments. We'd done everything we were supposed to do. Is this what it's all about?" he recalled.
That is when an impression came with such clarity he has never forgotten. "It wasn't a voice, it was an impression. 'Who do you think you are? He's my son, too.'
"That moment was the most powerful moment of my life," Elder Pearson said. "That was the pivotal moment in our lives. We met a lot of people in those days who divorced over the tragedy of their children going through the same thing. Those years had deep, profound impact.
"We've learned to trust in the Lord. The 112th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants promises, "Be thou humble and I will lead thee by the hand and give you answer to thy prayers."
Today, Benjamin is an athlete who played on the 9th grade basketball team.
Sister Pearson said the family learned a great lesson, "Rely on the Lord."
Elder Kevin W. Pearson biography
Family: Born April 10, 1957, to Wayne F. Pearson and Velda Labrum Pearson; married June Langeland on June 24, 1980, in the Salt Lake Temple. Parents of six children: Jared (Shersti), Spencer, John, Matthew, Benjamin and Elizabeth; three grandchildren.
Education: Bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Utah (1981); master's degree in business administration and corporate finance from Harvard Business School (1983).
Career: Vice president, Brighton Consulting Group (1984-1988); principal, Ernst & Young (1988-1991); chief operating office/chief financial officer, Medicode (1991-1997); chief executive officer, Ingenix, Inc. (1998-2005).
Church Service: President, Washington Tacoma Mission (2005-2008); former elders quorum president, Young Men president, bishop's counselor and bishop; served in Finland Helsinki Mission (1976-1978).
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Vessel Plus 2017;1:98-106. 10.20517/2574-1209.2017.18 © 2017 OAE Publishing Inc.
Open Access Original Article
Associations of lifestyle and dietary habits with hyperlipidemia in Lebanon
Ali A. Samaha1,2,3,4, Fouad Zouein5, Maya Gebbawi6, Mirna Fawaz4, Raheel Houjayri4, Rana Samaha1,2, Safaa Baydoun7, Ali H. Eid5,8
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut 14-6363, Lebanon.
2Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Zahle 11-1801, Lebanon.
3Rayak University Hospital, Bekaa 11-1200, Lebanon.
4Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon.
5Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
6Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
7Reasearch Center for Environment and Development, Beirut Arab University, Bekaa 11-1200, Lebanon.
8Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
Correspondence Address: Dr. Ali H. Eid, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon. E-mail: ae81@aub.edu.lb
Received: 8 Jun 2017 | Accepted: 20 Jul 2017 | Published: 26 Sep 2017
This is an open access article licensed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, as long as the original author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.
Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary and lifestyle habits on several blood lipid parameters in the Lebanese population.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study for 2,000 individuals, of whom 1,003 completed the survey about their dietary and lifestyle habits. Anthropometric measurements and blood tests were performed and recorded.
Results: Up to 53.2% of the population was hypercholesterolemic. Gender and age contributed to the prevalence of high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or triglycerides. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and high LDL-C levels was higher in smokers, physically inactive or those who consume fatty meat or eggs. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was not affected by consumption of whole milk, skimmed milk or fruits and vegetables. However, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and high LDL-levels was higher in individuals who consumed whole milk, and lower in those who consumed skimmed or fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia affects more than half of the Lebanese population. The finding that the majority of the individuals were unaware of their lipid profile mandates warrant efforts for both patient and public education.
Lipidemia, cardiovascular disease, diet, Lebanon
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in both developed and developing countries.[1] Although modifiable, hyperlipidemia remains a major risk factor for many diseases including coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis.[2,3] Although increased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may play a protective role against CVD,[4,5] there is a positive correlation between increased serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), or low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and CAD or atherosclerosis.[4-6] Thus, it is not surprising that the major consequence of hypercholesterolemia is atherosclerosis.[7,8] The major hallmark of atherosclerosis is the buildup of lipids, mainly cholesterol, in the vascular wall.
Atherosclerosis is the most common CVD, and conditions associated with it, such as stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), continue to be the leading causes of morbidity throughout the world.[9,10] By causing a reduction in the vessel lumen, atherosclerotic plaques may dramatically diminish blood supply to tissues, which could have deleterious effects on the nourishment and oxygen supply of these tissues.[11]
Hypercholesterolemia remains a leading risk factor in both developed and developing countries.[12] Several studies have reported that a decrease in the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C leads to a reduction in the risk of coronary events and is thus an effective strategy in secondary prevention.[13-17] It is also well documented that hyperlipidemia plays a major role in the development of many CVDs including atherosclerosis.[2,4,5]
There are many risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as gender, diabetes, stress, and hypertension.[18] However, hypercholesterolemia in particular is critical for the genesis of the disease as it plays a permissive role in the development of other pathogenic factors such as insulin resistance and vascular inflammation.[19] Notably, the relationship between atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia is affected by lifestyle factors, including physical activity and smoking.
Lebanon is considered a third-world country. Alarmingly, no large studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the Lebanese population. There are no national studies showing the impact of lifestyle-related factors, such as diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, or smoking on blood levels of lipids. Despite the findings that the Mediterranean diet may help reduce CVD risk and mortality,[20] nothing is known about this relation in Lebanon, a small Mediterranean country. Interestingly, there has been a change in the dietary habits, particularly in the 20-30 years old age group living in large cities in Lebanon.
This study was therefore undertaken to first determine the prevalence and awareness of hyperlipidemia in Lebanon. It was also designed to examine the influence of diet and lifestyle factors on lipidemia in the Lebanese population.
This cross-sectional study recruited 2,000 participants; 997 of whom were later excluded because of the existence of illness with the potential to modulate lipid profiles, such as diabetes mellitus or the use of lipid altering medications. Diabetes was defined as having a fasting glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dL or by the use of glucose-lowering drugs. Demographically, the remaining 1,003 individuals included in the study were distributed over the different geographic regions of Lebanon. Of these subjects, 501 were females and 502 males, all reported to be healthy with unremarkable previous medical history. Surprisingly, more than 70% of the subjects were unaware of their lipids profiles. Subjects were grouped in 20-year intervals. All participants above 55-year-old were assigned to one-age interval.
Data collection and definitions
Questionnaires were distributed with instructions for self-administration and collected one week later. Incomplete questionnaires were completed during short personal interviews. Information concerning height, weight, alcohol intake, smoking, and physical activity were recorded. Measurements of height and weight were taken with the participants wearing no shoes and very light clothing. Height was measured to the nearest 0.5 cm using a standard physician's height stadiometer. Body weight was measured to the nearest 0.1 kg using a portable balance scale. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by the square of the height (m).
Hypercholesterolemia was defined as having blood total cholesterol of ≥ 200 mg/dL.
Participants not undergoing regular physical exercise for at least 30 min twice a week were considered sedentary.
Smoking was defined as smoking an average of one or more cigarettes per day.
Nutritional data were collected and pertained to the frequency of consumption of fatty meat, entire dairy products, skimmed milk, eggs, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Informed consent was obtained for all participants, either directly (for those 18 years or older) or through the parents/legal guardians (for subjects under 18 years of age).
The protocols followed for data collection, handling, and analyzing were approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the Lebanese University.
Blood sampling and laboratory
Selected participants were asked to undergo a 12-h-fasting period, after which 5 mm of blood were collected by clean venipuncture into dry tubes (BD Vacutainer®). Plasma was separated by centrifugation (1,000 g, 4°C, 20 min). Plasma samples were frozen until analysis, which was carried out not later than 4 h after phlebotomy. Since seasonal variation in plasma cholesterol levels is well documented,[21] all blood samples were collected in the same month. Plasma lipids concentrations were measured at the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory of Rayak Hospital, Lebanon. Total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels were measured using automated enzymatic-calorimetric techniques (COBAS MIRA). LDL was calculated according to Friedewald formula as the total cholesterol minus HDL minus one-fifth triglycerides level. Final results are reported in mg/dL concentrations. The used reagents were supplied by SPINREAC.S.A.
All analyses were conducted using SPSS program by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The difference in mean values between two groups (like males versus females) was tested by Student's t-test. A level of 5% for the P value was considered significant.
Anthropometric measurements of the individuals who participated in this study are shown in Table 1. The age of the participants ranged from 15 to 87 years old, with a mean of 41.64 (± 15.9; SD) years. There was no significant difference between the mean age of males and females (41.8 vs. 41.48 years, respectively.) The mean weight of the participants was 74.15 (± 13.9; SD) kg, ranging from 36 kg to 150 kg. Their heights ranged from 142 cm to 195 cm, with a mean height of 166.46 (± 7.76; SD) cm. Both the height and weight of males were significantly higher than the females' [Table 1]. The range of the BMI was 14.2 to 49 kg/m2, with a mean of 26.703 ± 4.42 kg/m2. Age-adjusted BMI was found to be significantly higher in females than males (P < 0.05).
Characteristics of the study participants
Males (502)
Females (501)
Total (1,003)
Age 41.8 15.9 71 41.5 15.8 71 41.6 15.9 72 0.34
Height 169.1 7.5 53 163.8 7.1 48 166.6 7.8 53 < 0.001
Weight 77.6 13.1 100.8 70.9 13.8 110 74.2 13.9 53 < 0.001
BMI 27.5 4.1 34.9 26.3 4.7 32.7 26.7 4.4 34.9 #
P value denotes significant difference between genders. #denotes P < 0.05 for the age-adjusted body mass index (BMI)
In this population, the means for serum levels of cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides were respectively 208.5 ± 49.5, 133.2 ± 46.1, 43.1 ± 8.9, and 163.6 ± 111.6 mg/dL [Table 2]. Overall, an alarming 53.24% of the population had a cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL, and thus can be considered hypercholesterolemic.[22]
Means of lipid profile parameters according to sex distribution
Cholesterol 205.7 ± 47.8 211.2 ± 51.9 208.5 ± 49.9 0.08
LDL-C 123.2 ± 46.3 140.7 ± 44.6 133.2 ± 46.1 < 0.001
HDL-C 43.4 ± 8.7 42.9 ± 9.1 43.1 ± 8.9 0.465
TG 177.6 ± 123.4 150.8 ± 98.7 163.6 ± 111.6 < 0.001
Data presented as mean ± SD. LDL-C: low density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C: high density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG: triglycerides
Importantly, cholesterol levels of the study participants were found to conform to a normal distribution with a mean of 208.5 ± 49.9 mg/dL, and a range of 110.4 mg/dL to 306.2 mg/dL [Figure 1]. Conformity of the distribution was tested by classical statistical analysis of the variance (q2) with confidence interval of 95% (q2c = 0.3693, q2α = 5.991, α = 0.05).
Figure 1. Distribution of cholesterol level in the population studied. The percent of the population with a measured level of cholesterol (mg/dL) is plotted
Table 2 also shows that the mean levels of cholesterol and HDL-C did not significantly differ between both genders. It is interesting to note that whereas mean values of LDL-C were significantly higher in females than males (140 vs. 123; P < 0.001), TG exhibited an opposite profile, being higher in males than females (177.6 vs. 150.8; P < 0.001).
Because gender did not significantly contribute to the levels of total cholesterol or HDL-C, we then focused our analysis on TG and LDL-C levels and sought to determine if age contributes to the observed gender differences.
Interestingly, LDL-C as well as TG levels showed a statistically significant increase with age in both males and females (P < 0.05 for TG and P < 0.001 for LDL-C). TG levels were higher in males in the two age groups [15-35] and [35-55], whereas LDL-C were higher in females in these two age groups. Interestingly, in the ≥ 55 age group, there was no significant difference in either of LDL-C or TG levels [Table 3].
Means of serum levels of cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in males and females according to different age groups
Age interval (years)
Gender/number
Triglycerides level
LDL level
[15-35] Male/189 132.9 ± 117.2 109.7 ± 37.3
Female/197 96.4 ± 48.6 123.9 ± 36.4
P value < 0.001 0.0001
Female/190 159.0 ± 89.0 147.6 ± 45.5
P value < 0.001 < 0.001
≥ 55 Male/102 228.5 ± 125.9 142.9 ± 54.8
Female/114 210.3 ± 122.1 151.2 ± 46.4
P value 0.283 0.23
Data presented as mean ± SD. LDL: low density lipoprotein; HDL: high density lipoprotein
The prevalence of high levels of cholesterol, TG or LDL-C in the different dietary or lifestyle-related groups is shown in Table 4.
Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, high triglyceridemia and high LDL-C among individuals with different lifestyle and dietary habits
Percent of population (%)
Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (%)
Prevalence of high triglyceride (%)
Prevalence of high LDL (%)
Male 50.05 51.3 56.6 36
Female 49.99 48.7 43.3 64
P < 0.01 P < 0.01 P < 0.01
Non-smokers 62.4 45.12 40.6 36.6
Smokers 37.6 70.02 50.4 63.4
P < 0.01 P = 0.002 P < 0.01
Sedentary 68.4 64.4 89.4 79.1
Active 31.6 32.9 10.6 20.9
P < 0.01 P < 0.001 P < 0.001
Fatty meat
≥ 3 servings/day 50.1 72.1 60.2 53.3
< 3 servings/day 49.3 37.4 39.8 46.5
P < 0.01 P < 0.001 P = 0.01
< 1 serving/day (on average) 8.1 46.9 1.8 15.3
P = 0.122 P < 0.001 P < 0.001
Skimmed milk
≥ 1 serving/day 10 55.3 4.5 15.3
< 1 serving/day 90 45.9 95.5 84.7
≥ 4-7 servings/week 74 58.1 80.5 77.9
< 3 servings/week 26 43.9 19.5 22.1
P < 0.001 P < 0.001 P < 0.001
≥ 3 servings/day 98 45.5 1.8 3.5
< 3 servings/day 2 56.4 98.2 96.5
P = 0.33 P < 0.001 P < 0.001
LDL-C: low density lipoprotein cholesterol
The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and triglyceridemia was significantly higher in males than females (both P < 0. 01), but prevalence of high LDL-C was higher in females (P < 0.01).
Cigarette smokers have significantly higher prevalence of high cholesterol (P < 0.01), TG (P = 0.002) and LDL-C levels (P < 0.001). Likewise, sedentary individuals exhibited higher prevalence of all the three hyperlipidemias (P < 0.01 for cholesterol and P < 0.001 for TG and LDL-C).
With respect to the dietary factors, consumption of 3 or more servings of either fatty meat or eggs was significantly associated with higher prevalence of the three hyperlipidemias. Consumption of whole or skimmed milk did not significantly affect the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia. However, participants who reportedly consumed 1 or more servings of skimmed milk had significantly lower incidence of high TG or LDL-C levels (P < 0.001). The exact opposite is noted for those who consumed 1 or more servings of whole milk; these individuals had significantly higher prevalence of high TG and LDL-C levels (P < 0.001).
The number of serving of fruits/vegetables per week did not seem to contribute to the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia. However, those who consumed 3 or more servings of fruits/vegetables had a significantly lower prevalence of high TG and LDL-C levels (P < 0.001).
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Lebanon. In fact, it is also the largest and most comprehensive study examining a health-related issue in Lebanon, a small country with a total population of around 4 million people. The relatively large number of participants and their wide demographic distribution covering all parts of Lebanon are two strengths of this study.
In this study, we first determined the prevalence of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG in the Lebanese population. We then evaluated how age, gender, some dietary and lifestyle-related habits modulated the lipid profile. We herein report that 53% of the Lebanese population is hypercholesterolemic. Alarmingly, most of these subjects were unaware of their lipid profile. This mandates concerted efforts to educate the public about the danger of dyslipidemia as well as its relation to various cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, no large-scale studies have determined the CVD-associated mortality and morbidity in Lebanon. Moreover, given the lack of sufficient available literature, we could not find a study that analyzed the effect of gender or dietary/lifestyle habits on the prevalence of atherosclerosis in the Lebanese population. This has hindered us from making a meaningful conclusion on the interplay between these parameters and atherosclerosis.
Compared with other countries, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Lebanon is higher than that in Turkey,[23] Saudi Arabia,[24] India,[25] Guadeloupe,[26] but lower than that in England,[27] and similar to that in Finland,[28] and the USA.[29]
Gender appeared to play an important role in the prevalence of the lipidemia studied. Although there was no difference in mean cholesterol levels between males and females, more males suffered from hypercholesterolemia. In addition, prevalence of high TG was higher in males than females. This lower prevalence in females may suggest that female sex hormones, particularly estrogen, offers a protective effect against the elevation of cholesterol or TG levels in the Lebanese population. Indeed, such a protective role for estrogen has been previously reported, but remains controversial.[30-33] Interestingly, in the female population included in this study, the levels of cholesterol and TG increased with age, even beyond menopause. On the other hand, it is possible that estrogen contributes to the increased levels of TG. While this would be consistent with other reports where estrogen was shown to precipitate hypertriglyceridemia,[34] it remains inconsistent with other studies suggesting that menopausal women have higher levels of LDL-C and TC compared with pre-menopausal women.[35,36] Moreover, estrogen injection has been shown to reduce hepatic cholesterol synthesis thereby leading to decreased blood levels of LDL-C.[36,37]
It is also possible that the male hormone, testosterone, predisposes men for hypercholesterolemia and triglyceridemia. Indeed, some reports suggest that testosterone levels are inversely proportional to serum lipid levels in males.[38] Moreover, animal studies show that testosterone-deficient male mice exhibit higher cholesterol levels, clearly suggesting a favorable role for testosterone in regulating blood lipid levels.[39] However, testosterone is unlikely to explain the higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in males, particularly because the population average of cholesterol did not differ between males and females.
Because it increased the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and triglyceridemia, smoking may explain the higher prevalence of these dyslipidemias in males versus females. This would be supported by our observation that smoking is more common among men than women in the study participants. This is not surprising since smoking is still not socially very acceptable for women in some regions of Lebanon, particularly in some rural areas. Surprisingly, when we adjusted for smoking, females were found to be at higher risk of developing hyperlipidemias. However, it is important to note that the prevalence of hyperlipidemia is not always higher in smokers versus non-smokers. For instance, the prevalence of hyperlipidemia among smokers was not significantly higher than that in non-smokers in an Asian population.[40] On the contrary, in a Romanian population, current smokers appear to have a worse lipid profile in both men and women.[41]
Contrary to cholesterol's and TG's prevalence, LDL-C was more prevalent in females than males. This may be due to the higher BMI in females [Table 1]. Indeed, we observed that high levels LDL-C are more prevalent in individuals with higher BMI (data not shown). This is consistent with the well-known notion that high BMI correlates with unfavorable lipid profile.[42,43]
Levels of LDL-C and TG increased with age, in both males and females. However, the sex difference in the values of LDL-C and TG becomes insignificant in the oldest age group (≥ 55 years). This could be explained by the aforementioned presumed effects of estrogen and/or testosterone, since both of these hormones dramatically decrease with age. Importantly and perhaps not unexpectedly, the vast majority (> 89%) of individuals within this age group were sedentary. We report herein that prevalence of high TG or LDL-C levels is lower in individuals with a physically active lifestyle. Taken together, these findings suggest that the sedentary lifestyle in this age group may account, at least in part, for the insignificant differences between both genders.
The levels of HDL-C remained relatively constant in all age groups, regardless of the gender (data not shown). This is consistent with what is previously reported in other population groups.[23,44]
Data on the impact of egg consumption on lipid profile is inconsistent. Some report a positive association between egg consumption and unfavorable lipid profile; while others suggest a negative or no association.[45-49] Because of this inconsistency, we investigated whether egg consumption affects the prevalence of different hyperlipidemias. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and elevated LDL-C was higher in the group where egg consumption was ≥ 4 servings/week. Therefore, in the Lebanese population, consuming an average of one or more eggs per day is likely to negatively impact lipid profile. It is important to note that egg consumption itself is reported to increase intake of total fat or cholesterol.[50] Further studies are warranted to determine if this effect is modulated by other factors, like gender, age, or other dietary and lifestyle related factors.
Previous studies have suggested that consumption of skimmed milk does not modulate serum cholesterol level.[51] However, another study showed lower levels of serum cholesterol and LDL-C after isocaloric substitution of whole with skimmed milk.[52] In this report, we found that consumption of whole milk or skimmed milk did not affect the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia. Nonetheless, consumption of skimmed milk decreased the prevalence of high TG and high LDL-C but whole milk consumption increased this prevalence.
Consumption of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is reported to favorably modulate the lipid profile in humans.[53] Indeed, high fruit intake is significantly associated with reduced odds of hypertriglyceridemia.[54] This is further supported by a recent study in the Korean population showing strong association between fruit intake and reduced prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia.[55] Interestingly, this study reported no association between the consumption of vegetables and blood lipid levels.[55] However, several other studies report little or no effects of fruits and vegetable consumption on lipid profile.[56-58] More recently, soya products were shown to favorably modulate lipid levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C and HDL-C.[59] These seemingly paradoxical results could be the result of different study designs as well as the data analysis.[60] It may also depend on whether the consumed vegetables are cooked/boiled or not, as boiling reduces some of the bioactive phytochemicals.[61] In this study, we found that the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and elevated LDL-C was lower in the group with the high consumption of fruits and vegetables.
It was strikingly surprising that most of the participants were unaware of their lipid profiles. This is perhaps owing to the absence of effective patient and public education. This is also in line with other reports indicating that some types of dyslipidemias are both underdiagnosed and under-treated.[62] It is hoped that this study will increase the awareness of the Lebanese community with respect to hyperlipidemia and its detrimental consequences. It is recommended that patient education as well as national programs be put in place to further reduce the major risk factors of CVD.
Contributed to the collection of data: A.A. Samaha, M. Gebbawi, M. Fawaz, R. Houjayri, R. Samaha, S. Baydoun
Analyzed the results: A.H. Eid, F. Zouein
Wrote the manuscript: A.H. Eid
The authors would like to thank all those who helped in dealing with the patients, specimen collection, etc. for their assistance.
The protocols followed for data collection, handling, and analyzing were approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the Lebanese University and Makassed General Hospital.
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31. Godsland I. Effects of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy on lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein (a) concentrations: analysis of studies published from 1974-2000. Fertil Steril 2001;75:898-915.
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33. Oh Y, Jin Y, Park Y. Synergic hypocholesterolaemic effect of n-3 PUFA and oestrogen by modulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism in female rats. Br J Nutr 2015;114:1766-73.
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PubMed PMC
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37. Nigro M, Santos AT, Barthem CS, Louzada RA, Fortunato RS, Ketzer LA, Carvalho DP, de Meis L. A change in liver metabolism but not in brown adipose tissue thermogenesis is an early event in ovariectomy-induced obesity in rats. Endocrinology 2014;155:2881-91.
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Samaha AA, Zouein F, Gebbawi M, Fawaz M, Houjayri R, Samaha R, Baydoun S, Eid AH. Associations of lifestyle and dietary habits with hyperlipidemia in Lebanon. Vessel Plus 2017;1:98-106. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2017.18
Samaha AA, Zouein F, Gebbawi M, Fawaz M, Houjayri R, Samaha R, Baydoun S, Eid AH. Associations of lifestyle and dietary habits with hyperlipidemia in Lebanon. Vessel Plus. 2017; 1:98-106. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2017.18
Samaha, Ali A., Fouad Zouein, Maya Gebbawi, Mirna Fawaz, Raheel Houjayri, Rana Samaha, Safaa Baydoun, Ali H. Eid. 2017. "Associations of lifestyle and dietary habits with hyperlipidemia in Lebanon" Vessel Plus. 1: 98-106. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2017.18
Samaha, AA.; Zouein F.; Gebbawi M.; Fawaz M.; Houjayri R.; Samaha R.; Baydoun S.; Eid AH. Associations of lifestyle and dietary habits with hyperlipidemia in Lebanon. Vessel Plus. 2017, 1, 98-106. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2017.18
Atherosclerosis microbiome: upcoming target for vaccine and drug development
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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kverk
food:sciene:music:humor:news
Social Media is a "Slot Machine" in Your Phone
kverk	Uncategorized	 March 2, 2018 March 2, 2018 1 Minute
According to Dr. Cal Newport associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University, social media designers look to addictive activities such as gambling and the tactics used in the gamble haven Las Vegas when creating and updating social media sites and applications.
Per the Georgetown professor, spending large portions of your day in a state of fragmented attention, taking quick glances at social media such as Instagram and Facebook, can permanently reduce your capacity for concentration.
There have also been numerous studies that prove social media can cause psychological harm.
•	The more use of social media the more likely you'll feel lonely
•	Exposure to your friends' constantly curated positive portrayals of their life can leave you to feel inadequate and can increase rates of depression
•	The fundamental mismatch between the way our brains are wired and this behavior of exposing yourself to stimuli with intermittent rewards during all waking hours has cognitive consequences such as a pervasive constant hum of anxiety
Chamath Palihapitiya, former vice-president for user growth at Facebook, says: "The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops that we have created are destroying how society works. No civil discourse, no cooperation, misinformation, mistruth."
"I can't control them," Palihapitiya said of his former employer. "I can control my decision, which is that I don't use that shit. I can control my kids' decisions, which is that they're not allowed to use that shit."
Furthermore, Facebook's founding president, Sean Parker, criticized the way that the company "exploit[s] a vulnerability in human psychology" by creating a "social-validation feedback loop" during an interview at an Axios event.
If you have not done so already, Palihapitiya urges people to "soul-search" about their own relationship to social media. "Your behaviors, you don't realize it, but you are being programmed," he said. "It was unintentional, but now you gotta decide how much you're going to give up, how much of your intellectual independence."
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A Facebook Live event hosted by 'Aha Kanaka Moku O Keawe on November 28th, 2020 that garnered more than 100 viewers at a time featured 11+ hours of presentations from scholars, lawyers and other professionals across the islands. CLICK ON THE HEADLINE FOR MORE
In its November 10, 2020 letter to Governor David Ige of the State of Hawai'i the NLG calls "upon the State of Hawai'i and its County governments, as United States' proxy, which is in effective control of Hawaiian territory, to immediately comply with international humanitarian law while the United States continues its prolonged and illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom since 1893." CLICK ON THE HEADLINE FOR MORE
Learn how Hawai'i became a part of the United States after a group of local businessmen perform a coup to overthrow the government with the support of the U.S. Marines. CLICK ON THE HEADLINE FOR MORE
The rise of Hawaiian diplomacy and a bilingual society. CLICK ON THE HEADLINE FOR MORE
VIDEO: Language of A Nation-Episode 1: Birth of a Literate Nation
Journey through the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom following the rise of literacy through education and the Hawaiian language newspapers . CLICK ON THE HEADLINE FOR MORE


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Annual Bernie Clark, C.S.C., Lecture: "Responsible for Each Other: Mutual Assistance and Maintaining Human Dignity in the Holocaust"
Time: Tue Sep 14, 2021, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Hesburgh Library, Carey Auditorium
The Center for Social Concerns' annual Rev. Bernie Clark, C.S.C., Lecture will feature Holocaust researcher, David Silberklang, Ph.D. The talk will look at the importance of Jews' efforts during the Holocaust to maintain human dignity and human life in the face of overwhelming forces and impossible odds arrayed against them.
About David Silberklang, Ph.D.
David Silberklang, Ph.D., is senior historian at the International Institute for Holocaust Research at Yad Vashem. He also teaches at the University of Haifa's Weiss-Livnat International MA Program in Holocaust Studies and at the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he has been a visiting professor at various universities around the world.
David represented Israel at the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for twelve years, as a member and chair of the Academic Working Group, a member of the Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial, and numerous other steering committees and planning teams.
Among his past functions at Yad Vashem, David was editor of the scholarly journal Yad Vashem Studies for 23 years; was editor-in-chief of publications; series editor of The Holocaust Survivors' Memoirs Project; and chief historian of the Museum Development Project. In the last capacity, he wrote the extensive conceptual historical outline that served as the basis for the content of Yad Vashem's Holocaust History Museum.
David has published widely on the Holocaust and his book, "Gates of Tears: The Holocaust in the Lublin District" was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award and for the Yad Vashem International Book Prize in Holocaust Research.
This event is cosponsored by Notre Dame International.
Notre Dame International


The debate over just how safe our vaccines really are has taken center stage in recent months, much to the chagrin of the pharmaceutical industry and mainstream TV programs awash in advertising dollars from such companies.
While more and more research, and whistleblowers, have come out showing the potentially harmful effects of vaccine additives on people, the question of whether pets may also be harmed has mostly been ignored.
The research was sponsored by the Haywood Foundation which was looking for evidence as to whether the human immune system may also be compromised.
According to the Purdue researchers, the vaccinated dogs developed auto-antibodies to key biochemicals within their own bodies, which led their own immune system to attack their own healthy cells of various types.
Among them was fibronectin, a biochemical that helps to repair tissues and also helps cells to regrow and multiply. The vaccinated dogs also developed auto-antibodies to laminin, which helps cells to proliferation and move.
"Vaccines thus appear to be capable of removing the natural intelligence of cells," wrote author Catherine O'Driscoll in the article.
Auto-antibodies in the vaccinated dogs were also found to important natural body chemicals including albumin, cytochrome C, cardiolipin, and collagen.
In the case of cariolipin, antibodies to the biochemical are often found in human patients with serious autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and can lead to a host of harmful effects including blood clots in the heart or vessels, neurological problems, hemorrhaging and many more.
No long-term follow-up has been conducted, O'Driscoll added.
But as she said in the article, there is further research available showing evidence of serious harm, including a 1997 study by Canine Health Concern showing that a high number of dogs developed mobility problems shortly after they were vaccinated (this was covered in her 1997 book 'What Vets Don't Tell You About Vaccines').
For more information on the possible harm caused to dogs by vaccines, study links and the implications, check out the full article from O'Driscoll by clicking on this link.
Take action to investigate and protect our kids from vaccine-inflicted harm! You can Click here to read and sign a petition to help implement comprehensive reforms of vaccine safety policies.


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Cypher: A Sustainable Haven For Coffee Enthusiasts in Dubai
Operating through their state of the art roastery located in Al Quoz, Cypher is on a mission to change the way people consume coffee. This mission starts with sourcing the highest standard of organic coffee beans, providing exceptional service to retailers, and ensuring that people in the Middle East and beyond can enjoy some of the best coffee that the world has to offer. After all, coffee is a daily part of the lives of millions of people.
Cypher began with a real life story born from a real need. It is a story of nostalgia, of searching for quality of life, and of a journey to reproduce an ancient and beautiful coffee experience in the Middle East. By roasting beans in the UAE and introducing a no-compromise approach to exceptional products, processes and services, Cypher is disrupting the restrictive structures in the industry and opens its doors to educate both retailers and consumers on good quality coffee, and in this way improve their daily lives.
Coffee lovers and enthusiasts can visit the roastery to witness the process of coffee blends being prepared from start to finish first hand and gain an insight into the various elements at every stage.
Cypher's coffee beans are sourced through fair trade practices as most of their coffees are procured from trusted ethical suppliers, farmer co-ops, and in some cases directly from the farmers, offering up a wide variety of sustainable coffee that is traceable and certified by internationally recognized organization such as rainforest alliance, UTZ certified, and USDA organic.
"We endeavor to nurture other likeminded people and businesses and give back to the community and world around us every single day," commented Mohamad Merhi, co-founder of Cypher.
Cypher reinforces its commitment to do better and be better through their initiative Nabtih, a name derived from the word plant in Arabic. Adopting practices that embrace changes around the supply chain throughout all stages of a product's life cycle, including planting, harvesting, handling, packaging, serving, and the repurposing of byproducts. Endeavoring to inspire their customers, Cypher encourages positive action in communities by demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Mohammad Merhi also added, "Cypher is firmly committed to sustainable business practices that preserve natural resources. This initiative aims to support fair trade and agricultural communities that preserve the rights of farmers and conserve the environment to provide fair and healthy lives for the generations to come."
Through this initiative, Cypher aims to inspire people and raise awareness around recycling and encouraging their customers to plant their own food. Leading by example, Cypher promotes smarter consumption and sustainable utilization of their planet's resources including the development of resourceful hacks such as repurposing jute bags used to transport coffee beans into pots for edible herbal plants such as Basel, Rosemary, Oregano, and Mint. In addition, Cypher stocks products such as an olive oil from Palestine that holds the same name of the initiative "Nabtih". Like their coffee and other products, Cypher only source the oil from the farm directly. The olives are handpicked, and the olive oil is extracted by pressing.
Earlier this year, Cypher also launched their new 100% natural fruit-based snacks called Snackwell. With the wellbeing of coffee-producing communities in mind, Snackwell products were developed and are sourced from those coffee producers who harvest fruits alongside their renowned coffee beans to generate other sources of revenue in order to sustain their families and livelihood.
من تأليف Uzair Saeed


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Franconia, New Hampshire
Franconia is a town located in Grafton County, New Hampshire. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 924.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 170.8 km² (66.0 mi²). 170.6 km² (65.9 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.12% water.
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 924 people, 384 households, and 243 families residing in the town. The population density is 5.4/km² (14.0/mi²). There are 702 housing units at an average density of 4.1/km² (10.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.51% White, 0.11% African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.87% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 0.32% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 384 households out of which 27.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% are married couples living together, 7.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% are non-families. 28.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.23 and the average family size is 2.76.
The median income for a household in the town is $40,114, and the median income for a family is $46,979. Males have a median income of $29,500 versus $24,000 for females. The per capita income for the town is $20,351. 8.9% of the population and 7.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10.1% of those under the age of 18 and 4.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Retrieved from "http://footwww.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Franconia%2C_New_Hampshire"
Categories: Grafton County, New Hampshire | Towns in New Hampshire
This page was last modified 18:58, 12 Nov 2004.


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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention classifies prescription drug or medicine abuse as a severe epidemic. Whilst there has a been a steep reduction in the use of certain illicit drugs such as cocaine, but the stats from NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) indicate that around 1/3rd of individuals aged 12 and above who had use drugs for the very first time in the year 2009 began so by a prescription medication.
A few people, who tend to abuse prescription medications, especially teens consider that these substances are safe compared to illegal drugs, as healthcare experts prescribe these. Tackling this epidemic is not just a priority when it comes to public health, but will also assist in building stronger communities and allow the sufferers to live a healthy life.
Supervising: There is need for implement monitoring programs for prescription drugs in all the states of the country.
Enforcement: The law enforcement should be provided with tools, which are essential for eliminating inappropriate practices of prescriptions.
Proper Disposal Of Medications: There is a dire need to develop environmentally and convenient prescription drug disposal techniques for curbing the supply of non-used prescription medications in home.
Education: One of the vital steps to tackle the issue of prescription medication abuse is educating the patients, youth and parents about the perils of abusing prescription medicines, whilst providing proper education to the prescribes to advise safe and proper use of medicines and storage ways.
As prescription medications are licit, these are easily available. Here, governmental institutions, medical communities, healthcare professionals, law enforcement and parents have a huge role to play in decreasing the abuse of prescription drugs. Below listed are few things that you may do for reducing prescription drug abuse.
Follow Proper Disposal Norms: Irrespective of your profession or age, you may help to address this crucial issue in your surroundings as well as in your home. By sticking to the norms, you curb the perils of harm or suffering that might arise from the abuse of prescription drugs. Learn about proper disposal of unused drugs, understand about drug poisoning, go through the FAQs or frequently asked questions pertaining to this subject, etc. In fact, gather as much as information possible in this regard.
Discuss With The Kids: It is very imperative to educate the kids about abuse and use of prescription medications for safety measures. To get tips on how to converse about this topic with your kids, you can refer to healthcare guides and professionals.
Take The Benefits Of Community Programs: Call up your county or city government's recycling and household trash center or the local sheriff department to check out if they run any community program in this regard.
Seek For Treatment And Offer Morale To Those On Recovery Path: If a near one requires assistance to get out from the clutches of prescription drug abuse, then help him/her find a nearby treatment institution or help center. Recovery and treatment services can help a person to come out from the grip of drug abuse thus; it is helpful to resort to such services.
Government agencies are striving hard to come up with more and more support and help centers to aid people stuck in prescription drug abuse. So, I would say that there should not be any excuse to avoid these.


If you didn't walk up to a police officer and let them know that you have drugs on your person, chances are the police stopped your first. Whether you were driving and you were pulled over or there was a search conducted on your property, there are certain guidelines that law enforcement must follow in order to make any evidence found admissible in the court of law. If there was anything done during your initial contact with law enforcement and it wasn't done by the book, any evidence that is found can get throw out because it was discovered illegally. If there is no admissible evidence, there is no case. For this reason alone, it is important to retain the help of an experienced attorney. They will be able to go over your case and determine whether the evidence found was obtained illegally.
The search that is conducted must be done within the confines of the law. If you are pulled over or the police are in your home, they have to have a legal basis to search your property. If you are pulled over and the stop is within the confines of the law, the search still has to be legal. When you contact your lawyer, give them a step-by-step of everything that happened that night. Remember that no detail is too small or unimportant in your case. Your lawyer will be able to determine whether the search that was made was legal or not.
Many times people make the mistake of talking to law enforcement without a lawyer present. This occurrence is normal due to the stress and panic that most people feel while being questioned. If you are someone who did not take their Miranda rights seriously, you still have hope. There are rules that need to be followed by law enforcement while they are questioning you. For instance, your Miranda rights must be read correctly. A confession is something that your lawyer can go over in order to make the determination whether or not it was legally obtained.
Alleged drug charges can land you in hot water, but a positive outcome for you is not out of reach. Keep these three factors in mind when you contact an experienced lawyer like Martin and Martin Lawyers. They will be able to help determine whether or not the charge is within the confines of the law.


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Q: ui-router error: Cannot read property '$$animLeave' of undefined I got the error "Cannot read property '$$animLeave' of undefined" after upgraded my application from angular 1.5.0 to 1.6.5 with ui-router 1.0.5(Original ui-router version 0.2.15).
Some routes works well, but some not, could your guys kindly give me some help?
Thanks a lot!
HTML:

Router:

Error:

A: After i added ui-sref-opts="{reload: true}" to <a/> element, it works! But someone can tell me why?

A: The problem can cause using ng-app="App" and angular.bootstrap(document.documentElement, [ngModule.name]); together.
Try to delete ng-app directive

A: Are you using the scoped @uirouter package? Check it out https://ui-router.github.io/blog/uirouter-scoped-packages/

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Stock Art » Canvas Prints » Nashville Tennessee skyline - Canvas Print - 3 Panel Split, Triptych Wall Art. Nighttime cityscape.
3 Panel Split (Triptych) panoramic canvas print of Downtown Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Giclee print for home or office room wall decor & interior design.


text:
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CBN's Operation Blessing Providing Aid in Northern Syria for Refugees Fleeing Turkish Invasion
CBNNEWSWATCH101619CC_HD1080_585_671
Bottled water is just part of the food and other supplies CBN's Operation Blessing is bringing to Syrian refugees. (Image credit: CBN News)
HASAKA, Syria - The Turkish invasion of northern Syria has caused a huge humanitarian disaster with up to 160,000 people displaced and in need. But some relief organizations have been able to get into the war zone to help refugees.
CBN News Senior International Correspondent George Thomas has made it into Syria with CBN's Operation Blessing and its partner, the Barzani Charity Foundation, a Kurdish relief agency.
He reports the charity aid organizations have chosen the Hasaka area due to the thousands of Syrian refugees who have taken shelter there from all of the fighting that's occurring to the north of the city.
"Today they're distributing close to about 20,000 blankets," Thomas said. "They have about 5,000 boxes of food. They have thousands upon thousands of bottled water and other essential supplies."
"This is all very critical. The estimate is that they'll be able to use these materials at least for a month," he explained. "And that way to sort of getting through this difficult transition. And this is only going to be one of many convoys that Operation Blessing and Barzani Charity Foundation are partnering together."
Operation Blessing is on the ground in #Syria working to bring relief to Syrian and Kurdish refugees fleeing the Turkish invasion.
You can help those facing crisis and disaster by texting "OBRefugee" to 71777 or by going to https://t.co/LPaRGGYYeI pic.twitter.com/lJcS7JeMGE
— Operation Blessing (@operationbless) October 16, 2019
Operation Blessing reports it is working closely with the foundation and providing essential aid kits. The kits include food, hygiene items, milk, blankets and more to provide for the refugees' immediate needs.
The Kurdish relief agency greatly appreciates OB's support, according to the Operation Blessing website. Musa Ahmed Agha, president of the Barzani Charity Foundation, said, "This is an important partnership. We've worked together in the past to help protect the lives of the people in this region, so I am always happy when dear brothers who care for us want to help again."
If you'd like to join the effort to help Syrian refugees, you can donate to Operation Blessing's Disaster Relief Fund by calling 800-700-7000 or texting "OBRefugee" to 71777. You can also CLICK HERE to find out how you can help.
The country's Christian minority is also asking prayers from American Christians.
"It was a big mistake to withdraw the army. It really doesn't help us out especially the Christian people over here. If I had a message I would say if there's anything else they can do try to get back here it would help a lot," one refugee said. "Prayer helps a lot, financial support, any kind of aid... Pray to Jesus."
CBN News Contributing Correspondent Chuck Holton is also in Iraq and Syria working on the humanitarian efforts. In addition to his reporting, he's posting updates to his Facebook page.
In a post on Tuesday, Holton wrote he had crossed the Iraq - Syrian border three times.
"An unbelievably crazy day. I crossed the Tigris between Iraq and Syria three times today. Once on a bus, once driving an ambulance and once on foot. After being told all three were prohibited. At one point we were ruck-marching away from the border into Syria with only half our team and no idea where we were going to sleep. But all's well that ends well. We are safe and have all our stuff. Watch the Hot Zone podcast to find out more. Thank you very much for every single one of your prayers," he wrote.
In one of his journeys across the Iraq-Syrian border, Holton wrote in another Facebook post about how he met Janda, a Syrian Kurd who works as a nurse in the area affected by Turkey's invasion. After offering to pray for her, he had the amazing opportunity to tell her about Jesus Christ.
"This is Janda, a Syrian Kurd. She works as a nurse in the area affected by Turkeys recent incursion. She told me most of the casualties they are seeing are civilians," Holton wrote.
"The children are the worst," Janda told him. "Why do we have to go through this after we finally got rid of ISIS?"
"I offered to pray for her and she gave a sober nod," Holton wrote. "When I finished praying in Jesus' name, she said, 'Perhaps Jesus will answer our prayers. Because Allah has not.' This opened the door for us to share more with her about the living Savior."
"Please pray for her, he asked. "And BTW, her name in Kurdish means 'Sacrifice.'"
'God Stayed Close in Those Times': TobyMac Shares Painful Journey With Grief and Loss After Son's Death
'The Fields Are White Here': Church Planters Say Las Vegas is Strategic for The Gospel


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Captain George Sitwell Campbell Swinton  (10 May 1859 – 17 January 1937) was a long-serving Scottish politician and officer of arms.

Life and work

Swinton was born at 7 Darnaway Street on the Moray Estate in west Edinburgh, the second son of Archibald Campbell Swinton of Kimmerghame, Berwickshire, and Georgiana Caroline Sitwell, daughter of Sir George Sitwell, 2nd Baronet of Renishaw. In 1895 he married  Elizabeth Ebsworth OBE, daughter of E.H. Ebsworth of Gattonside.  The couple had one son and two daughters. Elizabeth was an accomplished singer and performed professionally later in life.

He studied art under Professor Herkomer and other masters.

Swinton was appointed a Sub-Lieutenant in the Haddington, Berwick, Linlithgow and Peebles Artillery on 7 February 1877 (which commission he resigned on 11 May 1878), gazetted to the 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot in May 1878, promoted to lieutenant on 23 January 1881, to captain on 11 September 1888, and retired in 1893. He was an extra Aide-de-Camp to the Marquess of Lansdowne when he was Viceroy of India from 1888 to 1894. In January 1900 he was appointed temporary Staff Captain at Army Headquarters.

Swinton was also the unsuccessful Conservative candidate for Paisley in 1900. He was a Member of London County Council representing Holborn from 1901 to 1907 and Dulwich from 1922 to 1928. He was Chairman of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee in 1904–1905, and Chief Whip of the Municipal Reform Party (the Conservative group on the council) from 1903 to 1912. He was an Alderman from 1907 to 1912, and 1920 to 1922. He became Chairman of the London County Council in 1912, but resigned on accepting the post of Chairman of the Town-planning Committee of the new Imperial City of Delhi. He was attached by the Colonial Office to the Representatives of the Overseas Dominions attending the Imperial Conferences in 1917 and 1918; foreshadowed, in August 1917, the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle; Honorary Secretary of the Scottish National War Memorial Committee, 1918.

Swinton was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of London in 1926. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in January 1928.

Swinton also served as March Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary. He was Albany Herald of Arms in Ordinary from 1923 until 1926 and served Lord Lyon King of Arms and Secretary to the Order of the Thistle from 1927 until 1929.

Swinton is the grandfather of Major-General Sir John Swinton and great-grandfather of actress Tilda Swinton.

Publications
A Garden Road; Development; London: Her Traffic, Her Improvement, and Charing Cross Bridge; several papers on social subjects, the problems of traffic, and the improvement of London.

Arms

See also
 Heraldry
 Court of the Lord Lyon

Notes

External links
 Portrait by John Singer Sargent of Mrs George Swinton in The Art Institute of Chicago

1859 births
1937 deaths
Military personnel from Edinburgh
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire
71st Highlanders officers
Conservative Party (UK) parliamentary candidates
Deputy Lieutenants of the County of London
Highland Light Infantry officers
Members of London County Council
Municipal Reform Party politicians
Politicians from Edinburgh
Scottish genealogists
Lord Lyon Kings of Arms

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This is a 2X2 harness is made in the USA by RJS Racing Equipment. This harness features 2 inch wide webbing on both lap and shoulder belts, a latch and link style buckle, sewn in shoulder straps, and roll bar mounting. This harness is manufactured for use with off-road vehicles, show cars, custom hot rods, and sand buggies.


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Pale Horseman Saxon Chronicles 02
by Bernard Cornwell
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Used Hardcover
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4 Local Warehouse
Uhtred is a Saxon, cheated of his inheritance and adrift in a world of fire, sword, and treachery. He has to make a choice: whether to fight for the Vikings, who raised him, or for King Alfred the Great of Wessex, who dislikes him.
In the late ninth century, Wessex is the last English kingdom. The rest have fallen to the Danish Vikings, a story told in The Last Kingdom, the New York Times bestselling novel in which Uhtred's tale began. Now the Vikings want to finish England. They assemble the Great Army, whose one ambition is to conquer Wessex. A dispossessed young nobleman, married to a woman who hails from Wessex, Uhtred has little love for either, though for King Alfred he has none at all. Yet fate, as Uhtred learns, has its own imperatives, and when the Vikings attack out of a wintry darkness to shatter the last English kingdom, Uhtred finds himself at Alfred's side.
Bernard Cornwell's The Pale Horseman, like The Last Kingdom, is rooted in the real history of Anglo-Saxon England. It tells the astonishing and true story of how Alfred, forced to become a fugitive in a few square miles of swampland, fights his enemies against overwhelming odds. The king is a pious Christian, while Uhtred is a pagan. Alfred is a sickly scholar, while Uhtred is an arrogant warrior. Yet the two forge an uneasy alliance that will lead them out of the marshes to the stark hilltop where the last remaining Saxon army will fight for the very existence of England.
Enthralling as both a historical and personal story, The Pale Horseman is a novel of divided loyalties and desperate heroism, featuring a cast of fully realized characters, from a king in despair to a beguiling British sorceress. And always, beyond the spearmen and the swordsmen are the folk who suffer as the tides of war sweep over their farmlands. From Bernard Cornwell, the New York Times bestselling author whom the Washington Post calls "perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today," The Pale Horseman is yet another masterpiece of historical and battle fiction that gives life to one of the most important and exciting epochs in the history of the English people and culture.
"A suavely rendered tale … [brings] turbulent times to vivid life." Philadelphia Inquirer
" [A] big-bellied, bushy-bearded tale ... [Cornwell] endows the book with an unexpectedly complex, thoughtful soul." Time Magazine
"Superior entertainment that is both engaging and enlightening ... Cornwells battle scenes ... are superb ... smart and vigorous." Washington Post
"Filled with bawdy humor, bloodlust, treachery and valor, this stirring tale will leave readers eager for the next volume ." Publishers Weekly
"Entertaining" Arizona Republic
"A crackerjack adventure tale from a master of the craft." Booklist
"Great stuff, as always, from the master." Kirkus Reviews
The second installment of Bernard Cornwell's bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, "like Game of Thrones, but real" (The Observer, London)--the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit BBC America television series.
This is the exciting--yet little known--story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred the Great, his son and grandson defeated the Danish Vikings who had invaded and occupied three of England's four kingdoms.
At the end of The Last Kingdom, The Danes had been defeated at Cynuit, but the triumph of the English is not fated to last long. The Danish Vikings quickly invade and occupy three of England's four kingdoms--and all that remains of the once proud country is a small piece of marshland, where Alfred and his family live with a few soldiers and retainers, including Uhtred, the dispossessed English nobleman who was raised by the Danes. Uhtred has always been a Dane at heart, and has always believed that given the chance, he would fight for the men who raised him and taught him the Viking ways. But when Iseult, a powerful sorceress, enters Uhtred's life, he is forced to consider feelings he's never confronted before--and Uhtred discovers, in his moment of greatest peril, a new-found loyalty and love for his native country and ruler.
The sequel to the "New York Times" bestseller "The Last Kingdom" continues the exhilarating adventures of Uhtred and King Alfred the Great. Uhtred discovers--in his moment of greatest peril--a newfound loyalty and love for his native country and ruler.
Bernard Cornwell is the author of the acclaimed New York Times bestsellers Agincourt and The Fort; the bestselling Saxon Tales, which include The Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman, Lords of the North, Sword Song, The Burning Land, and, most recently, Death of Kings; and the Richard Sharpe novels, among many others. He lives with his wife on Cape Cod and in Charleston, South Carolina.
Series info:
Saxon Chronicles 02
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Used, Trade Paperback, Starting from $6.50


Help Julia Swain Fund Completion of Documentary On Leading Female Cinematographers, Kickstarter Campaign Ends February 15.
planetMitch note: we typically have a policy of not promoting film kickstarter projects – there are just too many… but Karin is very passionate about this one and one of the reasons we added her to the writer mix was to get more women involved or at least highlighted.
Julia Swain's Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for completion of her documentary feature on leading female cinematographers, Women of Light, is closing soon and I urge you to give serious consideration to contributing.
A documentary like Women of Light would have made a big, crucial difference to my life and career, had such a movie existed when I was at art school contending with ignorance and powers-that-be then and thereafter. Cinematography in particular and moviemaking in general were a wealthy boys club where one needed the right connections to be given the keys to the kingdom.
It may be too late for me, but your support for Ms Swain's documentary could make all the difference for other could-be female cinematographers. The keys to the world of the movies may be withheld from most potential female moviemakers still, but our peers who have cracked the safe might be able to show us other ways in.
When I was growing up and for so long after, I had no female cinematographer role models. I had exactly just two female stills photographer role models whom I discovered through a book in our tiny, local lending library – Annie Leibovitz and Mary Ellen Mark.
I learned about more female photographers from the US and Europe after going to art school in the big smoke, where I was lucky enough to get my hands on the art book budget and managed to fill quite a few gaps in the school's library.
As for female cinematographers, directors and other women working in the movies back then? No female cinematographers at all, but three Australian directors, Jocelyn Moorhouse, Gillian Armstrong and honorary Australian but actually New Zealander, Jane Campion.
Better than nothing, I suppose, but nobody in my part of the country could tell me how to even get to first base as a cinematographer much less director. In those pre-Web days, such facts were the province of the few.
If she can see it, she can be it.
That article, Where's Rey? Toymakers Were Told To Exclude Her, published January 25 by Indiewire's Women and Hollywood blog, is about the deliberate exclusion of the Rey character from Star wars merchandise.
But "If she can see it, she can be it" equally applies to women in all roles within the movie industry. And for me, especially cinematography.
Ms Swain and project partner Teodoa Tatoiu have already shot their documentary on 17 female cinematographers. One of them is Australian, Mandy Walker ASC, ACS.
Color me very pleased indeed. Kylee Peña interviewed Ms Walker for Creative Cow on the occasion of her appointment as 2014 Kodak Cinematographer in Residence at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (UCLA TFT).
I couldn't agree more. Please help get this movie through post-production and ready for global distribution.
Feature documentary highlighting the leading women in cinematography.
There's been a lot of discussion on the "lack of female cinematographers" and as a young female cinematographer, I wanted to respond. I attended UCLA's graduate school for cinematography and when graduation was approaching, I still only knew of a few women who were shooting big shows. I wanted to know more about how they got to where they were.
This feature documentary started out as my very ambitious UCLA thesis project that turned into a larger undertaking when I realized how many women there were to talk to — and there are still so many beyond who is in the film. That's the point I've decided to make.
There are so many incredible women shooting, and I am so excited to have been able to put their stories in one piece: Women of Light.
It's time we honor women in film. It's time to honor the women in cinematography, around the world, and inspire those of the future.
Join us in this movement — whether you're filmmaker, a cinematographer, a lover of movies, a lover of art, a lover of stories.
Karin is a documentary moviemaker, journalist, photographer and teacher who conceived and cofounded an influential, globally-read, Australian magazine of contemporary art, culture and photography. While based in Europe, contributing to the magazine and working in advertising, she visualised a future telling the same sorts of stories with a movie camera and audio recorder. Now back in her home base in Sydney, Karin is pursuing her goal of becoming an independent, one-person, backpack multimedia journalist and documentary moviemaker. Mentorless and un-filmschooled, she is constantly learning and sharpening up her skill set.


text:
The Politics These Two Unpopular Nominees Hath Wrought
Michael Barone | Oct 25, 2016
'Aim for the Head': Air Force General's Fiery Memo on China Bucks Biden Narrative Spencer Brown
In last week's third and (thank goodness) final presidential debate, each candidate did an excellent job of presenting convincing arguments for why people shouldn't vote for the other.
Donald Trump called Hillary Clinton a felon, and Clinton called Trump a traitor. Unfortunately for America, there is plenty of basis for the former charge and less but still disturbing evidence for the latter.
These two may not be the most unpopular pair of major-party presidential nominees in history. James Buchanan and John C. Fremont in 1856 may have been worse, at least judging from their later feckless careers.
But of all the nominee pairs since random sampling polling was invented in 1935, Trump and Clinton certainly win the prize. Majorities of voters look negatively on both and consider each dishonest and untrustworthy. It's not hard to see why.
How did we end up with such nominees? It's easy to blame the presidential nominating process, which is widely and correctly regarded as the weakest part of our political system. Perhaps not coincidentally, it is the only part not addressed by the Framers.
The problem is that there's no way to construct an entirely satisfactory system in a nation with 50 sovereign states and a long history of economic and cultural diversity. Both parties' earnest efforts over the past four decades, aimed at repairing previous flaws, have only created new ones.
What gave us these two nominees this year was a combination of dynastic politics and celebrity politics. The Clinton candidacy foreclosed serious opposition -- and revealed the increasing strength of the Democratic left. The Bush family provided a huge supply of money for a worthy candidate for whom there was insufficient demand.
Much of the $100 million raised for Jeb Bush's super PAC was spent on deconstructing Marco Rubio, who might have been a stronger Trump opponent than Ted Cruz and would have been a stronger Clinton opponent than Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump's celebrity gave him some $2 billion worth of free media, leaving little room for exposure of other Republicans. Until Trump clinched the Republican nomination, mainstream media had as little interest in digging up dirt on him as they have now in airing the scandals swirling around Clinton.
The majority of voters who yearn to see Trump lose can take comfort in the national polling that currently shows him 6 points behind Clinton, compared with his being 1 point behind before the first debate. Almost all target state polling confirms that picture.
The smaller majority of voters who yearn to see Clinton lose may take what comfort they can from the three national polls (Los Angeles Times, Rasmussen Reports, Investor's Business Daily) that show an even race, even though The New York Times' Nate Cohn has demonstrated the unreliability of the LA Times poll's sample.
They might take comfort, as well, from the fact that voters in Britain and Colombia voted, contrary to polls, against an overwhelming tide of respectable opinion in referendums on June 23 and Oct. 2. But the British polls weren't far off, and candidates' character wasn't a factor in those contests.
There remains uncertainty about what pollsters have trouble projecting: turnout. Clinton struggles to enthuse blacks, Hispanics and young people. Trump's talk about rigging elections may discourage conservative turnout.
The choice of these nominees may result in two significant shifts. One is a recoloring of the familiar political map. When Trump was running close to even, he was threatening to win previously safe Democratic states. Clinton is now threatening to win previously safe Republican states. The static polarized partisan lines may be shifting.
The other is the opening of new fissures in both parties. Trump enthusiasts and "never Trump" critics are already embarked on a civil war. Bernie Sanders enthusiasts are understandably furious about what WikiLeaks has revealed that Clinton and top aides have said in emails and speeches.
A Bloomberg poll asked Republicans and Democrats which of several figures should be the face of their party nationally if their nominee loses. A plurality of Democrats, 32 percent, said Hillary Clinton, and 6 percent said Tim Kaine. But 31 percent said Bernie Sanders, and 23 percent said Elizabeth Warren.
Among Republicans, 24 percent said Donald Trump, far below the percentage supporting him against Clinton. But a total of 71 percent picked the more conventional conservative alternatives Mike Pence, Ted Cruz, Paul Ryan and John Kasich.
That's a crude measure, but it provides an interesting hint of the politics that are just a couple of weeks ahead.
Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.
Tags: HILLARY CLINTON DONALD TRUMP


There are so many options out there, website services, daycare, the neighborhood sitter, nanny agencies, etc. The type of child care you choose would, of course, depend on your family's needs. However, if we look a little closer you can see that there really is only one good, reliable and safe option for your children, the nanny agency.
Nanny agencies provide an array of childcare options. If you need a babysitter, live-in nanny, baby nanny, overnight care, full time family nanny, granny nanny, mommy's helper, postpartum care, etc. a nanny agency has the resources to connect you with high-quality childcare professionals. Agencies only hire nannies that are qualified and hold to the agency's standards. Only thing is, how do you know if the agency you're thinking of going with is really that great at all? Agencies love to talk about how they are the best in the area, but what exactly are they doing that sets them apart? The best way to find out is to go straight to their services page. Most of the time, you will find that they look strikingly similar to their competitors offering the usual: babysitting, nanny placement services, group care, etc. But sometimes you'll come across a nanny agency that's doing it a little differently.
In Jacksonville, there are only a few local nanny agencies. I did some research into each of them, what services they offer and how they conduct their business. Most of the local agencies either have limited services or aren't of the best quality. But don't get down just yet, because there's one agency in Jacksonville that stands out above the rest. My Kensington Nanny Agency is bringing a fresh new perspective to the Jacksonville market. Kensington Nanny has just recently expanded their services to North Florida, primarily servicing Duval and St. Johns counties. They offer unique services designed specifically to fit your family's needs and use industry leading screening procedures. Their Nanny Care Plan, for example, is their permanent placement nanny service that offers Lifetime Replacement! I have never before heard of a nanny agency including unlimited, complimentary replacement services for their permanent placement option. They are definitely next level, and I am so excited they're here now in Jacksonville. This is the Link to their services page on their website, where you can read more about what they offer. Seriously, check them out because you can't find an agency like that anywhere else.


Orzo is better known as pearl barley and is a favorite addition to soup and just right in this glorious and hearty soup made with chunks of butternut and zucchini squash and pureed spaghetti squash used to thicken the soup. Lots of flavor and texture is the result. An added bonus is that the soup is very low in fat. Prepare the soup ingredients a day ahead by baking and pureeing the spaghetti squash, pureeing the tomatoes, and cutting up the vegetables.
While the squash is baking, melt the butter in a soup pot, add the leeks, and cook, covered, over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring a few times. Add the zucchini and butternut squash, stir to evenly mix the vegetables, cover the pot, and continue to cook, covered, over low heat for about 12 minutes.
The vegetables should retain their shape and be al dente but cooked. Stir in the tomatoes, hot water, pureed squash, and 2 teaspoons of the salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring the remaining 4 cups water to a boil, stir in the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons salt and the orzo and cook until the orzo is al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and stir the orzo into the soup. Stir in the basil and serve.
NOTE: Spaghetti squash can be cooked in a microwave on high power for 5 to 6 minutes per pound. Be sure to pierce the rind first before microwaving to prevent an explosion.