Author: chiefeditor

  • France: Analyzing the Historic Score of Rassemblement National in the Legislative Elections: A European Perspective

    In the realm of European politics, the recent French legislative elections have captured the attention of political analysts and observers alike. The rise of the Rassemblement National (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, has marked a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape, prompting in-depth analysis and reflection on the implications of this historic development.

    As an expert in European politics, it is imperative to delve into the nuances of the RN’s performance in these elections and the broader implications for France and the European Union. The call by Le Pen and Jordan Bardella for voters to grant an absolute majority to the RN underscores the party’s ambition to solidify its position as a formidable force in French politics.

    The article “4 graphiques pour comprendre le score historique du RN” in L’Express provides a comprehensive overview of the RN’s performance through the lens of four insightful graphs. These visual representations offer a glimpse into the electoral dynamics at play and shed light on the RN’s historic score in the legislative elections.

    One cannot underestimate the significance of the RN’s success in these elections and its potential ramifications for France and Europe as a whole. The rise of populist and nationalist movements across the continent has been a prevailing trend in recent years, challenging traditional political establishments and reshaping the political landscape.

    As we analyze the implications of the RN’s performance, it is crucial to consider the broader context of European politics and the shifting dynamics within the European Union. The influence of populist parties on policy-making and decision-making processes at the EU level warrants careful examination, as it may have far-reaching consequences for the future of European integration and cooperation.

    In conclusion, the historic score of the Rassemblement National in the French legislative elections serves as a stark reminder of the evolving political climate in Europe and the rising influence of populist movements. As we navigate the complex dynamics of European politics, it is essential to approach these developments with a critical and informed perspective to ensure a thorough understanding of their implications for the continent.

    Stay tuned for further analysis and insights on European politics as the political landscape continues to evolve and reshape the future of the region.

  • How To Meal Prep Like A Pro For A Week Of Healthy Eating

    There’s no denying the benefits of meal prepping – it saves you time, money, and ensures you make healthy choices throughout the week. To meal prep like a pro, start by planning your meals, creating a grocery list, and dedicating a few hours to prep on weekend. Invest in quality storage containers to keep your meals fresh and organized. With these tips, you’ll set yourself up for a week of healthy eating success.

    1. Plan your meals and snacks for the week ahead.
    2. Make a detailed shopping list of all necessary ingredients.
    3. Set aside a few hours to cook and prepare meals.
    4. Use containers to portion out meals for easy grab-and-go.
    5. Store meals in the fridge or freezer, labeling each container.
    6. Enjoy healthy, delicious meals throughout the week!

    Understanding Your Dietary Needs

    The first step in meal prepping like a pro is understanding your dietary needs. This involves assessing your caloric requirements, identifying any food allergies or intolerances you may have, and considering your lifestyle and preferences.

    Assessing Your Caloric Requirements

    Now, to determine your caloric needs, you can use online calculators or consult with a nutritionist. Calculating your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and factoring in your activity level will give you an estimate of how many calories you need per day to maintain, lose, or gain weight.

    Identifying Food Allergies and Intolerances

    Identifying any food allergies or intolerances you have is crucial to meal prepping successfully. Symptoms of food sensitivities can range from mild bloating to severe allergic reactions. By knowing what foods to avoid, you can plan your meals accordingly.

    Allergies: If you suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance, consider keeping a food diary to track your symptoms after eating certain foods. If you notice a pattern of discomfort or reactions, consult with a healthcare professional for testing and guidance.

    Considering Your Lifestyle and Preferences

    Understanding your lifestyle and food preferences will help you create a meal prep plan that you can stick to. Whether you follow a specific diet like vegetarian or keto, or have a busy schedule that requires quick and easy meals, tailoring your prep to fit your lifestyle is key to success.

    Food: You may also want to consider your cooking skills, time constraints, and budget when planning your meals. Investing in versatile ingredients and kitchen tools can make the meal prep process more efficient and enjoyable for you.

    Planning Your Meals

    Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations

    Assuming you are new to meal prepping, it is important to start with realistic goals and expectations. Look for inspiration from resources like 60 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas to help you understand what a week of meals could look like. By setting achievable goals, you are more likely to stick with your meal prep plan and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

    Choosing Healthy and Balanced Recipes

    You want to select recipes that are both healthy and balanced. Opt for a variety of proteins, whole grains, and colorful vegetables to ensure you are getting a range of nutrients in your meals. Consider incorporating different cooking methods like roasting, steaming, or sautéing to keep your meals interesting and flavorful.

    Recipes that focus on whole foods and minimize processed ingredients are ideal for meal prep. Choose dishes that can easily be portioned out into containers and reheated throughout the week. Additionally, consider recipes that use similar ingredients to streamline your grocery shopping and meal prep process.

    Creating a Meal Prep Schedule

    Goals for creating a meal prep schedule include allocating a specific time each week for planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and assembling your meals. By dedicating a few hours to meal prep, you can save time during the week and ensure that you have healthy options readily available. Start with simple recipes and gradually build up to more complex meal preps as you become more comfortable with the process.

    Your meal prep schedule should be tailored to your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you prefer to prepare all meals for the week in one day or split the prep work into multiple sessions, find a routine that works best for you. Remember to factor in storage options and meal variety to keep things exciting and prevent meal fatigue.

    Grocery Shopping Like a Pro

    All A Beginner’s Guide on How to Meal Prep for the Week starts with efficient grocery shopping. When you’re meal prepping for the week, it’s crucial to plan ahead and make a detailed grocery list to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. By following a few simple steps, you can streamline your grocery shopping process and set yourself up for a successful week of healthy eating.

    Making a Grocery List Based on Your Meal Plan

    An important step in successful meal prep is creating a detailed grocery list based on your meal plan. Take inventory of what you already have in your pantry and fridge, then make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for your planned meals. Organize your list by categories like produce, proteins, grains, and dairy to make navigating the store easier. This will help you avoid forgetting any crucial ingredients and save you time during your shopping trip.

    Navigating the Grocery Store Efficiently

    There’s no denying that navigating a crowded grocery store can be overwhelming, but with a bit of strategy, you can make the process much smoother. Start by sticking to the perimeter of the store where you’ll find fresh produce, meats, dairy, and whole foods. This will help you avoid the temptation of processed and unhealthy foods that are often found in the aisles. Additionally, try to go shopping during off-peak hours to avoid long lines and crowded aisles.

    Based on your well-organized grocery list, move through the store efficiently, checking off items as you go. Don’t forget to compare prices and opt for store brands or bulk options when possible to save money. Remember to stay focused on your list and avoid impulse purchases to stay within your budget and stick to your meal prep plan.

    Stocking Up on Pantry Staples and Essentials

    Grocery shopping for meal prep also involves stocking up on pantry staples and importants that will help you create a variety of delicious and nutritious meals throughout the week. Make sure to have a good supply of items like whole grains, canned beans, spices, herbs, healthy oils, and condiments. These staples will serve as the foundation for many of your meals and can add flavor and variety to your dishes.

    Store these pantry staples in a well-organized manner so they are easily accessible when you’re prepping your meals. **Having a well-stocked pantry can save you time and effort in the kitchen and ensure that you always have the basics on hand to whip up a healthy meal.** Consider investing in airtight containers to store items like grains, nuts, and seeds to keep them fresh and prevent pantry pests.

    Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment

    Many kitchen tools and equipment can make your meal prep process much smoother and more efficient. To ensure you have everything you need for a successful week of healthy eating, it’s necessary to stock up on the right items.

    Must-Have Cookware and Utensils

    Now, make sure you have a good set of non-stick pots and pans, a sharp set of knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and cooking utensils like spatulas and tongs. These basic items will help you prepare a variety of dishes with ease.

    Time-Saving Gadgets and Appliances

    TimeSaving, investing in time-saving gadgets like a food processor, blender, slow cooker, and Instant Pot can significantly reduce your meal prep time. These appliances can help you chop, blend, and cook ingredients quickly, allowing you to multitask and save time in the kitchen.

    Understanding the functionality of these gadgets and appliances can revolutionize your meal prep experience. The food processor can quickly chop veggies, the blender can make smoothies in seconds, the slow cooker can simmer a hearty stew while you work, and the Instant Pot can speed up cooking times for grains and proteins.

    Storage Containers and Meal Prep Accessories

    The key to successful meal prep is having a good collection of storage containers in various sizes. These containers will help you portion out your meals, store leftovers, and keep your food fresh throughout the week. Additionally, investing in meal prep accessories like reusable silicone bags, mason jars, and insulated lunch bags can make on-the-go eating a breeze.

    Another necessary item to consider is a quality set of reusable ice packs. These ice packs can be used in your lunch bag to keep your meals fresh and safe to eat, especially if you don’t have access to a fridge during the day.

    Meal Prep Fundamentals

    Despite your busy schedule, meal prepping can help you stay on track with your health goals and save time during the week. By cooking in bulk and preparing key ingredients ahead of time, you can easily put together nutritious meals in a matter of minutes. Here are some meal prep fundamentals to get you started on your journey to healthy eating.

    Cooking Proteins in Bulk

    Cooking proteins in bulk is a key step in meal prepping. By cooking proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu in large batches, you can have a versatile base for various meals throughout the week. Simply season your proteins with your favorite herbs and spices, then bake, grill, or sauté them until fully cooked. Once cooled, you can portion them out into meal-sized containers and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.

    Roasting Vegetables for Maximum Flavor

    With roasting, you can bring out the natural flavors of vegetables and create delicious side dishes for your meals. Simply toss your chosen vegetables in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven until they are tender and caramelized. You can roast a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers to add color and nutrients to your meals.

    Aim to include a variety of colors in your roasted vegetables to ensure you are getting a wide range of nutrients. Different colored vegetables offer different vitamins and minerals, so having a colorful mix on your plate is not only visually appealing but also beneficial for your health.

    Preparing Whole Grains and Legumes

    If you want to add fiber and protein to your meals, preparing whole grains and legumes in advance is necessary. Cook up a batch of quinoa, brown rice, lentils, or chickpeas to have on hand for quick and easy meal assembly. These ingredients can be used as a base for grain bowls, salads, or wraps, adding texture and nutrients to your meals.

    If you choose to cook whole grains and legumes from scratch, make sure to rinse them thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris. You can also invest in a rice cooker or Instant Pot to streamline the cooking process and ensure perfectly cooked grains every time.

    Tips for Portion Control and Meal Assembly

    Not sure how to properly portion your meals for the week ahead? Here are some tips to help you maintain portion control and efficiently assemble your meals.

    Measuring and Weighing Ingredients Accurately

    The key to portion control starts with accurately measuring and weighing your ingredients. Use measuring cups and a kitchen scale to ensure you are using the correct amount of each ingredient in your meals. This will help you avoid overeating and keep your portions consistent throughout the week.

    Assembling Meals in Advance

    For efficient meal prep, it’s imperative to assemble your meals in advance. This means having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. You can save time by chopping vegetables, marinating proteins, and portioning out grains ahead of time. This way, when it comes to cooking and assembling your meals, everything will be organized and ready for you to put together.

    Another benefit of preparing your meals in advance is that you can mix and match ingredients to create a variety of meals throughout the week. By having your components ready, you can easily switch up your meals by combining different proteins, vegetables, and grains to keep things interesting.

    Labeling and Storing Meals for Easy Reheating

    For easy reheating and meal organization, be sure to label your meals before storing them in the fridge or freezer. Use clear containers and label them with the date and contents of each meal. This way, you can easily grab a meal when you need it without having to guess what’s inside. Additionally, storing your meals properly will help maintain freshness and ensure they last throughout the week.

    Another tip is to portion out individual servings of your meals before storing them. This way, you can grab a single serving and heat it up without having to defrost the entire batch. This not only makes mealtime more convenient but also helps you control portion sizes and avoid overeating.

    Factors to Consider for Healthy Meal Prep

    Now that you’ve decided to launch on a journey of healthy meal prepping, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that your meals are nutritious and balanced. By paying attention to these key elements, you can set yourself up for a week of successful and healthy eating.

    • Macronutrient Balance and Ratios: Even if you are meal prepping for the entire week, it’s important to make sure that each meal contains a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. These macronutrients play crucial roles in keeping your body functioning optimally and help you feel satisfied after each meal. For guidance on appropriate macronutrient ratios, you can refer to the Meal Prep Guide – The Nutrition Source.
    • Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Even with all your meal prep efforts, don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated. Hydration is key to maintaining optimal bodily functions, and electrolytes play a crucial role in ensuring that your body’s fluids are balanced. Including foods rich in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium can help you stay properly hydrated throughout the week.

    Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

    With all the focus on meal prep, it’s easy to overlook your hydration needs. However, staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and well-being. When you are meal prepping, make sure to include water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables in your meals to help meet your fluid needs. Additionally, consider adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to your water for a refreshing and electrolyte-boosting drink.

    Factors to Consider for Healthy Meal Prep

    If you’re aiming to prepare meals in advance for the week, it’s important to follow food safety and handling guidelines. This ensures that your meals stay safe to eat throughout the week. Properly storing cooked foods, using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables, and reheating leftovers to the correct temperature are all important steps in maintaining food safety during meal prep.

    Food safety is paramount when it comes to meal prep, as it can prevent foodborne illnesses and keep you healthy. By following the 4 C’s of food safety – cleaning, cooking, chilling, and cross-contamination prevention – you can ensure that your meals are safe to consume. Bear in mind, your health is too precious to compromise on safe food practices.

    Meal Prep for Specific Diets

    Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Meal Prep

    On your journey to meal prepping for a gluten-free and low-carb diet, focus on incorporating nutrient-dense foods that are naturally free of gluten and low in carbohydrates. Stock up on fresh vegetables, lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu, and healthy fats such as avocados and nuts.

    Vegan and Vegetarian Meal Prep Options

    Options for vegan and vegetarian meal prep are abundant and delicious. Incorporate a variety of plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, quinoa, and tempeh into your meals. Include a colorful array of fruits and vegetables to ensure you are getting a wide range of necessary nutrients in your diet.

    Understanding the nutritional needs of a vegan or vegetarian diet is necessary for successful meal prepping. Make sure you are including sources of vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids in your meals to support your overall health.

    Meal Prep for Special Dietary Needs (e.g. Keto, Paleo)

    For specific dietary needs such as Keto or Paleo, meal prepping can be tailored to fit these lifestyles. Focus on high-fat, low-carb options for Keto, including avocado, coconut oil, and grass-fed meats. For Paleo, emphasize wholefoods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, and seeds.

    Specific dietary requirements like Keto or Paleo may require additional planning and preparation, but they can be easily incorporated into your meal prepping routine with the right guidance and recipes.

    Time-Saving Hacks and Shortcuts

    After you have mastered the art of meal prepping, it’s time to streamline the process even more with time-saving hacks and shortcuts. These tips will help you save time and energy in the kitchen while ensuring that you still have delicious and nutritious meals ready to go throughout the week.

    One-Pot Wonders and Sheet Pan Recipes

    Some of the easiest and quickest meals to prepare are one-pot wonders and sheet pan recipes. With these dishes, you can simply toss all your ingredients onto a single pot or pan, pop it in the oven, and let it do all the work for you. Not only does this save you time on prep work and cleanup, but it also allows for easy portioning and storage once the meal is ready.

    Using Leftovers and Repurposing Ingredients

    Even after a week of diligent meal prepping, you may find yourself with leftovers or extra ingredients that you didn’t use up. Instead of letting them go to waste, **you can repurpose these ingredients into entirely new meals**. For example, leftover grilled chicken can be shredded and used in tacos, salads, or wraps. Extra vegetables can be blended into soups or stir-fries. Get creative with your leftovers to **maximize your ingredients and minimize food waste**.

    Recipes

    Meal Prep in Under 30 Minutes

    Time-saving hacks are crucial when it comes to meal prepping, especially if you have a busy schedule. **Meal prepping in under 30 minutes** is not only possible but can be quite simple with the right recipes and strategies. Focus on quick-cooking grains like quinoa or couscous, utilize precooked proteins like rotisserie chicken or canned beans, and rely on pre-cut vegetables to cut down on prep time. With a bit of planning and organization, **you can have a week’s worth of meals ready in less time than it takes to watch your favorite TV show**.

    Time-Saving

    This kind of meal prepping is perfect for those weeks when you have limited time but still want to prioritize **healthy eating**. By dedicating just half an hour to meal prepping, **you can set yourself up for success and avoid the temptation of unhealthy fast food options**. With a few time-saving tricks up your sleeve, **you can make nutritious eating a breeze even on your busiest days**.

    Overcoming Common Meal Prep Challenges

    Dealing with Food Boredom and Burnout

    Overcoming food boredom and burnout during meal prep is crucial to staying on track with your healthy eating goals. To avoid getting tired of eating the same meals every day, try to incorporate a variety of flavors and ingredients into your meal prep rotation. Mix up your proteins, grains, and vegetables each week to keep things interesting. Additionally, consider trying new recipes or cuisines to keep your taste buds excited.

    Managing Meal Prep Stress and Overwhelm

    Dealing with stress and overwhelm during meal prep can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that meal prep is meant to make your life easier, not add to your stress. To manage this, start by planning your meals and grocery shopping ahead of time. Break down your meal prep tasks into smaller, manageable steps and use tools like a slow cooker or instant pot to save time in the kitchen.

    Note, it’s okay to take shortcuts like buying pre-cut vegetables or using frozen ingredients to make the process less daunting. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family members or roommates to share the workload and make meal prep a team effort.

    Staying Motivated and Accountable

    Keeping up with meal prep can be tough, but staying motivated and holding yourself accountable is key to long-term success. To stay on track, set specific goals for your meals and prep sessions. Whether it’s prepping a certain number of meals each week or trying a new healthy recipe, having goals will help you stay focused.

    Additionally, find a meal prep buddy or support group to keep you motivated and accountable. Share your progress, struggles, and successes with someone who can cheer you on and help you stay committed to your healthy eating goals.

    Meal Prep on a Budget

    Many people believe that meal prepping is expensive, but with some strategic planning, you can meal prep like a pro without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you meal prep on a budget.

    Affordable Protein Sources and Staples

    Protein: When trying to save money on meal prep, opt for affordable protein sources like beans, lentils, eggs, and canned tuna or chicken. These options are not only budget-friendly but also versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.

    Shopping Sales and Stocking Up

    Prep: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts on your favorite staple items like rice, pasta, frozen vegetables, and canned goods. Buying in bulk when these items are on sale can help you save money in the long run and ensure you always have key ingredients on hand for your meal prepping sessions.

    When shopping sales, consider stocking up on non-perishable items like grains and canned goods that have a long shelf life. This way, you can always have a variety of ingredients to choose from when planning your meals without worrying about them spoiling quickly.

    Meal Prep for One or for a Crowd

    Sales: If you’re meal prepping for one person, consider buying family-sized packs of protein like chicken breasts or ground turkey when they are on sale. You can portion them out and freeze individual servings for later use, saving you time and money in the long run. For larger families or groups, look for bulk discounts on ingredients like meats, grains, and produce to help you stretch your budget further.

    It may require a bit more planning and organization, but with these budget-friendly meal prep tips, you can nourish yourself and your loved ones with healthy and delicious meals without overspending. Start incorporating these strategies into your meal prepping routine and watch your savings grow while enjoying nutritious homemade meals throughout the week.

    Meal Prep for Busy Schedules

    Unlike regular meal prepping, when you have a busy schedule, you need to be strategic and efficient with your meal prep. Here are some tips to help you stay on track with your healthy eating even when you’re juggling a hectic routine.

    Meal Prep for Early Risers and Night Owls

    To accommodate your early mornings or late nights, consider preparing your meals at a time that aligns with your natural energy levels. If you’re an early riser, utilize the quiet morning hours to cook and pack your meals for the day. If you’re a night owl, you can meal prep in the evening to ensure you have healthy options ready to go for the next day. Adjust your meal prep schedule to fit your body clock so that you can stay consistent and motivated.

    Prepping Meals on the Go

    Schedules can get overwhelmingly busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your nutrition. When you’re constantly on the move, opt for quick and easy meal prep options like salads in mason jars, pre-portioned snacks, or meal replacement shakes. Having portable meal options on hand will help you stay on track with your healthy eating goals, even on the busiest of days.

    Meal prepping for on-the-go situations doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, you can whip up nutritious meals and snacks that you can easily grab and take with you wherever you need to go.

    Meal Prep for Travel and Commuting

    One way to tackle meal prep when you have a busy travel schedule or long commutes is to prep meals that are easy to transport and require minimal refrigeration or heating. Consider options like wraps, sandwiches, salads in a container, or bento box-style meals that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

    When you’re on the go, having pre-prepped meals ready to eat can save you time and money, as well as help you make healthier choices while traveling or commuting. You can avoid the temptation of fast food or unhealthy snacks by having your nutritious meals on hand.

    Advanced Meal Prep Techniques

    Many advanced meal prep techniques can take your meal prepping game to the next level. Here are some advanced methods you can incorporate into your meal prep routine:

    1. Sous Vide Cooking and Precision Temperature Control
    Sous Vide Cooking Precision Temperature Control
    Under vacuum, cook food in a water bath at a precise temperature. Ensures consistent results and locks in flavors and nutrients.

    Sous Vide Cooking and Precision Temperature Control

    Any home cook can elevate their meal prep by using a sous vide machine. This technique involves cooking food in vacuum-sealed bags in a water bath at a precise temperature. Sous vide cooking ensures consistent results and helps to retain the flavors and nutrients in your ingredients.

    Fermentation and Pickling for Gut Health

    The art of fermentation and pickling can not only add depth of flavor to your dishes but also boost your gut health. The fermentation process involves beneficial bacteria breaking down sugars and starches in food, creating gut-friendly probiotics that support digestion and overall well-being.

    The more variety of fermented foods you include in your diet, the better diversity of probiotics you can introduce to your gut, promoting a healthy microbiome.

    Dehydrating and Freeze-Drying for Long-Term Storage

    Dehydration and freeze-drying are techniques that can extend the shelf life of your ingredients for long-term storage. By removing moisture from food, you can prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, allowing your ingredients to stay fresh for an extended period of time.

    Fermentation can also play a role in preserving foods while adding unique flavors. By fermenting vegetables or fruits, you can create tangy pickles or kimchi that can last for months in the fridge, providing you with delicious and healthy condiments.

    Final Words

    Upon reflecting on how to meal prep like a pro for a week of healthy eating, you now have all the tools and knowledge to successfully plan and prepare your meals in advance. By following these steps and tips, you can save time, money, and energy throughout the week while ensuring that you are eating nutritious and balanced meals.

    Be mindful of, meal prepping is all about finding what works best for you and your lifestyle. It may take some trial and error to figure out your preferences, but with practice, you will become more efficient and proficient in planning your meals. Stay consistent, stay organized, and most importantly, enjoy the benefits of having healthy, home-cooked meals readily available to you each day.

  • Jesus Christ before Pilate

    By prof. A. P. Lopukhin

    John, chapter 18. 1 – 11. Taking away Jesus Christ by the soldiers. 12 – 27. Christ before Annas and Caiaphas. 28 – 40. Christ before Pilate.

    18:1. Having said this, Jesus went out with His disciples beyond the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which He Himself and His disciples entered.

    The Evangelist describes the story of the capture of Christ by the guard and the judgment upon Him a little more briefly than in the Synoptic Gospels, and in other cases in more detail, indicating some details of these events that were omitted by the first three Evangelists. Thus he reports that at the end of His farewell talk with the disciples, the Lord came out (from the upper room where the talk took place) “beyond the Kidron stream”, which the Synoptics do not mention. The Kedron was a small stream flowing through the valley between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. His name means “black, cloudy” in Hebrew. The Evangelist calls it a winter stream (χείμαρρος), i.e. it only had water in it when it rained (in winter). The place where Christ went, the evangelist calls a garden, without giving the name of this garden (in the Synoptics it is “Gethsemane”).

    18:2. And Judas, who was going to betray Him, also knew this place, because Jesus often gathered there with His disciples.

    The evangelist notes that this garden, as the place where Christ usually stopped on his visits to Jerusalem, was well known to Judas. This shows that the Lord apparently did not want to take any measures to protect Himself from a possible attack against Him by His enemies, led by Judas: He knowingly and willingly allowed Himself to be captured.

    18:3. Then Judas, taking a company of soldiers and servants from among the chief priests and Pharisees, came thither with lanterns and lamps and with weapons.

    The members of the Sanhedrin evidently succeeded in persuading Pilate of the peculiar danger represented by the movement undertaken by Christ, and the procurator (cf. the interpretation of Matt. 22:2) gave them a body of soldiers (σπεῖρα, part of a cohort), to which joined by the servants of the Sanhedrin. Although it was bright from the full moon, the soldiers took lanterns to examine the whole garden, all its corners.

    18:4. And Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, went out and said to them: Whom are you looking for?

    18:5. They answered him: Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus says to them: I am. With them stood Judas, who betrayed Him.

    Christ does not wait to be found, but Himself goes out to meet the soldiers from that somewhat secluded place where He performed His prayer (cf. Luke 22:41). The evangelist explains the calm that Christ showed by the fact that the Lord knew in advance everything that would happen to Him.

    18:6. And when he said to them: It is I, they drew back and fell to the ground.

    18:7. Again he asked them: who are you looking for? They said: Jesus of Nazareth.

    18:8. Jesus answered: I told you that I am; and so, if you seek Me, let them go;

    18:9. that the word spoken by Him might be fulfilled: “of those whom Thou hast given Me, I have lost none.”

    When the soldiers and officials of the Sanhedrin, who were near Christ, heard from His own lips that Jesus of Nazareth was standing before them, they were afraid, retreated and fell to the ground. Probably the most frightened of all were the Jewish ministers, who, of course, remembered the stories of Christ’s miracles and perhaps were afraid that Christ would do to them the way the prophet Elijah once did to the soldiers who came to arrest him (4 Kings . 1:10). John notes that Christ asked the soldiers not to touch His disciples: thus His word was fulfilled in the high priestly prayer (John 17:12; 6:39). The reason why Christ did not want His disciples to be taken away with Him was, of course, that they had to carry on His work, and were not yet ready to suffer.

    18:10. And Simon Peter, who had a knife, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

    Repeating here the story of the synoptics about cutting off the ear of the bishop’s servant with a knife, Evangelist John adds that it was the apostle Peter who did it and that the servant’s name was Malchus. This name is not Jewish, but Arabic, and probably this servant was a Gentile by birth.

    18:11. But Jesus said to Peter: put your knife in its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?

    Christ’s remark to the apostle Peter in the first half is similar to what the evangelist Matthew wrote (Matt. 26:52), and the second half, although it contains a thought similar to that in Matt. 26:54, is addressed to a person who was familiar with the prayer of Christ in Gethsemane, that is, it was supposed to recall what Christ said then. (Luke 22:42).

    18:12. Then the band and the centurion and the Jewish servants took Jesus and bound him,

    18:13. and they led Him first to Annas; for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who in that year was high priest.

    The evangelist Luke says that Christ was taken from Gethsemane “to the house of the high priest” (Luke 22:54), and the evangelist Mark (Mark 14:53) – to the high priest Caiaphas (Matt. 26:57). John reports more accurate information here. They did not take Christ directly to Caiaphas, not to the high priest, but to the father-in-law of the then high priest Caiaphas – Anna (according to the Hebrew pronunciation – Annan). Annas himself was high priest from AD 6 to AD 15. and he was respected by the members of the Sanhedrin and especially by Caiaphas, who granted him a special room in the house of the high priest.

    18:14. And Caiaphas was the one who had given the Jews advice that it was better for one man to die for the people.

    Before presenting Christ to the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas interrogates Him in the chamber of Annas. Further, when he speaks of the high priest who questioned Christ at Annas, the evangelist John has Caiaphas in mind, as is clear from his particularly insistent remark that it was Caiaphas who was the high priest at that time.

    18:15. Simon Peter and the other disciple followed Jesus; and this disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest.

    The story of the evangelist John continues with the apostle Peter and his denial. The synoptics depict all three denials of Peter as occurring without interruption (only the Evangelist Luke reports that about an hour passed between the second and third denials – Luke 22:59), but John says that the first occurred immediately after the apostle Peter entered in the court of the high priest, and the second and third – after the end of the interrogation at Annas, when Christ was taken to Caiaphas.

    “the other student.” Another disciple entered with Peter, and according to the explanation of the fathers and teachers of the Church (John Chrysostom, Theodoret, Cyril of Alexandria, Ephraim) this was John himself, who usually avoids being named by name. According to Tsan, the apostle James, brother of John, is meant here, but the evidence he provides is not conclusive. According to him, the expression ἄλλος (the other) stands without an article (that is, “another disciple”) and therefore cannot refer to John himself, who uses it with an article for himself (John 20:2). But against this evidence we may point to many of the oldest manuscripts in which the word is placed with the article.

    18:16. And Peter was standing outside by the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought in Petra.

    This disciple actually brought the apostle Peter into the court because he knew the high priest personally.

    18:17. Then the servant-porter says to Petra: are you not also one of the disciples of this Man? He answers: I am not.

    The doorkeeper knew that John was a disciple of Christ, and therefore she asked the apostle Peter: “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” Here she expresses her astonishment that there is yet another person who dares to put herself in obvious danger with her teacher. Apostle Peter thoughtlessly answered her question in the negative without giving it much importance. Then he goes to the fire to warm himself along with the slaves and servants.

    18:18. And the slaves and servants had built a fire for themselves, because it was cold, and they stood there warming themselves. Peter stood with them and basked.

    18:19. And the high priest asked Jesus about His disciples and about His teaching.

    Caiaphas wanted to subject Christ to a preliminary questioning, but Christ refused to give him any explanation of His teaching: all His activity was open to all. He did not gather the people in secret meetings. From this it can be concluded that the high priest wanted to give the work of Christ a political tone.

    18:20. Jesus answered him: I spoke openly to the world; I have always taught in the synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews gather on the other side, and I have not spoken anything in secret.

    18:21. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard what I have spoken to them; behold, they know what I have spoken.

    18:22. When He said this, one of the servants who was standing nearby slapped Jesus and said: is this how you answer the high priest?

    One of the servants accompanying Christ, wishing to please the high priest, struck Christ on the cheek. This was an extremely low act: even among the barbarians it was considered inadmissible to fight the defendant. But here the prophecy of the prophet Micah was fulfilled: “the judge of Israel will be beaten with a rod” (Mic. 5:1).

    18:23. Jesus answered him: if I spoke evil, prove the evil; if so – well, why are you beating Me?

    However, Christ did not leave unanswered the unworthy act of the servant. From this it can be concluded that Christ’s command not to resist evil (Matt. 5:39) cannot be understood literally, as some do: Christ requires that He be punished according to the law, and not according to arbitrariness. And if the evangelist brings here this request of Christ, uttered only on the occasion of his blow, he wants to emphasize precisely the arbitrariness shown to him by the Jewish authorities and by the unbelieving Jews in general.

    18:24. Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

    By reporting that Annas sent Christ to Caiaphas, the evangelist seems to imply that Caiaphas had not yet questioned Christ.

    But the expression “at Caiaphas” means “in the dwelling of Caiaphas” (compare the expression “with you” in 1 Tim. 3:14, i.e. at Ephesus, or “through you” in 2 Cor. 1:16, i.e. f. via Corinth). And the addition “to the high priest” at the very end of the verse (according to the Greek text) shows that Christ had already been sent to Caiaphas for an official trial.

    18:25. And Simon Peter stood and basked. And they said to him: Aren’t you also one of His disciples? He denied it and said: I am not.

    Meanwhile, Peter continued to stand in the courtyard by the fire (John probably followed Christ first to Annas and then to Caiaphas). Here he is exposed to a new danger. The servants, seeing a man unknown to them, naturally assumed that he was one of Christ’s disciples, and asked him about it. Peter, having already answered this question once (to the portermaid) in the negative, and fearing that if he now gave an affirmative answer, he would contradict himself, denied Christ a second time.

    18:26. One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, says: did I not see you in the garden with Him?

    Finally, when one of the servants asked Peter if he had not seen him in the garden with Christ—he was a relative of Malchus—Peter again confirmed his denial. From the tone of the question, he could guess that the servant had not seen his face clearly in the torchlight.

    18:27. Peter again denied; and then a rooster crowed.

    John concludes his account of Peter’s denial by simply stating that immediately after Peter’s denial, a rooster crowed. He tells this to show how exactly Christ’s prophecy about Peter’s denial was fulfilled (John 13:38). The rest of the details of this event, as handed down by the forecasters, he omits as known to his readers.

    Source in Russian: Explanatory Bible, or Commentaries on all the books of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments: In 7 volumes / Ed. prof. A. P. Lopukhin. – Ed. 4th. – Moscow: Dar, 2009, 1232 pp.

    (to be continued)

  • Runway Rip-offs: Inflated Prices Plague EU Airports with 2 glasses of water at nearly 5 euros

    The exorbitant prices of water, coffee, and food at airports across the European Union have long been a source of frustration for travelers. Despite efforts to address this issue, airport vendors continue to charge consumers significantly more than the standard market rates for these basic necessities.

    One of the primary drivers behind these inflated prices is the high rent that airport vendors must pay to operate within the confines of the airport. [1] Airports often charge premium rates for the limited retail space available, which vendors then pass on to consumers in the form of higher prices. Additionally, the costs associated with delivering goods to the airport, such as increased parking fees and storage expenses, further contribute to the elevated prices. [1]

    Another factor contributing to the problem is the lack of competition within airport terminals. Once passengers have passed through security, they are effectively captive to the available food and beverage options, leaving them with little choice but to pay the asking price. [1] This lack of competition allows vendors to maintain their high prices without fear of losing customers to more affordable alternatives.

    The issue of water pricing in particular has drawn significant attention, with the European Parliament addressing the matter in a written question. [2] The question highlighted the concerning trend of bottled water being priced higher than or equal to alcoholic beverages in European airports, which raises public health concerns as consumers may be incentivized to choose less healthy options. [2] The Airports Council International (ACI) Europe had previously recommended capping the price of bottled water at €1 per 50cl bottle, but this recommendation has not been consistently implemented across European airports. [2]

    The impact of these high prices is not limited to individual consumers. A recent Reddit post from a traveler at Dublin Airport revealed the staggering cost of a simple breakfast, with a black coffee, two croissants, and three pots of granola with plain yogurt costing €30. [3] Such exorbitant pricing not only burdens travelers but also raises concerns about the accessibility and affordability of basic sustenance for those passing through European airports.

    Attempts have been made to address this issue, such as the European Parliament’s written question calling on the European Commission to consider a requirement for all EU airports to provide drinking water fountains throughout their terminals. [5] However, progress on this front has been slow, and the problem of high food and beverage prices at airports remains a persistent challenge for European travelers.

    In conclusion, the abusively high pricing of water, coffee, and food at airports in the European Union is a multifaceted issue that stems from a combination of factors, including high rent, delivery costs, and lack of competition. While efforts have been made to address the problem, more comprehensive and coordinated action is needed to ensure that travelers can access basic necessities at reasonable prices while passing through European airports. [1][2][3][4][5]

    Citations:
    [1] https://simpleflying.com/why-is-airport-food-so-expensive/
    [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-002603_EN.html
    [3] https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/ygh0vw/dublin_airport_prices_for_breakfast/
    [4] https://viettaste.mylocalkfc.com/eu-airport-food-and-drink-prices-unmasking-the-extortionate-charges
    [5] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2015-014480_EN.html

  • Why some sounds annoy us

    Why some sounds annoy us

    Why some sounds annoy us

    The sounds that usually cause problems for people are either very loud or very high pitched.

    “Some common examples of very loud or high-frequency sounds are car alarms going off near you or an ambulance passing by on the street,” says Jodi Sasaki-Miraglia, director of professional education programs at hearing aid manufacturer Widex USA.

    “Other common examples are fireworks, loud construction noises or music at a concert.”

    Of course, in the case of the smoke alarm and the ambulance siren, it could be argued that their whole point is to sound loud to attract attention. In most cases, you won’t be exposed to these noises for very long. But a concert is likely to last several hours, and if you’re unlucky enough to live across from a construction site, you know all too well how painful it can be to listen to humming for days on end.

    While these situations are annoying for everyone, for some people sensitivity to sound is a very real problem that affects them on a daily basis.

    Why does this happen to them?

    Loudness Discomfort Levels

    Louder, higher-pitched sounds are generally more uncomfortable to listen to than quieter, lower-pitched sounds. But people’s tolerance to them can vary. Fortunately, there is a handy test that an audiologist can perform to determine your unique level of loudness discomfort.

    “The Cox test, created by the late Dr. Robin Cox, PhD, of the University of Memphis, Hearing Aid Research Laboratory, is used frequently in audiology clinics today,” says Sasaki-Miraglia. In it, the patient listens to a series of low to high sounds and judges how loud they seem to him on a seven-point scale. Based on the results, the audiologist gets an idea of the baseline of a person’s level of discomfort and will be able to adequately adapt the hearing aid they may need.

    But what are the causes of sensitivity to sound?

    “Lower sensitivity values are typically seen in people with specific types of hearing loss, such as noise-induced or sensorineural [which affects the inner ear structures or auditory nerves],” explains Sasaki-Miraglia.

    “People who experience ringing or tinnitus, or those who have auditory processing problems, may also have lower than expected discomfort values.”

    There are also different conditions that make people sensitive to sounds differently.

    One example is hyperacusis, which can sometimes be the result of other medical problems such as Lyme disease or migraines. As Sasaki-Miraglia explains, “hyperacusis is not related to loud sounds. In this condition, sounds that seem ‘normal’ in loudness to most people can be unbearably loud to sufferers.” This means that something as simple as the jingling of coins in one’s pocket can sound unbearably loud and even painful.

    Other people experience irrational anger at certain noises, which is due to misophonia. Recent research has shown that this condition is more common than previously thought, affecting up to one in five people in the UK alone.

    A study shows that sounds that people with misophonia find intolerable actually activate neural circuits that control facial muscle movement, and are not a problem with the brain’s auditory processing system, as might be expected. This seems to give people the feeling that these sounds are “entering” their own body, leading to feelings of anger or disgust.

    Sasaki-Miraglia says common triggers are the noises of other people “chewing, breathing or clearing their throats.”

    In some people, the dislike of loud noises can develop into a full-blown anxiety disorder called phonophobia. It is not necessarily related to hearing problems, but may be more common in people with sensory processing difficulties – such as can be found in autistic people – and in migraine sufferers. Like any phobia, phonophobia is an extreme, irrational fear, and sufferers may experience panic when exposed to loud noises, or even just the threat of them.

    But just as one person’s trash is another’s treasure, so the sound sensitivity coin has two sides. Certain sounds that cause sensitivity and even misophonia in some people can be absolute bliss for others. A recent trend on TikTok demonstrates this in a great way: when people started rolling breakable objects – especially glass bottles – down stairs…

    This symphony of banging and breaking would make many people cover their ears, but others swear it induces a joyous sensation called Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), sometimes more eloquently known as a “brain orgasm.” Those who experience this reaction often describe it as a relaxing, tingling sensation triggered by a variety of sounds—for some, it’s glass breaking, for others, whispering, tapping, even hair brushing.

    Is there a way to treat sound sensitivity?

    “If you have sound sensitivity, the best course of action is to seek advice from a licensed audiologist,” says Sasaki-Miraglia. “He will provide you with a comprehensive assessment, treatment options and targeted education for your individual sound sensitivity condition. It is not unusual to find several contributing factors.”

    It is important to seek individual medical advice as the treatment of hyperacusis or tinnitus in one person may be very different to another.

    If your sensitivity to sound is causing you anxiety, meaning you may have phonophobia, different treatments may be suggested by a mental health professional, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

    We all have to deal with annoying noises from time to time, but sometimes that annoyance can turn into something much more. If sensitivity to sounds is affecting your normal life, it may be time to seek medical advice – there may be more treatment options than you think!

    As Sasaki-Miraglia concludes, “No matter the cause, proper consultation and diagnosis by an audiologist can improve patient outcomes and your quality of life.”

  • How ‘Eddie the Eagle’ Edwards Jumped Back into Education

    As the Winter Olympics have drawn to a close we find out what happened to second chance learner Eddie the Eagle, the unlikely hero of the 1988 Games.

    Eddie the Eagle’s iconic ski jumps at the 1988 Winter Olympics at Calgary endeared him to the world as the lovable underdog. Even those too young to remember the Games may have seen the eponymous film starring Taron Egerton as ‘Eddie’. His performance, finishing last in both the 70 and 90 metre events, along with his thick glasses worn under goggles that often misted up, caught the imagination of the worldwide media. But since achieving fame as the unlikely star of those games Michael Edwards (his real name) found a new direction in life through returning to learning.

    His story is an inspiration to all those who dream of success yet face huge barriers. He had no equipment, little access to training facilities and no money. He was sleeping in cars, barns and even a psychiatric hospital in Finland because it was a cheap place to stay, all whilst training to achieve his dream of heading to the Olympics. It’s clear that what this plasterer from Cheltenham had in spades was a dogged determination to succeed – something he attributes to ‘middle child syndrome’.

    Calgary 1988 turned Michael into a media celebrity, appearing on ‘The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson’ alongside Burt Reynolds.

    “My feet didn’t touch the ground for about three years,” he says. “I was travelling all over the world, opening shopping centres, golf courses and having a whale of a time. But what I really wanted to do was carry on ski jumping.”

    Sadly a change in the qualifying rules for competitions meant he couldn’t compete at an elite level any longer. Disappointing as that was, for Michael it was all about taking part rather than just winning. His comment on the 2016 film sums up his sentiments:

    “They did such a great job with the film because it really captured the heart, spirit and essence of my story. Just getting to those Olympic Games was my gold medal. “

    Fame was sadly not accompanied by fortune. All the money he earned from the Calgary games went into a trust fund which was badly managed. As a result Michael was declared bankrupt after retiring from competitive ski jumping. Working with the lawyers who put together his bankruptcy case sparked an interest in studying law.

    “Law is very analytical so it suited my way of thinking. It’s an interest I always had.”

    To gain a place at university to study law – his ambition – meant that Michael needed to gain more qualifications. So in 1998 he enrolled on a number of distance learning courses with the National Extension College. This meant he could study at home in his own time.

    “It was a nice easy way back into education and I really enjoyed it,” he says. “I loved that flexibility. I could study whenever I had an hour to spare. I always thought that I might be able to go back to education at a later point. It’s amazing how flexible education has become and now anybody can start and stop education at any time”.

    Michael gained a place at De Montfort University to study for a degree in law as a full-time student, having saved up enough money and supplementing it with part time work. Taking law up professionally is something that wasn’t feasible for him after completing his degree, as becoming a solicitor or barrister involves completing a legal practice course costing £20,000. His passion for law means that he reads law books for pleasure. And there are always other avenues open for someone with a law degree and Michael’s determination.

    One opportunity cropped up out of the blue when Michael came back from Calgary and his manager organised him to sing a song called ‘Fly Eddie Fly’ which reached about number 50 in the charts back in 1988. Then a few years later Irwin Goodman wrote a song about ‘Eddie the Eagle’ and invited him to duet with him in Finland (though sadly it ended up as a solo project after Goodwin passed away from a heart attack shortly before he was set to record the song). That song reached number two in the Finnish pop charts. Michael spent six months singing in pubs, clubs and music festivals in Finland, but no-one translated the lyrics so, to this day, he never knew what he was singing about!

    What have Michael’s experiences taught him about learning and life?

    “A lot of sportspeople, especially elite athletes, have trained from about five years old and all they’ve ever thought about is their sport and competing. When it comes to an end they’re lost. It’s only a very small percentage of athletes who go on to become trainers or pundits on television. But you can use the skills that you had in your sport to find something else. See if there are any courses locally or ones you can do from home. And be ready for any opportunities that come your way.”

    Above all Michael’s experiences both as a sportsman and mature student have taught him perseverance.

    “I had to fight tooth and nail for any kind of attention in sport, but that gave me tremendous resilience. Once I put my mind to doing something, I would go for it and that was the same with law. No matter how many people say ‘No, no it can’t be done’, I want to prove to them that it can. There’s always a way to learn and that’s what I like about education now; it can fit any lifestyle. You can always make time and study. I encourage many people to never stop learning.”

    Although Michael never even came close to winning a medal he was the only British athlete who achieved a place in ski jumping at the 1988 Games. That in itself is a huge achievement.

    Press release distributed by Pressat on behalf of The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust), on Tuesday 1 March, 2022. For more information subscribe and follow https://pressat.co.uk/

  • Italian American coalition One Voice reviews past year and charts course for 2022

    Successful 2021 for IAOVC – plans for active New Year.

    BLOOMFIELD, NJ, US, December 31, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Successful 2021 for IAOVC – victories in preserving Columbus; defending Italian American civil rights; gaining support from Italian American organizations and individuals across the country; and plans for active New Year.

    The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition (“IAOVC”), America’s largest independent Italian American anti-bias and educational organization, reports on a successful past year and plans ambitious 2022 – continuing its mission defending Columbus and Italian American civil rights.

    Dr. Manny Alfano, Founder and President of IAOVC stated, “Looking back at this past year, I am amazed at our many, many accomplishments in defending our Italian American civil rights and especially, our victories preserving Columbus as the iconic symbol of our heritage. We worked with Italian American groups and individuals across the country opposing the widespread attacks on Columbus statues, Columbus Day and Italian American civil rights. We are grateful for the strong participation and support of many groups and individuals with their advocacy efforts and financial support. This encourages us to plan for more activity in the New Year so we can expand our media, legal and advocacy activities.”

    IAOVC victories in 2021 included preserving Columbus Day in many schools and towns across the country, particularly in the Randolph NJ schools that garnered worldwide media attention. Throughout 2021 IAOVC chalked up significant nationwide media exposure with over 100 TV and radio appearances by IAOVC Executive Board Member, Andre’ DiMino bringing attention to the fight to defend Columbus as well as opposing stereotyping and denigration of Italian Americans. And IAOVC continued the prosecution of the landmark federal litigation it filed against West Orange New Jersey for the removal of the Columbus monument and the violation of Italian American civil rights under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

    IAOVC advocacy efforts were formally recognized during 2021 with awards and commendations. Of note, the Columbus International Award was bestowed to IAOVC from Fondazione Italia, an international academic organization based in Italy. In addition, IAOVC’s Alfano and DiMino accepted an award from the Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County. And, IAOVC’s Frank Lorenzo received the Mille Grazie Award from UNICO National.

    During 2021, IAOVC was actively involved with Italian American organizations and individuals across the USA in opposing the continued malevolent moves to eliminate Columbus Day. In particular, IAOVC established a cooperative relationship with COPOMIAO through its president, Basil Russo; CSJ of OSDIA through its president Robert Ferrito; and Anti-Bias Committee of UNICO National through its chair, James Scanelli. IAOVC organized video conferences, webinars, petitions, participated in public hearing and utilized extensive social media venues to further its defense of Columbus and Italian American civil rights. Although there were a number of places where Columbus Day was eliminated, a number of important victories were achieved. And, based on those wins, there appears to be a lessening of activity in the moves to replace Columbus Day with another group’s holiday – a violation of Italian American civil rights and the epitome of discrimination.

    With its mission to educate about verifiable facts, IAOVC established an academic panel and education committee, chaired by history educator Maria Ricupero, coordinating factual and historical content to support IAOVC initiatives. And IAOVC continued its electronic media education efforts with its initiative highlighting interesting facts about the Italian American experience in America with concise, interesting and fact-filled videos called “The ONE VOICE Minute” – with new editions featuring Columbus and Italian American facts about holidays and events.

    “2022 will be another exciting and eventful year for IAOVC,” commented DiMino. “There is much work to be done across the country as stereotyping of Italian Americans continues and we see continued attacks on Columbus with the rampant cancel culture in schools and towns. We must be vigilant as we join with Italian American organizations and individuals across the US in defending our great heritage and culture.”

    This past year, IAOVC held a Virtual Conference with participation of representatives from IAOVC Organization Members and Individual Members from across the country. Based on its success, IAOVC will now conduct Virtual Conferences several times a year to coordinate activities and share information among its’ membership. The IAOVC Winter 2022 Conference is scheduled for Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 7 PM and will include some special guests and presentations.

    IAOVC is different from all other Italian American organizations in that its sole focus and objective is to foster education to fight bias, stereotyping and discrimination against Italian Americans. IAOVC is an IRS-Registered 501(c)3 non-profit.

    IAOVC issues a regular email newsletter, “The Alfano Digest,” to more than 5,000 individuals and Italian American organizations nationwide. Written and compiled by Dr. Manny Alfano, Founder and President of IAOVC, the Digest issues alerts on instances of bias, stereotyping, discrimination and defamation and activates the IAOVC nationwide network of “Defenders” who respond through calls, emails, faxes, letters and demonstrations where necessary. The Digest contains informative and educational Italian American cultural and heritage information. To receive the Digest, email Dr. Alfano – mannyalfano@comcast.net.

    To support IAOVC’s efforts at defending and educating about Columbus and Italian American civil rights visit iaovc.org/donate

  • Should religion be counted on to improve ‘mental’ health?

    Psychiatry Needs to Get Right with God1, is the title of a scientific article that has wanted to pick into this. “By not making more of an effort to incorporate spirituality in treatment, we are doing a disservice to patients”

    In the article published on June 15, 2021, David H. Rosmarin he said that “In the early days of the pandemic, economist Jeanet Bentzen of the University of Copenhagen examined Google searches for the word “prayer” in 95 countries. She identified that they hit an all-time global high in March 2020, and increases occurred in lockstep with the number of COVID-19 cases identified in each country. Stateside, according to the Pew Research Center, 55 percent of Americans prayed to end the spread of the novel coronavirus in March 2020, and nearly one quarter reported that their faith increased the following month, despite limited access to houses of worship.”

    There are however documented plans for psychiatry wanting to take over from religion, or at least wanting to take over religion and control it for their own purposes, while ensuring religiosity disappears more and more. In fact, it was the 1940s, when psychiatrists J.R. Rees and G. Brock Chisholm, cofounders of the World Federation for Mental Health, outlined their plans for society where they said “We have made a useful attack upon a number of professions,” said Rees in 1940. “The two easiest of them naturally are the teaching profession and the Church.”… “To achieve world government,” said Chisholm, “it is necessary to remove from the minds of men their individualism, loyalty to family traditions, national patriotism, and religious dogmas.”, so no wonder why someone is worried about COVID19 and their future, or just about the many problems one can find in life, the psychiatric industry seems to prefer people to do more pills, than prayers.

    Back to the article from Dr. Rosmarin from last June about the use of spirituality and religion to improve “mental health”, “These are not just interesting sociological trends—they are clinically significant. Spirituality has historically been dismissed by psychiatrists, but results from a pilot program at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts indicate that attention to it is a critical aspect of mental health care.”

    HE explains that in 2017 his own multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians, researchers and chaplains created what they called the Spiritual Psychotherapy for Inpatient, Residential and Intensive Treatment (SPIRIT), which was a flexible and spiritually integrated form of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

    After that they trained a cadre of more than 20 clinicians, stationed on 10 different clinical units throughout McLean Hospital, to deliver SPIRIT and evaluated the approach. Rosmarin writes that “since 2017, SPIRIT has been delivered to more than 5,000 people” and the their “results suggest that spiritual psychotherapy is not only feasible but highly desired by patients“.

    The explains that in the past year, American mental health had sank to the lowest point in history: “Incidence of mental disorders increased by 50 percent, compared with before the pandemic, alcohol and other substance abuse surged, and young adults were more than twice as likely to seriously consider suicide than they were in 2018.”

    Yet, Rosmarin states that “the only group to see improvements in mental health during the past year were those who attended religious services at least weekly (virtually or in-person): 46 percent report “excellent” mental health today versus 42 percent one year ago. As former congressional representative Patrick J. Kennedy and journalist Stephen Fried wrote in their book A Common Struggle, the two most underappreciated treatments for mental disorders are ‘love and faith.‘”

    It’s no wonder that nearly 60 per cent of psychiatric patients want to discuss spirituality in the context of their treatment. Yet we rarely provide such an opportunity.

    It is now nearly 100 years ago, since Freud’s characterization of religion as a “mass-delusion” and with the documented plans of psychiatrists Rees and Chisolm, too mental health “professionals” and scientists have deliberately put religion aside in dealing with the emotional and spiritual needs people while too often simplifying happiness or sadness to an already disproven “chemical imbalance” with which they can sell lots of dangerous psych drugs.

    The UN and WHO have also tested programs where faith communities have proven effectiveness in helping people who suffer “mental health”, while psychiatrists keep asking for more and more funds and legal protection to continue their “research” and experiments into the field of the mind and the spirit.

    Despite the lack of results, psychiatry still has an unbalanced power in society and current efforts to flatten the COVID-19 mental health curve have been almost entirely secular, with the excuse of keeping the “separation of church/state”.

    “This situation goes beyond separation of church and state” says Rosmarin. “Health care professionals falsely disconnect common spiritual behaviors and experiences from science and clinical practice. As a result, we ignore potential spiritual solutions to our mental health crisis, even when our well-being is worse than ever before.”

    He explained in his article that his “own research has demonstrated that a belief in God is associated with significantly better treatment outcomes for acute psychiatric patients. And other laboratories have shown a connection between religious belief and the thickness of the brain’s cortex, which may help protect against depression. Of course, belief in God is not a prescription. But these compelling findings warrant further scientific exploration, and patients in distress should certainly have the option to include spirituality in their treatment“.

    “Countless anecdotes of this nature occurred during a recent year-long clinical trial of SPIRIT that my research team completed with funding from the Bridges Consortium (supported by the John Templeton Foundation). More than 90 percent of patients reported experiencing some kind of benefit, regardless of religious affiliation.” continues Rosmarin.

    And to conclude his article, he wrote “It remains to be seen whether God can solve our mental health crisis. But the potential clinical benefits of spirituality, and patients’ desire for spiritual treatments, provide a reason to believe“.

    Should then states support citizens and their religious communities so that they can step up in dealing with those who look at religion and religious “therapy” as the answer to their problems? More and more evidence, seem to indicate that it becomes cheaper, safer and more effective, than investing in new psychotropic drug treatments, electroshock, LSD, and even more clear if those psych treatments are given against the will of the people as the Human Rights Council and its Special Rapporteurs have now proven.

  • Spain: lawyer condemned at Supreme court for defamation

    The Spanish Supreme Court upholds the condemnation to pay €9,000 in damages against a lawyer for violating the right to honour of the judge

    Article by: Enrique de la Llave

    The lawyer Marcelo Enrique Daghero has to compensate the magistrate Joaquín Gadea Francés, territorial assignment judge in Madrid -currently on secondment as reinforcement judge in the Central Court of Instruction 6 of the Audiencia Nacional- with the 9,000 euros to which he was condemned in first and second instance for having violated the right to honour of Gadea Francés.

    At the time of the facts, he was the head of the Court of First Instance 1 of Tarragona and dean of these judicial bodies.

    The Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court composed, in this case, by the magistrates Francisco Marín Castán, as president, Ignacio Sancho Gargallo and Rafael Sarazá Jimena -opponent- confirmed the conviction on October 25, by dismissing the appeal of the lawyer Daghero, which was prepared by the lawyer himself.

    This was expressed by the three judges of the High Court in sentence number 177/2021, which now has to be executed with the consequent payment of the said amount to the judge Gadea Francés, defended in the cassation by the lawyer Gregorio Arroyo Hernansanz.

    An amount that they understand that “is not disproportionate”.

    The origin of the lawsuit of the magistrate Gadea Francés against the lawyer Daghero is found, first, in the complaint/complaint that in March 2016 the lawyer filed before the promoter of the Disciplinary Action of the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) against the magistrate and against Francisco Javier Sánchez, the judicial counsel of that Court.

    Daghero blamed both for their refusal to process the appeals filed in which he was a party, claiming that such action met the elements of the crime of prevarication and the crime of breach of custody of documents committed by an authority or public official and its penalties.

    The promoter of the disciplinary action of the CGPJ, Ricardo Conde, after gathering information on the facts, issued an agreement on June 1, 2016, filing the informative diligence and renouncing to initiate disciplinary proceedings upon finding that there had been no delay or irregularity that could be reproached to the organ or its holder.

    As a result of that setback, on June 20, 2016, Daghero filed a complaint before the Civil and Criminal Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJCat) against Judge Gadea Francés for the alleged crimes of fraudulent judicial malfeasance, obstruction of justice and concealment.

    He also charged a substitute judge and two prosecuting attorneys. He also requested compensation of 24,000 euros.

    The TSJCat, competent due to the magistrate’s privileges, did not admit the complaint, explaining, notably, that when the lawyer’s resolutions were not favourable to him, “he reacts with the filing of complaints against the aforementioned magistrates and prosecutors, which are clearly unfounded”.

    LAWSUIT FOR PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT TO HONOR

    After that decision of the TSJCat, Gadea Francés filed a lawsuit for the protection of his right to honour against the lawyer Daghero before the Court of First Instance, which ruled in his favour. There had been a clear violation of his right to honour.

    The same result was obtained by the collegiate court of the Third Section of the Provincial Court of Tarragona, to which the lawyer appealed. The Court upheld the sentence of 9,000 euros in compensation, including costs.

    In both instances, the lawyer also defended himself.

    The Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court ruled in the same direction as the first and second instance.

    Moreover, it did so in very harsh terms towards the lawyer. Something that bordered on querulation -although not expressly mentioned by the court-, which is the hostile and vindictive reaction of subjects who believe they have been injured and consider that the damage has been underestimated.

    “The Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia, in view of the documentation presented with the complaint [of the lawyer], understood that the actions of the appellant today responded to a strategy of formulating accusations, in criminal and disciplinary proceedings, against how many judges and prosecutors intervened in the criminal matters that affected him and ‘from this perspective imputed to them criminal offenses and partial, malicious and malicious actions,” the Supreme Court refers.

    However, the documentation accompanying the complaint and the complainant’s own assertions in this regard show that he does not accept a judicial decision or an action emanating from the Public Prosecutor’s Office that is not favourable to him, and in response to this he reacts by filing complaints against the aforementioned judges and prosecutors, which are clearly unfounded […] instead of using legal defense channels, he massively accused all the professionals involved in the Administration of Justice in the cases that were successively opened,” he adds in point eight. instead of using the legal defense channels, he massively accused all the professionals of the Administration of Justice who intervened in the cases that were successively opened”, he adds in point eight.

    THE LAWYER ACCUSED THE MAGISTRATE WITHOUT A MINIMUM REASONABLE BASIS

    Judges Marín Castán, Sancho Gargallo and Sarazá Jimena emphasize the disproportion of the accusations.

    “The accusations of the defendant attorney attributed to the plaintiff -the magistrate- a conduct of a criminal intensity disproportionate to the reality of the facts.”

    “The defendant not only made criticisms of the judicial actions (…) with which he disagreed, describing them as contrary to law,” says the judgment, but also accused “the plaintiff of prevarication, even malicious prevarication, as he considered his decisions unjust and illegal,” they write.

    The lawyer accused Judge Gadea Francés and the other defendants of “conduct as serious as obstruction of justice”, of “having concocted from the Dean’s Office of the courts a plot to influence or retaliate against the defendant to modify his procedural actions”, and of “covering up crimes committed by other judges, launching the accusation that he was part of an illicit association with other judges and prosecutors”, and all “without a reasonable basis”.

    HE OVERSTEPPED THE LIMITS OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

    The Supreme Court recalls, in its ruling, the reinforced nature of the freedom of expression of lawyers in the exercise of the right of defense.

    However, “in this case, the seriousness of the conduct that the defendant imputed to the plaintiff, the disproportionality of the expressions used, their profusion and reiteration, the lack of a minimum reasonable basis for his accusations, even if only indirect” are elements that “taken together, determine that the interference with the plaintiff’s honour by the defendant is not legitimized by the exercise of freedom of expression and the right of defense”.

    For the High Court, the legitimacy granted by the exercise of the right of defense to a lawyer who makes accusations as serious as these against a judge is lost when – as in this case – the lawyer substitutes the use of the means of challenging the decisions of the judges that are unfavourable to him.

    These are the means provided for in the procedural legislation through appeals. Opting for a strategy of systematic denunciation “in disciplinary and criminal proceedings, of those judges and prosecutors who, in the exercise of their functions, carry out actions that affect him unfavourably, formulating against them serious accusations lacking a minimum basis”.

    Originally published in Spanish here.

  • This winter’s flu season epidemic has started – what we know so far

    This winter’s flu season epidemic has started – what we know so far and what needs to be done to control it

    In the week commencing 13 December the number of flu cases (caused by the influenza virus) detected in the WHO European Region was above what we would normally expect to find in the population for the second week in a row, which indicates the so-called flu season epidemic has started.

    The European Commission began consultations yesterday with the Member States Expert Group on Sustainable Finance and the Platform on Sustainable Finance on a draft text of a Taxonomy Complementary Delegated Act covering certain gas and nuclear activities.

    The EU Taxonomy guides and mobilises private investment in activities that are needed to achieve climate neutrality in the next 30 years. The existing energy mix in Europe today varies from one Member State to another. Some parts of Europe are still heavily based on high carbon-emitting coal. The Taxonomy provides for energy activities that enable Member States to move towards climate neutrality from such different positions.

    Taking account of scientific advice and current technological progress, as well as varying transition challenges across Member States, the Commission considers there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future. Within the Taxonomy framework, this would mean classifying these energy sources under clear and tight conditions (for example, gas must come from renewable sources or have low emissions by 2035), in particular as they contribute to the transition to climate neutrality.

    In addition, to ensure transparency, the Commission will amend the Taxonomy Disclosure Delegated Act so that investors can identify if activities include gas or nuclear activities, and to what extent, so they can make an informed choice.

    The activities covered in this complementary Delegated Act would accelerate the phase out of more harmful sources, such as coal, and in moving us towards a more low-carbon greener energy mix.

    As for the other activities under the Taxonomy Regulation, the criteria for the gas and nuclear activities will be updated as technology evolves.

    Next steps

    The Platform on Sustainable Finance and the Member States Expert Group on Sustainable Finance must be consulted on all Delegated Acts under the Taxonomy Regulation, given their expert role foreseen by the Taxonomy Regulation. They will have until 12 January to provide their contributions.

    The Commission will analyse their contributions and formally adopt the complementary Delegated Act in January 2022. It will be then sent to the co-legislators for their scrutiny.

    Similar to the first Climate Delegated Act, the European Parliament and the Council (who have delegated the power to the Commission to adopt this Delegated Act) will have four months to scrutinise  the document, and, should they find it necessary, to object to it. In line with the Taxonomy Regulation, both institutions may request for additional two months of scrutiny time. The Council will have the right to object to it by reverse reinforced qualified majority (which means that at least 72% of MS (i.e. at least 20 MS) representing at least 65% of the EU population are needed to object to the Delegated Act), and the European Parliament by simple majority (i.e. at least 353 MEPs in Plenary).

    Once the scrutiny period is over and assuming neither of the co-legislators object, the (complementary) Delegated Act will enter into force and apply.

    Background

    The EU Taxonomy is a robust, science-based transparency tool for companies and investors. It creates a common language that investors can use when investing in projects and economic activities that have a substantial positive impact on the climate and the environment. It will also introduce disclosure obligations on companies and financial market participants.