Monthly Archives: May 2012

World War II vets travel to DC to see memorial

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) - A group of World War II veterans from Florida are en route to Washington to see the national monuments.

Eighty-five veterans from the war gathered at Port St. Lucie City Hall on Saturday to share stories and eat breakfast before catching a flight to Washington, D.C.

The Honor Flight organization and the Port St. Lucie City Council have been working together to raise funds to send the veterans to see the World War II Memorial.

The veterans will also have the opportunity to see other national sites. They'll return late Saturday evening.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Joseph Estrada defies age, shares how he did it: Stem cell therapy

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By Cathy C. Yamsuan Philippine Daily Inquirer

Former President Joseph Erap Estrada had always maintained that giving generously to friends and forgiving opponents are the secrets to staying young.

But time has a way of catching up with even the most formidable leading men.

Since he entered national politics 25 years ago, Estrada has struggled with the attributes of old ageweight gain, a painful knee here, a cataract there.

He needed some kind of elixir of youth to put to right what nature has put asunder. And to get back on his feet in time to serve the people, he said which has no age limit.

So he did it, and is very open about it. What is it?

At the prodding of friends, the 75-year-old Estrada flew to Frankfurt, Germany, last month to undergo fresh cell therapy (also known as stem cell treatment), an innovative albeit controversial procedure where fresh cells from donor animals are injected into the human body to treat diseases or reverse the aging process.

Fresh cell therapy operates under the principle of like heals like.

The fresh cells from a donor animals organ are infused into the human counterpart.

Substances in the donors blood are supposed to reactivate the human bodys immune system and defense mechanism, a reaction that would eventually rebuild and revitalize aging tissues.

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Joseph Estrada defies age, shares how he did it: Stem cell therapy

Using Stem Cell Therapy For Neck And Head Cancers Avoids Salivary Gland Damage Caused By Radiotherapy

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Editor's Choice Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat Also Included In: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine;Cancer / Oncology;Stem Cell Research Article Date: 11 May 2012 - 10:00 PDT

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The researchers note this finding could enhance the quality of life of 500,000 individuals with head and neck cancer each year worldwide.

The team found that the stem cells needed for regenerating the parotid gland (the largest pair of salivary glands) were primarily located in the major ducts of the gland. According to the researchers, these cells could be easily avoided during radiotherapy or given a minimal radiation dose.

Dr. Peter van Luijk, a research associate at the University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands, explained:

Findings from the study were presented at the 31st conference of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO31).

Dry mouth syndrome is a condition in which there is not enough saliva in the mouth. The condition can occur when the parotid gland stops functioning properly after radiation damage.

Symptoms of dry mouth syndrome include difficulty sleeping, eating, tooth decay or loss, and bad breath. These symptoms lead to poorer quality of life and difficulty working, as well as social isolation.

The majority of treatments to treat the condition and its consequences are insufficient and can cost hundreds or even thousands of Euros per patient each year.

Dr. van Luijk said:

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Using Stem Cell Therapy For Neck And Head Cancers Avoids Salivary Gland Damage Caused By Radiotherapy

Stem Cell Study Shows Promising Results Against Heart Failure

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By Denise Mann HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, May 10 (HealthDay News) -- A new treatment that involves spinning bone marrow stem cells to enhance their healing potential may help people with advanced heart failure feel and function better, a small study suggests.

Researchers developed the treatment by culturing a patient's own bone marrow for 12 days. This process helped increase the amount of immune cells and stem cells that can differentiate into several different cell types, including heart cells. Those cells were then injected into heart muscle. The study was funded by treatment manufacturer Aastrom Biosciences.

According to the findings, this treatment was safe, helped repair the damaged heart muscle and reversed some heart failure symptoms, when compared to a placebo injection. The findings were to be presented Thursday at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions annual meeting, in Las Vegas.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that about 5.8 million people in the United States have heart failure, a condition that occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs and abdomen. There is no cure; treatment typically includes a cocktail of medications aimed at reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

"A number of people with heart failure have slowly progressing disease despite medication and/or device therapy. If we could have a therapy for this group that would slow the progression of heart failure, it would be economic and change the disease process tremendously," said study author Dr. Timothy Henry, director of research and an interventional cardiologist at the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. The treatment would not be used for people who need a heart transplant.

Calling it the next generation of stem cell therapy, Henry said the treatment process helps enhance the potency of existing stem cells. "It gives a more functional product," and when injected these stem cells may promote the growth of new blood vessels, he added.

Further study is ongoing, and if the results are positive a product could be available within two years to treat inadequate blood supply to the legs, and soon thereafter for heart failure, he said. According to Henry, six or seven new products that enhance bone marrow stem cells are being developed. "Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for any of the clinical trials," Henry advised.

The new study included 22 participants with advanced heart failure and an enlarged heart whose current medication regimen was no longer effective. They either received an injection of the stem cell therapy treatment into their heart muscles or a placebo shot. After 12 months, there were no complications and no difference in side effects among those who received the stem cells and the control group. That said, individuals who received the novel stem cell therapy did have a lower number of major heart-related events and were more likely to see improvements in their ability to walk without growing breathless. Those who received the stem cell treatment also showed marked improvements in their ejection fraction, which is a measure of how much blood leaves the heart with each pump.

"This study tells us that injecting stem cells into the heart muscle of a patient with chronic heart failure may be beneficial," says Dr. Sandeep Jauhar, director of the congestive heart failure program at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. Typically, these individuals are treated with multiple medications, put on a low-salt diet and encouraged to get some exercise.

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Stem Cell Study Shows Promising Results Against Heart Failure

In The Know: Stem cell therapy

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Philippine Daily Inquirer

Former President and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was suffering from a mineral deficiency in her bones arising from two corrective surgeries last September, wanted to seek alternative stem cell therapy abroad.

However, she was barred from leaving the country last November after Justice Secretary Leila de Lima refused to honor the temporary restraining order issued by the high court on the inclusion of Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Mike Arroyo in the immigration bureaus watch list.

In the wake of Arroyos supposed plan to try the radical technology at stem cell centers abroad to cure what her doctors here described as a rare bone disease, a province mate and a colleague of the former President filed a bill to put up a stem cell center in the country.

Pampanga Rep. Carmelo F. Lazatin, a member of the minority bloc in Congress, has filed House Bill No. 5287 mandating the establishment of a research facility to explore the benefits of stem cell technology as a potential cure for incurable diseases.

Blank cells

Stem cells, the foundation of every organ, tissue and cell within the human body, are like blank cells that do not yet have a specific physiological function, according to Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI).

But when proper conditions in the body or in the laboratory occur, stem cells develop into specialized tissues and organs, HSCI explains in its website, adding that there are two sources of stem cells used in research: the adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells.

Adult stem cells are found in differentiated tissues and organs throughout the body while embryonic stem cells are obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, the ball of cells formed when the fertilized egg or zygote divides and forms two cells, then again to form four and so on, HSCI said.

In 2008, the Vatican issued a sweeping document on bioethical issues titled Dignitas Personae or The Dignity of the Person, taking into account recent developments in biomedical technology and reinforcing the Churchs opposition to embryonic stem cell research, in vitro fertilization, human cloning and genetic testing on embryos before implantation.

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In The Know: Stem cell therapy

Indian books on spirituality a big draw

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Calcutta News.Net Saturday 12th May, 2012 (IANS)

Books on Indian spiritualism are in great demand in foreign countries, and even the Chinese are impressed, National Book Trust (NBT) director M.A. Sikander said Saturday.

'Books on spiritualism have become the USP (unique selling proposition) of Indian publishing houses. These books are selling like hot cakes in foreign countries,' he said here.

Sikander, here for a six-day book fair that began Saturday, said visitors evinced keen interest in spirituality at the recent Abu Dhabi book fair.

'Even the Chinese are finding linkages between Indian lifestyle and spiritualism. They are keen to know what makes the Indians happy beings.'

Sikander said France had shown interest in translating Hindi books into French. 'NBT will have special focus on France in the next international book fair in Delhi (in 2013).'

India is the third largest publisher of English books after Britain and the US.

'With sufficient manpower and good command over English, publishing houses across the world are outsourcing work to India,' he said.

He said the habit of reading had grown more in rural and semi-urban areas. 'There has been a 20 percent growth in the sale of NBT publications in the country in the past few years.'

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Indian books on spirituality a big draw

Waltham Voices: Spirituality and same-sex marriage

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This week, as same-sex marriage has been much in the news, Ive been considering the way that people of faith have, and havent, been part of the national conversation. I was, with many friends from the fine state of North Carolina, disappointed by the decision of the voters to amend their constitution with the discriminatory Amendment One prohibiting any relationships outside of heterosexual marriage from having any legal standing. Hours later, I was delighted by President Obamas declaration of support for same sex marriage, even more so thankful for the fact that he shared that his Christian faith was behind his change.

My Christian faith is the reason I support same sex marriage as well: not only because of the golden rule and not only because all people are equally children of God and deserve the same legal privileges. I support it for a bit more of a personal reason: because it enables me to do my job as a priest in the Church. Some people may say that the separation of church and state means that Christians cant practice their faith. In this case, it means that I can.

When I was ordained, I promised to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. I promised to administer the sacraments, to teach, to preach. Those promises are made without qualification. There are no exceptions to the love of God.

I am in support of same-sex marriage because as a pastor, I believe it is my duty to bless and honor the relationships of all people who might come through the doors of my church seeking that blessing. I regret that the clergy of North Carolina do not have that ability as I do in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

This past Sunday at my church, we heard the words of the first Epistle of John: Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God (4:7). I recently had the honor of officiating at a burial of someone who died at age 84. A World War II veteran, at the burial the honor guard gave the flag to the man with whom he had shared his life for more than 50 years: On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation, thank you for your sacrifice. Their sacrifice was not only in that he risked death on behalf of this country. Their sacrifice was not only decades of care and concern for each other. They offered another sacrifice: a partnership that was, for much of its duration, legally invisible. Fifty years before, as young men not much younger than I, would they have anticipated the power of that moment, one receiving the flag at the others graveside? I wonder.

In the ministry of Jesus Christ, the circle of inclusion is cast ever wider. This was not easy for the early church, those early disciples who sought to follow God in Christ. Did new believers have to convert to Judaism first? Did they have to follow the dietary laws? Did they have to be circumcised? Again and again, the barriers were lowered. Would my daughters transgender godfather have been included? Yes. Would my high school friend and her wife and son be included? Yes. Would someone who was unsure about what they believed be included? Yes. Would two 80-something vets be included? Yes, yes, yes.

So, President Obama, thank you. Thank you for taking the stand that supports my church in our work. I know that not everyone in our pews agrees with my stance. I know that not everyone in our state agrees with our law, and that not everyone will appreciate your evolution. But I also believe that the God who animates love can also animate respect, and journeying together, persons of all faiths and no faith, can continue to work for our more perfect union.

The Rev. Sara Irwin is the rector at Christ Church Episcopal in Waltham. Send feedback to Waltham@wickedlocal.com.

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Waltham Voices: Spirituality and same-sex marriage

Spirituality as Parody

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May 12, 2012|10:33 am

What's true of New York is true of large cities all around the country. The number of Americans practicing yoga quintupled between 2001 and 2011: from four to twenty million.

Yoga has become so commonplace that the "U.K. Telegraph" recently ran a story that, only a few years ago, would have only run in the satirical publication "The Onion." The link to the story read "How yoga with snakes cured my phobia." In it, a woman told readers about a "Kumara Serpent Healing Class," which she summed up as being "a bit like traditional yoga but . . . you get to handle real snakes at the end of the class."

As the "Weekly Standard" likes to say: "not a parody."

Between stories like this one and a recent "New York Times" article about the rising number of yoga-related emergency room visits, there's plenty of comic fodder in the West's love affair with Yoga.

But you know who isn't smiling: the Hindu American Foundation. A year or so ago, the group launched a "Take Yoga Back" campaign. Its leaders got tired of seeing advertisers and business use words like "yoga," "Vedic," and other Hindu words in yoga publications without any acknowledgement that they were, well, Hindu.

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One of the publications justified the omission by saying that the word "Hindu" has "a lot of baggage." The understandable reply was "Excuse me?"

It is isn't only Hindus: Many Buddhists are also fed up with the way their religion is being "dumbed down" and marketed as a lifestyle. They are especially annoyed at the way the word "Zen" has been transformed into an interior decorating concept.

While I sympathize with their complaints, it's not hard to understand why this is happening. First of all, contrary to what some noisy atheists would have you believe, America is not becoming a more "disbelieving" society, at least not as many define "disbelieving."

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Spirituality as Parody

Mitt Romney speaks to students about spirituality

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Mitt Romney tried to win over thousands of far-right voters who could sweep him into the White House by appealing directly to 6,000 graduates at Liberty University today in Lynchburg, Va.

The likely Republican presidential candidate a Mormon delivered a deeply spiritual, respectful commencement speech at the staunchly conservative school founded on Baptist values.

Culture what you believe, what you value, how you live matters, Romney said, according to the Washington Post. As fundamental as these principles are, they may become topics of democratic debate from time to time. So it is today with the enduring institution of marriage. Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman.

Romneys appearance at Liberty was a calculated move.

Until todays speech, he tried to keep his focus on the economy to avoid hot-button social issues that featured prominently in election campaigning this week.

More from GlobalPost: Romney attempts to shift focus back on economy

First, President Barack Obama came out in support of gay marriage.

Then, Romney had to deflect criticism he bullied a supposedly gay classmate in high school.

Furthermore, many students expressed dismay when the school announced his appearance.

According to Reuters, Liberty teaches that Mormonism is a cult and had to remove a Facebook page littered with hundreds of angry comments about Romney.

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Mitt Romney speaks to students about spirituality

All Saints Parish in Brookline presents annual Spirituality and Justice Award

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The 15th annual All Saints Parish Spirituality and Justice Award was presented to Bishop Roy F. Cederholm on Sunday, April 22, during the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist. The award was presented to Cederholm, recent Suffragan Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, in recognition of his leadership in environmental stewardship.

He was instrumental in establishing the Green Grants program of the diocese that provides start-up funds for congregations to conserve energy and lessen their carbon footprint. He was tireless in organizing the diocesan commitment to relief and development work in the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and made numerous mission work trips to Mississippi and Louisiana. His example inspired parish and student groups to similar service. His 2006 holiday radio campaign appealing for volunteers and donations to help hurricane-affected families was recognized by the national Religion Communicators Council with a DeRose-Hinkhouse Award of Merit.

The Spirituality and Justice Award is given to persons whose notable commitment to justice for all of Gods people is grounded in a deep spiritual life. Nominees are persons from all faith traditions who have significantly contributed to the furtherance of justice and whose work has been informed by their own deep spirituality.

In past years the award was presented to Bishop Barbara C. Harris (1998); Bishop Simon E. Chiwanga (1999); Bishop M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE (2000); Bishop Steven Charleston (2001); Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu (2002); Dr. Yang Jianli and Christina Fu (2003); The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas (2004); Bishop V. Gene Robinson (2005); The Honorable Byron Rushing (2006); Peter Stringham, M.D. (2007); Paul Farmer, M.D. (2008); Marian Wright Edelman (2009); the Rev. Dr. Deborah Little Wyman (2010); and James Carroll (2011).

At a reception following the worship service, Cederholm and his wife, Ruth Ann, greeted the congregation. For the rectors sermon at the worship service honoring Cederholm, go to the parishs website, http://www.allsaintsbrookline.org.

All Saints Parish is at 1773 Beacon St. (at Dean Road) in Brookline.

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All Saints Parish in Brookline presents annual Spirituality and Justice Award

Dances with Dragons Climax DC-Area Creation Spirituality Gathering

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R/Evolutionary Theologian Matthew Fox (http://www.matthewfox.org) will keynote, teach at a July weekend of leading-edge spiritual experience, learning, growth and Cosmic Celebration, announce co-hosts Evolve Chesapeake (http://www.evolvechesapeake.com) and Creation Spirituality Communities (http://originalblessing.ning.com). ...

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Dances with Dragons Climax DC-Area Creation Spirituality Gathering

Experience the Power of Divine Healing Hands in Life-Changing Workshops with Master Roger Givens

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Working at the Opening To Life Studio in Portland, Oregon, Master Roger teaches individuals to achieve balance in their lives, cleanse their karma, be of service to others, and lift the soul to a higher standing in heaven.Portland, OR (PRWEB) May 12, 2012 Open a path to harmony by learning life-transforming practices with Master Roger Givens, Worldwide Representative of Dr. and Master Zhi Gang ...

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Experience the Power of Divine Healing Hands in Life-Changing Workshops with Master Roger Givens

In Italy, a spiritual search for the essence of espresso

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For the espresso obsessed (like me), visiting Italy is like journeying to Mecca: Caffeine-loving crusaders seek answers by crossing time, language and cultural barriers to visit the drinks motherland. And although its not a sip from an Islamic holy well, this potent secular beverage does transport devotees to a higher plane if only until the jitters wear off.

Sacred spots are scattered across Italy: Each major city has its own coffee tradition, and limiting myself to one or two would feel as incomplete as sticking to decaf. As a barbecue fanatic must bounce not only between the Carolinas but also through Missouri, Tennessee and Texas for meaty enlightenment, I wont fulfill my pilgrimage simply by slugging a few espresso shots in Rome.

Italy coffee tour: Where to go and what to know

So I select stops that will give me the widest range of coffee and culture: Starting near the rippled canals of Venice, Ill move south to the piazzas of Florence to the bustling streets of Rome and finally to Napless craggy coastline, attempting to parse the cultural code of the cappuccino in its birthplace. Can overcaffeination lead to illumination? Im determined to find out, one ounce at a time.

Coffee and canals

Venices pin-drop silence at sunrise is interrupted only by singing gondoliers, and the mostly pensive calm that settles on the car-free city reminds me that Im on a fanatical quest. I try to imagine wandering these narrow alleyways 400 years ago, when coffee first arrived at the ports, along with spices from Arabia and Africa. Venices first cafe reportedly opened in the 17th century, although the details of where and when vary.

One of its most venerable, however, remains. Caffe Florian on the Piazza San Marco has been an ornate and extravagant shrine to espresso and liqueur-drenched desserts since 1720. Gold glints from every indoor surface and is reflected in the crema, the aromatic foam atop the coffee. This is my first sip of the trip, presented without fanfare, and I half expect it to be something of a life-changing revelation.

A revelation it is, though not exactly of the type Im seeking. The bitterness in this cup implies old beans carelessly brewed; a rubbery aftertaste betrays the robusta, or lower-grade commercial coffee, that infuses the otherwise light, bright espresso. (The latter disappointment proves to be recurring: Italian blends often feature robusta to boost the crema, unfortunately at the expense of flavor.) But the sheer nonchalance of the service, contrasted with the opulence of the setting, makes this feel like a secular tourists visit to the church of coffee.

If nothing else, I know that Im on the right track.

Thankfully, Venice redeems itself in a less ostentatious locale. Not far from the Jewish ghetto is cafe-cum-roastery Torrefazione Marchi. Snuggled among busy butcher shops and pizzerias, this warm little spot is perpetually crowded with neighbors and shopkeepers on the move, downing espresso and biscotti before grunting a quick farewell. A small roasting machine in the back room keeps the baristas in a steady supply of single-origin coffees and custom blends, such as the semi-secret Caffe della Sposa, a mix of beans from eight growing regions. The shot I order (a citrusy Colombian) is speckled with chestnut and mahogany browns, and its sharp fruitiness makes my mouth water. Three sips later and Im out the door in a flash like the Venetians around me, ready for the next espresso, the next cafe, the next stop on my quest.

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In Italy, a spiritual search for the essence of espresso

Songwriting workshop attracts all

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Some retreats involve hot stone therapy and beauty mud baths.

Others offer spiritual enlightenment or just peace and quiet.

Acclaimed Texas singer-songwriters Kevin Welch and Jimmie Dale Gilmore hold out a different promise - a chance to share (and grapple with) the elusive art of song with a makeshift family of about a dozen student songwriters under the expanse of the West Texas sky.

"Music Is a Family: A Songwriting Retreat" takes place May 17-20 at El Cosmico, Austin developer Liz Lambert's vintage trailer, safari tent and teepee hotel and campground on Texas 67 just outside Marfa.

"It's gonna be really cool out there," Welch said. "It's nice to get out in that atmosphere of creativity."

Both men have experience conducting songwriting workshops across the country.

But this is the first time that Welch, who lives in Wimberley, and special guest and Austin resident Gilmore have done one together and in Marfa.

Registration costs $1,250 per person and includes meals and accommodations. For more information, call 432-729-1950; online at http://www.elcosmico.com.

Welch, who holds songwriting workshops nearly monthly in Wimberley, calls the Marfa excursion "a grand experiment." The locale may be new, but he expects the mix of participants to be wide ranging.

"I've had people that are total beginners to seasoned, touring professionals come from Australia, England, Canada, all over the United States," he said. "I've had people as young as 14 and people in their 70s, just anybody who is interested in the whole process and kind of tweaking their awareness when they're writing, whatever kind of song they're wanting to write."

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Songwriting workshop attracts all

Vihangam Yoga Nigeria Conducting Free Spiritual and Meditation Workshop on Every Sunday

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Free Meditation and Spiritual WorkshopIlupeju Lagos, Nigeria (PRWEB) May 12, 2012 Vihangam Yoga Nigeria conducting free Spiritual and Meditation workshop on every Sunday. Vihangam Yoga- A way to Enlightenment & Ultimate Realization to God.Enlighten your Soul, attain Almighty with wonder of Vihangam Yoga practice of minimum 10 minutes each Morning, evening & enjoy eternal Peace, Happiness & Bliss ...

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Vihangam Yoga Nigeria Conducting Free Spiritual and Meditation Workshop on Every Sunday

EarthKAM Lets School Children Interact With The International Space Station

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May 11, 2012

Image Credit: NASA

EarthKAM, a camera onboard the International Space Station (ISS), used for remote Earth sensing and observations, also has another more popular use, giving school children the opportunity to interact with the high-flying (or orbiting) space lab.

The Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM) system has allowed thousands of students across the country to use the Internet to control a digital camera mounted on the space station, enabling them to photograph the Earth like they have never before, taking pictures of coastlines, mountains, cities and other geographical interests around the world.

This new video explains how EarthKAM works.

The system may offer students a powerful and innovative way to explore the planet from a unique perspective, but it is also an inspirational tool for the next generation of flight controllers for space programs allowing university and college students to take control of the camera as well.

EarthKAM is a payload by students, for students. They are in charge. This system provides a viewpoint that the astronauts haveits just awe-inspiring! said Brion Au, an investigation developer at NASAs Johnson Space Center.

So far, students have captured more than 40,000 photos of the Earth from the ISS, orbiting 225 miles above us. The EarthKAM team posted photographs online for the public and participating school classrooms around the world to view.

EarthKAM is the brainchild of Dr. Sally Ride, an ex-shuttle astronaut, and the first American woman to go into space, paving the way for other women to follow suit. The camera is located in the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF), one of the many research facilities aboard the ISS.

Source: RedOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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EarthKAM Lets School Children Interact With The International Space Station