Mosebach to Attend Debate on Spirituality – Financial Tribune

Acclaimed German writer, novelist, essayist, screenwriter and poet Martin Mosebach will attend a seminar on the topic of new developments in German literature, organized by Book City Institute in Tehran on February 7. Spirituality and hope will be among the main topics discussed, according to the website of the institute bookcity.org. In his book The Heresy of Formlessness, Mosebach, 66, has sought to convince readers of the spiritual superiority of traditional wisdom. He talks about hopelessness of modern approach to liturgy. Mosebach believes that the church has lost much and gained nothing through the promulgation of the Novus Ordo Mass. He makes a plea for a return to the pre-Conciliar Latin rite, arguing against what he sees as a jarring break in tradition. Starting at 4:30 pm, the meeting will be held at Book City Cultural Center, located on Ahmad Qasir Street, north of Beheshti Street. Mosebach is well known in the German speaking world for his brilliant, cutting edge novels and short stories. In 2002, he was awarded the Kleist Prize, an annual German literature award. In 2007, he received the prestigious Georg Bchner Prize, a literary award that, along with the Goethe Prize, is the most important event for German literature.

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Mosebach to Attend Debate on Spirituality - Financial Tribune

#spirituality on sale – thejournal.ie

Poll: Are school uniforms too expensive?

TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY and Education Minister Richard Bruton today launched the 2017 Action Plan for Education.

Speaking at Scoile Mhuire Ogh in Dublin, the minister said new guidelines will be issued to schools on how they can cut costs for parents.

Bruton said parents are to be given more power when it comes to decisions that cost them money, focusing primarily on the cost of books and uniforms.

We have rolled out a parent and student charter and part of that is that parents will be intimately involved in decisions that are made that impact those costs. I think it is very important that we have parents involved in those decisions.

Its understood that under these measures, parents will get a say in whether a school should have a uniform, whether the school uniform should be specially made or if the uniform should be more generic, with the option to iron school crests on to jumpers.

Its also believed that competition is to be promoted, whereby the contract for the company supplying the school uniform should be put out for tender every three years or so.

What do you think?

Poll: Are childrens school uniforms too expensive?

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#spirituality on sale - thejournal.ie

Lecture and tasting explore wine as spirituality – Otago Daily Times

Does wine have anything to do with faith in the Holy Spirit?

It is a question the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (KCML) in Dunedin hopes to answer during its annual public lecture tomorrow.

The lecture to be given by author, researcher, theologian and noted German wine expert Dr Gisela Kreglinger is titled "Coming to our Senses", and will address the interface between Christian faith and everyday life practices.

The lecture will look at the place of wine and wine-making in the Christian tradition, and whether it is anything more than a symbolic item within Christian spirituality.

Dr Kreglinger said her lecture was aimed at encouraging the use of wine-tasting as a spiritual practice.

"Historically, in the West ... we have focused on hearing and seeing, but we really havent embraced the senses of touch, taste and smell as ways to come to understand reality and our spiritual faith, traditions, and how important it is to recover a much more holistic understanding of our lives in this world ..."

Dr Kreglinger grew up on a winery in Franconia, where her family has crafted wine for generations.

She holds a PhD in theology from St Andrews University, and in her recent book The Spirituality of Wine (2016), she has woven together her passions for Christian spirituality and the created gift of wine.

She has offered lectures, talks and tasting in restaurants, vineyards and churches in the US and the UK.

Her public lecture in Dunedin, will be held at the KCML Cameron Hall from 5.15pm to 6pm, and will be followed by The Spirituality of Wine session, which includes wine tasting, light food and reflections at the KCML Hewitson Library, from 6.15pm-7.45pm.

The lecture is free and uncapped. However, the tasting is $20 and numbers will be capped at 80.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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Satori – Wikipedia

Satori (?) (Chinese: ; pinyin: w; Korean: o; Vietnamese: ng) is a Japanese Buddhist term for awakening, "comprehension; understanding".[web 1] It is derived from the Japanese verb satoru.

In the Zen Buddhist tradition, satori refers to the experience of kensh,[2] "seeing into one's true nature". Ken means "seeing," sh means "nature" or "essence."[2]

Satori and kensh are commonly translated as enlightenment, a word that is also used to translate bodhi, prajna and buddhahood.

Satori is often used interchangeably with kensh.[2]Kensh refers to the perception of the Buddha-Nature or emptiness. According to some authors, kensh is a brief glimpse, while satori is considered to be a deeper spiritual experience.[citation needed]

Distinct from this first insight, daigo-tettei is used to refer to a "deep" or lasting realization of the nature of existence.[2]

According to D. T. Suzuki,

Satori is the raison d'tre of Zen, without which Zen is no Zen. Therefore every contrivance, disciplinary and doctrinal, is directed towards satori.

This view is typical of Rinzai, which emphasizes satori. The St school rejects this emphasis, and instead emphasizes "silent illumination" through the practice of zazen.

Satori is considered a "first step" or embarkation toward Buddhahood:

Ch'an expressions refer to enlightenment as "seeing your self-nature". But even this is not enough. After seeing your self-nature, you need to deepen your experience even further and bring it into maturation. You should have enlightenment experience again and again and support them with continuous practice. Even though Ch'an says that at the time of enlightenment, your outlook is the same as of the Buddha, you are not yet a full Buddha.

The student's mind must be prepared by rigorous study, with the use of koans, and the practice of meditation to concentrate the mind, under the guidance of a teacher. Koans are short anecdotes of verbal exchanges between teachers and students, typically of the Song dynasty, dealing with Buddhist teachings. The Rinzai-school utilizes classic collections of koans such as the Gateless Gate. The Gateless Gate was assembled by the early 13th-century Chinese Zen master Wumen Hui-k'ai ().

Wumen struggled for six years with koan "Zhaozhous dog", assigned to him by Yuelin Shiguan (; Japanese: Gatsurin Shikan) (11431217), before attaining kensh. After his understanding had been confirmed by Yuelin, Wumen wrote the following enlightenment poem:

A thunderclap under the clear blue sky

All beings on earth open their eyes; Everything under heaven bows together; Mount Sumeru leaps up and dances.

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Satori - Wikipedia

Spiritual Enlightenment – Home

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Kundalini Yoga: An Awakening of Prana – New Delhi Times

By Dr. Pramila Srivastava

Yoga is as old as time and has remained intact for thousands of years in one form or another, despite the kingdoms falling and rising, and cultures coming and going. There are some yoga techniques that are for physical wellness and some help a person attain spiritual enlightenment through meditation. One such yoga that helps you meditate your way to spiritual enhancement and to attain the ultimate power is Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini yoga is a system of meditation focusing on the release of the Kundalini energy. The objective of this technique is the awakening of the higher self by using the methods of Kundalini yoga; to disconnect with the selfish ego and get directed towards the proliferation of our positive thoughts for the divine light to enter our mind and soul in order to enlighten it. Kundalini is basically a spiritual energy or life force located at the base of the spine, which is usually conceptualised as a coiled-up serpent. It exists in our bodies with the chakras and nadis. It is right where our mental and emotional patterns, which make our existence, exist. There is an energy in our bodies, which keeps changing forms and that new form is known as Kundalini, which is synonymous to Shakti.

Once Kundalini is awakened, it means that we are beginning the journey towards God. When we awaken this energy, we let go of the self-ego and we let the higher power give us peace of mind. The awakening of Kundalini cleanses the soul and mind, and gives us a better understanding of the ultimate spiritual power. It helps us move from the root chakra to the crown chakra. Chakras are wheels along with prana (energy) that spread energy throughout the body. Kundalini helps in meditating and the process of meditation with an awakened Kundalini becomes effortless. At the first step of Enlightenment, only a few ropes are untangled and we are able to find our way to only the top chakra (Saharara), but with more frequent practice of meditation, more elements of the enlightenment process start to work, hence Kundalini connects us with the divine power and the experience becomes more heavenly.

Kundalini yoga helps to reconnect with the inner self by approaching every aspect of life with a strong sense of individual strength, which opens doors to new possibilities. Also, it inspires you from within to break the barriers that hold our personality down and gives clarity to see the world in a shining light. Kundalini Yoga brings the positive out of our bodies for the attainment of the enlightenment, but it can also bring the unconscious thoughts which can bring out the intense emotions that could directly affect our path to inner peace. Thus, it is always suggested that Kundalini yoga must be practiced under the supervision of an expert who can guide us through the process; but, once a person gets a hold of this technique he or she could easily pursue the path to the Divine. Kundalini Yoga can reawaken the nervous system which can help attain all the existent spiritual energies. If we follow the process of spiritual attainment, it can make us more exuberant, more compassionate towards others, more loving and passionate.

In a world full of negativities and challenges, there needs to be a solution which would help us get out of the vicious circle of life and Kundalini Yoga is one of those solutions. One can achieve the peace of mind and soul with appropriate guidance. One must make such practices a part of his or her life for the advancement of oneself and others.

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Kundalini Yoga: An Awakening of Prana - New Delhi Times

Meet the wandering ‘monks’ who shun home comforts and even … – The Sun

After being declared ritually dead, many live seculded life of mediation and hashish smoking

THESE fascinating pictures give a glimpse into the lives of Nepals reclusive holy men known as Sadhus.

They have left all materialistic and sexual pleasures behind to live a life devoted to God.

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Their appearances vary from brightly coloured face paints, and decorations, to minimalistic practical clothing.

But they all represent the fundamental values and meanings of Hinduism.

Sadhus in Nepal are also well-known for smoking pot to gain a high level of meditation.

Danish photographer Jan Moeller Hansen visited the ancient capital city of Kathmandu between 2013 and 2016 and documented the mysterious holy wanderers.

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Chatting with a Sadhu is said to be either wildly puzzling or deeply insightful.

Most speak Hindi, only few speak English.

But if you now want to join these fellas you will have to do more than attend a language class.

First the trainee holyman undergoes religious instruction after cutting all ties with his former life.That means binning your smartphone or tablet.In fact you must own no luxuries at all.

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After waving goodbye to family and friends and the society they live in there is one more drastic step.

People becomeholymen after being declared ritually dead they even attend their own funerals.

They must then seek a guru to perform guruseva which means service and learn the ways of the Sadhu.

But then you have to decide which of the many sects in Nepal to join.

Each has their own rituals and rites of passage before allowing an individual to become a fully fledged Sadhu.

Women can also become Sadhus and are known as Sadhvi. There are less of them but they nonetheless well regarded and follow the same quest for spiritual enlightenment.

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Sadhus are a wandering group. They often take pilgrimages to numerous religious festivals around Nepal.

Most celebrated of all is the festival of Sadhus in Nepal called Shivaratri which honours the Hindu deity Shiva.

During this time visitors to the remote and mountainous country can see many Sadhus in Pashupatinath, which contains Nepals oldest and most revered Hindu temple.

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Meet the wandering 'monks' who shun home comforts and even ... - The Sun

SOUND ‘ROUND: Queens of the club at the Super Bowl – Monitor

MADONNA MUSIC (MAVERICK/WARNER BROS., 2000)

Madonnas first album released this century is likely her last great endeavor. After spending the previous decade selling sex and spiritual enlightenment to mixed results, the only thing shes peddling here is great tunes 10 of em lined up neatly in a row. The methodology is a familiar one for her. The softer, introspective side of Euro-rave meets dime store American dance hall. In short, its high art masquerading as disposable pop masquerading as high art masquerading as ... Producers Mirwais and William Orbit largely succeed in helping her play up the musical duality. Club-friendly anthems are given a worldly touch thanks to Arabic motifs, and symphonic flourishes gussy up a country-pop ditty so enthralling it makes Shania Twain sound like Maybelle Carter. No matter the mood or tempo, Madonna masters the material like the supreme shapeshifter she is. You always believe whatever act shes playing: whether its music for musics sake, relishing the joys of new romance or vowing to never sell out. Theres always a theatrical element with her, but here its one hell of a show. Thats not to say she doesnt mean what she says. The most enjoyable track drives home a universal ethos that nicely sums up her career: Dont tell me what to do. Yes, maam. GRADE: A

Key Tracks: Dont Tell Me / Music / What It Feels Like For A Girl

UPSTAGED

Madonna performed the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (New York Giants 21, New England Patriots 17). The set featured cameos from Nicki Minaj, LMFAO and Cee-Lo Green. But it was rapper M.I.A. who stole the show after giving the camera the middle finger. The NFL sought over $16 million in various fines, with both parties reaching a confidential settlement in 2014.

LADY GAGA THE FAME MONSTER (INTERSCOPE, 2009)

The purveyors of pop ditched her hyper-glam pretentions as soon as her infamous meat dress began attracting flies. Things have returned to normal, for now. A quick glance at the charts provides not one act whose offstage persona matches their musical smarts. Even Gaga has toned it down. What a shame. But it was never Stefani Germanottas cartoonish character that drew me in, rather a bag of unbeatable hooks that remains just as potent and pleasurable nearly a decade later. These eight songs comprise the second disc of her re-released debut and work just dandy on their own. The beats are heavy and mean enough to contain her Broadway sympathies and Gagas artistic vision is as focused as it has ever been. Much like her New York home, the music is a melting pot that borrows plenty from other subgenres, be it Hispanic flamenco, Brit pop or New Orleans swing. The great unifier is a steady thread of synth that brings her neo-noir daydreams to life. The subject matter is simpler but just as compelling boys that drive her crazy. Guilty parties include that bastard Alejandro and her old man. No coincidence the best song comes when she tires of their games and goes out dancing with Beyonc. Talk about one hell of a girls night out. GRADE: A-

Key Tracks: Telephone / Alejandro / Bad Romance

EXTRA SUPER

Lady Gaga will perform Sunday at the Super Bowl halftime show in Houston. Like every other modern act to take the stage, Gaga will be allotted a 12 minute set. This will be Gagas second time performing at the big game, however. She sang the national anthem before last years Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers.

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SOUND 'ROUND: Queens of the club at the Super Bowl - Monitor

Optimus Prime is still being a dick in new Transformers: The Last Knight teaser – A.V. Club

Michael Bay seems to be hell bent on making it clear that his Transformers movies arent just about giant toys fighting other giant toys. For his latest entry in the franchise, The Last Knight, hes turned Optimus Prime into a real jerk, the kind who thrashes poor Bumblebee repeatedly. If we understand the previous teaser and poster, he became some kind of robo-evangelical between The Last Knight and Age Of Extinction. So, okay, enjoy your newfound spiritual enlightenment or whatever, Optimusjust dont be such a dick about it.

Mark Wahlberg and Anthony Hopkins watch this clash of titanium titans from a safe distance, which is probably for the best, since Optimus Prime doesnt seem to give a shit about anyone anymore. But maybe well learn it was all a clever ruse when the movie hits theaters in June.

Previous Coming Distractions Charlie Hunnams up a creek in the new Lost City Of Z trailer

Next Coming Distractions Check out an exclusive trailer for Johnnie Tos dazzling new thriller Three

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Optimus Prime is still being a dick in new Transformers: The Last Knight teaser - A.V. Club

‘Orchards End’ Health and Wellness Organization To Seek Special … – New Canaanite

A special permit application will be filed on behalf of a new health-and-wellness enterprise on Oenoke Ridge Road, according to an attorney representing the organization.

Discussed at a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting Tuesday, Orchards End seeks to to bring preventative and restorative lifelong health solutions to souls looking to enrich their lives through mind, body and spiritual enlightenment, according to its mission statement. Services include personal and group training classes, yoga, acupuncture, meditation, nutrition counseling, massage and holistic health seminars.

Attorney David Rucci of New Canaan-based Lampert Toohey & Rucci, LLC said Orchards End of 544 Oenoke Ridge road is not an ongoing commercial enterprise.

Our special permit application will specifically describe the activities at the property as far as any nonresidential use, he told NewCanaanite.com.

The applicant will file for a special permit as a Major Home Occupation, described in the New Canaan Zoning Regulations as follows (see page 24): The use of a dwelling for a home-based business involve two or more non-resident employees or six or more patron, client or associate visits per week.

A major home occupation is a permitted accessory use and requires a special permit, under Section 3.3.C.3 of the zoning regulations (see page 49).

According to its website, Orchards End is a retreat-like environment that provides essentials for a healthy body, both on the inside and the outside, using only natural methods, teachings and products that set individuals on the path to greater fulfillment and responsibility for their health.

Town officials say theyre planning a site visit to Orchards End next week.

Founder Elsa Sykes said a nonprofit organization has been established under Orchards Ends name, and that the organization launched in October with a free health-and-wellness reboot, offered as a gift to friends.

What we are trying to do is something good for the community and for friends and in no way, shape or form is this a commercial business or spa, Sykes said.

Asked about price points listed on the website, Sykes said some of the professionals who have offered one-off services at Orchards End collect a fee but that no money goes to the organization itself for those services.

With sessions held in a renovated cottage and barn on the 6.26-acre property, the October event was a success, Sykes said, focused on a program where you eliminate toxic foods, inflammatory foods from diet.

You focus on getting healthy in mind-body-spirit, she told NewCanaanite.com. It was said that this is something the community really needs, so we did not do anything for the subsequent months. I once led a [session for a] group of women at no cost and we decided that in March we would launch another reboot program where they could do the diet and we would have a lot of educational talks and it would be very limited in the number of people participating, out of respect for the neighborhood.

Sykes said she is pursuing a new entrance/egress driveway coming off of Oenoke Ridge Road that would serve the accessory structures used by Orchards End. Rucci confirmed that the new drive would be part of the special permit application, likely to come before P&Z in March.

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Why Detox Diets Don’t Work – Paste Magazine

This new year is still fresh. But before we even get too deep into 2017, theres an important subject to talk about: Dont begin by falling victim to a detox because its a hoax.

As new years resolutions go, its common for many people to cleanse themselves and eliminate toxins from their bodies. But we humans already have two amazing organs that are doing this job for us: our liver and kidneys. The kidneys and liver are quite effective at filtering and eliminating most ingested toxins, says Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D of The Mayo Clinic. In fact, if you think that by ingesting digestive enzymes, shakes or laxative-based teas will help speed up this process, the reality is theres no scientific evidence to prove it does assist.

The Myth:

According to Christy Brissette, M.S., R.D., and President of 80 Twenty Nutrition, the idea of detoxifying and cleansing the body and mind is not a new concept it goes back thousands of years and is still part of many religious practices such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam. But unlike religious fasting to attain spiritual enlightenment, the detoxes we are exposed to are done in hopes of losing weight or ridding oneself of toxins weve accumulated over the holidays. It is why we often see a plethora of new or revised detoxes (sometimes advocated by the latest celebrity or influencer) that promise that youll feel better and get what is perceived as a reset button for the body to begin the new year refreshed and rejuvenated.

Whether you hear the terms cleanse or detox, Brissette explains that theyre used interchangeably: With a cleanse, it usually involves ingesting a special product to go with the diet, items such as juices, soups and even charcoal nowin the hopes that it will not only clean your insides but that it will also assist with weight loss. In fact, Brissette says that there is often this mentality that our body is dirty and that there is a buildup of toxins we need to eliminate. Moreover, Brissette says that detoxes continue to pique the interest of many people, even those who are not regular dieters, because of the claims that this method of cleaning is completely natural and quick.

The Truth:

The Placebo Effect Detoxes and cleanses that claim to be quick, effective and natural appear to work because of the placebo effect. Brissette explains, Firstly, youve adopted the mentality that youre going to eat healthy, so when you switch from heavy indulgences to salads, nuts and fibrous foods, youre going to feel betterregardless if youre on a cleanse or not. A detox plan will also tell you to cut out alcohol, refined sugars and junk food. Any time you eliminate any of these foods, youre obviously going to feel less fatigued and have more energy. In actuality, the detox has nothing to do with you feeling better. Its just a matter of supporting what your body needs: healthy food and water.

Purging Fat From The Body The myth that your body is congested from all the fatty and rich foods consumed over the holidays doesnt exist. Brissette says that there is no evidence or research to prove this is true. Your liver and kidneys are natural filters. You dont need to clean them. If anything, we need to focus on healthy eating year-round.

Detoxes Are NOT Safe More dangerous is the fallacy that natural detoxes are safe. Oftentimes detoxes and cleanses will encourage a low-calorie diet along with the consumption of special herb shakes, laxative teas and other supplements. But this can cause more harm to your body than help it. Brissette says that if you use laxative-based products for an extended period of time, your body will begin to rely on them for bowel movement. Brissette also notes that overconsumption of laxative teas is not only stressful on the digestive system, but that youll also be dehydrated and lose electrolytes, sodium and potassium. The latter two are essential for regulating your blood pressure and heart rate. In extreme cases, if you lose too much sodium and potassium as a result of diarrhea or dilution (via excess consumption of fluids), you can actually suffer or even die from a cardiac arrest. Brissette advises that before considering any form of dieting or detox, you should always consult your physician or a dietitian.

Losing Weight And/Or Fat Despite celebrity endorsements and faux-doctors claiming that the miracle of a detox will assist with weight loss, the reverse is actually true: youll gain weight. You wont lose weight or fat, even though it may seem like you are. In fact, these individuals are most likely depleted of essential nutrients and proteins. This results in decreased muscle mass and a slower metabolism because your body thinks it has entered a state of starvation and is now trying to conserve calories rather than burn them off. Inevitably, doing this kind of detox will make you ravenous. When you succumb to your cravings and overeat, the now slowed metabolism will cause you to gain extra weight, and as a result, youll be heavier than when you began.

Realistic Practices For Good Health:

We all lead busy lives and have respective game plans to manage the chaos, so the same mentality should be adopted when it comes to our eating habits. But this doesnt mean obsessive calorie counting or shortcut detoxes which make unrealistic promises. Generally speaking, the pressure of a new years resolution is a fast-track to failure. Whats more realistic is small sustainable changes overtime, which will result in long-term, positive effects. Always strive to eat fiber-rich foods such as beans and lentils, healthy protein such as almonds and complex carbs such as whole grain bread and pasta.

How To Eat Well: Its easy to fall into mindless eating traps; from social engagements to working at your desk, the first step is to have an awareness of what youre putting into your mouthto chew and savor your food. And if you are constantly plagued with distractions, Brissette suggests keeping a simple food journal that tracks not only what you eat but notes when youre most hungry. This way, youll be ready and have a quality snack on hand, such as walnuts or almonds. This will not only prevent that 3pm energy lull, but you wont be tempted to make a trip to the coffee shop or vending machine for that cookie or bag of chips. Whether you like to snack or have several small meals a day, Brissette advises the following: Structure eating times around your schedule. And dont go more than 4 hours without eating something; otherwise, you may fall victim to a hunger attack and eat anything in sight.

Eating Healthy Should Not Mean Suffering: Eating should always be a joyful and pleasurable experience. Anything fat-free, low-fat or low carb will not offer satiation. Brissette explains: For instance, if youre having a salad for lunch, opt for full-fat dressing made with olive oil. Not only will this healthy fat keep you satisfied, but it will aid in the absorption of the leafy greens and vegetables youre eating.

Rather than succumb to the extremes of fad detoxes that can put your body into shock and make you miserable, Brissette endorses her 80/20 rule: 80 percent of the time, eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and lentils; and 20 percent of the time, allow yourself that splurge on your favorite beer or burger.

Trust the wisdom and design of your body; thank your liver and kidneys for a job well done, and for the new year, try Brissettes mindful method of eating and avoid being ensnared by a detox trap.

Tiffany Leigh is a Toronto-based food, travel, and science writer.

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Why Detox Diets Don't Work - Paste Magazine

Why do Mystics Love the Church? – Patheos (blog)

Just as the Holy Trinity is, at heart, communal, so too is Christian mysticism an inherently communal spirituality.

For a long time now, Ive been fascinated bypeople who self-define as spiritual but not religious (or spiritually independent, or none or some variation thereof) in other words, people who see the Church or institutional religion as overly legalistic, spiritually stifling, hidebound, more concerned with enforcing morality than seeking enlightenment. I dont speak out of judgment, for at times in my life, Ive been there myself.

Part of what fascinates me is how many SBNR folks, despite their dislike of Church, nevertheless adore the mystics.

I once got into a fascinating discussion with a man involved inceremonial magic who saw St. John of the Cross as a spiritual master. I asked him if he had heard of Meister Eckhart, and his face lit up. He may not have cared much for papal encylicals or catechisms, but he knew his mystics.

The popular new age author Carolyn Myss wrote a book about St. Teresa of AvilasInterior Castle. Indeed, you can visit the large new age bookstore here in Atlanta, and it has a modest but clearly visible Christianity section, where you can pick up the writings of Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

Indeed, some Christians (particularly among conservative evangelicals) point to the fact that new agersrevere the mystics as evidence that the mystics themselves are dangerous! Which strikes me as another variation of denouncing Jesus because tax collectors and prostitutes followed him (a criticism which led Jesus to wryly remark that doctors treat sick people, not healthy ones!).

But what fascinates me is that, among the great Christian mystics of the past up to and including Thomas Merton, as well as living contemplatives like Richard Rohr or Thomas Keating faith communityis always regarded as an essential part of the spiritual life.

In other words, SBNR folks might love the mystics, but the mystics themselves were not SBNR far from it!

Julian of Norwich insisted that all of her visions pointed to accepting everything that Holy Mother Church teaches. This is significant because Julians writing could easily be misinterpreted as promoting universalism (the idea that everyone automatically gets saved). Julian herself insists that she is not in any contradicting church teaching, even though she also admits she struggles with the doctrine of hell (something I think any compassionate person would struggle with).

Meister Eckhart, when accused of heresy, insisted that he might be guilty of error, but never heresy. An error could arise because of a fault in his thinking, whereas heresy (deliberately rejecting church teaching) requires a defect of the will. In other words, Eckhart is saying I may not be right all the time, but Im always committed to being a faithful member of the Church.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, Church-friendly Mystic (painting by Rubens, public domain)

So two questions come up for me. First, why do people who dont love the church, love the mystics? And second (and more important), why do mystics love the Church?

I think mystics (and mysticism) appeal to the spiritual-but-not-religious seeker because, after all, their spirituality is so real, authentic, genuine. Reading the mystics is inspirational, in the best sense of the word. They truly point to the breathtaking possibility that we can find enlightening truth, illuminating joy, profound intimacy and even union with God. Thats heady stuff, and no wonder those who seek to find their own spiritual center would be drawn to it.

Furthermore, mysticism not Christian mysticism, but mysticism in general can easily be interpreted, especially in our culture, as asolitary spiritual pursuit. The pagan mystic Plotinus described the spiritual life as the flight of the alone to the Alone. Since we live in a Lone-Ranger culture that practically idolizes individualism, its easy for people immersed in our culture to ignore the communal, social,ecclesial (i.e. church-centered) nature of most orthodox Christian mysticism. They just look for all the alone-to-the-Alone stuff and ignore the rest.

But thats sloppy scholarship. We need to let the mystics speak for themselves, and again and again, they argue for a spirituality where love your neighbor is as important as love God. In other words, a spirituality where the community matters as much as solitude.

So on to our second question: Why do mystics love the Church? To answer this, lets look at Karl Rahner, the acclaimed20th century theologian who also was very much a mystic of his time. In an essay reprinted inKarl Rahner: Spiritual Writings, the author speaking in the voice of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the 16th century mystic who founded the Society of Jesus talks about why great spiritual teachers love the church, even if they maintain a critical perspective on it.

Truly, I am not ashamed of this allegiance to the Church. Once converted, I wanted to serve the Church with my whole life, although even this service was for God and for humanity, not for a self-seeking institution.

In other words, when Ignatius (and, by extension, Rahner) served the Church, he was serving God and humanitythroughthe community of faith, andnot simply submitting to an institution.

Rahner goes on

The Church as infinite dimensions, because it is the community, filled with Gods spirit, of people who have faith, who are pilgrims in hope, who are loving God and humanity.

Church people may not be perfect (indeed, they/we most certainly are not), but they/we are united in love for God, which makes this Church a community worth participating in.

But you would totally misunderstand this allegiance to the Church that I had were you to take it as an egocentric love of power, fanatically setting ideological boundaries and leaving conscience defeated, or as an identification of myself with a system that had no reference to anything beyond itself.

The author goes on to insist that his love for the Church was motivated by a desire to love, serve, and help others. He continues:

All love for this institutional Church would be slavery to idols, complicity in a horrendous self-centered and self-enclosed system, if it were not inspired and informed and limited by this desire. But this also means (and the history of my mystical journey bears this out) that love for this Church, however unconditional in a certain sense it may have been, is certainly not the be-all and end-all of my existence but a derived reality, originating in immediacy to God, and depending on this intimacy for its import, its limit, and its nature

In other words, a mystic loves the churchalways as an outgrowth of his or her response to the love of God. Otherwise, the Church could become an idol (and I suspect many SBNR folks reject institional religion because they see how many of the institutions most ardent defenders are, in fact, idolizing it, rather than truly worshipping God).

Rahner, still speaking as Ignatius, finally offers a mystical approach to the Church, saying this his love for the Church grew out of the Churchs spiritualnature as the Mystical Body of Christ.

It was in this mystical union of God with the Church for all that the two are radically to be distinguished that the Church was and remained for me transparent to God, and the specific place of this ineffable relationship I had to the eternal mystery.

Rahner goes on to make an intelligent argument for why a person can disagree with, or criticize, the Church, while still remaining a loyal member of it(which reminds me of one of my favorite books, Philip Kaufmanns Why You Can Disagree and Remain a Faithful Catholic).

Rahners viewpoint may not represent every mystic in Church history (the mystics are a notoriously non-uniform bunch). But he certainly gives us plenty of thought. Here is a summary of what I see are his most important points:

As I read Rahner, it struck me that, for a Christian mystic, participation in the faith community(in some form) is a natural outgrowth of the love of God. So when SBNR folks say they want nothing to do with organized religion, but they still are drawn to the mystics, I want to encourage them to read the mystics and to study their teachings. I think the more seriously someone takes the mystics, the more likely God will use mystical wisdom to draw that person into the imperfect love that characterizes the earthly/mystical Body of Christ.

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Why do Mystics Love the Church? - Patheos (blog)

The Light Network Announces Release of Second Book in the Light … – Satellite PR News (press release)

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The innovative self-help / spiritual publisher launches the second book of a three-part series, which is filled with profound and radiant messages of light and love. OJAI, Calif. Feb. 6, 2017 In the midst of all the current darkness in the world in the way of wars, political issues, and environmental chaos, The Light Network announces the release of its second book in a series, The Light: A Book of Knowing: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Live in the Spiritual Heart. The book was created for those who are ready to embark on a spiritual journey, or who may have already begun, and are looking for a new level of enlightenment in these dark times.

I am so excited about readers gaining a greater insight into enlightenment, and shining their own inner lights brighter as they learn from this book, said Keidi Keating, author of The Light series. When we change ourselves, the whole world will begin to change around us, so my hope in writing this series is that it can bring us a step closer to individual and world peace.

The Light: A Book of Knowing shares with its readers a collection of teachings and wisdom from more than 20 heart-centered luminaries and great spiritual teachers. Each chapter features teachings by a different lightworker, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Bruce Lipton, Deva Premal and Miten, Joe Vitale, Dada J.P. Vaswani, Pujya Swamiji, Anita Moorjani, and Jeff Foster. Sharing radiant messages of light and love, the book helps readers take their spiritual awakening to the next level through a collection of powerful insights, teachings, and exercises.

Previously, Keidi Keating released the first book of the spiritual self-help series, The Light: A Book of Wisdom. The book focused on topics such as peace, forgiveness, healing, finding purpose, health, well-being, destiny and more. All proceeds from the selling of the book went toward seven charities chosen by the publisher.

The Light: A Book of Knowing is available in paperback and for Kindle on Amazon, and may be ordered at http://a.co/6yMKx8g. The third and last book in the series, The Light: A Book of Truth, is expected to be released in 2018. To request multiple copies of the new book, email Keidi at info@thelightnetwork.com.

Media Contact The Light Network Keidi Keating info@thelightnetwork.com Read Full Story The Light Network Announces Release of Second Book in the Light Series | More news from this source

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The innovative self-help / spiritual publisher launches the second book of a three-part series, which is filled with profound and radiant messages of light and love. OJAI, Calif. Feb. 6, 2017 In the midst of all the current darkness in the world in the way of wars, political issues, and environmental chaos, The Light Network announces the release of its second book in a series, The Light: A Book of Knowing: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Live in the Spiritual Heart. The book was created for those who are ready to embark on a spiritual journey, or who may have already begun, and are looking for a new level of enlightenment in these dark times.

I am so excited about readers gaining a greater insight into enlightenment, and shining their own inner lights brighter as they learn from this book, said Keidi Keating, author of The Light series. When we change ourselves, the whole world will begin to change around us, so my hope in writing this series is that it can bring us a step closer to individual and world peace.

The Light: A Book of Knowing shares with its readers a collection of teachings and wisdom from more than 20 heart-centered luminaries and great spiritual teachers. Each chapter features teachings by a different lightworker, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Bruce Lipton, Deva Premal and Miten, Joe Vitale, Dada J.P. Vaswani, Pujya Swamiji, Anita Moorjani, and Jeff Foster. Sharing radiant messages of light and love, the book helps readers take their spiritual awakening to the next level through a collection of powerful insights, teachings, and exercises.

Previously, Keidi Keating released the first book of the spiritual self-help series, The Light: A Book of Wisdom. The book focused on topics such as peace, forgiveness, healing, finding purpose, health, well-being, destiny and more. All proceeds from the selling of the book went toward seven charities chosen by the publisher.

The Light: A Book of Knowing is available in paperback and for Kindle on Amazon, and may be ordered at http://a.co/6yMKx8g. The third and last book in the series, The Light: A Book of Truth, is expected to be released in 2018. To request multiple copies of the new book, email Keidi at info@thelightnetwork.com.

Media Contact The Light Network Keidi Keating info@thelightnetwork.com Read Full Story The Light Network Announces Release of Second Book in the Light Series | More news from this source

Press release distribution by PRLog

Submit the press release

The innovative self-help / spiritual publisher launches the second book of a three-part series, which is filled with profound and radiant messages of light and love. OJAI, Calif. Feb. 6, 2017 In the midst of all the current darkness in the world in the way of wars, political issues, and environmental chaos, The Light Network announces the release of its second book in a series, The Light: A Book of Knowing: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Live in the Spiritual Heart. The book was created for those who are ready to embark on a spiritual journey, or who may have already begun, and are looking for a new level of enlightenment in these dark times.

I am so excited about readers gaining a greater insight into enlightenment, and shining their own inner lights brighter as they learn from this book, said Keidi Keating, author of The Light series. When we change ourselves, the whole world will begin to change around us, so my hope in writing this series is that it can bring us a step closer to individual and world peace.

The Light: A Book of Knowing shares with its readers a collection of teachings and wisdom from more than 20 heart-centered luminaries and great spiritual teachers. Each chapter features teachings by a different lightworker, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Bruce Lipton, Deva Premal and Miten, Joe Vitale, Dada J.P. Vaswani, Pujya Swamiji, Anita Moorjani, and Jeff Foster. Sharing radiant messages of light and love, the book helps readers take their spiritual awakening to the next level through a collection of powerful insights, teachings, and exercises.

Previously, Keidi Keating released the first book of the spiritual self-help series, The Light: A Book of Wisdom. The book focused on topics such as peace, forgiveness, healing, finding purpose, health, well-being, destiny and more. All proceeds from the selling of the book went toward seven charities chosen by the publisher.

The Light: A Book of Knowing is available in paperback and for Kindle on Amazon, and may be ordered at http://a.co/6yMKx8g. The third and last book in the series, The Light: A Book of Truth, is expected to be released in 2018. To request multiple copies of the new book, email Keidi at info@thelightnetwork.com.

Media Contact The Light Network Keidi Keating info@thelightnetwork.com Read Full Story The Light Network Announces Release of Second Book in the Light Series | More news from this source

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The Light Network Announces Release of Second Book in the Light ... - Satellite PR News (press release)

Stellaris strives for Utopia in first major expansion – PC Invasion – PC Invasion (blog)

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Posted By: Peter Parrish February 2, 2017

The much-discussed (in dev diaries and the like) first major expansion for Stellaris has been officially announced by Paradox today, and named as Utopia. It will be accompanied by a free update, Banks, taking the game to version 1.5.

Utopias feature set will enable your space dwelling civilisation to reach new heights of self-awareness, technological prowess or spiritual enlightenment. Youll be purchasing new options for developing your empire, and constructing huge projects called Megastructures to further the goals of your species. More about Megastructures can be read here.

So-called Ascension Perks (more on those here), will let you guide your race down different evolutionary pathways; a biological path, a psionic path or a synthetic path. Heres the overview of the features, changes, and mechanics Utopia will bring to Stellaris.

Neither a release date, nor price, appear to have been issued yet. Going by previous Paradox DLC releases, its likely to be $15-20.

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Stellaris strives for Utopia in first major expansion - PC Invasion - PC Invasion (blog)

The first commercial air lock is coming to the International Space … – The Verge

A brand-new air lock is set to be installed on the International Space Station in the next few years but this one will be commercially owned. NASA has accepted a proposal from spaceflight company NanoRacks to attach the first ever commercially funded air lock, which enables objects to safely pass from the inside of the station out into the vacuum of space. The new addition will allow NanoRacks to deploy even more satellites and commercial payloads from the ISS in order to meet the growing demand from its customer base.

Established in 2009, NanoRacks is focused on helping others utilize the low-Earth orbit region of space. To that end, the organization helps companies, government agencies, and schools conduct experiments on the International Space Station, as well as deploy small satellites from the ISS. NanoRacks already has a satellite deployer on the space station, but it is reliant on the air lock on the Japanese Kibo module. The deployer is extended out into space via that Japanese robotic arm when the air lock is open.

Our customers were coming to us saying theyd like to fly bigger satellites.

The problem is that the Japanese air lock isnt that big. Its the perfect size for deploying CubeSats, standardized satellites that are about the size of a breadbox, as well as slightly larger payloads that are about the size of a microwave. But NanoRacks customers have been eager to deploy even larger satellites. Our customers were coming to us saying theyd like to fly bigger satellites or payloads, and deploy them off the station, Brock Howe, the head of the air lock project for NanoRacks, tells The Verge. And these were bigger than what we can currently fit thorough the Japanese airlock.

Access to the air lock is also limited, according to Howe. The air lock on the Kibo module is the only method for deploying small satellites from the station, and it is only opened five to 10 times a year. Some of those openings are reserved for NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, which operates the air lock, while just a few openings are reserved for NanoRacks. This limited availability has created a backlog in deployments for the company.

So we thought to ourselves: Why dont we look into designing and building our own air lock? And away we went, says Howe. NanoRacks approached NASA with the idea, and the space agency officially accepted the project.

NanoRacks will be working with Boeing to develop the air lock. The plan is for the aluminum dome-shaped unit to launch on a NASA cargo mission sometime in 2019, and then be attached to a port on the stations Tranquility module. Theres already a hatch in place on the end of Tranquility that blocks the inside of the station from the vacuum of space. Astronauts will be able to open this hatch to place satellites or other research payloads inside the air lock. Once the payloads are inside, the air lock will depressurize and all the air will be pumped out. Then the stations Canadian robotic arm will detach the air lock from the ISS and extend it out into space. From here, satellites can be deployed into orbit or research experiments can be tested in the vacuum of space.

This air lock will have five times the volume of the Japanese air lock

This air lock will have five times the volume of the Japanese air lock, so satellites the size of a refrigerator can potentially be deployed this way. It also allows NanoRacks to deploy even more satellites at one time. Instead of doing the microwave-sized satellites one at a time, we can do three or four of those at one time on one airlock cycle, says Howe. So we can do it a lot more efficiently than what can be done right now.

The air lock also poses an opportunity for companies to do technology demonstrations in space. Companies looking to commercialize a space sensor or camera can test how their technologies hold up in lower Earth orbit. Restraints inside the air lock can hold down these technologies as theyre exposed to the vacuum. Its opening a door to space, says Howe. Once those technologies are flight-proven, the companies then have an easier time selling and marketing their hardware.

The NanoRacks air lock is just one of many commercial vehicles that are slowly making their way to the International Space Station. Currently, a private inflatable space habitat called BEAM Bigelow Expandable Activity Module is already attached to the Tranquility module, and astronauts have been periodically going inside it to see how it is holding up in space. Built by Bigelow Aerospace, BEAM has been performing well, and there are hints that the module will soon be used every day by the astronauts on the station. Building off of that success, NASA has said it will allow companies to attach their own habitat modules to the ISS in coming years.

Its all part of NASAs plan to turn the ISS into a commercial-friendly outpost, before eventually turning over the orbiting lab to the private sector in the mid-2020s. We want to utilize the space station to expose the commercial sector to new and novel uses of space, ultimately creating a new economy in low-Earth orbit for scientific research, technology development and human and cargo transportation, Sam Scimemi, director of the ISS Division at NASA headquarters, said in a statement. We hope this new airlock will allow a diverse community to experiment and develop opportunities in space for the commercial sector.

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The first commercial air lock is coming to the International Space ... - The Verge

SpaceX will transport a deadly bacteria to the space station for study – Teslarati

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A deadly Superbug thats incredibly resistant to current antibiotics will be part of an upcoming SpaceX mission.

Sponsored by NASA and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), SpaceX will launch a lethal pathogen into space and deliver it to the International Space Station (ISS) in a near-zero gravity experiment toassess accelerated mutation rates of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Outer space offers an entirely different environment than earth, so the study can see ifmutation patterns will occur in space that have not yet happened on earth. Of particular interest are gene expression and mutation patterns.

MRSA is the cause of infections in hospitalized patients that happen frequently and are very difficult to cure. The ISS microgravity study will be overseen byDr. Anita Goel, who is a world-renowned expert and pioneer in the emerging field of nanobiophysics. This field examines the intersection of physics, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Her particular area of interest is how open systems such as life and living systems are strongly intertwined with their environment.

Calling the work on the ISS both very practical and fundamental, Dr. Goels research is directed toward better prediction of drug resistance and, as a result, smarter drugs. She is especially looking at what she describes as how the environment can deeply influence the information flow from both the genome and transcriptome.

The ISS study is quite significant in its potential implications for medicine and drug development. Medical practitioners have a hard time treating many infections due to the current need to first observe the pathogens progress,which can be quite elusive, and then treat afterward. The wait-and-see scenario often lets the MRSA get too far ahead. As a result, many of todaysantimicrobial therapies are ineffective, so the ISS study will allow important observation of MRSA patterns of resistance as they occur as well as in their various stages.

Goel and her team will draw upon the very different ISS environment to track MRSAs activity as it moves from gene expression to mutations, with the goal to predict what might or might not happen with the same process back on earth. Drug development and molecular identification may result, which can help in the fight against future MRSA strains.

Dr. Goel, who is chairperson and CEO of Nanobiosym, wonthe first XPRIZE in Healthcare for the Gene-RADAR technology. This is a mobile Tricorder that offers real-time diagnosis of any disease with a genetic fingerprint. It costs about ten times less than comparable diagnostic tests on the market today.

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SpaceX will transport a deadly bacteria to the space station for study - Teslarati

Idaho’s massive checkerboard forest seen from the Space Station … – Boing Boing

An astronaut on the International Space Station snapped this striking photo last month of forest land adjacent to the Priest River in northern Idaho. From NASA:

The squares in this landscape checkerboard appear to be the result of forest management. Similar patterns originated in the 1800s, when alternate parcels of land were granted by the U.S. government to railroads such as the Northern Pacific. Many parcels in the Pacific Northwest were later sold off and harvested for timber.

The land shown here is now managed for wildlife and for timber harvesting. The white patches reflect areas with younger, smaller trees, where winter snow cover shows up brightly to the astronauts. Dark green-brown squares are parcels of denser, intact forest. The checkerboard is used as a method of maintaining the sustainability of forested tracts while still enabling a harvest of trees.

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A breathtaking photo of Saturns moon Mimas taken this week by NASAs Cassini space probe. You may recall, that another photo (below) of Mimas raised concerns that it isnt actually a moon but rather the Death Star. (Images: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute)

Among those caught in the crossfire of last weekends Muslim ban were lawful immigrants and permanent residents who were in the air when the rules changed; when these people landed, they were told that since they had arrived at the US in violation of the rules, they were being deported, and were banned from entering []

In a new paper in Nature Astronomy, a team from Osaka University publishes its analysis of data gathered by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agencys Selenological and Engineering Explorer, revealing that an isotope present in lunar regolith is a match for an isotope found in terrestrial, atmospheric oxygen.

Making great games has never been more accessible, thanks to a variety of development tools like Unity3D. But getting your idea off the ground still takes a fair amount of advanced programming skills. Fortunately, Ive discovered that learning to make games online with theMaster Game Development Bundleis incredibly easy (and not costly).In addition to gaining []

Aside from taking up considerable space and being horrifyingly out-of-date, VHStapes degrade with every play. But what about home movies or lesser-known titles that didnt survive the digital transition? With this Video Digitization Device and Editing Software Package, you can save your old tapes from analog oblivion.The conversion dongle connects to any composite video source, []

Between lingering cold weather, overpriced Valentines gifts, and the general state of the country, February is shaping up to be a rough one. Thats why were sharing four affordable and last-minute gift ideas that will show someone some love when they need it most.#4 Teleflora Fresh Flower DeliveryTeleflora is a really cool company that works []

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Idaho's massive checkerboard forest seen from the Space Station ... - Boing Boing

Conspiracy theorists suggest gaps in International Space Station footage prove NASA UFO cover-up – The Sun

Shocking theories have emerged that NASA is covering up the existence of UFOs as footage has been cut from their space station four times just as mysterious objects appear on the screen

SHOCKING theories have emerged that NASA is covering up the existence of UFOs as footage has been cut from their space station four times just as mysterious objects appear on the screen.

In the last seven months, there have been four instances where the International Space Stations video stream has mysteriously gone down just as unexpected light objects appear in the distance.

The suggestions started after a bright craft was seen hurtling toward the Earth in July 2016.

But just as the unidentified object approached the Earths atmosphere the footage was cut short.

Virtually the same thing happened again only three months later.

Renowned UFOlogist Streetcap1 commented: NASA cut the camera feed so quickly even though this was very distant.

But when the incident repeated itself again at the beginning of 2017 viewers were desperate for answers.

Well known UFO YouTubers Secure Team 10 claimed to have spotted an astronaut covering the lens of a camera on the International Space Station.

Further away in the distance, a small bright spot was seen flying across the screen moments before the astronauts hand obstructed the view.

NASA

NASA

Tyler, a Secure Team spokesperson, said: We not only see a UFO fly overhead but we are also going to see the astronaut attempt to hide this activity by putting his hand in front of the camera.

And he actually does this a couple of times.

NASA have never responded to the claims that alien space crafts have been seen in the footage, but others have suggested it could just be passing meteors.

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Conspiracy theorists suggest gaps in International Space Station footage prove NASA UFO cover-up - The Sun

Japan’s troubled ‘space junk’ mission fails – Yahoo News

An artist's impression of the more than 100 million pieces of debris in orbit around the Earth (AFP Photo/)

Tokyo (AFP) - An experimental Japanese mission to clear 'space junk' or rubbish from the Earth's orbit has ended in failure, officials said Monday, in an embarassment for Tokyo.

Over 100 million pieces of garbage are thought to be whizzing around the planet, including cast-off equipment from old satellites and bits of rocket, which experts say could pose risks for future space exploration.

Scientists at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) were trying to test an electrodynamic 'tether' -- created with the help of a fishing net company -- to slow down the orbiting rubbish and bring it into a lower orbit.

The hope was that the clutter -- built up after more than five decades of human space exploration -- would eventually enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up harmlessly before it had a chance to crash into the planet.

The 700-metre (2,300-foot) long tether -- made from thin wires of stainless steel and aluminium -- was due to be extended out from a cargo ship launched in December carrying supplies for astronauts at the International Space Station.

Problems arose quickly, however, and technicians tried for days to remedy the situation but only had a one-week window to carry out the mission before the vessel reentered the Earth's atmosphere before dawn on Monday.

"We believe the tether did not get released", leading researcher Koichi Inoue told reporters.

"It is certainly disappointing that we ended the mission without completing one of the main objectives," he said.

The disappointment is the latest failure to hit JAXA and comes just weeks after the agency had to abort a mission that sought to use a mini-rocket to send a satellite into orbit.

The agency also abandoned a pricey ultra-high-tech satellite launched in February last year to search for X-rays emanating from black holes and galaxy clusters after losing contact with the spacecraft.

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Japan's troubled 'space junk' mission fails - Yahoo News

Japan’s Kounotori 6 re-enters Earth’s atmosphere – SpaceFlight Insider

Derek Richardson

February 6th, 2017

Kounotori 6 departs from the International Space Station on Jan. 27, 2017. Photo Credit: NASA

Japans sixth Kounotori spacecraft, also called the H-II Transfer Vehicle or HTV, re-entered Earths atmosphere on Feb. 5, 2017, after spending nearly two months in space to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) and test new technologies.

Re-entry, confirmed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), occurred at 10:06 a.m. EST (15:06 GMT) over the Pacific Ocean. It came just over a week after the spacecraft departed the ISS after spending six weeks attached to the outpost.

After unberthing from the ISS, the week-long free flight was supposed to allow Kounotori 6 to test a 2,300-foot (700-meter) long tether called Kounotori Integrated Tether Experiment (KITE). It was attached to the outside of the cargo craft and was to be deployed for a week.

Unfortunately, the tether failed to deploy. Teams at JAXA worked all last week to get the tether, made of stainless steel and aluminium, along with a 44-pound (20-kilogram) end-mass to extend. However, time ran out.

KITE was supposed to deploy to its full length back on Jan. 27, 2017, not long after Kounotori 6 departed the space station. It was to spend last week fully extended. A current of no more than 10 milliamps was expected to run through the tether to demonstrate how it could affect the orbit of an object.

JAXA hopes this technology can one day be used to help remove space debris. While this experiment failed to deploy, it is unknown if the Japanese space agency will send up a similar experiment on future Kounotori cargo ships.

Kounotori 6 launched on Dec. 9, 2016, atop an H-IIB rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. It arrivedat the outpost on Dec. 13.

Inside the pressurized section were 3.9 metric tons of water, food, experiments, and crew commodities. This included a new 4K camera, a new small satellite deployer, and a number of CubeSats.

The spacecraft was unloaded over the course of its six-week stay before being reloaded with trash and unneeded equipment.

In the unpressurized section of Kounotori 6 was an exposed pallet with six new lithium-ion batteries. Over the course of several days worth of robotics activity and two spacewalks, these batteries replaced 12 old nickel-hydrogen units.

Nine nickel-hydrogen batteries were placed on Kounotoris exposed pallet for disposal upon re-entry.

JAXAs next cargo run is slated for February 2018. The next launch to the ISS byany organization is expected to be SpaceXs CRS-10 Dragon cargo capsule. Liftoff is slated for 11:34 a.m. EST (16:34 GMT) on Feb. 14, 2017, from Kennedy Space Centers Launch Complex 39A.

Kounotori 6 before being unberthed from the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA

Tagged: Expedition 50 HTV-6 International Space Station JAXA Kounotori 6 Lead Stories

Derek Richardson is a student studying mass media with an emphasis in contemporary journalism at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He is currently the managing editor of the student run newspaper, the Washburn Review. He also writes a blog, called Orbital Velocity, about the space station. His passion for space ignited when he watched space shuttle Discovery leap to space on Oct. 29, 1998. He saw his first in-person launch on July 8, 2011 when the space shuttle launched for the final time. Today, this fervor has accelerated toward orbit and shows no signs of slowing down. After dabbling in math and engineering courses in college, he soon realized that his true calling was communicating to others about space exploration and spreading that passion.

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Japan's Kounotori 6 re-enters Earth's atmosphere - SpaceFlight Insider