Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Itzhak Perlman’s 'Urgent Message from Mr. Beethoven' at Luckman Theater Los Angeles Times
I wish I could have been there.
The Portal of Healing.
Monday, January 25, 2010
YouTube - The Spooky Men's Chorale - Tooled Up
This group is absolutely fabulous! I first came across them after hearing about their performance at the Towersey Folk Festival near Thame, Oxfordshire. I have both the CD and the DVD and they are well worth the purchase. There is something about their sound which is haunting and their 'spooky' demeanour just adds to the fun.
The Portal of Healing.
Multimedia System Provides New View Of Musical Performance
Musicians can now use 3D computer analysis to radically improve their technique, thanks to the latest research in multimedia technology from the University of Leeds.
Burgers, Fries, Diet Soda: Metabolic Syndrome Blue-plate Special
Otherwise-healthy adults who eat two or more servings of meat a day -- the equivalent of two burger patties -- increase their risk of developing metabolic syndrome by 25 percent compared with those who eat meat twice a week, according to research published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Mounting Evidence Of Fish Oil's Heart Health Benefits
There is mounting evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements not only help prevent cardiovascular diseases in healthy individuals, but also reduce the incidence of cardiac events and mortality in patients with existing heart disease. A new study, published in the August 11, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, extensively reviews data from a broad range of studies in tens of thousands of patients and sets forth suggested daily targets for omega-3 consumption.
High-fat, High-sugar Foods Alter Brain Receptors
Over consumption of fatty, sugary foods leads to changes in brain receptors, according to new animal research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The results have implications for understanding bulimia and other binge eating disorders.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Known Universe by AMNH
The Known Universe by AMNH
This video is wonderful. It really brings into sharp focus how small we are in the global cosmos and how much more there is to be explored by future generations. I hope that someday, someone will get to travel to the stars.
The Portal of Healing.
This video is wonderful. It really brings into sharp focus how small we are in the global cosmos and how much more there is to be explored by future generations. I hope that someday, someone will get to travel to the stars.
The Portal of Healing.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Out of `a grave,' Haitian violinist keeps music in his heart - Haiti - MiamiHerald.com
Out of `a grave,' Haitian violinist keeps music in his heart - Haiti - MiamiHerald.com
"By the time Romel Joseph was pulled from the ruins of the New Victorian School 18 hours later, he had recited every concerto in his mind that he had ever performed during his renowned career."
A remarkable story and yet another reminder of how music can save people - literally.
The Portal of Healing.
"By the time Romel Joseph was pulled from the ruins of the New Victorian School 18 hours later, he had recited every concerto in his mind that he had ever performed during his renowned career."
A remarkable story and yet another reminder of how music can save people - literally.
The Portal of Healing.
Vital Signs - Mildly High Cholesterol at Midlife Linked to Alzheimer’s - NYTimes.com
Vital Signs - Mildly High Cholesterol at Midlife Linked to Alzheimer’s - NYTimes.com
"Adults who had just slightly elevated blood cholesterol when they were in their early 40s were at greater risk of developing dementia decades later, compared with those whose cholesterol was at optimal levels, a new study has found."
"Adults who had just slightly elevated blood cholesterol when they were in their early 40s were at greater risk of developing dementia decades later, compared with those whose cholesterol was at optimal levels, a new study has found."
Scientists Help Explain Effects Of Ancient Chinese Herbal Formulas On Heart Health
Scientists Help Explain Effects Of Ancient Chinese Herbal Formulas On Heart Health
"New research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston suggests that ancient Chinese herbal formulas used primarily for cardiovascular indications including heart disease may produce large amounts of artery-widening nitric oxide. Findings of the preclinical study by scientists in the university's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases (IMM) appear in the Sept. 15 print issue of the journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine."
"New research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston suggests that ancient Chinese herbal formulas used primarily for cardiovascular indications including heart disease may produce large amounts of artery-widening nitric oxide. Findings of the preclinical study by scientists in the university's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases (IMM) appear in the Sept. 15 print issue of the journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine."
Whole Grain Cereals, Popcorn Rich In Antioxidants, Not Just Fiber, New Research Concludes
Whole Grain Cereals, Popcorn Rich In Antioxidants, Not Just Fiber, New Research Concludes
"In a first-of-its kind study, scientists reported today at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) that snack foods like popcorn and many popular breakfast cereals contain "surprisingly large" amounts of healthful antioxidant substances called "polyphenols.""
"In a first-of-its kind study, scientists reported today at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) that snack foods like popcorn and many popular breakfast cereals contain "surprisingly large" amounts of healthful antioxidant substances called "polyphenols.""
Black Tea May Fight Diabetes
Black Tea May Fight Diabetes
"Long known for its antioxidants, immune boosting and, most recently, antihypertensive properties, black tea could have another health benefit. Black tea may be used to control diabetes, according to a study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists."
"Long known for its antioxidants, immune boosting and, most recently, antihypertensive properties, black tea could have another health benefit. Black tea may be used to control diabetes, according to a study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists."
Poorest at risk of worst diabetes
Poorest at risk of worst diabetes
"The poorest people in the UK are more than twice as likely to have diabetes at any age than the average person"
"The poorest people in the UK are more than twice as likely to have diabetes at any age than the average person"
Exercise & Blood Sugar - iVillage Your Total Health
Exercise & Blood Sugar - iVillage Your Total Health
Effect of exercise on blood sugar
| Diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to produce or efficiently use insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose (blood sugar). In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas have stopped producing insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but does not use it efficiently for helping fuel the body. |
Spices May Protect Against Consequences Of High Blood Sugar
Spices May Protect Against Consequences Of High Blood Sugar
"Herbs and spices are rich in antioxidants, and a new University of Georgia study suggests they are also potent inhibitors of tissue damage and inflammation caused by high levels of blood sugar. "
"Herbs and spices are rich in antioxidants, and a new University of Georgia study suggests they are also potent inhibitors of tissue damage and inflammation caused by high levels of blood sugar. "
Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Cholesterol and Triglycerides
"Millions of people have high cholesterol, but only a small fraction of them understand why triglycerides are a dangerous part of the cholesterol picture, according to a new survey of doctors and patients."
"Millions of people have high cholesterol, but only a small fraction of them understand why triglycerides are a dangerous part of the cholesterol picture, according to a new survey of doctors and patients."
Soda Warning? High-fructose Corn Syrup Linked To Diabetes, New Study Suggests
Soda Warning? High-fructose Corn Syrup Linked To Diabetes, New Study Suggests
"Researchers have found new evidence that soft drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may contribute to the development of diabetes, particularly in children. In a laboratory study of commonly consumed carbonated beverages, the scientists found that drinks containing the syrup had high levels of reactive compounds that have been shown by others to have the potential to trigger cell and tissue damage that could cause the disease, which is at epidemic levels. "
"Researchers have found new evidence that soft drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may contribute to the development of diabetes, particularly in children. In a laboratory study of commonly consumed carbonated beverages, the scientists found that drinks containing the syrup had high levels of reactive compounds that have been shown by others to have the potential to trigger cell and tissue damage that could cause the disease, which is at epidemic levels. "
Biology News: Corn syrup linked to diabetes
Biology News: Corn syrup linked to diabetes
"The startling rise in diabetes is perfectly mirrored by our mounting consumption of refined carbohydrates, a new analysis reveals. The study adds to evidence that sugary foods should be eschewed and that public health advice to cut back on fat may have backfired."
"The startling rise in diabetes is perfectly mirrored by our mounting consumption of refined carbohydrates, a new analysis reveals. The study adds to evidence that sugary foods should be eschewed and that public health advice to cut back on fat may have backfired."
Packet recipes Foil dinner recipes Packet meal recipes
Packet recipes Foil dinner recipes Packet meal recipes
Time for some nice food and a very neat way of cooking is to use foil. It certtainly makes the food more moist and tender so works very well for fish, chicken and some cuts of meat. Veggies also go well in foil.
The Portal of Healing.
Time for some nice food and a very neat way of cooking is to use foil. It certtainly makes the food more moist and tender so works very well for fish, chicken and some cuts of meat. Veggies also go well in foil.
The Portal of Healing.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Researchers find high leptin levels may protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Researchers find high leptin levels may protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that higher leptin (a protein that controls weight and appetite) levels were associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and dementia. The study, which appears in the December 16th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, may open pathways for possible preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that higher leptin (a protein that controls weight and appetite) levels were associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and dementia. The study, which appears in the December 16th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, may open pathways for possible preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Dessert on your mind? Your muscles may be getting the message
Dessert on your mind? Your muscles may be getting the message
Even the anticipation of sweets may cause our muscles to start taking up more blood sugar, say researchers reporting in the December issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press publication. That message is delivered via neurons in the brain's hypothalamus containing the chemical known as orexin and the sympathetic nervous system, the studies in mice and rats suggest.
Even the anticipation of sweets may cause our muscles to start taking up more blood sugar, say researchers reporting in the December issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press publication. That message is delivered via neurons in the brain's hypothalamus containing the chemical known as orexin and the sympathetic nervous system, the studies in mice and rats suggest.
Music and the arts fight depression, promote health
Music and the arts fight depression, promote health
If you paint, dance or play a musical instrument -- or just enjoy going to the theatre or to concerts -- it's likely that you feel healthier and are less depressed than people who don't, a survey of nearly 50,000 individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds from a county in mid-Norway shows.
If you paint, dance or play a musical instrument -- or just enjoy going to the theatre or to concerts -- it's likely that you feel healthier and are less depressed than people who don't, a survey of nearly 50,000 individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds from a county in mid-Norway shows.
Apple Cider Vinegar cures - the best NATURAL home remedy for many health issues.
Apple Cider Vinegar cures - the best NATURAL home remedy for many health issues.
Apple Cider Vinegar, that wonderful old-timers home remedy, cures more ailments than any other folk remedy.
Apple Cider Vinegar, that wonderful old-timers home remedy, cures more ailments than any other folk remedy.
BBC NEWS | Health | Beetroot juice 'boosts stamina'
BBC NEWS | Health | Beetroot juice 'boosts stamina'
Drinking beetroot juice boosts stamina and could help people exercise for up to 16% longer, a UK study suggests.
Drinking beetroot juice boosts stamina and could help people exercise for up to 16% longer, a UK study suggests.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Stand by Me
Stand by Me
I just love this video and what it has inspired in me and others to do - stand by me my brothers and sisters and I will stand by you. Go out and help some one in some way, it will make a difference in ways we can only imagine.
The Portal of Healing.
I just love this video and what it has inspired in me and others to do - stand by me my brothers and sisters and I will stand by you. Go out and help some one in some way, it will make a difference in ways we can only imagine.
The Portal of Healing.
The passion players: amateur classical music in the UK
The passion players: amateur classical music in the UK
"Nearly two years ago, I started to play chamber music. I had been one of those schoolgirl music nerds who had let playing drop in adulthood. Picking up the violin again wasn't easy: the digits had lost their acrobatic ease on the strings, but with time and patience and practice, things began to fall into place again. Some friends and I started a Sunday evening chamber group – sometimes it's a quartet, sometimes a piano quintet, sometimes a sextet. Some of the time we sound pretty ropey. But once in a while, something amazing happens: the endless complexity of those threads of Brahms, Schumann or Schubert come together and our individual lines become one. It's almost embarrassing to use the word, in our cynical times, that best describes this feeling: joy.."
From the Portal:
A very nice article from Charlotte Higgins. I have gone back to playing the violin again, inspired in part by family and friends and partly through the spontaneoues purchase of a strad copy which I adore. I remember well the amateur scene after my college days and it was a great arena for me to cut my teeth in my early days of conducting and a great way to inspire people in music making. There are many groups out there making music and I encourage you all to go out and get stuck in.
The Portal of Healing.
"Nearly two years ago, I started to play chamber music. I had been one of those schoolgirl music nerds who had let playing drop in adulthood. Picking up the violin again wasn't easy: the digits had lost their acrobatic ease on the strings, but with time and patience and practice, things began to fall into place again. Some friends and I started a Sunday evening chamber group – sometimes it's a quartet, sometimes a piano quintet, sometimes a sextet. Some of the time we sound pretty ropey. But once in a while, something amazing happens: the endless complexity of those threads of Brahms, Schumann or Schubert come together and our individual lines become one. It's almost embarrassing to use the word, in our cynical times, that best describes this feeling: joy.."
From the Portal:
A very nice article from Charlotte Higgins. I have gone back to playing the violin again, inspired in part by family and friends and partly through the spontaneoues purchase of a strad copy which I adore. I remember well the amateur scene after my college days and it was a great arena for me to cut my teeth in my early days of conducting and a great way to inspire people in music making. There are many groups out there making music and I encourage you all to go out and get stuck in.
The Portal of Healing.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Violinist to appear with struggling NC Symphony after playing private fundraising concert - WTKR
Please support the arts wherever you can by going to concerts, fundraising and just helping out. If we don't try to preserve the rich heritage that has been built up over the centuries then we will lose it - forever.
The Portal of Healing.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Celebrating Django Reinhardt Centennial at the Dakota, January 17-20
Best known for his collaborations with violinist Stephane Grapelli in their Quintette du Hot Club de France, Django Reinhardt was one of the most popular jazz artists of the 30s, 40s and 50s and had a profound influence on such artists across musical genres, from Julian Bream and Chet Atkins to B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix, from Les Paul and Barney Kessell to the hot clubs of the 21st century.
Ysgol Glanaethwy: O Fortuna - Last Choir Standing Final - BBC One
This piece of music has been played more times than any other on Classic FM UK. The X Factor show uses it as their theme so it has grown in popularity.
The Portal of Healing.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Alexandra Burke - Broken Heels - Official Video
She is so exciting! Good for the spirit. Broken Heels is released on January 18th.
The Portal of Healing.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Violin virtuoso at home in many musical worlds » Knoxville News Sentinel
By the age of 10, Rachel Barton Pine was a recognized prodigy and performed with the Chicago Symphony.
She was well on her way to international stardom, when, in 1994 at age 20, a train accident resulted in the amputation of one of her legs.
After what she describes as a near-death experience, she determined that music had too much to offer her to give up. Music fed her soul and sustained her.
Now, after more than 40 surgeries, she no longer needs assistance when she walks out on stage, although she still uses a stool for support while she plays.
So who can blame her if she wants to experience as many musical genres as her almost boundless energy and generous spirit has time for.
"I often invite my metal audiences to come to a classical concert," Pine said. "Classical music is such great stuff. If people will just try it, they will fall in love with it. There is no reason they should be left out."
The Portal of Healing.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman never stops learning | Jacksonville.com
Itzhak Perlman needs little, if any, introduction. His diverse fan base and international superstar status are a rarity in classical music, and at age 64, they haven't waned. For decades, whether at the White House, Carnegie Hall or on the Oscars, he's left audiences speechless.
The Portal of Healing.
Pigeon: Impossible
This is absolutely awesome! Very good. Hope to see more of this very funny film.
The Portal of Healing
Sunday, January 3, 2010
TVO The Agenda - Alanna Mitchell on Neuroscience in Education
I watched this interview with some interest and at the same time some concern. My concern is not that the concept is not proven, but that in the modern day education system, with all the rules and regulations and vested interest from government, teachers, business and parents, any additional demands on an already overstretched system could actually make matters worse.
For me, there is one simple fundamental truth when it comes to education - how, in a classroom of about thirty children, can any one teacher be expected to address the needs of every individual student? It simply is not going to happen. Far too many people leave the education system with inadequate if non existent qualifications which automatically put them at a disadvantage in the workforce.
Until it is accepted that all people are different and so their needs educationally will be different, then this situation is not going to get better. Neuroscience in education could be the way forward but ultimately, the biggest player in this game of Russian roulette, the government, is not going to be able to justify additional expenditure on a concept it does not necessarily want?
As the saying goes, when it comes to most things in life, what the government wants and pays for, the government gets.
The Portal of Healing.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Susan Boyle - A Modern day Phenomenon
Whatever has been said about Susan Boyle, there is no escaping the fact that in her efforts to be as she put it "as famous as Elaine Paige", she has clearly achieved that and then some. I sit here having seen artists come and go, many of those artists fade as time passes, some still remain popular and good at what they do but there are not many of those artists around now sadly.
No one knows if Susan Boyle will remain popular and good at what she does but there is one quality that she has in abundance - the quite natural ability to touch us where it matters, deep down through her singing and the fact that she is an ordinary person from an ordinary background who has at last been given that once in a lifetime opportunity to do something with her talent.
Most people including Simon Cowell mocked her in her first audition. She then began to sing and everything changed - in that moment, in an instant she was special. That first audition video has been viewed nearly 85 million times on youtube alone! Now, she is not just a household name in the UK, but globally her name is known by people far and wide. On a visit to the US, there was a banner held aloft at the airport which read:
"Texas loves Susan Boyle"
Such is the power of the Internet but it is not just the Internet that made Susan Boyle famous, it is Susan Boyle herself.
Through all of the hype and hysteria that has surrounded this slightly shy and pleasant person, she stayed fairly composed but even the best of us would wilt under such intense scrutiny coming from a quite area of Scotland to global mega stardom in the space of about seven minutes which is how long her first audition lasted.
Now, Susan Boyle is breaking all kinds of records and for all the right reasons. It is the reason why I, along with many others I suspect, have returned to watch her on youtube and elsewhere many times. She reminds us all that we can dare to dream.
Happy New Year.
The Portal of Healing.
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