Trump Fans Furious That NASA Is Allowing a Canadian on the Moon Mission

https://futurism.com/future-society/trump-fans-furious-nasa-canadian-moon

NASA successfully kicked off its historic Artemis 2 mission around the Moon on Wednesday, a pitch-perfect rocket launch that saw the agency’s towering Space Launch System and Orion capsule carry humans to space for the first time.

Besides being the first time we’ve sent humans to our celestial neighbor in over half a century, the mission’s daring crew of four also includes the first Black person and first woman to visit the Moon.

A third passenger, though, is raising hackles online. The agency’s decision to bring Canadian Space Agency astronaut and former North American Aerospace Defense Command fighter jet pilot Jeremy Hansen seems to have president Donald Trump’s supporters in a tizzy.

“Why are we letting a Canadian go to our Moon?” one X account wrote in a tweet that was liked and reshared thousands of times.

While the author likely meant the missive in jest, a brief glance at other colorful commentary proliferating on Elon Musk’s social media platform paints an unflattering picture of the way some Americans view the historic act of international collaboration.

“The US is sending a Canadian to the Moon on Wednesday,” another user wrote. “You would never guess that, from how they run their mouths, and how their stupid Prime Minister sucks up to China, but that’s okay. We are a great and generous people.”

It’s the kind of xenophobic isolationism the Trump administration has become known for. Some took to the platform to further its highly controversial stance that Canada should be annexed as the so-called “51st state.” Trump has repeatedly used inflammatory rhetoric to antagonize the United States’ northern neighbor and once closest ally.

“America is sending a Canadian to the moon because the American 1,000 Year Empire already controls Canada,” one account wrote.

“The US has a flag on the Moon,” another teased. “You don’t, Canadian bacon.”

Other commentators took a more lighthearted tone, poking fun at the way the media treated the subject.

“Wow, we really did it,” YouTuber and space enthusiast TJ Cooney tweeted. “Three humans and one Canadian going to the Moon.”

“It’s so funny that they keep saying first Canadian to go to the Moon in the same breath as the first Black man and the first woman,” Semafor‘s Josh Billinson wrote. “Sure, it’s true, but it’s not really the same thing!”

“The structural barrier to Canadians going to the Moon last time was not having a space agency!” he added.

Indeed, the Canadian Space Agency was established in 1990, several decades after NASA’s Apollo missions wrapped up. It has been been fostering a tight partnership with its American counterpart ever since, as exemplified by the Canadarm, the robotic arm that’s supported US Space Shuttle missions for 30 years. The agency’s followup Canadarm2, currently attached to the exterior of the International Space Station, has proven invaluable for orbital operations for the last 25 years.

Fortunately, the heated rhetoric on social media has likely flown far over the head of Hansen, who also wasn’t above playing into Canadian stereotypes during his preparations for the mission. He made sure to bring a piece of home while hundreds of thousands of miles away from home: maple syrup and maple cream cookies.

“I just kept saying to them yesterday, I really like it up here,” Hansen said in comments to the media on Friday, while surrounded by the cramped interior of NASA’s Orion spacecraft and his three American crewmates. “I wish I could’ve gotten here sooner.”

What Is Acetyl-L-Carnitine Good For? Uses & Benefits

https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_acetyl-l-carnitine_good_for/article.htm

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a form of L-carnitine, an amino acid that is found in nearly all cells of the body. L-carnitine plays a critical role in producing energy from long-chain fatty acids. Simply put, it converts fat into energy. In addition, it is believed to increase the activity of certain nerve cells in the central nervous system. 

L-carnitine serves an important role in energy production and metabolism by importing a substance called acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) into the mitochondria (power bank of the cells). Acetyl-CoA is like a coin that kickstarts cellular machinery, making it a key player in energy synthesis. 

Having enough L-carnitine is important for muscle, heart, and brain health. Moreover, L-carnitine improves acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) levels in the brain, which may help improve memory, prevent neuronal aging, and treat weakness due to poor acetylcholine levels at the neuromuscular junctions in the body.

What are rich sources of acetyl-L-carnitine?

Although many people take supplements containing ALC for its purported benefits, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to back these claims.

Animal-based foods are good sources of carnitine.

- Beef: 81 milligrams per 3 ounces (85 grams)
- Pork: 24 milligrams per 3 ounces (85 grams)
- Fish: 5 milligrams per 3 ounces (85 grams)
- Chicken: 3 milligrams per 3 ounces (85 grams)
- Milk: 8 milligrams per 8 ounces (227 mL)

Although most diets contain enough carnitine, the human body can make its own supply through enzymatic action on the amino acid lysine.

What are the uses and benefits of acetyl-L-carnitine?

- Diabetic neuropathy: Taking ALC seems to improve symptoms in people with nerve pain caused by diabetes by improving nerve health and reinforcing nerve cell structure.
- Alzheimer's disease: L-carnitine has shown improvements or slower declines in the mental ability of people with Alzheimer's disease. ALC may slow the rate of disease progression and improve memory and some measures of mental function and behavior. It may also help with other types of dementia. 
- Alcoholism: ALC may help reduce cravings in people suffering from alcoholism. Taken orally or intravenously, ALC may reduce cravings and improve symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
- Depression: ALC treatment reduces symptoms of depression in older people. Taking 1-4 grams of ALC per day may improve mood and reduce depression in some people. It seems to work better in elderly people and when taken in higher amounts.
- Fragile X syndrome: L-carnitine affects certain behaviors in boys with fragile X syndrome such as their social skills and hyperactivity.
- Male infertility: Taking ALC orally, usually along with L-carnitine and other supplements, seems to increase sperm count and sperm mobility in men with fertility problems.
- Peyronie's disease: Some studies have shown that men who took ALC daily for 3 months had less pain and curving of the penis.

Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha

Potential benefits of ashwagandha include better athletic performance and sleep. Some research suggests this herb may help people with conditions like anxiety and infertility, but stronger studies are needed.

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, which is a traditional form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.

People have used ashwagandha for thousands of years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.

“Ashwagandha” is Sanskrit for “smell of the horse,” which refers to both the herb’s scent and its potential ability to increase strength.

Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by several other names, including “Indian ginseng” and “winter cherry.”

The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and Southeast Asia. People use extracts or powder from the plant’s root or leaves to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety and fertility issues.

Here are 8 potential benefits of ashwagandha, based on research.

1. May help reduce stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. It’s classified as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress.

Ashwagandha may help control mediators of stress, including heat shock proteins (Hsp70), cortisol, and stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1).

It also reduces the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a system in your body that regulates the stress response.

Research suggests Ashwagandha supplements may help relieve stress and anxiety.

In a small study with 58 participants, those who took 250 or 600 mg of ashwagandha extract for 8 weeks had significantly reduced perceived stress and levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared with those who took a placebo.

Those who took the ashwagandha supplements also saw improvements in sleep quality compared with the placebo group.

Another study in 60 people found that those who took 240 mg of ashwagandha extract per day for 60 days had significant reductions in anxiety compared with those who received a placebo treatment.

Thus, early research suggests ashwagandha may be a helpful supplement for stress and anxiety.

However, a 2021 review of studies concluded that there’s not enough evidence to form a consensus on the most appropriate dosage and form of ashwagandha for treating stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety. 

2. May benefit athletic performance 

Research has shown that ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on athletic performance and may be a worthwhile supplement for athletes.

One analysis of research included 12 studies in people who took ashwagandha doses between 120 mg and 1,250 mg per day. The results suggest the herb may enhance physical performance, including strength and oxygen use during exercise.

Another analysis that looked at five studies found that taking ashwagandha significantly enhanced maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in healthy adults and athletes.

VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during intense activity. It’s a measurement of heart and lung fitness.

Having optimal VO2 max is important for athletes and nonathletes alike. Low VO2 max is associated with increased mortality risk, while higher VO2 max is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Additionally, ashwagandha may help increase muscle strength.

In a 2015 study, male participants who took 600 mg of ashwagandha per day and participated in resistance training for 8 weeks had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size compared with a placebo group.

3. May reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions

Some evidence suggests that ashwagandha may help reduce symptoms of other mental health conditions, including depression, in certain populations.

In one study, researchers looked at the effects of ashwagandha in 66 people with schizophrenia who were experiencing depression and anxiety.

They found that participants who took 1,000 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 12 weeks had greater reductions in depression and anxiety than those who took a placebo.

Limited research from 2013 also suggests that ashwagandha may help improve cognitive impairment in people with bipolar disorder.

A 2021 review concluded that ashwaghanda may help manage depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health-related and neurological issues.

However, more research is needed into all these uses.

4. May help boost testosterone and increase fertility in men

Ashwagandha supplements have been shown in some studies to benefit male fertility and increase testosterone levels.

In one study, 43 males aged 40–70 with overweight and mild fatigue took tablets containing ashwagandha extract or a placebo daily for 8 weeks.

The treatment was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S, a sex hormone involved in testosterone production. Participants who took the herb also had a 14.7% greater increase in testosterone than those who took the placebo.

Additionally, a review of four studies found that ashwagandha treatment significantly increased sperm concentration, semen volume, and sperm motility in males with low sperm count.

It also increased sperm concentration and motility in males with normal sperm count.

However, more studies are needed.

5. May reduce blood sugar levels

Limited evidence suggests that ashwagandha may have some benefits for people with diabetes or high blood sugar levels.

A review of 24 studies, including 5 clinical studies in people with diabetes, found that treatment with ashwagandha significantly reduced blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, blood lipids, and oxidative stress markers.

The reason may be that certain compounds within ashwagandha — including one called withaferin A (WA) — have powerful antidiabetic activity and may help stimulate cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream.

However, research is limited at this time, and more well-designed studies are needed.

6. May reduce inflammation

Ashwagandha contains compounds, including WA, that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Animal studies have shown that WA may also help reduce levels of inflammatory proteins such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), and there’s some evidence ashwagandha may help reduce inflammatory markers in humans too.

In a 2021 study, researchers gave people with COVID-19 an Ayurvedic drug containing 0.5 grams of ashwagandha and other herbs twice per day for 7 days. This reduced participants’ levels of inflammatory markers CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α compared with a placebo.

The treatment formulation also contained:

- 1 gram of giloy ghanvati (Tinospora cordifolia)
- 2 grams of swasari ras (a traditional herbo-mineral formulation)
- 0.5 grams of tulsi ghanvati (Ocimum sanctum)

However, research on ashwagandha’s potential effects on inflammation remain limited. 

7. May improve brain function, including memory

Taking ashwagandha may benefit cognitive function.

One review of five clinical studies found early evidence that ashwagandha could improve cognitive functioning in certain populations, including older adults with mild cognitive impairment and people with schizophrenia.

Cognitive functions it may benefit included:

- executive functioning
- attention
- reaction time
- performance on cognitive tasks

A study in 50 adults showed that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha extract per day for 8 weeks led to significant improvements in the following measures compared with taking a placebo:

- immediate and general memory
- attention
- information-processing speed

The researchers noted that compounds found in ashwagandha, including WA, have antioxidant effects in the brain, which may benefit cognitive health.

However, more research is needed before experts can draw strong conclusions. 

8. May help improve sleep 

Many people take ashwagandha to promote restful sleep, and some evidence suggests it may help with sleep issues.

For example, a study in 50 adults ages 65–80 found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root per day for 12 weeks significantly improved sleep quality and mental alertness upon waking compared with a placebo treatment.

Additionally, one review of five high quality studies found that ashwagandha appeared to:

- have a small but significant positive effect on overall sleep quality
- reduce anxiety levels
- help people feel more alert when they woke up

The results were more pronounced in people with insomnia and in those who took more than 600 mg daily for 8 weeks or longer.

Safety and side effects

Ashwagandha is likely safe for most people when used for up to 3 months, although its long-term effects are unknown.

However, ashwagandha may not be safe if a person:

- is pregnant, as high doses may lead to pregnancy loss
- is breastfeeding
- has hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
- is taking certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, or barbiturates
- is about to have surgery
- has an autoimmune or thyroid disorder
- has liver problems

Some people using ashwagandha supplements have reported the following adverse effectsTrusted Source:

- upper gastrointestinal discomfort
- drowsiness
- diarrhea
- vomiting

Ashwagandha’s effects may not be immediate, and you may have to take it for several months before noticing its effects.

Always speak with a doctor to ensure ashwagandha or other supplements are safe for you to use.

Dosage

Dosing recommendations for ashwagandha vary. For example, research has shown doses ranging from 250–1,250 mg per day to to be effective for different conditions. Consult a healthcare professional if you have questions regarding ashwagandha dosing.

You can take ashwagandha in many ways, in either a single dose or multiple doses per day. And you can take it either with meals or on an empty stomach.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of taking ashwagandha?

Possible benefits of ashwagandha include:

- reducing stress
- improving sleep
- boosting athletic performance
- improving memory
- increasing male fertility
- reducing inflammation
- managing blood sugar

What happens when you take ashwagandha daily?

The effects of ashwagandha will take time to appear, so a healthcare professional may recommend taking one dose daily. However, the long-term effects are unknown, and experts only recommend using it for up to 3 months.

Who should not take ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha may not be safe:

- during pregnancy
- while breastfeeding
- if you have prostate cancer, thyroid problems, or an autoimmune condition
- if you are about to have surgery
- if you have liver problems
- if you are taking benzodiazepines or other medications

Always check with a healthcare professional before using ashwagandha.

Why is Ashwagandha not FDA-approved?

Since Ashwagandha is a natural herbal supplement, it is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The bottom line

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb with various possible health benefits.

Study findings suggest that it may help reduce anxiety and stress, support restful sleep, and even improve cognitive functioning in certain populations.

Ashwagandha is likely safe for most people in the short term. However, it’s not appropriate for everyone, so it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before adding ashwagandha to your routine.

Now reading Time magazine Vol. 130 No. 8: Sensational Steve Martin (August 24, 1987)…

Now listening to Muramasa: The Demon Blade by Yoshimi Kudo, Noriyuki Kamikura, Mitsuhiro Kaneda, Kimihiro Abe, Azusa Chiba, Hitoshi Sakimoto, Masaharu Iwata and 2010: The Year We Make Contact by David Shire...

On Broadway in Vancouver. Winter of 2018.

Broadway is a major east-west thoroughfare in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In Vancouver's numbered avenue grid system, it runs in place of a 9th Avenue, between 8th and 10th. The street has six lanes for most of its course. Portions of the street carry the British Columbia Highway 7 designation.

The route begins as "West Broadway" at the intersection of Wallace Crescent and 8th Avenue, in the affluent residential neighbourhood of West Point Grey, a few kilometres east of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Past Alma Street, Broadway takes over from 10th Avenue as one of Vancouver's major thoroughfares, as it enters Greek West Broadway (or Greektown) section of Vancouver's Kitsilano district. East of here are several blocks of generally trendy, upscale shops interspersed with low-rise apartment blocks and small supermarkets. The surrounding neighbourhoods generally consist of large, older homes dating from the early twentieth century, many of which have been subdivided into rental suites.

As Broadway approaches Arbutus Street, the commercial establishments become larger before transitioning into a mix of small to mid-size apartment blocks. East of Burrard Street, the apartment blocks get progressively taller, and commercial establishments larger and busier. Between Burrard and Main Street, Broadway can be considerably congested by vehicular traffic. Past Granville Street, Broadway yields completely to medium-to-large commercial structures and high-rise apartments and condominiums. Between Cambie and Main, the commercial establishments become smaller and somewhat more downscale.

At Ontario Street, two blocks west of Main, the route becomes "East Broadway." After bisecting Main and Kingsway, traffic on Broadway eases somewhat, and the character returns to a mix of small-to-medium apartment buildings and commercial establishments, interspersed with older homes - all considerably less affluent than those to the west. At Commercial Drive, Broadway passes by the Commercial–Broadway SkyTrain Station. Past here for several blocks, the neighbourhood consists predominantly of older residential homes.

As Broadway travels east of Renfrew Street, the neighbourhood once again becomes mixed, with older homes to the north and larger industrial, commercial, and warehouse establishments to the south. Broadway finally ends at Cassiar Street, just short of the Vancouver-Burnaby boundary, where it becomes the Lougheed Highway. 

Broadway was created at the turn of the 20th century, along with other gridded roads south of False Creek, to meet the needs of an expanding population in Vancouver. The name of the route was changed from 9th Avenue to Broadway in 1909, at the behest of merchants around Main Street (at that time the hub of Vancouver commerce), who felt that it bestowed a more cosmopolitan air. Commercial establishments originally spread out around the intersections of Cambie and Main Streets, while the character of the rest of the route remained predominantly single-family dwellings.

By the 1970s, the length of Broadway had become a major arterial route in Vancouver, conveying commuters from downtown to the neighbourhoods of the west and east sides. With the growth of UBC and the expansion of the Vancouver General Hospital (one block south of Broadway between approximately Oak and Cambie), traffic demands accelerated. In the 1990s, the agency then responsible for public transit in Greater Vancouver — BC Transit — introduced an express bus route, the 99 B-Line, to help reduce congestion. The Vancouver transportation plan for Broadway notes that congestion is such that the bus service is at capacity, and will not be eased until a new rapid transit line is built paralleling the street. It is anticipated that the SkyTrain's Millennium Line will be extended to Central Broadway by 2021; the extension is expected to connect with Canada Line at Broadway-City Hall Station, at the intersection of Broadway and Cambie Street.

 

Outrage Erupts Over Demolition of Iconic Midcentury Craig Ellwood Home in Brentwood

https://westsidetoday.com/2024/04/21/outrage-erupts-over-demolition-of-iconic-midcentury-craig-ellwood-home-in-brentwood/

Preservationists lamented last year when another treasure of L.A.’s midcentury modern architecture vanished, this time with little warning. Situated on one of Brentwood’s most desirable streets, the Zimmerman House was sadly demolished. 

Recently, outrage has risen on the Internet as architecture fans and Angelenos who love the city’s history have discovered that Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger had the architectural marvel and beloved mid-century estate demolished. 

Twitter users said, “It’s sad to see icons of modernism needlessly destroyed by insensitive McMansion seekers.” and “truly the *worst* Chris.”

The Los Angeles Conservancy posted a demolition alert on January 11 of this year, which said, “We recently learned about the proposed demolition of this 1950 Modernist residence at 400 North Carmelina Avenue in Brentwood. Designed by Emiel Becsky and working within architect Craig Ellwood’s office, he created a one-story, nearly 3,000 sq. ft. residence that appears to be highly intact and a noteworthy example of Modernist design from this era. The City’s SurveyLA program identified it as potentially historic, yet no protections are currently afforded.”

Martin and Eva Zimmerman commissioned the architect Ellwood to build their home in 1949, which was completed in 1950. The home was a showplace featured in architectural magazines; the estate’s outdoor spaces were curated by landscape designer Garrett Eckbo. 

The estate was sold in 1968 and then again in 1975, when it fetched $205,000 when it was purchased by screenwriter and showrunner Sam Rolfe and his wife, Hilda. Hilda Rolfe said that her husband “created 13 in all, including Have Gun – Will Travel, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and The Manhunter.” as quoted by The New York Times. 

The home was sold in an off-market sale for $12.5 million after Hilda Newman-Rolfe died in 2022. The secret buyers were Pratt and Schwarzenegger, who promptly razed the midcentury structure to construct a new mansion. According to the Robb Report, the permits for the new mansion stated that the architect, Ken Ungar, famous for the modern farmhouse-style mansions that are going up all over the city, is designing their new home. 

The couple likely chose to destroy the home for the simple reason that the now vacant lot is close to the estate of Katherine Schwartzeneggar’s mother, Maria Shriver, on North Carmelina Drive. Pratt and Schwarzenegger are still living in their mansion in the Pacific Palisades until their new mansion is completed.