List of All Articles with Tag 'd'

Pope Francis has opened the door for the first time to blessing same-sex unions in a cautious step away from the Catholic Church’s traditional attitude towards gay couples. Maintaining that the Church would crucially not recognise gay marriage, the Pope made his opinion known in answer to doctrinal questions from five conservative cardinals who challenged him to affirm teaching on homosexuality. His statement comes ahead of major Vatican meeting where LGBT+ Catholics are on the agenda, and at a time when several progressive priests in a number of countries have begun blessing same-sex couples in defiance of conservative archbishops. The Catholic Church considers homosexuality “intrinsically disordered” and the Pope has long opposed gay marriage, claiming marriage can only happen between a man and woman. However, his remarks could signal a change in trajectory with the potential for blessings of unions distinct from marriage. In a letter, published yesterday, he said: “We cannot be judges who only deny, push back, exclude.” Pope Francis was sent the set of formal questions known as “dubia“ or doubts ahead of the Vatican synod, which will begin on Wednesday to decide the future direction of the Church and the inclusion of LGBT+ Catholics. The Vatican subsequently published a letter Francis wrote to the cardinals on 11 July, where he suggested that such blessings could be considered if they didn’t confuse the blessing with marriage. Francis in his seven-point response said the Church was very clear that marriages could be only between a man and a woman and that the Church should avoid any other ritual that contradicted his teaching. He said "pastoral charity should permeate all our decisions and attitudes", adding that "we cannot be judges who only deny, reject and exclude". "For this reason, pastoral prudence must adequately discern whether there are forms of benediction, requested by one or more persons, that do not transmit a mistaken conception of marriage," he wrote. "Because when a benediction is requested, it is expressing a request for help from God, a plea to be able to live better, a trust in a father who can help us to live better." He noted that there are situations that are objectively "not morally acceptable". The Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not sinful but homosexual acts are. The pope's response marks a reversal from the Vatican's current official position. In 2021 the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said flat-out that the Church couldn't bless gay unions because "God cannot bless sin". New Ways Ministry, which advocates LGBT+ Catholics, said the letter "significantly advances" efforts to make the community welcomed in the Church and is "one big straw towards breaking the camel's back". Francis DeBernardo, executive director of the ministry, in a statement, said the pope's words implied "that the church does indeed recognise that holy love can exist between same-gender couples, and the love of these couples mirrors the love of God". With agency inputs Read More Catholic priests have held a ceremony blessing same-sex couples in defiance of a German archbishop 5 conservative cardinals challenge pope to affirm church teaching on gays and women ahead of meeting Women's voices and votes loom large as pope opens Vatican meeting on church's future Things to know about the Vatican's big meeting on the future of the Catholic Church Clergy abuse survivors propose new 'zero tolerance' law following outcry over Vatican appointment 5 conservative cardinals challenge pope to affirm church teaching on gays and women ahead of meeting

By Karin Strohecker and Jorgelina do Rosario LONDON Countries going through a sovereign default need a debt rework

The matriarch of the Kelce family has jokes when it comes to her son's "seemingly" girlfriend.

A key part of the human body survives even when we pass away, it has been revealed. Writing in the Conversation, Jennifer DeBruyn, Professor of Environmental Microbiology, University of Tennessee explained that microbes living in your gut which help you digest food, produce essential vitamins and protect you from infection, live on and help recycle dead bodies long after they pass. She explained: "When you die, your heart stops circulating the blood that has carried oxygen throughout your body. Cells deprived of oxygen start digesting themselves in a process called autolysis. "Enzymes in those cells – which normally digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats for energy or growth in a controlled way – start to work on the membranes, proteins, DNA and other components that make up the cells. "The products of this cellular breakdown make excellent food for your symbiotic bacteria, and without your immune system to keep them in check and a steady supply of food from your digestive system, they turn to this new source of nutrition." The human body is pretty amazing. It comes after researchers discovered a strange reoccurring mathematical pattern within human cells. Our bodies are made up of a massive variety of individual cells with countless different functions, from neurons in our nervous system to the oxygen carriers that all work in harmony to keep us alive. Experts from scientific research institutions in Germany, Canada, Spain, and the US have worked together on a study to determine just how many cells of each type there are in the human body and the results are staggering. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Carol Vorderman has opened up about the “really black” thoughts she experienced during menopause. The former Countdown host, 62, admitted she had struggled with “severe depression” – despite there being “nothing wrong” in her life. “When I went through it, I had severe depression for about six months. I think it was 2015. There was nothing wrong in my life, I had made a lot of money, my kids were fine, my mum was fine,” Vorderman said, speaking on the Postcards From Midlife podcast, hosted by Lorraine Candy and Trish Halpin, this week. “Yet I would wake up in this huge bed in this huge house, I’ve got a swimming pool outside and all of that, and I just thought, ‘What’s the point?'” She added that she understands “much more now clinical depression, where you go, ‘I can’t go through this again, how can I make this stop’, and those thoughts of, ‘Well, there is obviously one way to make this stop’.” Vorderman had previously opened up about her menopause experiences during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning last year – where she revealed she had started found “bespoke HRT” helpful for managing her symptoms. By speaking out, the broadcaster and author has shone a light on the ways menopause can impact mental health. So, why does this happen, and what do people need to know? “Women may become depressed in menopause due to the change in hormonal balance. Low mood, depressive symptoms and anxiety are often the first symptoms of perimenopause,” said intimate health expert Dr Shirin Lakhani of Elite Aesthetics, who is set to be a speaker at Pause Live! 2023, a menopause event taking place in London in November. “The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in themselves can trigger mental health problems and cause women to become depressed,” Lakhani added. This can manifest in a wide range of ways. It could be linked with the impact menopause symptoms have on somebody’s work life and relationship for example, or due to physiological changes people are dealing with. “The lack of awareness regarding menopausal symptomatology may result in needless anxiety for patients and a feeling of helplessness. Early symptoms also include difficulty concentrating, often known as brain fog. Many women also experience relationship difficulties due to the perimenopause and menopause, whole family dynamics can change, as partners and family members do not know how to support women,” said Lakhani. “A lot of women I speak to have no idea what is going on and feel they are going completely crazy. Even if it’s just having someone to listen to and acknowledge something is going on [can be] very helpful, and once they are on hormones (HRT), they often feel like they have got themselves back again.” Keep an eye out for symptoms It’s important to note that not everybody’s experience is the same, and some people do not experience severe symptoms during menopause. However, Lakhani added that “the link between menopause and poor mental health must be reviewed”, and some people may experience “thoughts of suicide”. Lakhani continued: “If you already have a pre-existing mental health condition, it is also possible that the symptoms of menopause will cause a relapse or change to your mental health too, so people need to be aware of this.” Can you protect yourself from menopausal depression? While there are common symptoms that apply to menopause, exactly how it will impact each individual can be unpredictable too. Knowledge and awareness of what’s going on is a helpful starting point. Generally speaking, Lakhani said there are measures people can take to help manage menopause. But the most important thing if you are struggling with your mental health for any reason is to seek support. “Certain lifestyle factors can affect how you feel during the menopause. Don’t smoke and try to limit alcohol, get plenty of rest by keeping to regular sleep routines, even if you struggle to sleep. Eat a healthy diet and try to eat foods with a lot of calcium, such as kale or broccoli to keep bones healthy,” suggested Lakhani. “If you are struggling with your mental health during menopause, I would recommend going to your GP or considering counselling.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Autumn pests to look out for and how to get rid of them in your home and garden How can I tell if my child has ADHD? Why hasn’t my apple tree produced much fruit this year?

Britain's inquiry into the response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the nation has entered the second phase, with political decision-making taking center stage, such as the timing of lockdowns

Linda Evangelista has described her relationship with ex-husband Gerald Marie as a “MeToo marriage”, in the first episode of Kirsty Young’s new podcast. On Young Again, the BBC broadcaster interviews a number of famous figures about what they would tell their younger selves if given the opportunity. Evangelista reflected on her 40-year career as one of the first international supermodels, her upbringing, and her regret at not speaking about her abusive marriage sooner. The 58-year-old was married to Marie, the former head of the European division of Elite Models, from 1987 until 1993. “Did I have #MeToo moments? Absolutely. I was in a #MeToo marriage. Absolutely,” she told Young. “I kept quiet for many many years. And The Guardian did a story on all the models. Only when speaking to the journalist did I find this out. And to think that I was married to him when all this was happening, is crazy. “And there’s a side of me that thinks that if I would have spoken up and said something about what was happening to me, that maybe they would have come forward at that time. And the statute of limitations wouldn’t have run out.” In 2020, seven women accused Marie of rape and sexual misconduct, which he denied. The investigation was closed without charges last month. In a recent Apple TV+ documentary, The Super Models, Evangelista described the marriage as “an abusive relationship” and claimed Marie knew not to touch her face because that was “the money-maker”. In a statement, the 73-year-old denied the abuse allegations, and said he “has never committed the slightest act of violence”. The Super Models profiled modelling stars Naomi Campbell, Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford, exploring their careers as the most sought-after models in the fashion industry during the late Eighties and Nineties. Campbell, Evangelista, Turlington and Crawford, now in their fifties and with children of their own, offer a snapshot into their early careers. Each episode – “The Look,” “The Fame,” “The Power” and “The Legacy” – features archival footage from their heyday and intimate interviews with each model. The first three episodes of Young Again, the new podcast from Young, are available now on BBC Sounds. Future episodes will be broadcast weekly on BBC Radio 4 at 11am from 3 October. The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated men’s advice line on 0808 8010 327. Those in the US can call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org Read More Helena Christensen says she has no interest in being in a supermodel documentary Cindy Crawford reflects on ‘traumatising’ haircut in her early career Groping, abuse and racism: 10 of the most shocking revelations from The Super Models TV show Helena Christensen says she has no interest in being in a supermodel documentary Fans convinced that Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell are ‘feuding’ 10 of the most shocking revelations from ‘The Super Models’ on Apple+

NFL Week 5 picks and predictions ATS.

The typical Brit will munch through 5,208 slices of pizza over the course of their adult life – but 83 per cent have no regrets about the amount they eat. A poll of 2,000 adults found 12 per cent eat up to three pizzas each week – with between 6pm and 8pm being the most popular time to chow down. This equates to an average of £21.40 a month on the beloved Italian classic – or £256.80 a year. In fact, 40 per cent are picking pizza over other meals and snacks with 18 per cent saying they’re likely to reach for a slice over other takeaway treats like kebabs (three per cent) or an Indian takeaway (15 per cent), because it makes them happy (42 per cent). With 57 per cent citing it as their ‘comfort food’. The research, commissioned by Tabasco Brand to celebrate National Pizza Month, also found Friday (24 per cent) and Saturday (21 per cent) are the preferred days to tuck into the dish. A spokesperson for the hot sauce maker said: “Pizza is an easy way to bring people together as the ultimate dish to share with friends and family. “Great for any occasion, the cheesy goodness with an added dash of hot sauce is a great way to light up any movie night or end of week celebration.’ Ordering it to your home (46 per cent) is the preferred location to eat pizza, as opposed to at a restaurant (18 per cent). The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found the nation’s top ‘pizza moments’ are a movie night at home (36 per cent) and after a night on the town (29 per cent). Pizza-lovers are also growing more adventurous, with 48 per cent experimenting with different flavours and toppings, citing combinations like hot sauce and mayo (17 per cent), hot sauce and honey (15 per cent) and hot sauce and queso (13 per cent) as the blends they’re most likely to explore. And when it comes to toppings, mushrooms (37 per cent), mozzarella (37 per cent) and onions (33 per cent) come in the top three – with pepperoni (31 per cent per cent) and garlic (26 per cent) just behind. The spokesperson for Tabasco Brand, which has teamed up with Yard Sale Pizza to allow Londoners to share custom messages to friends and family via its Yard Sale x Tabasco Pizza Post, added: “It’s great to see that people are open to experimenting with some seriously hot combinations. “Pizza is a great medium for this. Its cheesy base counteracts the heat from the hot sauce, allowing people to try out flavours that seem spicier than they’re used to. “Plus, the acidity of the vinegar cuts through the rich toppings, deepening the flavour and taste of the pizza. Together, the combination can light up even the simplest of pizzas.” The best time to enjoy a pizza: 1. A movie night at home 2. On a Friday night after a long week at work 3. When watching sports on TV 4. As a payday treat 5. Getting in after a night out 6. The day you get back from a holiday 7. The day you move house and don’t want to cook 8. As a celebration – like on exam results day 9. Your birthday 10. Leftovers as a treat lunch at work Read More Brits admit they’re ‘clueless’ about art including paintings by Pablo Picasso Brits get itchy feet in their home after five years, study finds The exact time Brits find themselves ‘uncontrollably hungry’ revealed Is there such a thing as British pizza? Jamie Oliver says he’d choose anonymity over fame if given the choice again

For many of us, the mere words “Pythagoras’s theorem” are enough to revive pencil-smudged exercise books and desperate attempts to copy classmates’ work. And yet, it turns out the name that has struck dread in countless school kids over the centuries is about as accurate as this writer’s attempts at geometry. Because although it is assumed that the legendary Greek philosopher Pythagoras himself was to thank for the equation a2 + b2 = c2, it turns out it was being used some 1,000 years before his time. Archaeologists have found the equation on a Babylonian tablet which was used for teaching back in 1770 BCE – centuries before Pythagoras’s birth in around 570 BC, as IFL Science notes. Another earlier tablet, from between 1800 and 1600 BC, even features a square with labelled triangles inside. Translations of the markings, which followed the base 60 counting system used by ancient Babylonians, prove that these mathematicians were familiar with Pythagorean theorem (although, obviously, they didn’t call it that) as well as other advanced mathematical principles. In a paper dedicated to the discovery, data scientist Bruce Ratner wrote: "The conclusion is inescapable. The Babylonians knew the relation between the length of the diagonal of a square and its side: d=square root of 2. "This was probably the first number known to be irrational. However, this in turn means that they were familiar with the Pythagorean Theorem – or, at the very least, with its special case for the diagonal of a square [...] more than a thousand years before the great sage for whom it was named." And yet, one key problem remains unsolved: why did the equation become equated with the famous Greek? Well, most likely because Pythagoras wanted it to be. In his paper, Ratner points out that although the Ionian icon is widely considered the first bonafide mathematician, little is known about his specific mathematical achievements. Unlike his successors, he didn’t write any books that we know of, so there’s no written evidence of his work. However, we do have proof that he founded a semi-religious school called the Semicircle of Pythagoras, which followed a strict code of secrecy. As Ratner explained: “Pythagorean knowledge was passed on from one generation to the next by word of mouth, as writing material was scarce. Moreover, out of respect for their leader, many of the discoveries made by the Pythagoreans were attributed to Pythagoras himself. “Consequently, of Pythagoras’ actual work nothing is known. On the other hand, his school practiced collectivism, making it hard to distinguish between the work of Pythagoras and that of his followers. “Therefore, the true discovery of a particular Pythagorean result may never be known.” Still, he stressed, even though Pythagoras wasn’t the brains behind the most famous formula in maths, he does deserve a little credit for putting it on the map. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

British actor Idris Elba has said that he's an "absolute workaholic" and is in therapy to tackle "unhealthy habits."

Not so long ago, Wall Street had a particular obsession with ESG investing, which favors companies that promise to make certain strides on the environment, societal impact and corporate governance. Nearly every CEO of a major company touted their firm's progress toward creating a more sustainable future.