Russia gave her a harsher sentence for placing stickers in a grocery store then they do men who kill women.

17 Nov 2023

Russian artist Alexandra Skochilenko has been sentenced to jail for seven years after being found guilty of spreading “false information” about the Russian military by replacing a handful of supermarket price tags with messages criticising the war in Ukraine.

The 33-year-old, known as Sasha, is one of thousands of Russians to be detained, fined or jailed for speaking out against Moscow’s invasion of its neighbour amid an escalating crackdown on free speech and opposition to President Vladimir Putin.

Skochilenko was arrested in her native St Petersburg in April 2022, after an elderly customer at the supermarket found the slogans on the price tags and notified the police.

“The Russian army bombed an arts school in Mariupol. Some 400 people were hiding in it from the shelling,” one read, in reference to Russia’s brutal siege of the southern Ukrainian city. Another said, “Russian conscripts are being sent to Ukraine. Lives of our children are the price of this war.”

Judge Oksana Demiasheva delivered the verdict on Thursday hours after Skochilenko, who has a congenital heart defect and coeliac disease, had made a final statement to the court, asking for compassion and to be set free.

As well as the prison term, the artist was banned from using the internet for three years.

Skochilenko, wearing a colourful T-shirt decorated with a large red heart, reacted with shock to the sentence, covering her face and wiping away tears.

Supporters shouted “shame” and “we’re with you Sasha”, the AFP news agency reported.

Skochilenko’s lawyers left without giving any comment.

Skochilenko’s arrest came about a month after authorities adopted a law effectively criminalising any public expression about the war that deviated from the Kremlin’s official line.

Human rights group Memorial – now banned in Russia – said police spent 10 days interrogating supermarket staff and inspecting security camera footage before arresting the artist.

“They sometimes give less for murder than for five price tags in a supermarket,” Boris Vishnevsky, a politician linked to the opposition Yabloko party, told AFP.

“Hopefully, someday, the pendulum will turn the other way.”

Skochilenko was accused of committing what the state prosecutor described as a serious crime out of “political hatred” towards Russia. He had asked for her to be jailed for eight years.

Skochilenko admitted to swapping the tags but denied that the text written on them was false. She said she was a pacifist who valued human life above all else.

“How weak is our prosecutor’s faith in our state and society if he thinks our statehood and public safety can be ruined by five little pieces of paper?” she said in court.

“Everyone sees and knows that you are not judging a terrorist. You’re not trying an extremist. You’re not even trying a political activist. You’re judging a pacifist,” she said.

Skochilenko’s friends and supporters said the verdict was a disgrace [Olga Maltseva/AFP]

Amnesty International condemned the verdict.

“Her persecution has become synonymous with the absurdly cruel oppression faced by Russians openly opposing their country’s criminal war,” it said in a statement.

Memorial has designated Skochilenko a political prisoner and has launched a campaign calling for her release.

She has already been in detention for nearly 19 months, meaning that her overall term will be reduced by more than two years, since every day served in a pre-trial detention centre counts as 1.5 days of time served in a regular penal colony.

But she has struggled in custody due to pre-existing health conditions, and her need for a gluten-free diet, according to her lawyers and her partner.

According to OVD-Info, a prominent rights group that monitors political arrests and provides legal aid, a total of 19,834 Russians have been arrested between February 24 2022, when Russia began its invasion, and late October 2023 for speaking out or demonstrating against the war.

Also on Thursday, opposition politician Vladimir Milov was convicted in absentia of spreading false information about the army and sentenced to eight years. Milov, who was once Russia’s deputy energy minister and is now an ally of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has left the country.

Paris is but a dream.

It’s been 8 years since I was wandering through the streets of Paris, wide-eyed, awestruck that I’d made it. I sat up along the wall of Pont Neuf, my feet resting on the stone seat below as I traced the declaration of love that had been etched into it. It was yet another point in time that I caught myself saying, just remember this moment, because one day, this will feel like a dream.

Mornings in Paris were whimsical, although I have to admit, I experienced way fewer of them than I should’ve. It’s a real diabolical challenge getting me out of bed at the best of times, and that was true even in the most gorgeous city in the world. I could, however, occasionally be coaxed out of bed in the early hours of the morning by the very thing that was causing my downfall (aka undiagnosed coeliac disease): two freshly made pain au chocolat from the local bakery. I’d slip on my jeans and some ballet flats in between yawns, and as I made my way out of my apartment resisting the serious urge to go back to bed... it would take just one look down the street to know that this was not a moment to be missed. The sun would peak over the city in splashes of gold, the leaves in the grand parks gently whispering as they awaited the day’s visitors. If that wasn’t enough, then all it should take was a whiff from the local bakery. Nothing, and I mean nothing beats freshly made Parisian pastries (I’ve already cleaned my teeth for the evening, but I can seriously feel my mouth watering at the thought). The city was a stage that I had for myself, and it was in these glorious, wonder-filled moments that I told myself that I should do this every day. Of course, I didn’t (mornings were a diabolical challenge, remember?). I remember shifting the Stabilise gravel in the Tuileries with my feet early one morning and it being the only sound against the trickles of the fountain, broken up by bites of flaky pastry. The sunshine tried its best to gently lift up my heavy, sleepy eyes. I was tired. But I had that same voice in my head. Take it all in, because one day, this will feel like a dream.

So, was it? Because I sort of, in a way, feel like it never happened. Mornings now, well... they look a little bit less glamorous. I’ve swapped out jeans with ballet flats, a Louis Vuitton handbag, and strolls down cobblestoned streets with flecks of pastry around my mouth from those decadent chocolate croissants for a 5:30am alarm, medical scrubs, hastily made coffee, and gluten-free cereal and yoghurt thrown into a red Tupperware container. I love and loathe red traffic lights on my commute into the hospital. Love because I have a few moments to woof down a few scoops of my cereal (if I waited for a break, it would either turn soggy, or I wouldn’t get to eat it at all). Loathe because I’m often running late. The buildings have a grungy feel to them, a character of sorts, but couldn’t be further from Haussmann’s uniformed visions. I miss getting lost in the architecture and history on the way to my destination. Miss wondering what happened here.

No more boulevards, daily specials scribbled on chalkboards, charming mouldings on the ceiling, or chandeliers in waiting rooms. No more stopping to take photos to remind myself of this moment later, in case I forgot. Life at the moment is instead played out in front of a series of rotating walls—those of the emergency department, my office at home, or the university library. In two and a half years, I will (terrifyingly) officially be a doctor.  I furiously scribble down every offhand comment casually made by the registrar or consultant that bridges a gap in my knowledge (of which there are many). Often it’s in totally illegible handwriting that not even I can read (and I wrote the note!) so not only am I contributing to the stereotype, I’m also not even doing something useful with it. I only apply makeup to my eyes now, because my days are spent in N95 masks, although, this has its perks. Admittedly, only needing to do makeup for the top part of my face has saved me a lot of time, and money that would’ve been otherwise spent at MECCA (the Australian equivalent of Sephora, aka my happy place). I couldn’t stay in Paris being an au pair forever, but life now couldn’t feel further from what it used to be.

I won’t lie... my life in Paris feels like it was a dream. All those years ago, I was, let’s face it, totally clueless about what I wanted to do in life. I’d bled my bank account dry (but in Paris! How artsy!), was soul-crushingly heartbroken over the guy who I thought was going to be the great love of my life (but in Paris! How twisted and romantic!), and was living in a shoebox apartment sleeping on a foldout bed (but who cares, it’s in Paris!). No matter what was thrown my way, it didn’t matter because, it could always be justified by but I’m living in Paris! I adored the family I was an au pair for, had wonderful friends that I could count on at any time of day or night, and it was all set in the backdrop of dreams. Now, I’m a broke full-time med student still bruised from a recent devastating breakup. But none of it is in Paris. Same sh**, different city, hey? At least the bed situation has improved (I’m writing this nestled under my blankets). I guess this time I have the extra wildcard of an ongoing pandemic. No wonder Paris feels like it was a dream. It was gloriously, wildly carefree.

I love medicine, and I love how enriching it is and how there is always more to learn, and how I’m doing something to give back to my community. I know I’ll feel fulfilled, no matter the city or the stage. But some days as I’m driving into the hospital, I find myself wondering what’ll happen if I just turn right instead of left, and follow the exit signs towards the airport. I’d jump on a plane or into a time machine and go back to my old life in Paris... maybe it was all just a dream.

I have celiac too possibly (we at least know I can't tolerate gluten and if it gets in my system my joints hurt, I'm fatigued, mood issues, etc.) They now say 1 in 100 people are being diagnosed (used to be 1 in 10000 i believe?). And even the number i have could be old

I feel so much better off gluten that I don't necessarily mind, but I also would change it if I could. I crave foods I cant eat. My joints still hurt at times without gluten, but I cant confirm its related. I've been invited to so many places and then get told "oh sorry" because the people "forgot" and all I could eat was ice. My own boyfriend, ex now, told me it was too high maintenance. I would absolutely change it.

The thing i miss most is food. Auntie Anne's pretzels are one of them. I've made good alternative cinnamon rolls and baked goods so im ok there. But never a good enough pretzel

Oh, nonnie🫂

That sounds like coeliacs disease to me too (or at the VERY least, gluten sensitivity). If I get it in my system, which is admittedly rare for me because I’m borderline paranoid about my food because I know what’s gonna happen to me if I’m complacent and I’d like to avoid that at absolutely ALL costs, then it’s a special kind of hell. I could literally develop cancer just from having gluten in my system one (1) time. It’s terrifying.

I understand, being diagnosed with coeliacs disease freed me from the worst physical pain I’ve ever felt, but it also made my life so much harder. Even feeling better on a gluten-free diet, this disease has so many complications and I have to have blood tests every six months to make sure I’m as healthy as I can be for someone with an autoimmune disease, and most days I don’t even think about it because I’m so used to it. But this morning I woke up angry and upset and grieving, so I needed to vent about it; which is why I made that post.

I feel like the social isolation and exclusion isn’t something people think about when they invite people with coeliacs disease or other food allergies out to eat; we don’t WANT to live like this but we have to, and it’s very lonely and expensive and painful. I’m so sorry you’ve had those experiences. I’ve had people do similar or they’ve offered to accommodate for me and buy gluten free food, and then complain while I’m eating it how expensive it is and it’s such a “bother” and it just ruins everything and makes me feel guilty so now I tend to just turn down social invitations because I’d have more fun at home on my own. I’m so sorry your ex-boyfriend told you it was high maintenance?!!! What an ass!!! You deserved better, I’m so sorry nonnie🫂

Your Auntie’s pretzels sound amazing!! My grandmother makes amazing sausage rolls which I loved as a child and I’ll forever mourn I can’t have them anymore. I miss food. I mourn all the foods I’ll never get to try.💔

Suppito has been one of the best soup addresses in Vienna for years. In the pretty manufactory in the sixth district, they cook according to the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine: the soups, cakes, crackers, muesli/granola and compotes are varied depending on the season and available ingredients and are gluten-, lactose- and yeast-free.

We asked Cordula, the managing director of Suppito, how they started and how endurance has influenced their path throughout their story.

#1 What’s the story of Suppito? Why do we need it?

Suppito was more or less born out of a necessity. My mother had suffered from severe coeliac disease since childhood, which was only discovered in her 40s after endless hearing loss and colics. Although she immediately avoided all gluten-containing foods, the loss of hearing continued to occur at regular intervals. Desperate that conventional medicine was unable to help her, she consulted a doctor in traditional Chinese medicine, who successfully treated her hearing loss with acupuncture. In order to get her health complaints under control and learn even more about Chinese medicine, she looked for answers in the five element diet.

Her life and her diet were turned upside down in a flash. She started eating soups, rice congee, cooked fruit, yin-enhancing foods, lots of spices and hot water. Her health improved dramatically. She no longer had hearing problems, was full of energy and her complaints disappeared. Thanks to the right advice and diet, my mother finally had a life that she enjoyed again.

This experience made her rethink. After training in nutritional counseling, she opened her own nutrition practice to help other people get healthy with nutrition.

#2 What were the most significant challenges you faced when deciding to focus on the 5-Element Cuisine? How did you master them?

When Suppito was founded, knowledge of the 5 elements of the traditional Chinese medicine cuisine was not yet widespread. This automatically gave it an unknown touch, which it didn't deserve, as nothing new had been invented. And on top of that, many of the products had the reputation from the start that "healthy” food usually doesn't taste good.

Introducing people to something they don't know is always a challenge. At the time, tasting clearly helped others to experience that healthy food is good for you AND can also taste very good.

#3 If you were to design a meal or dish that symbolizes endurance, what ingredients would you include and why?

No new invention is needed here either: For me, this is clearly a soup that is cooked over two days with high-quality ingredients, strengthens the center and gives strength. Broth, a beef broth, is ideal for this.

#4 Endurance often requires pushing oneself to the limits. Can you recall a time when you felt you had reached your limit in terms of endurance? How did you push past it or cope with it?

Corona was, like many of us, an incredible experience. From one second to the next, the business had to be closed and no more customers were allowed to be served directly. Suddenly we had orders on a scale that was completely out of the ordinary and turned the previous cooking process completely upside down. We were forced to produce significantly more and reorganize our logistics, stick to a very strict schedule and, of course, the team had to stay healthy so that everything could work as planned. Looking back, it was a really exciting and challenging time that I could only manage with such a great and well-coordinated team.

#5 Based on your experience, what would you recommend to increase endurance?

If you can back an idea 100% out of conviction, it increases your endurance enormously. So my recommendation is to do something that you put your heart and soul into and surround yourself with likeminded team.

MANUFAKTUR & SHOP

Girardigasse 9 (Ecke Lehargasse)

1060 Wien, Österreich / Austria

[email protected] | +43 664 213 91 09

shop & go: Mo – Do: 8 – 18 Uhr

lunch & go: Mo – Do: 11:30 – 14:30 Uhr

Gluten in Grains. Could Grain-Free be the Answer for Many?

Gluten in grains. It is fairly straightforward right? By now we understand which grains contain gluten, which are gluten-free, and which are not even grains at all. Yet it turns out that it is not that simple, and that things are never quite what they seem. In this article we delve deeper into the subject of gluten in grains and consider why, for many, going completely grain-free may be the answer.

The gluten-free gold standard

Once was a time when gluten-free wasn't actually a thing for most of us. Unless blighted by coeliac disease or a severe allergy to wheat, we could quite happily have our cake and eat it. For those who suffered from the consequences of eating wheat and associated glutens, it was necessary to follow a gluten-free diet. Which back in the day was a lot less complicated. Gluten-free alternatives were available, yet nowhere near as widespread as they are today. The market for gluten-free foods (as oppose to naturally gluten-free produce) came about in response to greater demand from the coeliac community. The entire body of gluten-free literature and law was defined by the specifics of coeliac disease. Which is great. When it comes to the question of allergens, people need to understand the severity of such a disease. What triggers coeliac disease? It is widely accepted that a coeliac reaction is triggered by the gluten proteins in the Triticeae family of grains; wheat, barley and rye. Specifically, the storage proteins known as prolamines, and glutelins. The chemistry is complex, as chemistry tends to be, but it also involves levels of particular amino acids, including glutamine and proline. The point here is that in many (most) countries the measurements that allow foods to be labelled as gluten-free are based upon these specific proteins, in accordance with the lowest levels that may trigger a coeliac response. So far, so good.

Gluten in grains

But here's the thing. There is gluten in ALL grains. Part of the unique genetic make-up that defines a true cereal grain is the presence of prolamines. Those gluten storage proteins which help the seed to sprout. In wheat, it is gliadin. In barley, it is hordein. In rye, it is secalin. In oats, it is avenin. In rice, it is orzenin. In maize, it is zein. And in sorghum, it is kaferin. In theory, although the jury is still out on oats, other than the proteins in wheat, barley, and rye, none of these trigger a reaction in those with coeliac disease. Which is why rice, oats, maize, and sorghum, are all designated gluten-free. EVEN THOUGH they do actually all contain gluten proteins.

Can the gluten in all grains cause a reaction?

It must first be said that there are many good things about grains. We have no intention of vilifying any food and if you are considering eliminating any foods from your diet then it should be with good reason. Nutrition is rarely straightforward and there are times when the benefits can outweigh the risks. Careful consideration is key. But yes, the gluten in all grains has the potential to cause a reaction. Each type is different, just as we are all different. Rice, for instance is considered to be the most benign grain of all. Yet some people do have an inflammatory reaction. Corn, alongside rice, finds its way into most gluten-free alternative foods such as pasta or bread, yet has a high protein content that has been shown to trigger sensitivities in a huge number of people. It is now understood that what may be safe for many coeliacs, can indeed trigger a response in those with a gluten allergy, or sensitivity. And that the reasons that people seek out information, or gluten-free products, may not necessarily be confined to our current definitions and understanding. Take a look at our introduction to gluten free food. Or explore our range of gluten-free groceries. This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “Gluten Free Cereals Manufacturer”. See original article:- Gluten in Grains. Could Grain-Free be the Answer for Many? Read the full article

2022 in review

This year was hard. It feels like there have been a couple of hard years in a row hey.

Nick died. And it was really really hard. I guess technically he died in 2021, but I got the call on Friday 7 January and I've spent a lot of the year grieving and struggling with it. I met his mum and she's fantastic. I feel sad about this a lot.

I spent a solid amount of the year thinking I had cancer. It started with a bad back that led to a heart check that led to a lung tumour, then potential thyroid cancer, and likely coeliac disease. There's still a bunch of unknowns and lots of waiting. I don't feel good in this body, I don't trust it and the future it holds for me.

My heart is failing and it's scary to think that I'm going to need a fairly serious open heart surgery in the not too distant future. I think my parents will outlive me.

For the first time since 2016 I can say that I've only had the one job this year. But I've reported to 6 different managers during that time - at one point it was 3 at the same time and that's just not a good working model. I got found suitable for a promotion in January, but I had a few disappointments along the way and the promotion was only made official in September. I've officially entered low middle-management and I'm responsible for staff and their workload. It's an opportunity I've long desired but wow is it taking some learning to be ok trusting them to do their work and resisting the urge to micro manage everything ever. I know I want to be a leader who is approachable and considered and gets stuff done and I think I know where the gaps are between who I am now and who I want to be in the future state and I'm working towards achieving that.

I also had a stint acting as the team leader and it was HARD but a great opportunity and the experience is making me better at my substantive role. I've worked hard this year and the pay off has been good. I've finally got a manager who is the type of manager I've been seeking for YEARS. We've had the best two months together but I'm starting a new job on 3 January. I have a fear this is a stupid decision but I made it months ago and the new role will give me more experience in managing people, professional relationships, and I'll be expected to be in the same city as my family for a week every month or two. I'm excited! And I figure I need to trust myself and the opportunity and if it all turns out terribly, I'll come back to the job and manager I know and love.

I've learnt a lot about patience. Of trusting in God and his perfect timing. But I get frustrated in it. It's not an easy lesson to learn.

I've put effort into making my space more my own - I reupholstered my grandmother's chairs in my own taste. I battled decision fatigue. I have visions of what this apartment might look like in the future if I don't have my housemate. At this point in time, she wants to stay with me for another 2 years or so and right now that sounds good.

I've bought more dresses, and I'm wearing them. Finally both realising and accepting I've moved up a dress size has released me into new forms of fashion. Bodies change and being proud of still being able to fit into my year 12 formal dress for a decade after buying it was vain and silly. It's ok that I don't anymore.

I love my friends. One of the harder things this year was seeing two of them (the Pemily) fall out of love and break up. Emily moved to the exact other side of the country, but Georgia moved back. Laura has returned from London. Proximity is good. More people are having children. It's both a joy and a stab in the gut every time you hear the news, see the social media announcement. My housemate remains great. Paul and Ryan make me happy.

Duc had a rough year. There were job struggles and deaths and mental health challenges. Sometimes I think I just might marry this man. Sometimes I joke about rings. We're not on the same page about a few really key things but I think we're getting there. Or we will maybe get there. Sometimes he frustrates me. We spent a 9 day holiday to Cairns and Port Stephens together and it went well. He joined my family for Christmas for the first time and met some more of my hometown friends and I'm really glad we did that. I started the year with him and intend to finish it with him too.

Jay. I love Jay. I love Jay a lot. He loves me a lot too. On the odd ocassion we have some angst but generally it is simple and it is good.

One really good thing I did this year was keep my laptop out of my bed, and mostly out of my bedroom. Strongly recommend!

I'm not sure what I want 2023 to bring me that's particularly unique. Better health? Definitely. More adventures (a trip from Perth to Broome is in the early works)? Yeah. More time with people that I love. Let's say yes to that too.

I started the year standing on the grassy area outside my house, watching the fireworks announce the new year and I'm going to end it at a wedding hopefully watching those same Lake Burley Griffin fireworks. What a fantastic way to finish the year of 2023, by celebrating love!

edit: I ended up finishing the year dancing and waving sparklers around that grassy area outside my house while we recited Julia Gillard's Misogyny speech then sang along to the Jimmy Barnes version of Auld Lang Syne and watched fireworks crest above the trees.

cradle to the grave:

alicia’s first ep!!!

THERE SHE IS!!!! WITH HER PINK HAIR🥹🥹🥹

honey dodging a kiss with ethan😬

noel’s planning some “father and son-in-law bonding” with ethan by taking him to play golf???

lmaoo cal stands up straight when he sees alicia

jacob asking connie out to dinner and she turns him down and he’s like “i don’t ask twice” and she’s like “good”

lily asking alicia what her plan is and where she wants to be in five years and she’s just like “working in a hospital?” and lily says she needs to be more focussed than that and eventually she says maybe paeds and she’d love to work with children. well she got there didn’t she!

dylan’s making an effort with lofty🥺

alicia’s stethoscope matching her hair!!!

ethan and honey eating lunch together and honey says she’s trying to cut out gluten but it’s not really working��� girl you’re literally sat there with a sandwich of course it’s not bloody working

ethan immediately starts talking about some interesting research he read on non-coeliac gluten intolerance and she just sits there without a clue what he’s talking about. she probs doesn’t even know what coeliac disease is tbh, the gluten free fad dieters rarely do🙄

ethan trails off as he realises she doesn’t know what he’s talking about and she goes “this isn’t really working is it” and he’s like “no, i suppose not” and she gets up and walks away and that’s that

yikes noel’s still trying to talk to ethan about the golfing trip but he’s not letting ethan get a word in edgeways until honey stops him and says that it’s over and she’s like “whoever heard of a doctor going out with a stripper”

she sounds really upset about it and it makes it sound like ethan broke up with her because she’s a stripper😬 rather than the truth which is i don’t think she’s that upset about breaking up with ethan specifically, just that she failed at dating a doctor

noel chases after her and asks her if ethan knew and she says he came to the club she worked at… girl stop making it sound like he’s the bad guy here

honey thinks noel’s disgusted but he says he’s not and she has nothing to be ashamed of and if ethan can’t handle it then it’s his problem not hers and she’s like “it’s not ethan though it’s me. i thought if i got that posh doctor boyfriend you’d be proud of me for that, but i can’t even get right”

he says he is proud of her and she can do anything she sets her mind to and she’s like “i didn’t even get no gcses” but he says how she loves helping people and always makes people better so she talks about she thought about becoming a holistic therapist but she doesn’t have enough money to get started

alicia asking lily if she’s doing something right and lily just rolls her eyes and then when she asks again tells her to get out :(

ah dylan saying he’s sure lofty’s dyspraxic

alicia looks so coordinated like her pink hair, stethoscope and lipstick and her blue eyes and scrubs🥺

aww lofty bringing a patient’s dog in because she doesn’t have anyone else🥺🥺

aw noel selling all his figures to give to get the money honey needs to start her business

big mac saying ethan must be out of his mind. you see she may have told noel the truth but she still left everyone else to think that ethan broke up with her because she was a stripper??

dylan asking lofty if he’s ever been diagnosed and lofty’s just like what?

ethan talking to honey about her handing in her notice and saying he’s “sorry for everything” noo what are you apologising for??? and she’s like “i’m not” girl what??? and “look you’re lovely, and i’m sure there’s someone out there that likes incredibly boring long films, you just gotta find her” and guess what: it’s alicia’s first episode!

granted idk whether alicia liked 4 hour long films or whether ethan just stopped trying to take a date to them lmao. tbf though alicia actually showed an interest in his interests without having to watch 4 hour films unlike honey so it wasn’t really an issue. like remember when cal was trying to help ethan with his dating profile but he kept putting things like no strings attached on it and alicia takes it off him and is like “who’s that physicist you like? oh feynman” and then proceeds to type out an entire quote from ethan’s favourite physicist from memory while cal’s sat right there totally oblivious to his brother and his girlfriend having an emotional affair right in front of him😭😭

connie saying to lily that alicia’s an “absolute breath of fresh air”🥺 but now the jealousy begins😬

the thing is right i don’t think that honey was like evilly plotting to trick ethan into dating her or anything like i think she wanted to like him but i think she just didn’t think about him at all. and ethan wouldntve started to like her if she wasn’t putting it on like she was because the only reason they started to like interact more than they would’ve normally as a doctor and a coffee shop girl is because she was always going out of her way to always talk to him. so like even though she didn’t necessarily plan it it doesn’t change the fact that she did it.

also remember in s34 when noel tells ethan and fenisha he’s going to be a grandad i always thought it was funny that he basically goes up to ethan and goes hey your ex is pregnant BUT it’s fine because like they left it on good terms they never even fought or anything and from ethan’s pov they both liked each other but their relationship just didn’t work out when that’s not actually the truth and i wonder if he would have different feelings regarding her here if he’d actually known the truth. i mean it was like 5 years after so i don’t think he would hate her or anything and tbh if they had left it on bad terms noel probably just wouldntve told him but still i wonder if his reaction would’ve been different

actually just thinking about it and that was when fenisha got them tickets to a film ethan liked and she was clearly angling for it to be just them ie basically a date but ethan invited noel and robyn along lmao and just it’s an interesting comparison with honey being brought up when she thought ethan’s choice of film was boring eh?

Remdesivir, a new calcineurin inhibitor, stimulates capsaicin-induced colon ache throughout mice

Tensile power involving biological materials together with bi-continuous phase has been more than those with divided cycle or even cycle inversion construction. Influence of morphologies on tribology properties have been analyzed with a ring-on-block use specialist. Increased put on opposition had been attained via samples using bi-continuous period. It turned out learned that put on lifetime of samples along with bi-continuous cycle ended up being virtually 100% greater than that regarding trials using segregated phase. This is plainly related to the progres within energy and physical components a result of the progres involving morphologies. Encoding electron microscope findings regarding worn floors as well as use particles in the screened trials #Link# indicated that tribological habits and also don elements had been seriously dependent on morphologies. (d) The year 2013 Wiley Newspapers, Incorporated. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. This year, 131, 39863.Circumstance.-The finding involving elevated intraepithelial lymphocytes together with typical villous structure (Marsh We sore) is observed in up to 3% involving duodenal biopsies. The actual differential analysis features a wide range of choices, which include celiac disease, bacterial abundance, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory substance damage, reaction to Helicobacter pylori disease, exotic sprue, and continual #Link# -inflammatory bowel illness. Objectives.-To highlight #Link# the histologic popular features of the actual Marsh My spouse and i lesion, look at the diseases and scenarios related to that discovering, also to supply pathologists with a rationale along with a theme for how to spot along with document this sort of instances. Data Options.-A review of the particular books about the histologic features and also clinical interactions associated with Marsh My spouse and i wounds. Findings.-Marsh My partner and i lesions are a nonspecific finding connected with a number of ailment conditions. In the past, among 9% and 40% involving instances have been shown represent coeliac disease. Current information don't suggest histologic capabilities to tell apart involving ailments associated with this kind of histologic alter.Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling performs a vital role throughout cerebral ischemia, however downstream signaling situations, which is often organ-specific, are incompletely recognized. We thereby looked into engagement with the MyD88-dependent (MyD88) and MyD88-independent (TRIF) TLR signaling pathways into two inside vitro and a pair of within vivo kinds of cerebral ischemia. Pertaining to within vitro scientific studies, all of us utilized one associated with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) then stream cytometric investigation to find out:One) stability of PC12 cellular material subsequent knock-down with MyD88 siRNA in comparison with damaging handle siRNA and a pair of) viability, apoptosis and also necrosis of cortical neurons from MyD88 zero (-/-), TRIF mutant, and also untamed kind (WT) rats. Moreover, throughout vivo, One particular) We examined CA1 neuronal emergency 1 week soon after worldwide forebrain ischemia and two) infarct volumes All day and l right after Middle Cerebral Artery Stoppage (MCAO) in all of the Several varieties of mice. OGD: A single) There were simply no variations in either pct practicality of PC12 cells transfected together with MyD88 in comparison to negative management siRNA or perhaps Only two) within % possibility, apoptosis along with necrosis of cortical nerves from MyD88-/-,TRIF mutant along with WT rodents.

Hello I’m here to rant about masks and anxiety.

Even before The Pandemic, I was diagnosed with several severe anxiety disorders - General Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, and Hypochondria. These were so bad that I had a breakdown and dropped out of school, and developed some pretty severe agoraphobia. I didn’t leave the house, I barely left my room. I did do a lot of therapy to help, and eventually got to a point where I could leave  my house, go for walks, take public transport, and go to university.

I also have Coeliac, which is an autoimmune disease, and generally classifies me as a Vulnerable Person Who Gets Free Flu Jabs, so I was very strictly isolating for most of the past 6 months. This has had the wonderful side effect of nearly destroying the progress I made on my agoraphobia, not to mention what it’s done with my hypochondria. And, I’ve recently moved to a new city, where I am not familiar with my surroundings

Try doing “(agoraphobia+hypochondria+general anxiety disorder)xNew PlacexPandemic” in your head and see how well it turns out.

The point is, now, I’m starting to leave the house again. I have to, in fact, because I’ve managed to get a job, finally. And THAT means I have to wear a mask. And you know what, it fucking sucks. I have glasses, so they fog up no matter what I do, unless I put them way down my nose in which case everything is mildly distorted. So now I’m in a new place, trying to navigate unfamiliar cities and buses, while ALSO not being able to read a single sign or see properly. I have the impending doom of The Virus all around me. My anxiety is through the roof. I’m having an anxiety attack from 15 minutes before I even leave the door. I have to fight off a panic attack and hyperventilation, while breathing through a mask.

It is not fun. It is not easy. I fucking hate it every time. I am still doing it.

Anxiety is not a pass for not wearing a mask. You do not get an exemption. If you are too anxious to wear a mask, you cannot go outside - that’s it. You either go outside and wear the mask, or you don’t wear the mask and stay inside. If you need to go outside and have issues with the mask, you have to start acclimatizing yourself to it - do some exposure therapy on yourself. No-one gets a pass, or an exemption, to not wear the mask.

If you cannot wear a mask, you cannot go outside. It is not debatable. It is for everyone’s safety, not just yours. And I am sick about people using “anxiety” as a reason for “exemption”.

The One Where Jackie Meets The Others

Summary: Chapter 4. Jackie enjoys a couple trips out with Marvin.

Warnings: death and blood mentions

@bupine @badlypostedeverything

Things don't smoothly transition back to the way they were following that morning. However, they both agreed it was clear Anti's intentions were to divide them. Therefore, it would be dumb to give him that satisfaction. When Marvin asks, out of pure curiosity, about the mullet, Jackie doesn't really have an answer. He'd simply liked the style. But maybe it was time to move on. The chances of him returning to the '80s were particularly slim. With the green having faded weeks ago, he has it cut so it now only reaches his ears. The style is nice but he does miss his old look. He supposes Marvin was pleased with this development. He definitely got a lot of joy from teasing Jackie about how much curlier his shorter hair became following showers. The only quip he has in response is that the hero's hair wasn't much better when wet either. The next thing on the agenda was the excursion to Pizza Hut. The four of them agree to meet on Thursday. In preparation, Marvin offers Jackie a copy of the restaurant's document on allergy information. Marvin faces falls when he learns just how many items he loved posed a certain risk to Jackie's health. Nope, no pepperoni for him. No garlic breadsticks or cheesy fries either. Fried items were a contamination risk too, apparently. He lies when his friend asks about stuffed crust. Jackie trying the crust option was one of the main reasons they'd agreed to visit the establishment. Besides, it wasn't guaranteed it would trigger a reaction. He could possibly get away with sampling a little of Marvin's crust if he didn't push his luck. It is comforting to learn Henrik, the friend who made educational videos for others, had coeliac's disease and therefore had to be wary when eating as well. Jameson was Marvin's cousin of sorts. Their grandmothers had been sisters. Then their mothers were friends, leading to their sons to develop a good relationship while growing up. Jameson was a performer who used his control over time and sound for entertainment purposes. He and Marvin frustratingly run late due to the hero misplacing his wallet. They are apologetic to Henrik and Jameson who have already found a table and ordered drinks for themselves. Jameson has neat brown hair that extends down his face to his jawline and closely surrounds his mouth. Henrik, on the other hand, has black hair which has been swept back as well as glasses. The two of them promise they don't mind the delay. They haven't been here for ages anyway. In time, four pizzas are delivered to the table. There is the pan BBQ americano, gluten free Hawaiian, cheesy bites pepperoni and stuffed crust BBQ beef and onion. Marvin suggests he and Jackie trade a slice. His friend makes a supposedly humourous comment about how he identifies as Jackie's pizza base but it's lost on the former drummer. How someone can deeply relate to dough that's been baked in a pan, Jackie has no clue. He allows Marvin to take a slice regardless. However, when it comes to him returning the gesture, Jackie insists he only wants a little bit of his friend's crust. Half a slice's worth of stuffed crust is placed on top of his own pizza. Jackie regrets it as soon as it enters his mouth. God damn it, it was actually really tasty. He could see why Marvin was so enthusiastic about it. His expression remains neutral as he chews, well aware he has an audience. He hates how disappointed Marvin looks when Jackie gives a bullshit review about the cheese within being too chewy. Allergies and cross-contamination risks fucking sucked. Screw his body for being an asshole who overreacted to a commonly used spice. "Oh well, more for me." Marvin winks as he recovers from the blow before stealing a piece of chicken from Jackie plate. Alright, maybe letting one small inconvenience ruin tonight in his mind was stupid. Marvin had said he'd act as translator. Which was a lovely gesture. Jackie was grateful he was prepared to sacrifice part of his evening to play the middleman so he and Jameson could communicate. Except Marvin got sidetracked at one point and had delved into a whole conversation with his cousin, spoke entirely in BSL. It looked like a funny one too. Jackie was glad the pair were enjoying their evening. He stuck to conversing with Henrik instead. It's a struggle as they don't seem to have much in common. That is until Jackie absentmindedly asked what sort of food Henrik enjoyed. This in turn triggered the German man sitting opposite him to enthuse about fried potato slices with pieces of bacon and onion. Jackie himself launches into a story about how his mother used to work with a woman who had family in West Germany. Then this German colleague would sometimes write down a recipe or two to give to them. In no uncertain terms, those foreign dishes beat jacket potatoes or beans on toast any day. The four men give their stomachs a chance to settle a little while they chat as a group. Then it was time to finish off the night with ice cream shakes. Two strawberries, an oreo and a chocoholic are brought to the table. Although there had been several mentions of what Jameson did for a living, it is only at this point that a proper conversation about is initiated. "Jameson's doing a show on the 4th. I think we should go. What do you say?" Jackie's response is delayed due to Marvin making the suggestion just as he takes a long sip of his strawberry shake. "Oh uh, yeah, sure. What exactly will be in the show? Time stuff, right?" Jameson taps the side of his nose with a wry smile. The younger of the cousins translates this as "I believe he's saying that's for him to know and for you to find out." The performer signs something. "Expect the unexpected." Marvin rolls his eyes with a smile remaining on his face. "Oh yeah, like when you get a younger member of the audience to volunteer for your sound tricks. I once heard Hacker T Dog from CBBC sing Thinking Out Loud, you know. That was an experience." Jameson makes a comment. "I haven't seen the weirdest combinations? Well yeah, I sure hope I haven't. Kids' minds can come up with bizarre things. Henrik, especially, should know that." Henrik nods to this with a sense that this was a profound understatement. The banter carries on and Jackie soon feels like less of an outsider. The ice creams shakes eventually get drained as the evening draws to a close. Once all the goodbyes and "It was nice to meet you"s are over, the tow of them hop into Marvin's car to head home. Bohemian Rhapsody happens to begin playing on the radio as they set off. Jackie doesn't even have to ask before he's turning the volume up for both their benefits. They haphazardly fall into a duet. Jackie's heard Marvin singing absentmindedly to himself before this. He therefore already knows he has a good voice. But it isn't until tonight that he's able to hear it out loud. "I need you to do me a favour. Do you mind headbanging like in Wayne's World?" "What?" "Wayne's World. Never seen the film myself but there's a pretty well known scene where a bunch of them are in the car while this song is playing. Then during the instrumental that's coming up, they really rock out. I've always wanted to do it while in a car but I always seem to be the driver when I get the chance. So do you mind rocking out in a minute on my behalf?" Jackie chuckles. "Sure. My pleasure." As Freddie finishes claiming Beelzebub has a devil put aside for him, Jackie springs into action. He moves his head back and forth in rapid succession to the music. The pair follow along with the next verse as loudly as possible. At least, they attempt to. It isn't long before they have both descended into raucous laughter. "Thanks!" Marvin manages in between breaths when it calms. "We should do that again. With us stationary next time so you can do it too." "Deal." Marvin bursts into laughter once more and Jackie thinks he's growing particularly fond of it. --- Another crime scene, another person fighting to remain alive while bleeding from the neck. Cat is only able to stand by while the paramedics do their job. He'd like to beg them to not take this guy to hospital, to not risk history repeating itself. But it's not like he can ask anyone to skip properly treating the victim. He's sure everyone here knows this situation is a catch 22. However, they can't do anything other than perform their jobs. It takes great deal of convincing but Cat is allowed to stay outside the patient's room for the night. He's been standing guard for a good while when midnight passes. A doctor comes along on her rounds. She speaks to Cat and the other member of security he's been spending the night with. While she's talking, Anti's latest victim begins coding. Any and all resuscitation efforts prove futile. The guy is gone. So is the doctor. If she even existed in the first place. And Cat suspects Anti himself is long gone too. The day afterwards, he catches some reporting of the murder while flicking through channels. The victim has an identity now. There's a name, age and grieving loved ones. The television is bitterly switched off as Marvin searches for his notebook instead. Joining the countless other entries is 27/4/19 - Nick Shaw, 34, wife + 2 little kids The next time he sees Anti, he's not fucking around. Enough was enough. Marvin was putting a stop to this once and for all, by whatever method was necessary. --- The first Saturday of May is a cloudy one. That doesn't stop a crowd from flocking to the Jolly Gentleman's show. Chase is still getting out of the car when Niamh races out, the name Oscar having barely left her mouth before doing so. It is with great relief that Chase witnesses his daughter collide with a familiar man. The pair of single fathers briefly kiss as a part of a greeting while the five year old girl is returned. Her twin sister and older brother hover around as the greetings continue. Eventually, Fletcher drifts into his own group with both of Oscar's boys. The seven of them make their way inside. "So where is this friend of yours?" Oscar asks as they take their seats. "Do you see him?" "Not yet. He should be bringing his new roommate with him." His scanning of the tent is halted. "Speak of the devil." Chase spots Marvin entering the area, along with another man whom his best assumptions identified as Jackie. They seat themselves in the same row as the fathers. The children sit directly in front of the adults. Marvin introduces him to Jackie as Dr Chase Brody, emphasising the title. "I'm just spending the day out with my kids, there's no need to be throwing my doctorate around. Chase." He offers his hand for Jackie to shake. "And this is Fletcher, Ciera and Niamh." Oscar carries on the round of greetings by introducing himself, Milo and Max. They spend a full minute going through the mundane pleasantries before Marvin and Jackie finally stay seated. As the performance begins, Chase relaxes. They'd filled the wait time with small talk and chatter amongst themselves, however, he had intended for today to be a chance to spend time with his partner. He gives Marvin the benefit of the doubt. The thing is, Jackie came across as a decent enough guy. He also understandably seemed a little overwhelmed by the amount of people in the group. If the chit chat served as a distraction, then fine by him. Besides, he only looked like he was in his late teens anyway. They did share a history of drumming when they were younger though which was a nice surprise. That certainly allowed for a whole avenue of conversation. As soon as Jameson emerged to start his performance, the auditory atmosphere changed. There were speakers around the place and at certain points of the show it almost felt as if the sound was travelling around the space as a physical thing. He also seemingly teleported to a different spot than moments before. A woman was completely flabbergasted when she discovered a small thank you card in her handbag that certainly hadn't been there when she arrived with no easy explanation for how it got there. Throughout the performance, one of his colleagues acted as his commentator. Among his other tricks, the Jolly Gentleman sets a row of plants on fire with an elongated lighter. One of his colleagues dramatically shows up with a bucket of water to extinguish it. The performer stops him with a raised hand. He then holds the lighter, still producing a flame, up for the audience. It trails across the plants, erasing any evidence that there had been any combustion taking places. Not a single scorch mark or hint of smoke in sight. A little girl is summoned from the audience. She's about the twins' age, maybe slightly younger. After being asked what her favourite character was (Daddy Pig, of all things) she was encouraged to sing a song she really liked (I'm a Little Teapot). Already familiar with work stories his friend had, he knew what to expect. The crowd was treated to Daddy Pig's rendition of I'm a Little Teapot, complete with actions. Or at least, they were partially treated to it as the volunteer kept giggling into the microphone throughout her performance. It is evident that Jackie is too enthralled by the show to notice the barely subtle yet fond glances in his direction from the one sitting next to him. Ah, so it was like that, huh? Good for them. Chase catches Marvin's arm as they head out, taking advantage of Jackie going to speak with Jameson. It would be more discreet if Marvin's friend wasn't in earshot. With a wink, he teases his friend. "And they were roommates." "Hey, shut up. It's not like that." "Sure. And Oscar is nothing more than my buddy." "Chase-" "Seriously, what have you got to lose? If he's straight then it might get a little awkward for a moment. But I feel like he would be reasonable and appreciate the honesty. Well, you know him better than I do. You tell me." "You sure?" "Listen, I was already married to a woman when I started being cool with liking dudes. But since the split I've been around the block a few times. It is going to be fine." Marvin moves towards his car as Jackie re-emerges from backstage. It's clear he's still very much skeptical about it all. "If you say so, Chase." ---- Joel makes the judgement that Jackie would probably be fine to travel through his portals a week later. His apartment is pleasant. The ledge of one of his windows has a cushion to improve comfort. Jackie notices remnants of blu tack on the wall where something had clear been removed, which was odd. He almost makes a joke about it but decides against it. "Well... fáilte!" Joel spreads his arms to gesture to the whole room. "Wait, you know some Irish?" "Yep. Had an Irish grandmother who got me conversational." "Really? Nice. In that case, go raibh maith agat." Jackie chuckles. "So... anyway, you going to tell me how you know I'm from '86 or not?" "Okay, so you already know about my portals." "Are you trying to tell me you portalled me through time?" "What?! No, of course not. Bold of you to assume I have any control over the 4th dimension. I meant, I have powers and therefore I inherited the ability to have them." "So how then?" "One of my dads has a time based power and I guess, that trickled down to me a little. Stuff like that happens sometimes. I think Jameson might have an unusually strong immune system because his mother has enhanced immunity. Either way, I just have a sixth sense for time stuff." "...Right." Joel huffs in annoyance. "Alright, believe me or don't. The point is I want to help you go back to your own time if that's what you want." Ah. That's where that elephant was hiding. He was slowly getting used to the future but there was an inexplicable longing to return to where he came from. He was never meant to be 20 in 2019. There was no denying that fact. And as much as he enjoyed hanging out with Marvin and the rest of his new friends, it felt wrong somehow. That said, he was particularly good at going with the flow where necessary. If he was stuck in this century for good, then he'd deal with that. But if there was a chance he could be returned to 1986, there was no way he wouldn't take it. "How?" A sly smile appears on Joel's face. "Ah, for that, we will need Jameson and Henrik's help. All we have to do is wait for the right moment to ask for it. And seeing as it's now May, I don't think we'll have to wait that long."

Occult Blood and other Seitanic Nightmares

I have mentioned recently on Ao3 and Discord that I have been having Serious Health Issues lately.

To begin the story of my health breaking down, I want to show you a picture:

And you're like, "OK H-L, what the hell's that?"

THOSE are "sticky vegan spare ribs" made of seitan, which is pretty much pure wheat gluten.

Before eating said sticky vegan spare ribs, I did not believe that I had any problems with wheat gluten. I know several people with c[o]eliac disease, and I'm aware of a few others who can't eat gluten due to auto-immune conditions, but I did not think I was one of them. I've had a foul digestive system for years but had been mostly keeping it under control by avoiding dairy, eggs, animal protein in general, and eating a very large number of prebiotics and probiotics. Gluten? Didn't think that was a problem at all.

Profound TMI and potential triggers below the cut.

Cue the next morning, when I woke up with really bad cramping in my large intestine and as much blood as if I'd been having a period, only coming from what doctors refer to as my "back passage". Holy crap.

Well. So. I continued to have diarrhoea throughout the trip, came home and rang the GP surgery. At the time the coronavirus outbreak was just ramping up, so the GP I spoke to was basically telling me "it probably isn't cancer if you've only had it the once, call back in a few months if it continues." I never thought it might be cancer, but I was pretty worried about coeliac disease.

So from March around to June, I have been having diarrhoea between 2 and 5+ times a day. Sometimes explosive. Sometimes very painful. Got to 4th June and decided it had been "a few months" and I needed medical attention. Spoke to a GP in a telephone appointment, who took it all very seriously and ordered a bunch of blood tests and a stool sample.

The initial blood tests for c[o]eliac disease - IgA-TGA and IgG-TGA came back "negative", but I haven't seen the actual numbers. Also, according to both a very comprehensive review article and MayoClinic recommendations, these tests are negative in around 8% of people who do turn out to have coeliac disease.

In the meantime another GP reviewed the results and decided I should produce some more stool samples, one to be cultured to test what bacteria I have in my intestines, and the other a FIT test for occult blood. Which sounds awesome, but it just means hidden blood in your poo. That came back positive, which means that I have hit the "you might have cancer" target and been referred urgently to Gastroenterology under the Rapid Referral Scheme.

It's only about a 10% chance of being cancer, and I'm not even worried about that. I'm pretty young for bowel cancer. I've been trying to explain to people how even if it was cancer, I'm less afraid of a nice solid tumour in Stage 1 that hasn't had the chance to break off and metastasise than I am of a lifelong horrible inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's. I know that might sound really weird, but I'm aware of how "cancer" isn't a single illness, it all depends on the specific gene mutation that you have, and the word alone doesn't trigger me. I know several people who have had cancers found early and they're fine now.

I'm not even afraid of the colonoscopy which is booked for Wednesday. I seem to know a startlingly large number of people who have had to have one well before the age of 50, for one reason or another. What I'm distressed by is the fact I can't eat normal food from Sunday round to Tuesday, and then have to starve myself from 1pm on Tuesday, and then take medication to make the world fall out of my bottom. Twice. I already have the world falling out of my bottom on a regular basis - or at least I did, see below - and it's horrendous.

In other news I decided that I didn't care what the blood tests said, I was going to stop eating gluten and see if it made any difference. So I've cut out everything which contains wheat, barley, spelt, or gluten, though some of the things in my diet still "may contain traces of gluten". Since there isn't any need to go all the way gluten-free until I have some sort of medical proof that gluten is the problem, right? Except... I've gone from diarrhoea 2-5+ times PER DAY to having 2 episodes of diarrhoea in the past NINE DAYS. That's pretty conclusive, right?

Yesterday I woke up again with really bad cramping in my large intestine and more blood in my poo. It's probably from an injury from having had so much explosive diarrhoea, but from the position of the cramping over the top of my belly, I don't think it's anything up my bum but a lot further round. Today I woke up from one of those anxiety dreams about teeth falling out. Usually I can stave those off when I've been to the dentist within the last 6 months and determined that my teeth and gums are doing okay, but not today... So I'm distressed, anxious, and my tummy hurts.

Honestly, I really believe that I have either coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten intolerance. The part where I stopped eating gluten and the problem almost completely went away seems telling, to me. I'm very aware of the psychosomatic effect and how a person can "believe" something that isn't true, get well from a placebo treatment or whatever. But I don't think my intestines could do that?

In the meantime, I am stressed beyond belief about the next few days. All I can eat is bland white carbohydrates, tofu, milk, yogurt without bits, fruit juice without bits, lemon sorbet, and a very small number of vegetables/fruit. I am very much a food-oriented person and it's already distressing that I may well have to stop eating gluten for life, without all the other nonsense in this temporary diet.

By the way, being a person with a rather sick sense of humour, it will actually HELP if you make "up the bum" jokes. I'd definitely prefer it to "I'm praying for you", which makes me angry at the best of times.