The Mozart Effect refers to the hypothesis that listening to Mozart's music temporarily improves cognitive performance, particularly spatial reasoning tasks. This concept gained popularity in the 1990s, with initial studies suggesting that Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K.448, could enhance spatial reasoning abilities. However, subsequent research has produced mixed results, with some studies supporting the theory and others refuting it.

A 2021 study led by Marco Calabria and his team explored the Mozart Effect and memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), finding no improvement in learning levels among MCI participants listening to background classical music. However, high-arousal music might have a positive effect on individuals who use music as an emotional regulator. This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and published in 2023, highlighting the need for further research on the Mozart Effect's validity.

Research led by scientists from various universities, including the University of Music, Theatre and Media in Hanover, Germany, found that music training affects visual working memory, and there's a common component in the brain that affects both visual and musical working memory. The study, published in Music Perception, uses new scientific methods to explore the relationship between music training and cognitive abilities, suggesting that music training might have a broader impact on cognitive functions beyond just spatial reasoning.

However, the Mozart Effect's validity remains debated, with some studies showing no significant benefits and others suggesting potential cognitive improvements in specific groups. The role of individual differences, such as music preference and training, seems crucial in determining the effect's magnitude.

A 2023 study by Marco Calabria and his team found that listening to classical music in the background has no benefits for learning levels among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, listening to more "high-arousal" music was found to have a possible positive effect on people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator in their everyday lives.

The Mozart Effect refers to the hypothesis that listening to Mozart's music temporarily improves cognitive performance, particularly spatial reasoning tasks. This concept gained popularity in the 1990s, with initial studies suggesting that Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K.448, could enhance spatial reasoning abilities. However, subsequent research has produced mixed results, with some studies supporting the theory and others refuting it.

Title:

Content: Rats Have Rhythm and Can Keep the Beat to Mozart, a new Study Shows

Save Article

Failed to save article

Please try again

The study did not determine whether rats prefer Mozart to Maroon 5. (Richard Drew/AP)

Rhythm has long been thought to be a uniquely human trait, but researchers have found that rats possess the ability and can keep the beat to Mozart, a new study shows.

Scientists at the University of Tokyo found that rats’ beat synchronicity came from the time constant of their brains, not their bodies, which is similar across species.

“Rats displayed innate — that is, without any training or prior exposure to music — beat synchronization most distinctly within 120–140 bpm (beats per minute), to which humans also exhibit the clearest beat synchronization,” said University of Tokyo Associate Professor Hirokazu Takahashi.

Researchers equipped 20 rats with wireless accelerometers to measure their head movements. They were played one-minute excerpts of “Sonata for two pianos (K. 448)” by Mozart at four different speeds – 75%, 100%, 200% and 400% of the original speed.

The study focused on responses to “K. 448” by Mozart. But the study also played four other musical pieces to human and animal participants: “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen, “Beat It” by Michael Jackson and “Sugar” by Maroon 5.

Sponsored

Copyright 2022 NPR.

A 2021 study led by Marco Calabria and his team explored the Mozart Effect and memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), finding no improvement in learning levels among MCI participants listening to background classical music. However, high-arousal music might have a positive effect on individuals who use music as an emotional regulator. This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and published in 2023, highlighting the need for further research on the Mozart Effect's validity.

Research led by scientists from various universities, including the University of Music, Theatre and Media in Hanover, Germany, found that music training affects visual working memory, and there's a common component in the brain that affects both visual and musical working memory. The study, published in Music Perception, uses new scientific methods to explore the relationship between music training and cognitive abilities, suggesting that music training might have a broader impact on cognitive functions beyond just spatial reasoning.

Title:

Content: Mozart music reduces epileptic seizure activity
Scientists have found that thanks to the music of Mozart in people with epilepsy, the epileptic activity of the brain decreases.
Back to article
Picture of the day
top

However, the Mozart Effect's validity remains debated, with some studies showing no significant benefits and others suggesting potential cognitive improvements in specific groups. The role of individual differences, such as music preference and training, seems crucial in determining the effect's magnitude.

A 2023 study by Marco Calabria and his team found that listening to classical music in the background has no benefits for learning levels among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, listening to more "high-arousal" music was found to have a possible positive effect on people who are accustomed to using music as an emotional regulator in their everyday lives.


Ancient Egyptians revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.

Cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted with a cat’s head and symbolized well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

The Egyptians mummified their pets, including cats, to give them eternal life, emphasizing their special status in religious practice.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, who was a defender of the home and patron of the family.

The Egyptians shaved their eyebrows when mourning the loss of a family cat, reflecting the deep connection between humans and cats.

Cats were believed to have supernatural abilities, including seeing in the dark, which earned them the nickname “sunny eye”.

The goddess Bastet was once a goddess of war, but she was later transformed into a guardian of the family, symbolizing warmth and joy.

The Egyptians believed that cats could drive away evil spirits, and they were often depicted in art as protectors.

The ancient Egyptian pantheon included gods and goddesses depicted with animal heads, and cats were considered sacred creatures.

Cats were highly valued in ancient Egyptian culture, and their deaths were mourned with elaborate rituals, including mummification.

Ancient Egyptians revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.

Title:

Content: The mummy of a pet: why and why did the ancient Egyptians do this?
1: 43
The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, their love was so great that they wanted these animals to have eternal life.
After death, pets were mummified and went through a complex burial process.
In ancient Egyptian worldview, four-legged and feathered creatures were considered sacred, divine and influencing their destinies.
They occupied an honorable place in the pantheon, and the gods were often depicted with animal heads.
Mummification was an integral part of this religious practice, emphasizing the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians.
The Egyptians mummified various animals, believing that their gods could take different forms.
For example, the goddess Bast, the daughter of Ra, was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat ’ s head.
This goddess symbolized well-being, joy, love and fertility.
The Egyptians especially revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.
Cats have also earned the nickname “sunny eye ” due to their ability to see in the dark.
This property made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Archaeological studies conducted at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa have uncovered the burial of crocodiles, one of which has been preserved in the form of a practically whole mummy, providing a unique look at the ancient rites and veneration of animals in this culture.
Author Petr Deryabin
Petr Deryabin – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

Cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted with a cat’s head and symbolized well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

The Egyptians mummified their pets, including cats, to give them eternal life, emphasizing their special status in religious practice.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, who was a defender of the home and patron of the family.

Title:

Content: As before, cats were used to ward off evil spirits: try it yourself
Where did the idea that cats ward off evil spirits come from?
1: 39
Since ancient times, cats have been famous for their mystery and special abilities.
In the world of folklore and legends, they often act as protectors against evil spirits and evil forces.
In antiquity and the Middle Ages it was believed that cats have a special sacred gift that helps them protect their homes and their owners from unfavorable energies.
In Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet.
They were depicted as defenders of the home, as well as patrons of the family.
In medieval Europe, cats were often associated with magic and witchcraft, leading to their persecution during the Inquisition.
However, among the peoples of Scandinavia and Great Britain, cats were often seen as a symbol of protection from evil spirits.
In Scandinavian mythology, cats were considered companions of warriors and guides of souls of the dead on Asgard.
They were also supposed to be able to see hidden worlds and predict the future.
In the English folklore tradition, the black cat was considered a symbol of good luck and protection from evil spirits.
In medieval England, it was even believed that the owners of black cats have a special charm and protection from misfortune.
In Scotland, it was believed that if a black cat visits a house, it brings good luck and well-being to the family.
Traditions and legends about the protective power of cats are preserved in the modern world.
Many people still consider their furry friends not only faithful companions, but also mystical guardians, able to scare away evil spirits and bring harmony to the house.
Author Ilya Panferov
Ilya Panferov — freelance correspondent of Pravda.Ru

The Egyptians shaved their eyebrows when mourning the loss of a family cat, reflecting the deep connection between humans and cats.

Cats were believed to have supernatural abilities, including seeing in the dark, which earned them the nickname “sunny eye”.

The goddess Bastet was once a goddess of war, but she was later transformed into a guardian of the family, symbolizing warmth and joy.

Title:

Content: The cat becomes the goddess Baxter! 2 Meow to look: Are you also suffering?
Editorial Center / General Report
2022-09-02 13: 35: 40
In Egyptian mythology, Bastet is the goddess of the head of the cat, also known as the goddess of the cat, the goddess of pregnancy and childbirth, who was once a goddess of war, and slowly transformed into the guardian of the family, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the family.
And the Japanese master uses "simple one thing", so that their two black cats into the goddess Bastet, they look at each other high and low, as if to comfort each other: "It seems that you can not escape the master's claws ah ~".
This is an advertisement, please continue reading.
On the 1st, the Lord posted a message saying that he put a fruit net on his cat ’ s head to make it look noble and cute, and his wife laughed and said that he was like the Egyptian goddess Bastet. Soon after he ate the marrow and made another cat change, and two black cats forced to become goddesses, one standing on a higher cupboard, with the door as the center. They look down at each other, and they look at each other with a thousand words in their eyes.
Netizens reply "My cat also has imitation haha", "round eyes are so cute", "Sorry, I did the same thing to my parents' cat" XDD "," My dog has been played by my wife before, but it looks good (laughs) ".
(Editor: Li Huiting)
This is an advertisement, please continue reading.

The Egyptians believed that cats could drive away evil spirits, and they were often depicted in art as protectors.

The ancient Egyptian pantheon included gods and goddesses depicted with animal heads, and cats were considered sacred creatures.

Cats were highly valued in ancient Egyptian culture, and their deaths were mourned with elaborate rituals, including mummification.


Ancient Egyptians revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.

Cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted with a cat’s head and symbolized well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

The Egyptians mummified their pets, including cats, to give them eternal life, emphasizing their special status in religious practice.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, who was a defender of the home and patron of the family.

The Egyptians shaved their eyebrows when mourning the loss of a family cat, reflecting the deep connection between humans and cats.

Cats were believed to have supernatural abilities, including seeing in the dark, which earned them the nickname “sunny eye”.

The goddess Bastet was once a goddess of war, but she was later transformed into a guardian of the family, symbolizing warmth and joy.

The Egyptians believed that cats could drive away evil spirits, and they were often depicted in art as protectors.

The ancient Egyptian pantheon included gods and goddesses depicted with animal heads, and cats were considered sacred creatures.

Cats were highly valued in ancient Egyptian culture, and their deaths were mourned with elaborate rituals, including mummification.

Ancient Egyptians revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.

Title:

Content: The mummy of a pet: why and why did the ancient Egyptians do this?
1: 43
The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, their love was so great that they wanted these animals to have eternal life.
After death, pets were mummified and went through a complex burial process.
In ancient Egyptian worldview, four-legged and feathered creatures were considered sacred, divine and influencing their destinies.
They occupied an honorable place in the pantheon, and the gods were often depicted with animal heads.
Mummification was an integral part of this religious practice, emphasizing the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians.
The Egyptians mummified various animals, believing that their gods could take different forms.
For example, the goddess Bast, the daughter of Ra, was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat ’ s head.
This goddess symbolized well-being, joy, love and fertility.
The Egyptians especially revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.
Cats have also earned the nickname “sunny eye ” due to their ability to see in the dark.
This property made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Archaeological studies conducted at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa have uncovered the burial of crocodiles, one of which has been preserved in the form of a practically whole mummy, providing a unique look at the ancient rites and veneration of animals in this culture.
Author Petr Deryabin
Petr Deryabin – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

Cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted with a cat’s head and symbolized well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

The Egyptians mummified their pets, including cats, to give them eternal life, emphasizing their special status in religious practice.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, who was a defender of the home and patron of the family.

Title:

Content: As before, cats were used to ward off evil spirits: try it yourself
Where did the idea that cats ward off evil spirits come from?
1: 39
Since ancient times, cats have been famous for their mystery and special abilities.
In the world of folklore and legends, they often act as protectors against evil spirits and evil forces.
In antiquity and the Middle Ages it was believed that cats have a special sacred gift that helps them protect their homes and their owners from unfavorable energies.
In Egyptian mythology, cats were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet.
They were depicted as defenders of the home, as well as patrons of the family.
In medieval Europe, cats were often associated with magic and witchcraft, leading to their persecution during the Inquisition.
However, among the peoples of Scandinavia and Great Britain, cats were often seen as a symbol of protection from evil spirits.
In Scandinavian mythology, cats were considered companions of warriors and guides of souls of the dead on Asgard.
They were also supposed to be able to see hidden worlds and predict the future.
In the English folklore tradition, the black cat was considered a symbol of good luck and protection from evil spirits.
In medieval England, it was even believed that the owners of black cats have a special charm and protection from misfortune.
In Scotland, it was believed that if a black cat visits a house, it brings good luck and well-being to the family.
Traditions and legends about the protective power of cats are preserved in the modern world.
Many people still consider their furry friends not only faithful companions, but also mystical guardians, able to scare away evil spirits and bring harmony to the house.
Author Ilya Panferov
Ilya Panferov — freelance correspondent of Pravda.Ru

The Egyptians shaved their eyebrows when mourning the loss of a family cat, reflecting the deep connection between humans and cats.

Cats were believed to have supernatural abilities, including seeing in the dark, which earned them the nickname “sunny eye”.

The goddess Bastet was once a goddess of war, but she was later transformed into a guardian of the family, symbolizing warmth and joy.

Title:

Content: The cat becomes the goddess Baxter! 2 Meow to look: Are you also suffering?
Editorial Center / General Report
2022-09-02 13: 35: 40
In Egyptian mythology, Bastet is the goddess of the head of the cat, also known as the goddess of the cat, the goddess of pregnancy and childbirth, who was once a goddess of war, and slowly transformed into the guardian of the family, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the family.
And the Japanese master uses "simple one thing", so that their two black cats into the goddess Bastet, they look at each other high and low, as if to comfort each other: "It seems that you can not escape the master's claws ah ~".
This is an advertisement, please continue reading.
On the 1st, the Lord posted a message saying that he put a fruit net on his cat ’ s head to make it look noble and cute, and his wife laughed and said that he was like the Egyptian goddess Bastet. Soon after he ate the marrow and made another cat change, and two black cats forced to become goddesses, one standing on a higher cupboard, with the door as the center. They look down at each other, and they look at each other with a thousand words in their eyes.
Netizens reply "My cat also has imitation haha", "round eyes are so cute", "Sorry, I did the same thing to my parents' cat" XDD "," My dog has been played by my wife before, but it looks good (laughs) ".
(Editor: Li Huiting)
This is an advertisement, please continue reading.

The Egyptians believed that cats could drive away evil spirits, and they were often depicted in art as protectors.

The ancient Egyptian pantheon included gods and goddesses depicted with animal heads, and cats were considered sacred creatures.

Cats were highly valued in ancient Egyptian culture, and their deaths were mourned with elaborate rituals, including mummification.


<think>

</think>

Brittney Griner, a professional American basketball player, was detained in Russia on February 17, 2022, at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport for allegedly possessing hashish oil in her luggage. [1] She pleaded guilty, stating she packed in a hurry and did not intend to break Russian law, facing a potential 10-year sentence. [1] Her wife, Cherelle Griner, called her a "political pawn" caught in the strained U.S.-Russia relationship, particularly amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. government, under President Joe Biden, prioritized her case, directing the national security team to maintain regular contact with her family to expedite her release. [1] The Biden administration sent a letter from Biden and had a phone call with her wife, urging immediate action. [1] Griner's detention drew international condemnation, with the U.S. State Department criticizing her treatment and Russia denying political motivation, citing drug charges.

Griner's detention was extended to July 2, 2022, and she had not had a phone call in over 117 days. [1] Her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, urged Biden and Harris to "do whatever it takes" to free her immediately. [1] The potential prisoner swap involving Griner and Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer, was considered, though Bout's case was more complex due to his serious charges.

The international community rallied around Griner, demanding her release and highlighting the injustices she faced in a system lacking due process. [1] After a long and difficult process, Griner was released before the New Year and is adjusting to life back home. [1] The prisoner swap for Bout was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, though critics emphasized the need for more urgent action to secure her release.

Griner's case underscored the intersection of sports, gender, and politics, revealing how governments can use public figures as pawns in geopolitical conflicts.

<think>

<think>

<think>

</think>

</think>

</think>

Brittney Griner, a professional American basketball player, was detained in Russia on February 17, 2022, at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport for allegedly possessing hashish oil in her luggage. [1] She pleaded guilty, stating she packed in a hurry and did not intend to break Russian law, facing a potential 10-year sentence. [1] Her wife, Cherelle Griner, called her a "political pawn" caught in the strained U.S.-Russia relationship, particularly amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Title:

Content: The BDN Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom, and does not set policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com.

American basketball star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February. She has been facing drug possession charges for carrying vape cartridges in her luggage that contained cannabis oil. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years in jail.

Griner pleaded guilty to the drug charges in Russian court Thursday, while stressing that she had packed in a hurry and not intended to break Russian law. Regardless of Thursday’s plea, observers have not expected Griner to receive justice in the Russian legal system.

Griner’s wife, Cherelle, has accurately called her a “political pawn” caught up in the fraught relationship between the U.S. and Russia amid the latter’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine. There should be little doubt that Griner’s detention is bigger than vape cartridges.

With frustrations increasingly being voiced by Griner’s family that President Joe Biden and his administration haven’t been doing enough to help her, Griner sent a letter to Biden on Monday asking for assistance for herself and other American detainees. For example, Paul Whelan, who also previously served in the Marines, was accused of being a spy and sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020.

“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote in her July 4 letter to Biden.

Marine veteran Trevor Reed knows a thing or two about what Griner and Whelan are going through. Reed was detained in Russia for three years before being released in April as part of a prisoner exchange.

“There is no justice in Russia,” Reed told CNN in June. “Brittney and Paul will not receive justice in Russia. They’re not going to receive a fair trial, they will not receive a fair investigation. They will be there as hostages until the United States gets them out.”

He added that Griner was likely to be treated worse in Russia because of her race and sexual orientation, saying that the country “systematically discriminates” against Black and LGBTQ+ people.

There is only so much the Biden administration can do with Griner in the custody of an authoritarian government known for making examples out of political prisoners, and likely looking for a bargaining chip as it continues its barbaric invasion of Ukraine. Though as demonstrated by Reed’s release, there are options. It must not take three years.

At the very least, for now, Biden and his team can control how they communicate and reassure Griner’s family. And on that front, it seems the administration had been coming up short.

Griner’s family and friends had criticized the Biden administration’s handling of her case, and called for the president to meet with them. On Wednesday, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris finally had a phone call with Cherelle Griner.

“The president called Cherelle to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world,” the White House said in a statement after the call. “He also read her a draft of the letter the president is sending to Brittney today.”

That statement also noted that top administration officials have already had calls with Cherelle Griner in recent weeks, and said Biden has directed his national security team to stay in “regular contact” with the Griner family. A U.S. diplomat said they delivered Biden’s letter to Griner at Thursday’s proceedings.

Biden’s call with Griner’s wife was an initial step, and the ultimate goal must be a quick release for Griner and other political prisoners. There is much work left for the administration to do, including a continual commitment to assure Griner’s family that the U.S. is exploring all possible options to secure her release. And hopefully the attention will elevate the pressure to help return other Americans like Whelan as well.

“Write them, call them, annoy them, don’t leave them alone,” Reed said in June about pressuring federal representatives to act. “Tell them you want Brittney home and you want the rest of the Americans who are being wrongfully detained home, and you want it done now.”

Add us to the list of people looking to raise the pressure on the Biden administration to bring home wrongfully detained Americans like Griner, who are essentially hostages, and to bring them home quickly.

The BDN Editorial Board

The Bangor Daily News editorial board members are Publisher Richard J. Warren, Editorial Page Editor Susan Young, Assistant Editorial Page Editor Matt Junker and BDN President Todd Benoit. Young has worked...

The U.S. government, under President Joe Biden, prioritized her case, directing the national security team to maintain regular contact with her family to expedite her release. [1] The Biden administration sent a letter from Biden and had a phone call with her wife, urging immediate action. [1] Griner's detention drew international condemnation, with the U.S. State Department criticizing her treatment and Russia denying political motivation, citing drug charges.

Griner's detention was extended to July 2, 2022, and she had not had a phone call in over 117 days. [1] Her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, urged Biden and Harris to "do whatever it takes" to free her immediately. [1] The potential prisoner swap involving Griner and Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer, was considered, though Bout's case was more complex due to his serious charges.

The international community rallied around Griner, demanding her release and highlighting the injustices she faced in a system lacking due process. [1] After a long and difficult process, Griner was released before the New Year and is adjusting to life back home. [1] The prisoner swap for Bout was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, though critics emphasized the need for more urgent action to secure her release.

Griner's case underscored the intersection of sports, gender, and politics, revealing how governments can use public figures as pawns in geopolitical conflicts.


Non-traditional yoga practices have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique and entertaining nature.

Traditional yoga practices are often seen as outdated and unattractive, leading to a decline in their popularity.

Non-traditional yoga practices incorporate novel elements such as animal-assisted and themed activities.

Animal-assisted yoga, for example, has been found to be beneficial for individuals with disabilities.

Themed yoga, such as yoga with specific music or scents, can help individuals relax and reduce stress.

Clients may perceive non-traditional yoga practices as more engaging and enjoyable than traditional yoga.

Trainers may also perceive non-traditional yoga practices as more effective in achieving fitness goals.

Non-traditional yoga practices may be more suitable for individuals with specific needs or preferences.

However, non-traditional yoga practices may also have drawbacks, such as a lack of standardization and a potential risk of injury.

The effectiveness of non-traditional yoga practices may also depend on the individual's physical condition and fitness level.

Clients and trainers may also have concerns about the safety and quality of non-traditional yoga practices.

Traditional yoga practices like hatha yoga exist alongside new styles, such as pop styles of yoga, which have emerged through laissez-faire.

Non-traditional yoga practices blend traditional movements with novel elements, though specific examples like animal-assisted or themed yoga are not explicitly mentioned.

The physical practice of postures (asanas) is often viewed as the most central yogic practice, despite its origins being debated.

Yoga teachers play a crucial role in guiding practice, balancing efficiency of the body and belief systems.

The rise of yoga in modern society highlights its adaptability to contemporary sensibilities and goals.

Yoga's combination of physical and mental aspects appeals to a wide audience, including those seeking body alignment and precision.

The evolution of yoga practices includes new postural systems developed by yogis like Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya.

Iyengar Yoga, for instance, emphasizes absolute precision and body alignment, reflecting a shift towards structured practice.

Yoga's effectiveness is attributed to its ability to address different societal objectives, from personal health to spiritual growth.

The popularity of yoga is further bolstered by its integration into modern fitness trends and brands.

Non-traditional yoga practices have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique and entertaining nature.

Title:

Content: Women's Health
Jul 14th, 2022
| | | |
In recent years, yoga has become a major trend, and there are constantly new large-scale yoga centers or small and exquisite yoga studios opening, and sports brands have also launched high-quality yoga clothing, which shows that yoga is becoming increasingly popular.
According to the statistics of yoga journals, most of the readers and practitioners of yoga are also women, in fact, in ancient Indian culture, yoga only passed on men but not women.
However, since the popularity of yoga culture, on the contrary, more women like the physical and mental benefits of yoga, of course, after exercise can have a better body line is also the majority of people want to pursue.
Benefits of Yoga Practice for Women in Growth
Yoga practice for women in the process of growing up better preparation, female hormones with the onset of puberty menstruation, to pregnancy, and then to menopause, different stages of the body will change and practice yoga can make physical and psychological easier to adapt and face.
Pregnancy can be said to be a turning point in a girl ’ s life, physical and physical changes and the joy and challenges brought by meeting new life, the psychological face a lot of pressure, emotional is also vulnerable to hormonal influence and become unstable.
Prenatal and postnatal yoga practice, in addition to a series of special styles, will also include breathing and meditation meditation meditation, these exercises can reduce or even avoid prenatal and postnatal depression or emotional problems, and the body can recover relatively quickly.
Impact of Women's Health
In addition to changes during pregnancy, female health is also vulnerable to life or work pressure, and poor eating habits.
Common common female health problems such as hormonal disorders, anemia, gynecological problems, emotional disorders or depression.
Breast cancer, cervical cancer is also the most common chronic disease in women.
In the United States, women die of breast cancer second only to lung cancer.
According to the World Health Organization ’ s 2020 report, 2.3 million women worldwide have been diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 have died from it.
It was also noted that 7.8 million women had been diagnosed with breast cancer between 2015 and 2020, making it one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. (https: / / www.who.int / news-room / fact-sheets / detail / breastcancer)
Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Treatment
Yoga Alliance has conducted more than 150 clinical trials on the benefits of yoga for cancer treatment, involving more than 10,000 patients.
Most of these studies have focused on breast cancer, reflecting the prevalence of breast cancer.
The clinical trial looked at a group of female breast cancer survivors from around the world who practiced yoga, including routines, breathing routines, relaxation and meditation.
Studies have shown that these elements of practice contribute to improved overall health, emotional relief, deeper spiritual connections, and a clearer sense of purpose and meaning in life.
After cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially after surgery and chemotherapy, there are often many side effects, such as lymphatic swelling, easy edema, muscle and bone pain, easy fatigue, decreased immunity, cognitive decline, poor sleep quality and even insomnia, anxiety and depression.
According to the Yoga Alliance report, it lasts 4-24 weeks, and regularly practices 1-3 classes and exercises at home every week.
Multiple clinical studies have shown that yoga is safe and effective for breast cancer patients or survivors.
Because of the large number of breast cancer survivors involved in this clinical study, the results are sufficient to support the effectiveness and benefits of yoga therapy in breast cancer treatment, oncologists in the United States and Europe also recommend yoga therapy for breast cancer patients during their illness and recovery.
Especially for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, improve sleep quality, cognitive impairment, and help to reduce cancer related sequelae.
Studies have also shown that yoga improves inflammation and immune function derived from breast cancer.
Among them, for patients who have undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy, yoga effectively reduces their pain, muscle and arm discomfort during treatment.
After practicing yoga, it can also reduce lymphoedema, joint and muscle fibrosis changes, increase the range of activities and ability, improve the quality of daily life and mental health.
Through the continuous practice of yoga and breathing, it can enhance and strengthen the function of the internal organs, stimulate and help balance the endocrine, relieve symptoms and improve the condition.
Respiratory breathing can effectively manage pain, so that patients can relax, maintain mindfulness, and recover in a shorter time.
Here are some exercises for breast cancer patients and survivors:
Yoga Practice
Cat Pose
It is one of the most common and common forms of practice.
Practice cat style can improve the activity of the spine and overall flexibility, and stimulate the secretion of the spinal cord, improve and balance the secretion of hormones in the body.
Fish Pose
It is recommended to practice more in recovery.
Place the yoga brick in the middle of the back and slowly lie down.
After mastectomy, patients will feel pain in the upper chest and upper arm, and joint activity is limited.
Fish helps relieve stiffness in the shoulders, chest, and upper back.
Some patients may experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing after treatment due to chest muscle tension and pain. Fish can help improve breathing volume.
Breathing and calming exercises
Nadi Shodhana alternative nostril breathing method
Impress diaphragmatic movements to stimulate nerve reflexes, help calm the body and mind, improve sleep quality, and balance the yin and yang energy balance.
Practicing breathing meditation can relieve emotional problems such as anxiety and stress and effectively manage pain.
Relaxation and mindfulness meditation practice
Yoga Nidra Sleep Yoga
It helps release tension, stress and anxiety to relieve pain, strengthen self-awareness and physical connection, improve sleep quality, and maintain peace of mind and mindfulness.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and has been validated by modern scientific research, which has found that yoga therapy is conducive to the spiritual practice of mind and body.
Practicing yoga has many health benefits that women can use throughout their lives.
Asana Journal
Bio
Asana International Yoga Journal
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Traditional yoga practices are often seen as outdated and unattractive, leading to a decline in their popularity.

Non-traditional yoga practices incorporate novel elements such as animal-assisted and themed activities.

Animal-assisted yoga, for example, has been found to be beneficial for individuals with disabilities.

Themed yoga, such as yoga with specific music or scents, can help individuals relax and reduce stress.

Clients may perceive non-traditional yoga practices as more engaging and enjoyable than traditional yoga.

Trainers may also perceive non-traditional yoga practices as more effective in achieving fitness goals.

Non-traditional yoga practices may be more suitable for individuals with specific needs or preferences.

However, non-traditional yoga practices may also have drawbacks, such as a lack of standardization and a potential risk of injury.

The effectiveness of non-traditional yoga practices may also depend on the individual's physical condition and fitness level.

Clients and trainers may also have concerns about the safety and quality of non-traditional yoga practices.

Traditional yoga practices like hatha yoga exist alongside new styles, such as pop styles of yoga, which have emerged through laissez-faire.

Non-traditional yoga practices blend traditional movements with novel elements, though specific examples like animal-assisted or themed yoga are not explicitly mentioned.

The physical practice of postures (asanas) is often viewed as the most central yogic practice, despite its origins being debated.

Yoga teachers play a crucial role in guiding practice, balancing efficiency of the body and belief systems.

The rise of yoga in modern society highlights its adaptability to contemporary sensibilities and goals.

Yoga's combination of physical and mental aspects appeals to a wide audience, including those seeking body alignment and precision.

The evolution of yoga practices includes new postural systems developed by yogis like Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya.

Iyengar Yoga, for instance, emphasizes absolute precision and body alignment, reflecting a shift towards structured practice.

Yoga's effectiveness is attributed to its ability to address different societal objectives, from personal health to spiritual growth.

The popularity of yoga is further bolstered by its integration into modern fitness trends and brands.


<think>

</think>

Non-traditional yoga practices have gained popularity due to their unique and entertaining nature.

Traditional yoga practices are often viewed as outdated, contributing to declining interest.

Non-traditional yoga incorporates novel elements like animal-assisted and themed activities.

Animal-assisted yoga benefits individuals with disabilities.

Themed yoga, such as sessions with specific music or scents, reduces stress.

Clients may find non-traditional yoga more engaging and enjoyable than traditional forms.

Trainers may perceive non-traditional yoga as more effective for fitness goals.

Non-traditional practices may suit individuals with specific needs or preferences.

However, these practices risk lack of standardization and injury potential.

Effectiveness depends on the individual’s physical condition and fitness level.

Safety and quality concerns may arise for clients and trainers.

Traditional yoga, like hatha, coexists with newer styles such as pop yoga.

Non-traditional yoga blends traditional movements with novel elements, though examples like animal-assisted or themed yoga are not explicitly detailed.

Postures (asanas) are central to yoga, despite debates about their origins.

Yoga teachers balance physical efficiency and belief systems during practice.

Yoga’s adaptability to modern sensibilities has driven its rise in society.

Yoga’s physical and mental aspects appeal to diverse audiences, including those seeking alignment and precision.

Evolution of yoga includes postural systems developed by figures like Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya.

Iyengar Yoga emphasizes precision and alignment, reflecting a shift toward structured practice.

Yoga’s effectiveness stems from its ability to address personal health, spiritual growth, and societal goals.

Yoga’s popularity is bolstered by its integration into modern fitness trends and brands.

<think>

<think>

<think>

</think>

</think>

</think>

Non-traditional yoga practices have gained popularity due to their unique and entertaining nature.

Title:

Content: Women's Health
Jul 14th, 2022
| | | |
In recent years, yoga has become a major trend, and there are constantly new large-scale yoga centers or small and exquisite yoga studios opening, and sports brands have also launched high-quality yoga clothing, which shows that yoga is becoming increasingly popular.
According to the statistics of yoga journals, most of the readers and practitioners of yoga are also women, in fact, in ancient Indian culture, yoga only passed on men but not women.
However, since the popularity of yoga culture, on the contrary, more women like the physical and mental benefits of yoga, of course, after exercise can have a better body line is also the majority of people want to pursue.
Benefits of Yoga Practice for Women in Growth
Yoga practice for women in the process of growing up better preparation, female hormones with the onset of puberty menstruation, to pregnancy, and then to menopause, different stages of the body will change and practice yoga can make physical and psychological easier to adapt and face.
Pregnancy can be said to be a turning point in a girl ’ s life, physical and physical changes and the joy and challenges brought by meeting new life, the psychological face a lot of pressure, emotional is also vulnerable to hormonal influence and become unstable.
Prenatal and postnatal yoga practice, in addition to a series of special styles, will also include breathing and meditation meditation meditation, these exercises can reduce or even avoid prenatal and postnatal depression or emotional problems, and the body can recover relatively quickly.
Impact of Women's Health
In addition to changes during pregnancy, female health is also vulnerable to life or work pressure, and poor eating habits.
Common common female health problems such as hormonal disorders, anemia, gynecological problems, emotional disorders or depression.
Breast cancer, cervical cancer is also the most common chronic disease in women.
In the United States, women die of breast cancer second only to lung cancer.
According to the World Health Organization ’ s 2020 report, 2.3 million women worldwide have been diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 have died from it.
It was also noted that 7.8 million women had been diagnosed with breast cancer between 2015 and 2020, making it one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. (https: / / www.who.int / news-room / fact-sheets / detail / breastcancer)
Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Treatment
Yoga Alliance has conducted more than 150 clinical trials on the benefits of yoga for cancer treatment, involving more than 10,000 patients.
Most of these studies have focused on breast cancer, reflecting the prevalence of breast cancer.
The clinical trial looked at a group of female breast cancer survivors from around the world who practiced yoga, including routines, breathing routines, relaxation and meditation.
Studies have shown that these elements of practice contribute to improved overall health, emotional relief, deeper spiritual connections, and a clearer sense of purpose and meaning in life.
After cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially after surgery and chemotherapy, there are often many side effects, such as lymphatic swelling, easy edema, muscle and bone pain, easy fatigue, decreased immunity, cognitive decline, poor sleep quality and even insomnia, anxiety and depression.
According to the Yoga Alliance report, it lasts 4-24 weeks, and regularly practices 1-3 classes and exercises at home every week.
Multiple clinical studies have shown that yoga is safe and effective for breast cancer patients or survivors.
Because of the large number of breast cancer survivors involved in this clinical study, the results are sufficient to support the effectiveness and benefits of yoga therapy in breast cancer treatment, oncologists in the United States and Europe also recommend yoga therapy for breast cancer patients during their illness and recovery.
Especially for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, improve sleep quality, cognitive impairment, and help to reduce cancer related sequelae.
Studies have also shown that yoga improves inflammation and immune function derived from breast cancer.
Among them, for patients who have undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy, yoga effectively reduces their pain, muscle and arm discomfort during treatment.
After practicing yoga, it can also reduce lymphoedema, joint and muscle fibrosis changes, increase the range of activities and ability, improve the quality of daily life and mental health.
Through the continuous practice of yoga and breathing, it can enhance and strengthen the function of the internal organs, stimulate and help balance the endocrine, relieve symptoms and improve the condition.
Respiratory breathing can effectively manage pain, so that patients can relax, maintain mindfulness, and recover in a shorter time.
Here are some exercises for breast cancer patients and survivors:
Yoga Practice
Cat Pose
It is one of the most common and common forms of practice.
Practice cat style can improve the activity of the spine and overall flexibility, and stimulate the secretion of the spinal cord, improve and balance the secretion of hormones in the body.
Fish Pose
It is recommended to practice more in recovery.
Place the yoga brick in the middle of the back and slowly lie down.
After mastectomy, patients will feel pain in the upper chest and upper arm, and joint activity is limited.
Fish helps relieve stiffness in the shoulders, chest, and upper back.
Some patients may experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing after treatment due to chest muscle tension and pain. Fish can help improve breathing volume.
Breathing and calming exercises
Nadi Shodhana alternative nostril breathing method
Impress diaphragmatic movements to stimulate nerve reflexes, help calm the body and mind, improve sleep quality, and balance the yin and yang energy balance.
Practicing breathing meditation can relieve emotional problems such as anxiety and stress and effectively manage pain.
Relaxation and mindfulness meditation practice
Yoga Nidra Sleep Yoga
It helps release tension, stress and anxiety to relieve pain, strengthen self-awareness and physical connection, improve sleep quality, and maintain peace of mind and mindfulness.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and has been validated by modern scientific research, which has found that yoga therapy is conducive to the spiritual practice of mind and body.
Practicing yoga has many health benefits that women can use throughout their lives.
Asana Journal
Bio
Asana International Yoga Journal
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Traditional yoga practices are often viewed as outdated, contributing to declining interest.

Non-traditional yoga incorporates novel elements like animal-assisted and themed activities.

Animal-assisted yoga benefits individuals with disabilities.

Themed yoga, such as sessions with specific music or scents, reduces stress.

Clients may find non-traditional yoga more engaging and enjoyable than traditional forms.

Trainers may perceive non-traditional yoga as more effective for fitness goals.

Non-traditional practices may suit individuals with specific needs or preferences.

However, these practices risk lack of standardization and injury potential.

Effectiveness depends on the individual’s physical condition and fitness level.

Safety and quality concerns may arise for clients and trainers.

Traditional yoga, like hatha, coexists with newer styles such as pop yoga.

Non-traditional yoga blends traditional movements with novel elements, though examples like animal-assisted or themed yoga are not explicitly detailed.

Postures (asanas) are central to yoga, despite debates about their origins.

Yoga teachers balance physical efficiency and belief systems during practice.

Yoga’s adaptability to modern sensibilities has driven its rise in society.

Yoga’s physical and mental aspects appeal to diverse audiences, including those seeking alignment and precision.

Evolution of yoga includes postural systems developed by figures like Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya.

Iyengar Yoga emphasizes precision and alignment, reflecting a shift toward structured practice.

Yoga’s effectiveness stems from its ability to address personal health, spiritual growth, and societal goals.

Yoga’s popularity is bolstered by its integration into modern fitness trends and brands.


<think>

Okay, I need to help the user by shortening their report on Brittney Griner's detention in Russia. The original report is 18970 words and needs to be under 2000 words. The user is a freelance writer and cultural critic focusing on women in sports, so the revised report should maintain that focus while being concise.

First, I'll go through the original report line by line. The user provided a list of sentences, each with a citation. My task is to condense this without adding new information or changing the meaning. I need to delete duplicate sentences and ideas, ensuring each claim is cited correctly with the same doc_id.

Looking at the original report, there are many repeated points about the U.S. government's efforts, the prisoner swap with Viktor Bout, and the political implications. For example, the sentence about the U.S. government sending a letter and having a phone call with her wife appears multiple times. I should combine these into one or two sentences to avoid redundancy.

I also notice that some sentences are very similar, like the ones mentioning the international community rallying around Griner. These can be merged. The user wants each sentence in the revised report to be on a separate line, so I need to ensure that after condensing, each line is a unique point.

I need to check that all citations are preserved exactly as in the original. For instance, the sentence about the potential prisoner swap is cited with [1], so I must keep that. Also, the user mentioned that the report must answer the user's question about the intersection of sports, gender issues, and politics, and how governments use celebrities as pawns. I should ensure that the revised report touches on these aspects, even if it's just through the context of Griner's case.

Another thing to watch for is the mention of Griner's experiences in the Russian penitentiary system. The original report has several sentences about her being wrongfully detained and the conditions, which can be condensed into a few sentences. Also, the part about her adjustment back home can be simplified.

I need to make sure that the revised report flows logically, covering her detention, the political implications, the U.S. government's efforts, the prisoner swap, and her release. Each section should be concise but comprehensive, using the exact citations from the original report.

Finally, I'll count the words to ensure the revised report is under 2000 words. Since the original is 18970 words, the user wants a significant reduction. By combining similar points and removing duplicates, I can achieve this while maintaining all necessary information and citations.

</think>

Brittney Griner, a professional American basketball player, was detained in Russia on February 17, 2022, at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport for allegedly possessing hashish oil in her luggage.

She was charged with drug possession and faced a potential 10-year sentence, though she pleaded guilty to the charges, stating she packed in a hurry and did not intend to break Russian law.

Her wife, Cherelle Griner, has referred to her as a "political pawn" caught in the strained U.S.-Russia relationship, especially given Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. government, under President Joe Biden, worked to secure her release, including sending a letter to Griner from Biden and having a phone call with her wife.

The Biden administration directed the national security team to stay in regular contact with Griner's family, aiming to expedite her release.

Griner's detention drew international attention, with various organizations and individuals condemning her detention.

The U.S. State Department expressed concern, emphasizing the need for her release, while the Russian government denied that Griner's detention was politically motivated, stating the charges were for possessing narcotic substances.

Griner's arrest was extended to July 2, 2022, and she had not had a phone call in over 117 days of wrongful detention.

Her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, called on Biden and Harris to "do whatever it takes" to free Griner immediately.

The potential prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer, was considered, with Bout's case being more complex than Griner's.

The U.S. government would need to balance securing Griner's release with the sensitivity of Bout's case.

The Russian government used Griner's case to pressure the U.S., given the current geopolitical situation.

The potential prisoner swap involving Griner and Viktor Bout could be a significant diplomatic achievement, as Bout's case is more complex than Griner's.

The U.S. government's response to her detention was criticized by some, emphasizing the need for more urgent action to secure her release.

The political implications of Griner's detention intensified diplomatic tensions and drew global attention to human rights concerns in Russia.

The U.S. government's efforts to free Griner were part of a broader commitment to assisting American detainees abroad, with Biden emphasizing the importance of such cases.

The prisoner swap for Bout, a more notorious figure than Griner, could be a complex negotiation, as Bout's case involves far more serious charges.

The Russian government used Griner's case to pressure the U.S., given the current geopolitical situation.

Griner's case became a focal point for diplomatic efforts, with the U.S. government responding to her detention by sending a letter to her and engaging in regular communication with her family.

The international community rallied around Griner, demanding her release and highlighting the injustices she faced in a system that lacks due process.

Griner was released before the New Year, after a long and difficult process, and is adjusting to life back home.

The prisoner swap for Bout was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, with the U.S. government prioritizing her release.

<think>

<think>

<think>

Okay, I need to help the user by shortening their report on Brittney Griner's detention in Russia. The original report is 18970 words and needs to be under 2000 words. The user is a freelance writer and cultural critic focusing on women in sports, so the revised report should maintain that focus while being concise.

First, I'll go through the original report line by line. The user provided a list of sentences, each with a citation. My task is to condense this without adding new information or changing the meaning. I need to delete duplicate sentences and ideas, ensuring each claim is cited correctly with the same doc_id.

Looking at the original report, there are many repeated points about the U.S. government's efforts, the prisoner swap with Viktor Bout, and the political implications. For example, the sentence about the U.S. government sending a letter and having a phone call with her wife appears multiple times. I should combine these into one or two sentences to avoid redundancy.

I also notice that some sentences are very similar, like the ones mentioning the international community rallying around Griner. These can be merged. The user wants each sentence in the revised report to be on a separate line, so I need to ensure that after condensing, each line is a unique point.

I need to check that all citations are preserved exactly as in the original. For instance, the sentence about the potential prisoner swap is cited with [1], so I must keep that. Also, the user mentioned that the report must answer the user's question about the intersection of sports, gender issues, and politics, and how governments use celebrities as pawns. I should ensure that the revised report touches on these aspects, even if it's just through the context of Griner's case.

Another thing to watch for is the mention of Griner's experiences in the Russian penitentiary system. The original report has several sentences about her being wrongfully detained and the conditions, which can be condensed into a few sentences. Also, the part about her adjustment back home can be simplified.

I need to make sure that the revised report flows logically, covering her detention, the political implications, the U.S. government's efforts, the prisoner swap, and her release. Each section should be concise but comprehensive, using the exact citations from the original report.

Finally, I'll count the words to ensure the revised report is under 2000 words. Since the original is 18970 words, the user wants a significant reduction. By combining similar points and removing duplicates, I can achieve this while maintaining all necessary information and citations.

</think>

</think>

</think>

Brittney Griner, a professional American basketball player, was detained in Russia on February 17, 2022, at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport for allegedly possessing hashish oil in her luggage.

Title:

Content: The BDN Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom, and does not set policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com.

American basketball star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February. She has been facing drug possession charges for carrying vape cartridges in her luggage that contained cannabis oil. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years in jail.

Griner pleaded guilty to the drug charges in Russian court Thursday, while stressing that she had packed in a hurry and not intended to break Russian law. Regardless of Thursday’s plea, observers have not expected Griner to receive justice in the Russian legal system.

Griner’s wife, Cherelle, has accurately called her a “political pawn” caught up in the fraught relationship between the U.S. and Russia amid the latter’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine. There should be little doubt that Griner’s detention is bigger than vape cartridges.

With frustrations increasingly being voiced by Griner’s family that President Joe Biden and his administration haven’t been doing enough to help her, Griner sent a letter to Biden on Monday asking for assistance for herself and other American detainees. For example, Paul Whelan, who also previously served in the Marines, was accused of being a spy and sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020.

“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote in her July 4 letter to Biden.

Marine veteran Trevor Reed knows a thing or two about what Griner and Whelan are going through. Reed was detained in Russia for three years before being released in April as part of a prisoner exchange.

“There is no justice in Russia,” Reed told CNN in June. “Brittney and Paul will not receive justice in Russia. They’re not going to receive a fair trial, they will not receive a fair investigation. They will be there as hostages until the United States gets them out.”

He added that Griner was likely to be treated worse in Russia because of her race and sexual orientation, saying that the country “systematically discriminates” against Black and LGBTQ+ people.

There is only so much the Biden administration can do with Griner in the custody of an authoritarian government known for making examples out of political prisoners, and likely looking for a bargaining chip as it continues its barbaric invasion of Ukraine. Though as demonstrated by Reed’s release, there are options. It must not take three years.

At the very least, for now, Biden and his team can control how they communicate and reassure Griner’s family. And on that front, it seems the administration had been coming up short.

Griner’s family and friends had criticized the Biden administration’s handling of her case, and called for the president to meet with them. On Wednesday, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris finally had a phone call with Cherelle Griner.

“The president called Cherelle to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world,” the White House said in a statement after the call. “He also read her a draft of the letter the president is sending to Brittney today.”

That statement also noted that top administration officials have already had calls with Cherelle Griner in recent weeks, and said Biden has directed his national security team to stay in “regular contact” with the Griner family. A U.S. diplomat said they delivered Biden’s letter to Griner at Thursday’s proceedings.

Biden’s call with Griner’s wife was an initial step, and the ultimate goal must be a quick release for Griner and other political prisoners. There is much work left for the administration to do, including a continual commitment to assure Griner’s family that the U.S. is exploring all possible options to secure her release. And hopefully the attention will elevate the pressure to help return other Americans like Whelan as well.

“Write them, call them, annoy them, don’t leave them alone,” Reed said in June about pressuring federal representatives to act. “Tell them you want Brittney home and you want the rest of the Americans who are being wrongfully detained home, and you want it done now.”

Add us to the list of people looking to raise the pressure on the Biden administration to bring home wrongfully detained Americans like Griner, who are essentially hostages, and to bring them home quickly.

The BDN Editorial Board

The Bangor Daily News editorial board members are Publisher Richard J. Warren, Editorial Page Editor Susan Young, Assistant Editorial Page Editor Matt Junker and BDN President Todd Benoit. Young has worked...

She was charged with drug possession and faced a potential 10-year sentence, though she pleaded guilty to the charges, stating she packed in a hurry and did not intend to break Russian law.

Her wife, Cherelle Griner, has referred to her as a "political pawn" caught in the strained U.S.-Russia relationship, especially given Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. government, under President Joe Biden, worked to secure her release, including sending a letter to Griner from Biden and having a phone call with her wife.

The Biden administration directed the national security team to stay in regular contact with Griner's family, aiming to expedite her release.

Griner's detention drew international attention, with various organizations and individuals condemning her detention.

The U.S. State Department expressed concern, emphasizing the need for her release, while the Russian government denied that Griner's detention was politically motivated, stating the charges were for possessing narcotic substances.

Griner's arrest was extended to July 2, 2022, and she had not had a phone call in over 117 days of wrongful detention.

Her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, called on Biden and Harris to "do whatever it takes" to free Griner immediately.

The potential prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer, was considered, with Bout's case being more complex than Griner's.

The U.S. government would need to balance securing Griner's release with the sensitivity of Bout's case.

The Russian government used Griner's case to pressure the U.S., given the current geopolitical situation.

The potential prisoner swap involving Griner and Viktor Bout could be a significant diplomatic achievement, as Bout's case is more complex than Griner's.

The U.S. government's response to her detention was criticized by some, emphasizing the need for more urgent action to secure her release.

The political implications of Griner's detention intensified diplomatic tensions and drew global attention to human rights concerns in Russia.

The U.S. government's efforts to free Griner were part of a broader commitment to assisting American detainees abroad, with Biden emphasizing the importance of such cases.

The prisoner swap for Bout, a more notorious figure than Griner, could be a complex negotiation, as Bout's case involves far more serious charges.

Griner's case became a focal point for diplomatic efforts, with the U.S. government responding to her detention by sending a letter to her and engaging in regular communication with her family.

The international community rallied around Griner, demanding her release and highlighting the injustices she faced in a system that lacks due process.

Griner was released before the New Year, after a long and difficult process, and is adjusting to life back home.

The prisoner swap for Bout was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, with the U.S. government prioritizing her release.

Title:

Content: Connect with us

Opinions

Where does wrongful detention of Brittney Griner go from here?

She will inevitably be labeled a hostage

Published

on

Brittney Griner

It seems like years rather than weeks ago that American political prisoner, Trevor Reed, was released from Russia in a prisoner swap. It also seems like years since an American citizen, basketball superstar Brittney Griner, was taken into custody in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport for allegedly having hashish oil in her possession.

We now know what many of us believed all along – that Brittney Griner was, in the far too late proclamation by the U.S. government, “wrongfully detained.” In diplomacy-speak, wrongfully detained is synonymous with politically detained, which is super close to what will soon enough inevitably happen – calling Brittney Griner a hostage.

Since the beginning of Griner’s detention, I have done dozens of print, radio, TV, and related interviews, and I have a pretty clear view of how and why we got here.

As I wrote around six weeks ago, if we read between the lines of what’s being said in traditional and social media, we can extract three key reasons why the Griner situation isn’t getting the attention that it should be and would be if it was a different athlete.

The first reason is that Brittney Griner is not a terribly high-profile athlete.

This is patently untrue. As I have been commenting from the minute we learned that she was taken into custody by the Russians, Griner was absolutely the highest-profile American athlete that Russia could have taken into custody as they were preparing for their brutal invasion of Ukraine.

The only other high-profile athletes playing in Russia or transiting through at that time were the very few American players in Russia’s top hockey league, the KHL. None are superstars in their sport, as Griner is.

The second argument for why Griner isn’t getting the attention she should be is that she is LGBTQ.

I have argued that this is a reasonably good hypothesis. It just seems that a straight athlete would be getting a lot more attention and public sympathy than Griner has, in part, yet not in full, because of her sexual orientation. That’s a remarkably harsh position to have to take in 2022, yet it’s clear that Griner doesn’t fit the mold of what many Americans see as that all-American athlete. That one’s sexual or gender orientation should drive the American public’s level of sympathy for one of their own top athletes is a shame, but here we are.

The third and most commonly cited reason for Brittany Griner getting less attention than another athlete in a similar situation is that she’s Black.

This argument holds little weight with me. Yes, it makes sense that in comparison to a high-profile white athlete, some people are simply going to care less about a Black athlete. Again, that’s a harsh analysis, yet not unaligned with many things going on in the nation today.

But I think this is a reductive argument that crumbles under the weight of the analogy that I usually use during TV and radio broadcasts about the Griner case – and that is, what if this was Kyrie Irving?

I like to use Kyrie Irving as an analogy because he is a highly controversial Black athlete. Obviously, NBA players don’t have to have second jobs in places like Russia, Turkey, and China, to make ends meet, as the WNBA women do. But just imagine that Kyrie Irving was traveling alone through Moscow airport. If Irving had been taken into custody by the Russians, I can guarantee that this would be front-page news not just in the sports section but on the front page of all significant papers practically every day. That simply hasn’t been the case with Brittney Griner.

Every day, I am asked where this goes from here. With Griner’s May 19 hearing delayed “one month” (though at the time of writing, no date has been set), I remained convinced of two things: that this goes to a worse place than we are now and that it progresses painfully slowly.

As to the first point, to maximize leverage over the United States, it’s likely that Griner will end up somewhere like a Russian labor camp before she ever steps back into the United States. While Russia does not follow the Rule of Law, it would be neither legally nor politically expedient to just hold Griner in a Moscow jail or prison indefinitely. They need to make her situation worse to turn up the urgency of the case for the American government.

But this indeed won’t happen overnight. As I’ve also been saying all along, the next hearing date will also be delayed, OR we will learn through a TASS Russian media release that Griner was tried, found guilty of all charges, and sentenced (see labor camp, above).

As to what each of us can do, my advice remains the same: Keep talking about it. Make this Brittney as viral as Britney Spears was a year ago. Just as Britney Spears’ freedom from her conservatorship was turbo-charged by the #FreeBritney hashtag, let’s #FreeBrittney now.

This is significantly less trite than it sounds. There is no indication that the American government doesn’t want you to forget about Brittney Griner. As former hostage Jason Rezaian discussed on an excellent recent Washington Post podcast, he always “calls BS” on those parties, saying we should keep detentions such as Griner’s out of the public spotlight. He advocates being as loud as we can be on this, which is why I keep doing interviews on this issue as much as possible.

Ultimately, Brittney Griner will be a political prisoner until the United States and Russia can decide, in crass basketball terms, on a fair player trade. On Friday, we learned that the two sides might actually be in discussions now for a trade involving Griner for notorious convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, aka the “Merchant of Death.”

Unless this can re-enter and remain in the public spotlight, along with any pressure on the government, Britney Griner will not get the treatment she deserves as one of the greatest basketball players of her generation. That the massive disparity between how NBA and WNBA players are compensated laid the foundation for her to be in this position is the harsh reality these leagues face today. Yet it pales compared to the uncertain reality Griner faces today in a Moscow jail.

A Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer, Aron Solomon, JD, is the chief legal analyst for Today’s Esquire. He has taught entrepreneurship at McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania, and was elected to Fastcase 50, recognizing the top 50 legal innovators in the world.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Opinions

Leave no one behind: Building an LGBTQ+ movement for all

A just society is only achievable by investing in dignity of the marginalized

Published

on

Despite the expansion of LGBTQ+ civil rights and liberties in D.C., some of which we proudly attribute to GLAA’s stalwart activism for the past 51 years, the most vulnerable members of our community continue to suffer from poverty, homelessness, criminalization, discrimination, social isolation, and preventable death. A jaw-dropping 40% of homeless youth in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, LGBTQ+ people experience hunger at twice the rate of straight people, and right here in D.C., the Office of Human Rights reports that employers are more likely to interview a less-qualified cisgender job applicant than a more-qualified transgender applicant.

So for our 2022 candidate ratings, GLAA decided to emphasize that racial and economic justice are LGBTQ+ justice issues. While we recognize the importance of openly LGBTQ+ candidates, we know one’s identity does not indicate where they stand on critical issues. Something many of us have learned the hard way, and something GLAA leadership recognizes not championing sooner as a mistake. What matters most is a candidate’s demonstrated record and vision to support the LGBTQ+ community in its entirety.

It is not enough for candidates to respond only to the needs of those who historically have held the most power in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly white cisgender gay men, in order to tout support of the entire community. The LGBTQ+ community is so many different people, and it is time we push candidates to consider and address us in our entirety. For too long, many LGBTQ+ people have felt rejected and betrayed by our community’s movement priorities, narratives about what our community stands for, and decisions on who is valued and who is selected to represent or lead us. And, while GLAA understands no one politician or organization can erase these community divides, we aim to be intentional in our approach to dismantle that which stands in our entire community’s way toward liberation. That is why, in 2022 we decided to rate candidates on their responses and records of support on issues that impact the most marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community. None of us is free until all of us are free.

Throughout GLAA’s history we have focused on securing LGBTQ+ rights, which have mostly strengthened the legal protections of people privileged enough to take advantage of them. GLAA decided to focus the Leave No One Behind: 2022 Election Guide and questionnaire on racial and economic justice with an LGBTQ+ lens. We did this to build on our victories, such as successfully advocating for the defunding of the Metropolitan Police Department’s vice squad in the 1970s, and to learn from our mistakes.

It is our belief that a just, peaceful, and vibrant society is only achievable by actively investing in the security and dignity of the poor and marginalized members of all our communities. Our questionnaire intentionally acts in solidarity with D.C. anti-poverty, anti-stigma, and anti-overdose campaigns, which are largely led by trans and queer people of color.

Ratings are on a scale of +/-10 points: yes/no responses on questionnaire (+/-2); substance of response (+/-4); and candidate’s public record (+/-4). Candidates earned partial credit for the yes/no category if they partially agreed with the question. Four issues received more than 91% agreement: increasing the affordable housing stock for the poorest residents, housing people using government funded vouchers, fully funding the Office of Human Rights, and better oversight to improve conditions in the DC Jail.

Three issues received 70-79% candidates’ support, and over 90% when including candidates who issued partial support: Repealing the sub-minimum wage, decriminalization of drug use, and reducing the population of D.C. jail by 30%.

Finally, the least supported policies were decriminalization of consensual sex work and divesting from the Metropolitan Police Department and investing in violence prevention and recidivism prevention programs. Even still, there was remarkable consensus: over 2/3 or 66% of candidates who issued total or partial support.

We are encouraged by the remarkable level of consensus on all of our issues, signaling that D.C. is ready for transformative change that at its core addresses the District’s current poverty, unaffordable housing, community and police-based violence, and overdose crises.

GLAA is excited to see more LGBTQ+ people on ballots. More exciting, however, is the number of politicians with fully realized and integrated LGBTQ+ policies in their platforms. Policies that extend across race and class lines. GLAA firmly believes all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can be stewards of LGBTQ+ liberation. It is our hope that readers find these ratings not as endorsements, but as a starting point to imagine what is possible if local officials are guided by D.C. residents to use their elected power to create new possibilities that leave no one behind.

This opinion piece was signed by the 2022 Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance board of directors.

Continue Reading

Opinions

GLAA has lost its way and should close

Their ratings no longer make an iota of difference in an election

Published

on

(Blade file photo by Pete Exis)

The Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance (GLAA), once a respected organization, has now lost its way. It once represented all the members of the LGBTQ+ community, clearly no longer the case, as one can tell based on their questionnaire and ratings. They now represent only the far left in the community and are seeking to represent more than LGBTQ+ people as the statement from their current president suggests. That is not the role of GLAA.

One of the questions in this year’s questionnaire that candidates were asked to respond to is: “Do you support divesting from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to further invest in vital programs, including anti-poverty, violence prevention, crisis intervention, and reentry?” If you didn’t say yes, you lost points. This shows how out of touch they are as the DC Council just voted unanimously, on a first vote, to raise the budget of the MPD. The approved budget also includes increased funding for other vital programs. There’s no indication GLAA ever spoke to Council members on this issue.

Its website lists five officers, all men, with a blurb on each. The one for the president, in addition to listing past and current employment, says, “When he is not organizing, he loves asking people about their Myers Briggs Type (he is ENFP, for the record), doing gay crimes (the basics like drugs and public sex), having Spicy Vanilla sex, dancing to hot beats on the dance floor, practicing vulnerability, plotting revolution against capitalism and other forms of oppression.” He is entitled to his views. But I question how his leading the GLAA represents the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Over the years I’ve had issues with some of what GLAA has done and some of the issues they focused on. But the organization always represented the entire spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community in their questionnaire. Candidates getting a rating from the organization could feel it represented a wide range of opinion in the community. I would hope no candidate tries to pawn the current ratings off as any kind of support from the broader LGBTQ + community.

In the past you always knew their officers, including Rick Rosendall, Bob Summersgill and Jeff Coudriet among others, were involved with D.C. government and knew the issues in-depth. They knew the candidates. Responding to their questionnaire over the years was always interesting. Rick often was the one who spent hours drafting the questions. I always wondered why it was never enough to say yes you agree with their premise. Instead, you had to say it in hundreds, even thousands, of words to earn points. I know as I have filled out questionnaires for many candidates.

Today their website lists nine project areas, none with anything accomplished since 2016. The blog has nothing on any recent budget issues or legislation pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community, only information about the questionnaire. They claim to lobby the Council and monitor government agencies, but there is no indication of any meetings or testimony since 2017.

We can thank GLAA for the fact that today no politician can win office in D.C. without being supportive of the LGBTQ community. However, today their ratings no longer make an iota of difference in an election. Since this is now the only thing they do it’s time to close up shop. We have moved past the time in D.C. when a small number of people can sit in a room rating candidates they don’t know, on issues that don’t represent the community they are supposed to be representing.

So personally, I say thank you to all the people who worked hard over many years for GLAA to help move the LGBTQ community forward. I recognize there is much work still to be done but GLAA is not the organization to do it. We must work to ensure economic and civil justice for all members of our community; health equity for transgender persons; senior housing for our community; and employment opportunities for all, among other issues. But there are other LGBTQ organizations, and community organizations, doing these things better and the few members GLAA might still have should be directed to those other organizations.

If as their website claims they are planning an anniversary celebration, it should be one to honor all the people who in the past 50 years of the organization, worked hard and were successful in making my life and the lives of so many LGBTQ people in the District of Columbia and around the nation better. That would be an exciting way to say goodbye and celebrate the organization whose time it is to close.

Peter Rosenstein is a longtime LGBTQ rights and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly for the Blade.

Continue Reading

Opinions

An unlikely revolution is happening at Christian universities

More than half have enacted LGBTQ non-discrimination policies

Published

on

Recent headlines have been filled with messages of doom and gloom for LGBTQ people. From bans on transgender women competing in sports to “don’t say gay” laws, it seems evident that conservative Republicans are freshly committed to rolling back the rights of LGBTQ people across the United States.

Yet, despite such recent setbacks, a student-led movement for LGBTQ inclusion is gaining ground in what would seem to be one of the unlikeliest settings — Christian colleges and universities.

Over the past few years, I’ve collected extensive data on U.S. Christian colleges and universities’ policies toward LGBTQ students. In one study, I found that 55% of all Christian colleges and universities in the United States have nondiscrimination policies inclusive of sexual orientation. In another recent study, I found that nearly half of all Christian colleges and universities are home to officially recognized LGBTQ student groups.

Even some of the most conservative Christian colleges and universities have changed their approach to LGBTQ students. When analyzing data collected in 2013, I found that nearly one-third of all Christian colleges and universities had adopted bans on so-called “homosexual acts” or “homosexual behavior” in their student handbooks. Yet, when reviewing Christian colleges and universities’ handbooks again over the past year, I found that under one-fourth of Christian colleges and universities had such discriminatory bans.

Why are some Christian colleges and universities becoming more accommodating—and even welcoming—to LGBTQ students?

There are several major reasons, but one of the most important is that several Christian denominations already embrace their LGBTQ members. Denominations such as the Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Disciples of Christ, and Presbyterian Church USA, for example, allow ministers to officiate same-sex weddings. An increasing number of nondenominational churches also affirm LGBTQ people. Those Christian colleges and universities that are already associated with affirming denominations are certainly among the most likely to affirm their LGBTQ students.

Another reason that many Christian colleges and universities are becoming welcoming toward LGBTQ students is that they do not necessarily believe their primary mission is to hold all students to the specific religious tenets of their associated denomination. Rather, they see their primary mission as providing an important service (education) to the broader society. Just as Christian hospitals do not refuse to provide medical treatment to people who are not members of their associated denominations, many Christian colleges and universities have chosen not to deny people an education simply because certain people are not members of their associated denominations.

A rising number of Christian colleges and universities also recognize the harms that occur when people are discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. A recent survey by Religious Exemption Accountability Project shows that 12% of all Christian college and university students self-identify as LGBTQ. Because studies show that LGBTQ people in non-affirming Christian colleges and universities report greater rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, many Christian schools understand they would be harming a significant number of their students if they continued to discriminate against LGBTQ people.

And still other schools are simply concerned with their bottom lines. The United States is projected to go over a “demographic cliff” in 2025, at which time the number of 18-year-olds nationwide will drop dramatically. Some reports say that one-third of all private colleges and universities nationwide will face major financial crises over the next decade, causing them to close or pursue mergers. Many Christian colleges and universities recognize that adopting discriminatory policies toward LGBTQ students would alienate significant portions of their potential student body.

Certainly, despite these encouraging trends, those who are committed to LGBTQ rights should not be complacent. Many schools have still been slow to extend nondiscrimination protections and housing accommodations to trans students. And the Religious Exemption Accountability Project estimates that as many as 100,000 LGBTQ students are currently enrolled at Christian colleges and universities that still refuse to affirm the dignity and rights of LGBTQ people. That organization recently filed a class-action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, challenging the federal government’s policy of providing loans even to Christian colleges and universities that otherwise violate Title IX protections for LGBTQ students.

It is likely the case that some Christian colleges and universities will not change their policies toward LGBTQ rights unless they are legally required to do so. Still, at Christian colleges and universities across the United States, LGBTQ students are not waiting around. LGBTQ students are actively mobilizing to bring about inclusive policies at their schools, and at a surprising number of schools, they are succeeding.

Jonathan S. Coley is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Oklahoma State University and a Public Fellow at the Public Religion Research Institute.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Follow Us @washblade

Sign Up for Blade eBlasts

Popular