December 2022 Editon

ENGLISH SPECIAL EDITION - ONLINE DIGITAL - DECEMBER 2022

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Merry Christmas!

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Do you feel your inner light fueling the brightness you will put out into the world this holiday season? t the darkest time of the year, we can A all kindle a spark of brightness.

light display.

I think about the fragility of a single light, like that small first candle on my It’s no coincidence that two religious Hanukkah menorah, and the collective festivals that focus on light—Hanukkah power of a group of lights all illuminated and Christmas—take place at the dark- together. est time of year.

And I think about courage—the courIn the case of Hanukkah, which is literage it takes to kindle a spark of light; the ally referred to as the Jewish Festival of Lights, light builds, day by day, from a strength required to summon light when single flicker into a sparkling blaze of a the short days beckon us to hibernate in the darkness; the bravery we need to full Hanukkah menorah. keep our lights shining, day by day.

At Christmas time, the story is told of baby Jesus being born under the Star of Do you feel the connection between holBethlehem, whose light guides the Magi iday lights and the act of bravery you use to illuminate yours? Do you feel your into his side. ner light fueling the brightness you will And today, on trees, on mantles, and on put out into the world this holiday seathe outside of many homes, twinkling son? lights are a bright and inviting symbol of Christmas. I think a lot about light every How can you build on the sparks that start your journey through this time of December. year? ◙ I think about how warm and calm I feel in the presence of a beautiful holiday SOURCE: https://guideposts.org/

Health with Dr. Lauro Rocha

Lauro Rocha - DNP

Doctor, I am here today be-

As soon the leaves start to fall, the temperature starts to decrease, and the days become shorter many of us may get “SAD”.

Are you one of these? we miss Brazil so much? Is this because we have been working too hard during the summer and we are burned out?

cause I am too tired, I don’t want to do anything, I need help. Let me share with you what is going on in my office Or is this long covid? No. that these days. is not it. This is called Seasonal I have noticed for the last few Affective Disorder (SAD), this years that this is the time of is a type of depression that the year that I see more peo- affects us during the change ple with complaint of feeling of seasons. tired, fatigued, unhappy, sad, and willing to go back to Brazil, as you know most of my patients are from Brazil.

As soon the leaves start to fall, the temperature starts to decrease, and the days become shorter many of us may get “SAD”. Are you one What is going on? Is this a of these? Have you ever got new event? Is this because

these symptoms? What did you do? Did you move back to Brazil, did you go to a sunnier state such as Florida, California etc.?

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(a neurotransmitter); biologic clock change, because there is less sunlight your biological clock shifts and regulation of mood, hormones and sleep may change, consequently your body may not accommodate those changes causing depression. Brain imbalances, as said before serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps us to feel happy and unfortunately when there is less sunlight the serotonin decreases, in addition many of us may have already low dose of serotonin.

I would like to clarify a few Another chemical that may things about SAD What cau- contribute to SAD is the overses SAD? production of melatonin Researchers have not discov- which increases when there is less sunlight. ered what causes seasonal depression, we know for sure DO I HAVE SAD? that lack of sunlight triggers depression and we think that Seasonal affective disorder could be deficiency of vita- presents with these symptoms. Feeling too sad, demin D. pressed most of the days and Vitamin D boosts serotonin almost every day.

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Health with Dr. Lauro Rocha tertime where you can be more outside during the day.

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Feeling too tired and fatigued, not willing to participate in activities that he or she normally likes to do (for example, not willing to attend church services, not willing to see family, not willing to watch his favorite show, etc.)

Hopefully you will be doing more exercise which increases your metabolism and releases anxiety. You will be adjusting your diet to avoid craving for too much carbohydrate etc.

Lastly, there is always help for people who are suffering from depression. You should see your medical provider on a routine basis, and you should see your counselor too.

Other symptoms are craving for eating more, feeling more irritable, and not able concentrate in his or her activities and worse is when suicidal thoughts comes to the mind.

HOW AND WHO DIAGNOSE ME WITH SAD?

If you are having any suicidal thoughts or plan of hurting yourself of others, you should go to the closest Emergency Room.

There is no blood work for the diagnoses of depression.

You should see your medical provider to assess you. He or she may ask you specific questions that will assist to determine the diagnose, in cognitive behavioral therapy addition he or she may give is the best treatment for deyou some tests for depres- pression. sion and anxiety.

Please find a good counselor Upon the diagnoses you may to help you, there are several start the treatment plan. professionals in this area to help you (Psychiatric nurse TREATMENT practitioner, psychologist, CliFOR SAD nical social worker, BehaviorOnce you are diagnosed with al therapist etc.)

Seasonal affective disorder c) Medication. you may do several things.

Sometimes counseling and a) Increase your sunlight therapy are not sunlight exposure enough to help you to feel You can buy a light therapy. better and medication is necUse with caution, some peo- essary. ple may not use it for example There are several medications people with bipolar disorder, that may help you, your meddiabetic patient with diabeical provider will choose one tes retinopathy etc. for you. You should take it as Talk to your medical provider or counselor to instruct you about when to use (better in the morning) how long to take, how many kilowatts and brand etc.

directed and see him or her frequently to make sure the medication will be effective.

Many times, the medication may be changed, increase the dose, or added another one.

d) Supplementation.

If you are having any suicidal thoughts or plan of hurting yourself of others, you should go to the closest Emergency Room. You may also reach out to the suicidal prevention lifeline (800 273 8255). You can also call University Hospital Crisis team (973 972 0480) and just say, I am too depressed, “I need help “someone will come to see you shortly. If you don’t speak English, call and say, “I need help, I speak Portuguese or Spanish please help me “.

May start vitamin d Intake daily. Your medical provider can test your vitamin D level and prescribe a good dose of vitamin d, in addition you Ask your medical provider for may take vacation in a sunni- more information about deer state like Florida, California pression. etc.

You can also assess these If you can travel to Brazil, websites: chose to go in the wintertime instead of summer. https://my.clevelandclinic. org/health

PREVENTING SAD

We never know when you will have the first episode of seasonal affective disorder, but after your first diagnose you will be able to learn a few things.

What worked for you? Stick to what helped you most (sunlight therapy? Counseling? Medication?)

Most likely you will be scheduling your medical appointTherefore, you must follow ments before the SAD recurb) Counseling. up with him or her for adjust- rence, you will be scheduling I personally believe that (CBT) ment. short vacations around win-

https://www.psychiatry.org/ ◙

LAURO ROCHA Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) and HIV Program Coordinator whose mission is to improve each of his patient's quality of life, prevent illness and avoid hospital admissions

Very Important Message

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face of the Earth, but every inhabitant of this planet must face the Truth that their Creator has wisely set apart a people to bless them all, Israel!

And those who bless Israel are blessed also. This is simply a spiritual law and determines the rise and fall of all the nations and families of the Earth.

Josimar Salum

Shalom, people of the Covenant!

Shalom, people of the Promise.

Shalom, people of God’s Love!

Shalom, to all who were born by His Eternal Word. have learned to love the IBook of God since childhood, and among its passages I find these words to be a cornerstone and the fundament of my faith.

“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the

Brazil has been a refuge for Jews throughout its history.

And those who align their lives, their families, their nations with these eternal and unchangeable words are meant to come under God’s promises that never fail.

Brazil has been a refuge for Jews throughout its history.

Jewish immigration in Brazil peoples on the face of the of bondage, from the hand of was a migratory movement earth.

Pharaoh king of Egypt. that began with the colonizaThe Lord did not set His love Therefore, know that the tion of Brazil when Sephardic on you, nor choose you be- Lord your God, He is God, the Jews and New Christians setcause you were more in num- faithful God who keeps cov- tled in the colony. ber than any other people, enant and mercy for a thou- The history of the Jews in Brafor you were the least of all sand generations with those zil began since the first Portupeoples; but because the Lord who love Him and keep His guese arrived in the country loves you, and because He commandments;” Deuteronin 1500, notably Mestre João would keep the oath which omy 7:6-9 and Gaspar da Gama who arHe swore to your fathers, Israel is a special treasure for rived in the first ships. Several Sephardic Jews immigrated the Lord has brought you out the Eternal One Himself. to Brazil during its early setwith a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house Not just every nation in the tlements.

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Very Important Message

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They were known as “New Christians” - Conversos or Marranos.

and firmness of those who believed that the land belonged to the Jews that the Jewish State was founded.

Jews were obliged to convert to Roman Catholicism by the Portuguese crown.

Although only baptized Christians were subjected to the Inquisition, Jews started settling in Brazil when the Inquisition reached Portugal.

Many arrived in Brazil in the 1600’s during the period of Dutch rule, establishing in Recife the first synagogue.

Kahal Zur Israel (Rock of Israel) was a Jewish synagogue located at Rua do Bom Jesus (Street of the Jews) number 197 in Recife, Brazil.

It was established in 1636 by Portuguese and Spanish Sephardic Jews that had taken refuge in the Netherlands fleeing forced conversion and were joined by New Christians, who possibly helped to build the structure and were already living in the colony. It was the first synagogue erected in the Americas.

Yes, on May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel.

Jews started settling in Brazil when the Inquisition reached Portugal. Many arrived in Brazil in the 1600’s during the period of Dutch rule

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in December 2018 that the government of Jair Bolsonaro would bring "a new era" in relations between Israel and "the major power of Brazil".

But here is a landmark we cherish of goodness and justice in our relations with Israel.

Oswaldo gave an unprecedented vote in the United Nations meeting, which was made possible six months later, through the persistence

There are millions and millions of Brazilians, who worship the GOD of Israel every week, who pray constantly for the Peace of Jerusalem and that cherish love and respect for the people of Israel.

I am talking about more than 160 million Brazilian voices that support the State of Israel.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the immigration of Jews to Brazil increased, and it was mainly composed of Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe.

It was our hero Oswaldo Aranha who, after three years of Adolf Hitler's cruel attempt to exterminate the Jewish people, helped to establish the State of Israel on November 29, 1947.

It is true that there have been and there are antisemitic movements in Brazil executed by individuals and political leftist parties, but these movements are becoming inexpressive shadows in comparison to the greatness of the multitude of Brazilians that learned to love Israel and its people.

President Bolsonaro has turned Brazil in the last 4 years into Israel's new best friend, indeed.

The two nations enjoy a degree of arms cooperation and maintain close political and military ties.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the immigration of Jews to Brazil increased

Brazil is a full member state of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and several Brazilian elected officials participate in the Israel Allies Caucus or Israel Allies Foundation which mobilizes CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

Very Important Message CONTINUING FROM PAGE 6

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JERUSALEM! YERUSHALAIM! “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

pro-Israel parliamentarians in governments worldwide.

Our recently elected Congress has more than 70% constituents that are also pro-Israel and our First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro had recently invited our friend Albert Veksler, his wife, and others to celebrate Yom Kippur and they did at the beginning of this month in the Alvorada Palace.

And they hosted the First Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast in Brasilia to our amazement at the end of the month.

The Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast (JPB) is a prayer movement initiated and chaired by former Knesset Member Robert Ilatov, and co-chaired by U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and the director is Albert Veksler.

The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.

“The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; For in My wrath, I struck you, But in My favor, I have had mercy on you.

Our hero Oswaldo Aranha, after three years of Adolf Hitler's cruel attempt to exterminate the Jewish people, helped to establish the State of Israel on November 29, 1947

Throughout the year, the JPB brings together government leaders and influential Christian leaders from all walks of society to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

We have prayed and worked to re-elect Jair Messias Bolsonaro for many reasons, but especially to consolidate the friendship, mutual support and mutual alliances between Israel and Brazil.

I was in Jerusalem to pray for Brazil, Israel, and the US Election.

And from Jerusalem we have proclaimed these timeless chants:

Therefore, your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, and their kings in procession.

“Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, A joy of many generations.

“The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory.

Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself.

President Bolsonaro has turned Brazil in the last 4 years into Israel's new best friend

For the Lord will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended.

Also, your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, the work of My hands, That I may be glorified.” ◙

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Interview of the Month

Journalist Arilda Costa McClive interview with João Carlos Martins lems you know, 25 surgeries, a rare disease. Incidentally, the WHO will move the location of the Focal Dystonia press conference to a larger space.

The conference, on November 18th, the day before the concert, will be about this rare disease, recognized only in 1982, and I've had it for 64 years, living with the pain and discomfort in my arms, and that's why The New Yorker called me a 'musical hero'.”

Arilda Costa McClive Journalist

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“ will celebrate the 60th anniversary of my Carnegie Hall debut. What madness! How old I am, my God! Counting all the cases in NY, I think there were more than 40 performances in the city, since the beginning of my career, at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Museum, Brooklyn College, Queens College.

The two greatest Brazilian artists who performed, not only in NY but in the entire United States, were Guiomar Novaes and I. And me, with all the prob-

Thus began our conversation with conductor João Carlos Martins, who conducted the NOVUS NY orchestra in a concert commemorating its debut on the same stage 60 years ago, on November 19th.

every time I go on stage, it feels like this, my mission is to look for perfectionism by conveying emotion

- Although you have returned to the Carnegie Hall stage several times, how does this performance commemorate the 60th anniversary of your debut on the same stage?

- The feeling is the same I had when I first played at Carnegie Hall. The first time it was Eleanor Roosevelt, who had CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

Interview of the Month CONTINUING FROM PAGE 8

When it was time to go on stage, I thought: the mission of an artist is to seek, a first thought that came to my mind, in 1962. In my life I've performed about 4 thousand presentations, of which 1.8 thousand as a pianist, and a couple thousand as a conductor, already.

I gave more than 500 concerts playing the work of Bach, of whom I recorded the complete work for keyboard, as a pianist. So, the first part had to be Bach. The second part had to be a composer who was inspired by Bach, VillaLobos, hence a Prelude of the Bachianas Brasileiras. And finally, André Mehmari.

So, every time I go on stage, it feels like this, my mission is to look for perfectionism by conveying emotion. And this will be my feeling on the 19th of November. Of course, it's an emotion, because at 82 you have projects for the next 20, it's because you believe in life.

The Bachiana Foundation (created and directed by Martins) commissioned him a suite based on the origins of Brazilian folklore. Then, an Orchestral Suite where, along the way, you will recognize “March soldier, paper head”, and other pieces, in the middle.

- How did the idea of inviting NOVUS NY to this concert come about?

And André Mehmari, without a doubt, is Villa-Lobos' successor in Brazil. And then the piano comes in and, with the bionic gloves on, I want to play three pieces.

- It's because this time, after the pandemic, it was difficult to take my own orchestra, the Bachiana Philharmonic SESISP. Like NOVUS NY the scores have already been sent and we will have three rehearsals in the days before the concert. They are top-notch musicians, and everything works like magic. That's my hope. I still don't know the orchestra, but I know it's spectacular.

- Well, to give you an idea, with all the accidents – I had two peripheral accidents, an ulnar nerve injury from a fall while playing soccer (in New York’s Central Park) and a robbery in Bulgaria, which gave me a brain injury that left me several months in treatment at Jackson Memorial Hos-

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pital in Miami - apart from the focal dystonia, which has haunted me for 64 years, the choice had to be more me and my life.

attended a concert of mine in Washington, and invited me and sponsored my NY debut.

- The repertoire features pieces by Bach, Heitor VillaLobos, and André Mehmari.

What were your criteria for this choice?

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I will celebrate the 60th anniversary of my Carnegie Hall debut.

What madness!

How old I am, my God!

But I still don't know, because of dystonia, which still doesn't have a cure, it may be that the hands are very tired at the end. But I can guarantee two pieces, I'll play Morricone's Cine Paradiso, a piece by Schumann and, if my hands allow it after conducting the concert (because my hand is twitching because of dysthymia) my idea is to do the same encore I gave 60 years ago, with all my limitations.

- The public can certainly expect surprises.

- What happens is that the piano will only enter the stage – the entrance of the piano is not on the program – when I finish conducting. The backstage people will take the piano to the stage as a surprise, CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

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Interview of the Month

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last year, with the title: “Science heals the body, culture heals the soul”. By the way, I made a post on Instagram (@ maestrojoaocarlosmartins) to which Viola Davis, Charlize Theron and others gave amazing and supportive comments.

and then the bionic gloves.

People around the world know that I play the piano with these bionic gloves. The important thing is that in your life, you can have mistakes and successes.

The mistakes you try to correct and the successes, improve. I would say to you that in the last 20 years, I have tried hard to improve the arrangements and assume a position, in our country, called social responsibility. In my opinion, I never make a political statement, the only thing I do, I use John Kennedy's famous phrase: "It's not what your country can do for you, it's what you can do for your country".

at times, are not so familiar with classical music. But Carnegie Hall is a place where culture is a right for all segments of society.

Usually, Classical music contributors have few followers on Instagram – maybe 15 or 20 thousand. It was Alexandre Nero (Brazilian actor) who for focal dystonia, which is a convinced me to start posting cousin of Parkinson's disease. on Instagram.

By the time they find a cure I didn't even know what Insfor dystonia or Parkinson's tagram was, I'm so old fashdisease, one will go after the ioned. I didn't even know other. what it meant. And three But I learned to trick the brain. years ago, I started. There are I had several surgeries, until few followers, but between the doctors said I could never Instagram and Facebook I play professionally again. The have almost 700 thousand next day I took my first con- followers.

- The day before the concert you will give a conference at WHO on Focal Dystonia.

Please tell us more about your relationship with the If everyone does their part, disease and the purpose of the nation will grow. This is this conference. ducting class. At 63 I started a my opinion. And I'm doing new life, I'm 82 and with a lot my social responsibility work - A lot of scientists are com- of energy, giving about 140 (the maestro maintains musi- ing to this conference, from concerts a year. Imagine that! calization projects with young Japan, South Korea, Austrapeople in socially vulnerable lia, Germany, and I'm going to - You usually say that science situations in the state of São be very dedicated to the cam- heals the body, culture heals paign about what it means the soul. What is the imporPaulo). in a person's life. You can't tance of culture in the formaWhen I started my life as a imagine the number of sui- tion of a citizen? conductor, we started to give cides among the people who - Culture is of such importance concerts at Sala São Paulo have focal dystonia. for the formation of a citizen and at Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater) and we want- At first the doctors thought and, as I say, in a country, a ed to do a work of democrati- it might be a psychologi- nation, all physical aspects cal problem, and I knew it must be treated. Education, zation with classical music. wasn't. But it was finally dis- health care, everything must Many people said that the covered as a rare disease in be treated with love. public would say “at Sala 1982, and I am now on the São Paulo, what clothes do board of the world's leading But culture is the soul of a naI wear”, that they were not dystonia organization – it has tion. So, an artist's mission familiar with classical music. several foundations all over is very strong, because he is part of that team. That's the So, with my democratization the world. role we play in this endeavor. campaign with Bachiana Philharmonic SESI-SP, we reached I even heard that scientists I say that science heals the 17 million people live. During from South Korea published body, because after all, I had the pandemic we reached 3 a 17-page article in the jour- 25 surgeries to keep my camillion people doing online nal Science, after a year of re- reer, and art heals the soul. search. concerts.

That was the phrase used in What happens is that my au- I had a nine-hour brain opera- the exhibition about my life, dience in New York is half tion with Dr. Paulo Niemeyer an exhibition of one thousand Brazilian and half North (Brazilian neurosurgeon), square meters (at the FIESP American, though Brazilians but to date there is no cure Cultural Center, in São Paulo),

And in this post that Viola made, where she said, "don't give up", it reverberated around the world, with 33 million views. It was the first time I played with the bionic gloves. That's what Alexandre Nero told me that through the internet you help to democratize classical music and in this one-minute post I'm playing a Bach piece!

- After New York, do you have other concerts scheduled here?

- I return to São Paulo, where I have a concert, and then I go to Shanghai, where I will celebrate the 20th anniversary of my last concert as a professional pianist, in China.

- Leave a message for the Brazilian community United States.

- Go to Carnegie Hall, because going to Carnegie Hall is everyone's right. Everyone says that it is an elitist space and I say that there is no elitist art.

Art is for all of society. ◙

Psychology

rude, unfair, or downright nasty toward us. It could be our boss’s criticism, a family member’s misdirected anger, or a driver’s careless impatience. Whatever the source, these run-ins tend to lodge in our minds, like an annoying tune that’s stuck in our heads. Each time we revisit the memory, we taste the bitterness of our anger and frustration.

Seth J. Gilliham

Clinical Psychologist

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“ ou’re going in through the exit, idiot.” These seven words from a stranger were enough to ruin the rest of the day for John. He’d just enjoyed a lovely week at the beach with his family and had stopped at a department store on the last morning of their vacation. John was in a great mood just before this incident, and then wound-up fuming for the entire 6-hour car ride home, unable to let it go.

All of us have encountered people who were mean,

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All of us have encountered people who were mean, rude, unfair, or downright nasty toward us

“I can’t believe they said that,” we say to ourselves as we think of all the things we should have said at the time to get back at them. We might be especially irritated when someone accused us of doing something wrong -- and even more so if the accusation was false, as it was for John (he had entered through the entrance).

And worst of all, we know they’ve probably long since moved on, and we’re left with the emotional fallout.

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Psychology

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ing -- the physical sensations in your body, the effects on your breathing, the thoughts and fantasies going through your mind. Watch the anger and rumination, rather than completely identifying with them.

How can we avoid letting others’ bad behavior toward us ruin our day?

FIND ACCEPTANCE Begin with acceptance. I don’t mean condoning their behavior or being somebody’s doormat. Acceptance here means acknowledging that this sort of thing happens in our world. People act unfairly. Drivers do ignorant things.

Co-workers upset us. Much of the struggle that gets us stuck after these encounters is our insistence that we can’t believe they did that. Release this resistance when you notice it. Try saying instead, “Of course they did. Sometimes people are like that.”

You may also need to accept that the score won’t be even, despite our strong desire for revenge. I was once honked at on my bike by a passing motorist for no apparent reason as I rode to work. In my anger I chased down the car at the next traffic light, only to realize I had no recourse once I got there -- no horn to blast them with and no desire for a face-to-face confrontation. I had no choice but to accept the unfairness and minor humiliation, and continue on my way.

REDEFINE “WINNING” If you do want to move past the sense that you lost and they won, reconsider the story you tell yourself about winning and losing in these encounters. Retaliating is unlikely to make you feel any better, as John discovered.

He turned around and shouted something equally rude to the man who insulted him, but felt no less upset about it afterward. We can even feel doubly upset when we allow

The reactions you’re having to a large extent have a life of their own. Hold all of them with curiosity and compassion. Let them come along for the ride as you go about your business.

If you do want to get even with the person, remind yourself that responding in kind is not the way to do it. ourselves to be provoked -once for the initial attack, and twice for taking the bait and stooping to their level.

If you do want to get even with the person, remind yourself that responding in kind is not the way to do it. If “living well is the best revenge,” the best “comeback” may be to brush off the unpleasantness and get back to enjoying your day.

RELEASE REGRET Most of the time when we’re caught off guard by meanness, we later think of a perfectly devastating comeback that we feel sure would have put the other person in their place. However, our fantasies about how things could have gone probably aren’t realistic.

In my experience, obnoxious people are incredibly skilled at deflecting comebacks and turning them back on their source. They probably have a

OWN YOUR HAPPINESS You might believe implicitly that other people determine your happiness: If they treat you well, you feel content; if they don’t, you feel upset.

But in truth, others’ behavior is only ever about them, and our well-being doesn’t have to depend on what they do.

Just because someone throws something down doesn’t mean we have to pick it up.

We don’t have to outsource our happiness to anyone.

lot more practice than you do at being mean, and so they’re better at it. It’s fun to imagine having the last word, but most likely we wouldn’t have the satisfaction we imagine.

For this reason, we can let go of regret and accept that we’re just not that skilled at The key is to decide in advance to find contentment being unkind. within; if we wait until someOBSERVE thing provokes us, we’re alYOUR ANGER ready sunk. We can start Being treated badly can lead small, determining that just to a sort of “meta-irritation” for today I’m going to own -- being upset about being my happiness -- I’m not rentupset. We might know it’s ing it from anyone else. This pointless to keep dwelling on decision applies not only to the incident but we keep re- how others treat us but to life playing it. The more we try to in general. Nothing outside force ourselves to stop think- ourselves has to have the fiing about it, the more it in- nal say in whether we’re OK. trudes on our awareness.

The determination to choose your own happiness is the ulRather than fighting what the mind is doing, shift your timate superpower. ◙ perspective. No matter what you’re thinking or feeling, take a half-step back and observe it. Notice what an interesting experience you’re hav-

By Seth J. Gillihan, PhDJuly 14th, 2021Clinical psychologist SOURCE: https://www.webmd.com/

Real Estate - The Best for You!

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double check the NYC Housing Connect:

Ebe Becker ew York is dominated by N renter-occupied one or two-

bedroom apartments. In New York 76.75% of dwellings are rentals. As per Neigborhoodscout.com, a real estate data provider, one and two-bedroom large apartment complexes are the most common housing units in NYC. Other housing types prevalent in NYC include single-family detached homes, duplexes, townhouses, and homes converted to apartments.

The New York housing market has affordable units, please

New York's single-family homes account for just 1.15% of the city’s housing units

https://housingconnect.nyc. gov. New York's single-family homes account for just 1.15% of the city’s housing units. During the last twelve months, the New York real estate did cool off. However, the cumulative appreciation rate over the ten years has been 38.81%, which ranks in the top 30% nationwide. Evaluate the specifics of the NYC housing market at the time you intend to purchase. New York City's housing market is one of the most costly and competitive in the country.

There are 237 neighborhoods in New York (as per Realtor. com). Tribeca has a median listing price of $3.9M, making it the most expensive neighborhood. Riverdale, in The Bronx is the most affordable neighborhood, with a median CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

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Real Estate - The Best for You!

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Queens ($838,000, 96.38 percent); and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn ($499,000, 98.14 percent).

listing price of $360K. There are some buyer-friendly neighborhoods in New York City where buyers have a bit more negotiating power in neighborhoods as compared to sellers. Jackson Heights, Queens is one of New York City’s most buyer-friendly neighborhoods now with home prices under $700,000.

Other buyer-friendly markets with median sales price below $700,000 include Rego Park, Queens where the median sales price in Oct 2021 was $389K, trending down -by 8.9% year-over-year. The sale-to-list price ratio was 100 percent.

The median list price of homes in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn was $499K in Oct 2021, trending down -by 5% year-over-year. The sale-tolist price ratio was 97.72 percent. The median list price of homes in East Flatbush, Brooklyn was $650K, trending up 8.9% year-over-year.

The sale-to-list price ratio was 100 percent. The median list price of homes in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn was $569K, trending up 16.4% year-overyear. The sale-to-list price ratio was 97.03 percent.

Buyers have a bit more negotiating power in neighborhoods where the median home price falls between $700,000 and $1 million.

In areas like Midtown East, Manhattan where the median sales price is $872,500.

Homes in Midtown East sold for approximately the asking price on average in Oct 2021. The other neighborhoods best for buyers looking to spend between $700,000 and $1 million are Bayside, where the median sales price in Oct 2021 was $720,000 and the sale-to-list price ratio was 99.37 percent; Flushing,

All of this could vary from time to time and can be checked on Realtor.com. Check out some of the best neighborhoods for investing in New York for the long term→ These neighborhoods have been selected from all five boroughs.

Tribeca has a median listing price of $3.9M, making it the most expensive neighborhood

If you think of investing in NYC, you have decided on a long-term investment property. Here are the ten neighborhoods in NYC having the highest real estate appreciation rates since 2000—List by Neigborhoodscout.com.

Inwood North Marble Hill Washington Heights Southeast Roosevelt Island W 115th St / Amsterdam Ave E 57th St / Madison Ave Madison Ave / E 52nd St W 58th St / Grand Army Plz Tribeca South W 70th St / Amsterdam Ave Sincerely, my best regards Ebe Becker Office: 347-644-8323 ebe@smartBRealty.com Licensed real estate salesperson in NY and Brazil.

Doing business with R New York 641 Lexington Ave, 22nd Floor

Riverdale, in The Bronx is the most affordable neighborhood, with a median listing price of $360K

New York, NY 10022 www.wernewyork.com ◙

Merry Christmas to You and all Your Family!

7 15

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16) n Ancient History there Iwere incredible events in the

Two ladies passed by the window, saw the Bible, and read the verse. At that, one of them said: “What a horrible thing! Nowadays they mix the Bible into everything, even at the Christmas party!”

It happened on the occasion of Christmas. A shopkeeper placed an open Bible as a decoration in the shop window and marked a particular verse with a red pencil.

Everyone who passed could read what was written, that is, it was the summary of the Christmas Story:

According to polls, one in ten people in Germany does not know why Christmas is celebrated. Many relate Christmas with gifts, family, the European winter, Coca Cola, and Santa Claus, but not with the Bible. It is a sad observation, because the Bible shows that, behind Christmas, we find one of the most moving and true events of all time.

Middle East that place us today, all over the world, before a decision of immeasurable scope.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

(John 3:16).

As the Bible reports, in ancient Babylon there lived a Jewish prophet named Daniel. The King of Babylon had CONTINUES ON PAGE 16

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Merry Christmas to You and all Your Family!

CONTINUING FROM PAGE 15

named him the chief of his seers and astrologers. Daniel, however, was not a seer, but he was a man who spoke the truth because the Spirit of God lived in him.

This Spirit enabled him to interpret riddles and to prophesy in a way that surpassed anything that ever existed.

He announced a divine Savior-King in Israel. Daniel left permanent tracks behind him in Babylon.

600 years have passed. A supernatural light, which the Bible calls a star, appeared in the skies over the little town of Bethlehem.

The astrologers of distant Babylon observed this celestial phenomenon. It is very likely that they remembered the writings of Daniel. Immediately they set out, travelling more than 1,000 km to meet the divine King.

The Babylonian astrologers, who in History are known as the “Wizards of the East”, headed to the Israeli capital – Jerusalem. They began to seek information: “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).

At that time, the world was dominated by the Roman Empire. In Israel, the Romans named a certain Herod as king, even though he was not an Israelite. He was frightened to hear of foreign astrologers and immediately summoned the Jewish scribes to a meeting.

They, in turn, confirmed that their ancient prophets had heralded a Savior-King. The prophet Micah, some 700 years ago, had even indicated his birthplace: “In Bethlehem

of Judea” (Matthew 2:5).

Something exceptional in these circumstances was the following fact: the mother of Jesus was a virgin, and the Father was God - Holy Spirit.

He, the King of the Jews, and Savior of the world, was born in a stable. Isn't it fantastic?

“Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).

He, the King of the Jews, and Savior of the world, was born in a stable.

“When the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law...”

(Galatians 4:4)

Several hundred years before the birth of the Savior-King, the Jewish prophet Isaiah had concretely announced: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son..." (Matthew 1:23). The deep meaning contained in this episode is very serious and demonstrates the need for this virgin birth.

God created the first couple – Adam and Eve – free from sin. Both, however, broke God's law and became sinners. Since then, all people are born in sin and are therefore lost by nature. But God does not want men to be lost.

He “...desires all men to be saved...” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Thus, the need arose for a man without sin to be born and who would never transgress the Law of God, so that he would take the punishment for sin and save the world.

That's why Jesus came to this world, not through the seed of a man, but generated directly by the Creator, in the virgin. The apostle Paul explains: “...For if many died because of the transgression of the one, how much more did the grace of God, that is, the gift through the grace of the one-man Jesus Christ, overflow to many! (Rom 5:15 - NIV).

However, God did not simply send His Son, at any moment, as Savior to the world, but he did so at a time previously determined by Him, as CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

Merry Christmas to You and all Your Family!

7 17

CONTINUING FROM PAGE 16

the apostle Paul said: “But when the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law...” (Galatians 4:4).

In the History of the World, there was only one Person whose curriculum had already been described before His birth by the Jewish prophets. In the History of the World there is also only one Person who was placed in this world by God, through a virgin. And, in the History of the World, there is only one Person whose birth was prepared by the world empires.

Could this be a mere coincidence?

Despite the bad intentions of the rulers, the world kingdoms of the time contributed so that Christmas could happen at that predetermined time.

In the ancient Egyptian kingdom, for example, a slave clan grew into a people from which the Savior-King was to emerge.

Later, when this people were enslaved in Babylon, God reawakened that Jewish yearning for the prophesied and almost forgotten King-Savior.

When then, Persia conquered Babylon, God used the Persians to lead the people of Israel back to their homeland, because there the Savior-King would be born.

the Romans provided for pacification, created a new system of roads, and eliminated borders between countries.

Subsequently, the world domination of Greece spread a new language throughout the world. The Jewish Bible – the Old Testament – was translated into the Greek language, and later the writings of the New Testament were added, also in the Greek language.

Then an even more powerful kingdom emerged on the world stage: the Romans provided for pacification, created a new system of roads, and eliminated borders between countries.

Now the time had finally come for the “first Christmas”, for the Coming of the Savior of the world – for the conditions had been created for the speedy proclamation of the Good News that the Son of God had become Man to save people from their sins. and the corresponding punishment.

The contexts form a meaning too clear for them to be untrue. It is about our eternal salvation: God works on our behalf. Through Christmas, He wants to communicate to us that there is not a single person who is so far from Him that he cannot approach the Lord.

Once the Lord Jesus was asked how the truth of His words could be verified. He responded with a concrete invitation: Whoever believes in his words will find that they do not originate with a person but originate with God the Father.

Each person can take the test, like astrologers, and come to worship the King. Through Jesus and his birth, God comes to meet us to present us with the gift of grace, the forgiveness of all sins and eternal life with Him in Heaven. This is Christmas!

Through Christmas, God wants to communicate to us that there is not a single person who is so far from Him that he cannot approach the Lord.

God has come a long way to save us. Eastern astrologers traveled a long way to find Jesus. Have the courage to also take that step of faith towards Jesus! ◙ Chamada.com

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Vices Out

7

xposure to secondEhand smoke, even for a

can still cause: Heart disease, Lung cancer, Stroke. Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your heart and blood vessels.

short time, can be harmful to both children and adults. Most people are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes or the places they work.

People may also be exposed to secondhand smoke in public places like bars, restaurants, and casinos, as well as in vehicles.

Smokefree laws for all workplaces and public areas protect people who do not smoke. There are also steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke, such as making your home and vehicles smokefree.

These laws and policies are the only way to fully protect people who do not smoke from secondhand smoke exposure. They also can help people who smoke quit, and can help keep young people from starting to smoke.

WHAT IS SECONDHAND SMOKE? Secondhand smoke is smoke from burning tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, or pipes.

HOW SECONDHAND SMOKE HARMS CHILDREN Because their bodies are still growing, infants and young children are especially vulnerable to health risks from secondhand smoke.

There are more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, including hundreds of chemicals that are toxic and about 70 that can cause cancer. Here are just a few of the chemicals and poisons in tobacco smoke:

smokefree laws, the number of adults exposed to secondhand smoke in public places like worksites, bars, restaurants, and casinos has gone down. However, for many, especially children, exposure to secondhand smoke happens in places like homes and vehiWHO IS cles. You are especially likely HARMED BY to be exposed to secondhand SECONDHAND smoke if you live in multiSMOKE? unit housing—like apartment Anyone who is exposed to buildings with many homes it, even for a short time. Sec- next to one another in the ondhand smoke can cause same place. health problems in children What Health Problems Can and adults, and can even be Secondhand Smoke Cause? deadly. Since 1964, about 2,500,000 people who do not HOW smoke have died from health SECONDHAND problems caused by second- SMOKE HARMS hand smoke exposure.

ADULTS

Babies who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to die unexpectedly from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also called crib death, than babies who are not exposed to smoke from burning tobacco products.

Babies exposed to secondhand smoke in the womb or after birth are born and grow up with weaker lungs than babies that are not exposed to secondhand smoke.

Babies and children who breathe secondhand smoke are sick more often with bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections than those that are not exposed to secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke also is For children with asthma, smoke that has been exhaled, or breathed out, by the per- Because more communi- Even if you have never breathing secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack. ◙ son smoking. ties and states are adopting smoked, secondhand smoke SOURCE: CDC.COM

Loneliness

hether you’re a social W butterfly or a shy wallflower,

as a chance to make some changes. “Loneliness is like pain,” says David Cates, PhD, director of behavioral health at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, NE. “It can be hard to measure, but you know when you feel it.” Recognizing that you’re out of sorts can be a sign that you may need more time with friends and family.

you’re human and therefore wired for connection with others. After living through a year of social distancing recently, many people found themselves feeling more alone than ever. And that isn’t good - a lack of personal connection can lead to emotional and physical problems like:

BE KIND TO OTHERS

· Sleep issues · Feeling stressed out · Altered brain function · Increased heart problems · Higher stroke risk · Poor decision-making · Memory problems · Higher risk of substance abuse.

7 19

It doesn’t take a pandemic to make you feel isolated.

Personal events can make you feel disconnected, too.

feel like the only one. I was in mal -- here are ways to get to the other side.

It doesn’t take a pandemic to deep grief and loneliness.” make you feel isolated. Per- As a therapist, Hightower tries BE KIND TO sonal events can make you to help clients realize that YOURSELF feel disconnected, too. talking about loneliness is a Sarah Hightower, a licensed good thing. “It can be a call to Your inner critic can feed feelprofessional counselor in At- action,” she says. “Those feel- ings of loneliness. If you think lanta, recalls a moment of ings are a wake-up call to look you’re different from other deep loneliness after a mis- at things in our lives that we people or that you don’t fit in, it can be harder to bond with carriage several years ago. “I can change.” others. You could get stuck knew I wasn’t the only one who had experienced this, If you’re feeling lonely these in a loneliness rut. Recognize but in the moment, you can days -- maybe more than nor- your thoughts and see them

Taking time out of your schedule to help others can be a great help. Lending a hand can unlock your inner joy and help you feel like part of a larger community. Check on an older relative or neighbor.

Volunteer for a soup kitchen or for a virtual community event.

“We know people are hurting nationally because of the pandemic,” Cates says. “The truth is we were dealing with loneliness and lack of social connections long before a global pandemic.” Experts like Cates note the decline in social networks that can result from things like smaller family sizes, an increase in social media, families living farther apart, and having fewer bonds with volunteer and religious groups.

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Loneliness

7

CONTINUING FROM PAGE 19

perts say there’s a problem if you feel:

PLAN AHEAD

· Lonely more than once a week

There are days on the calendar that can make you sad.

Plan ahead for those days or seasons and put something fun on the calendar. Try to meet safely with friends or family. When a day (or time of year) you dread has something you’re looking forward to instead, it can help.

· Empty · Like you don’t belong If you can’t shake these feelings, you might need to talk to a counselor. The loss of a loved one, divorce, retirement, or moving to a new town can unleash lonely feelings. A therapist can help you work through these moments and give you tools to make them better.

“I call it proactive self-care,” Hightower says. “Recognize that you expect to feel lonely during a certain time and be gentler with yourself.” Plan a drive or to meet with friends.

Looking forward to something joyful can bring joy.

LEARN TO CHERISH ALONE TIME

ADOPT A PET If you have a fur baby already, you can likely share the benefits of having a pet at home. If not, consider welcoming one to your family. Research suggests having a pet can lower blood pressure, improve your mood, and ease stress.

The extra cuddly company can also help if you’re feeling lonely. Make sure you can handle the costs and extra tasks required, though.

Experts say that having a few close friends can make a big difference.

the New School for Social Research in New York City.

Instead, use social media to help you make connections that go beyond likes and USE SOCIAL MEDIA comments. Play online games WISELY with your family and friends.

Try out apps that let you Hopping onto social media watch a show or movie with can help you feel connected. another person.

But too much time online can lead to loneliness.

RECONNECT “Social media can sometimes trick your mind into thinking you’re making real connections when you’re not,” Hightower says. “Social media isn’t bad, but it shouldn’t replace real connections.”

It may sound strange but spending time alone can help if you feel lonely. “It’s important to distinguish between loneliness and social isolation,” Cates says. Loneliness is subjective. There are people who are isolated who aren’t lonely and others who are around a lot of people with a night or plan a monthly on- deep sense of loneliness. line party with friends across Spending time with yourself the miles. can help you feel recharged; bring greater clarity and foMOVE YOUR BODY cus, and boost creativity. It Moving has a host of ben- can also help you with your efits, including helping you relationships, as spending beat the blues of loneliness. quality time with yourself Try dance, yoga, or going for can help you appreciate your a walk, or find an exercise time with others. As with class online. Staying active anything, balance is key. If can help with depression, you’re spending too much anxiety, stress, and a host of time alone, your gut will tell other things that can come you. You may feel something with being lonely. Don’t have is off. That can be a good sign time or the energy for a long to get back in touch with othworkout? No problem. Start ers. with 5 to 10 minutes each day and build from there. Stud- Loneliness doesn’t have to be ies show moderate exercise a constant in your life. Making -- where you breathe heavier a few changes can return the than normal and get a little joy, connection, and friendwarm -- can have great ben- ships that are waiting around the corner. ◙ efits. Seek therapy

WITH OTHERS

You don’t need a cast of thousands to stop feeling lonely.

Experts say that having a few close friends can make a big difference. Start with a phone call and then consider scheduling an online chat or a cofTake a look at how much time fee or tea that you enjoy in you spend online. “We’re so person or virtually together. focused on likes, but those don’t translate into feelings Check in with others, knowof connection,” says Adam ing they may also find it hard Brown, PhD, an associate to leave their comfort zone, Everyone feels lonesome © 2021 WebMD, professor of psychology at too. Restart a family game from time to time. But ex- All rights reserved.

LLC.