text:
Here's How You Can Mentally Prepare For the Omicron Variant
Claire Gillespie is a freelance writer specializing in mental health. She's written for The Washington Post, Vice, Health, Women's Health, SELF, The Huffington Post, and many more.
Karen Cilli
Fact checked by Karen Cilli
Karen Cilli is a fact-checker for Verywell Mind. She has an extensive background in research, with 33 years of experience as a reference librarian and educator.
Solskin / Getty Images
Omicron, a new COVID-19 variant, has been detected in more than 60 countries.
Scientists are still trying to determine how Omicron's transmissibility and severity of illness compares to previous COVID-19 variants, such as Delta.
Nonetheless, many people are concerned about how Omicron could affect their lives—which experts say is completely natural.
Just when we thought we'd come to terms with the Delta variant of COVID-19, along comes Omicron. And the timing couldn't be worse. If you were looking forward to a holiday season with fewer restrictions than last year, COVID-19-induced anxiety may be rearing its ugly head. We're all wondering what this means for our lives and our families (and our mental health) as we move into 2022.
"The famous line from Jaws, 'Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water,' could easily apply to us and the pandemic," says psychologist Sheila Forman, PhD. "Just when you thought it was safe to celebrate the holidays with loved ones, a new variant shows up that disrupts everything."
Some people can take this news in their stride and accept another less than jolly Christmas, while others find their anxiety kicking backup into high gear. Here's what you need to know about Omicron, and how you can keep your mental health on track.
What Do We Know About Omicron So Far?
The truth is, not too much. At least, nothing for sure as yet. "Preliminary indications seem to suggest increased transmissibility but less severe illness compared to the Delta variant," says Charles Bailey, MD, medical director for infection prevention at Providence Mission Hospital and Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California.
Dr. Bailey adds that there's no clear signal that COVID-19 vaccines and preventative and therapeutic agents will lack efficacy against the Omicron variant.
This is reassuring news at this point, and there's no reason to be more concerned about Omicron than previous COVID-19 variants. "It's too early to justify a high level of concern given the availability of effective inpatient and now outpatient therapeutic agents, plus preliminary indications that vaccinations and monoclonal antibodies should remain protective," says Dr. Bailey.
Another positive is the impact of growing numbers of fully vaccinated/boosted individuals and those with post-recovery natural immunity, which doctors now believe is equally protective to vaccination.
CDC Lists Mood Disorder as Valid Reason to Get COVID-19 Booster Shot
Don't Worry About Worrying
Despite reassuring words from some medical experts, it's natural to be concerned about Omicron. For some people, this may be exacerbated by worsening mood and anxiety symptoms linked to the holidays, says Leela R. Magavi, MD, a Hopkins-trained psychiatrist and Regional Medical Director for Mindpath Health.
"These times may remind them of loved ones who have passed and some painful, traumatic memories," Dr. Magavi explains. The Omicron variant may add to their anxiety if they worry about losing more loved ones, which may lead to social distancing to protect their families, which can then result in feelings of isolation.
"Many individuals perceive the holidays as a new beginning, so the new variant can feel like a regression," says Dr. Magavi.
Leela R. Magavi, MD
Many individuals perceive the holidays as a new beginning, so the new variant can feel like a regression.
— Leela R. Magavi, MD
Even people who are fully vaccinated or not at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 may feel anxious about Omicron, because so much remains unknown about this variant.
This uncertainty can make individuals feel helpless, hypervigilant, and anxious," says Dr. Magavi. "Change itself can stimulate the amygdala, the fear center of the brain, and trigger surges of anxiety." And when change involves potentially exposing oneself and one's loved ones to COVID-19, the consequences could include insomnia, panic attacks, depression, impaired cognition, and worsening functionality, she adds.
COVID-19 has in many ways made our world seem unsafe, adds Dr. Forman. "The things we knew, took for granted, or counted on for comfort are no longer reliably there," she says. "Losing them leaves many of us feeling vulnerable and exposed. Even those of us who trust science and trust the vaccines can feel helpless and defenseless."
Coping Strategies For Omicron (And Beyond)
The first thing Dr. Magavi recommends to her patients (both children and adults) is to familiarize themselves with the protocols in place and resources available at work and school to promote safety and overall wellbeing during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"This knowledge and related discussions with family members could create a sense of control and alleviate anxiety," she says. "Having open conversations with loved ones can help us process emotions in a healthy manner." And it doesn't have to be a soul-searching session—something as basic as naming emotions and identifying associated bodily sensations can help people remain mindful of their feelings and perceptions of the situation.
Sheila Forman, PhD
While we are not in this pandemic alone, it sure can feel like we are. Having some to talk to about your fears, disappointments and concerns is invaluable.
— Sheila Forman, PhD
Dr. Magavi also advises taking breaks from reading about COVID-19 or watching the news. "Instead, spend time exercising, journaling, and practicing mindfulness techniques to help decrease ruminative thinking," she says.
Forman recommends meditation, an age-old tool for managing anxiety. "A daily meditation practice of just a few minutes can calm the body, mind and spirit," she says. There are many meditation apps available to get you started, such as Headspace and Calm.
"While we are not in this pandemic alone, it sure can feel like we are," says Forman. "Having some to talk to about your fears, disappointments and concerns is invaluable." Ask your physician, spiritual counselor or Google for a referral.
The best protection against Omicron is to get vaccinated and get your booster shot as soon as you're eligible.
And don't forget about the basic pillars of good physical and mental health: a solid sleep routine, regular, nutritious meals, and limited alcohol intake.
If you're still struggling with anxiety or fear about Omicron, reach out to somebody for help. Mental health organizations and online directories can help you connect with a therapist.
Young Adults Are Coping With 'Shadowloss' in the Pandemic, Study Finds
The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.
World Health Organization. Enhancing readiness for omicron (B.1.1.529): Technical brief and priority actions for member states.
As the Pandemic Continues, People Are Shifting To Short-Term Goals
If Winning the Lottery Can't Convince People to Get Vaccinated—What Will?
Getting COVID-19 Vaccination Improves Mental Health, Report Shows
3 in 4 Americans Have Concerns About the Holidays This Year
Ways Mental Health Professionals Can Encourage Patients to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
Languishing Is the Mood of 2021. How to Identify It and How to Cope
Vaccines Bring Relief to the Holidays, but You Still Might Be Stressed
Differing Opinions on the COVID-19 Vaccine and Our Relationships
For Americans With Negative Body Image, the Wrong Comment Can Make It Even Worse
1 in 5 Parents Polled Say Holiday Stress Negatively Impacts Child's Seasonal Enjoyment
Motivation Might Be the Key to Healthy Aging
Stress Is Aging You Faster—But It's Possible to Slow Down the Biological Clock
How to Cope With Holiday Shopping Stress Amid Supply Chain Disruptions
Mental Health Wins of 2021


Iznájar is a village and municipal area in the province of Córdoba in Andalucia, southern Spain. It lies on the Genil river approximately 110 km from the provincial capital of Córdoba very close to the borders with both Málaga and Granada provinces at a height of 539 metres above sea level. Iznájar is a classic "pueblo blanco", or white village and is surrounded by its "Aldeas" - sub villages including La Celada, El Higueral, Solerche to name but three.
A rural paradise amongst Andalusian olive groves, with a stunning view over the hills and the quiet blue of the dramatically shaped lake, Casa Rural El Olivar offers you a pleasant holiday destination to really rest and relax. Casa Rural El Olivar is a completely renovated farmhouse which has been converted into a comfortable and stylish Bed & Breakfast. The farm has been built in a hillside with several terraces on different levels. A Mediterranean garden surrounds the house with an infinity edge swimming pool located on the lowest terrace, giving the impression that the water is flowing into the lake.
Almogía - small town roughly halfway between Malaga and Antequera, in the foothills of the Sierra del Hacho, in the shadow of the Sancti-Petri peak. Probably dating back to Roman times, an attractive hilly area to visit.
The hotel is an approximate copy of a 17th century Cortijo (A gentleman's farmhouse) complete with a beautiful MIRADOR (formerly used as a look-out tower) and a large enclosed garden patio. Our primary aim is to create an atmosphere more in keeping with a country home than a hotel. All bedrooms are equipped with Super King size or Twin Beds, have comfortable sitting areas and are fitted with combination air conditioning and heating systems.
Álora - small town situated approximately 40 kms north of Málaga and just 12 kms south of the famous El Chorro. Typical white village (Pueblo Blanco) nestled between 3 rocky spurs topped by the ruins of a magnificent castle, built initially by the Phoenicians and then expanded under Roman rule. Virtually destroyed in the 5th century by the Visigoths, and then rebuilt yet again under the Moors. All that remains is the decorative steel door and the traditional Arab Mirador.
Top-rated property, showcasing an outdoor pool and views of the mountains, B&B Casa Arroyo De La Montaña is located in Alora. The bed and breakfast has a year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site. Some units include a sitting area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers. There is a shared kitchen at the property. Malaga is 32.2 km from B&B Casa Arroyo De La Montaña, and Marbella is 38.6 km away. The nearest airport is Malaga Airport, 30.6 km from B&B Casa Arroyo De La Montaña.
Hidden Valley Andalucia is situated in the countryside surrounded by a 25 acre olive grove. It offers stunning views across Guadalhorce Valley. You can walk to the white washed village of Alora in 20 minutes. Guests can enjoy their stay in a luxury bell tent, all equipped with full size beds. Bed linen and towels are provided. Each tent has its own private flushing toilet. El Chorro lakes and Caminito del Rey are 10 km away, while Málaga can be reached in a 40-minute drive. A free shuttle service can be arranged from Alora Train Station, while there is a surcharge for the Malaga Airport transfer service. This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Alora! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Antequera - on the main rail line to Granada, is an ordinary, modern town, but it does have peripheral attractions in a Baroque church, El Carmen, which houses one of the finest retablos in Andalucía, and a group of three prehistoric dolmen caves . The most impressive and famous of these is the Cueva de Menga, its roof formed by an immense 180-tonne monolith. To reach this, and the nearby Cueva de Viera (same hours), take the Granada road out of town - the turning, rather insignificantly signposted, is after about 1km on the left. A third cave, El Romeral (same hours), is rather different (and later) in its structure, with a domed ceiling of flat stones; it also lies to the left of the Granada road, 2km further on, behind a sugar factory with a chimney.
This parador is located on the Paseo Garcia del Olmo, a beautiful landscaped part of Antequera, just a few minutes from the historical town centre. It is 49 kilometres from Malaga and 150 kilometres away from Seville. The bedrooms are medium sized and traditional in decoration keeping the general style of the parador. The restaurant offers traditional dishes from Malaga with local touches, such as "porra antequerana" (cold vegetable soup). This is an ideal place for those seeking rest but also for those looking forward to visit the provincial capitals of Andalusia which are close and easily accessible by car.
Benaoján - a small town with a typically Moorish character with cramped, narrow streets converging neatly onto the plaza and church. A growing hillside town famous for its Chorizo sausage. Close to the village are two famous prehistoric caves, Cueva del Gato and Cueva de la Pileta.
Molino del Santo is stunning – an 18 bedroomed hotel with heated pool, beautiful gardens, restaurant and bar offering you a place to relax in the countryside near the famous town of Ronda. You can enjoy the great food, delightful atmosphere and attractive terraces even if you're not lucky enough to be staying in the hotel. We are open seven days a week during our season. The local English-speaking staff will make sure you are welcome immediately and do all they can to help you with anything that will improve your stay: extra pillows, special dietary requirements, information on any aspect of the area.
Cartajima - Cartajima stands 845 metres above sea level, next to the crag of the same name. Its privileged situation at the top of the Genal Valley affords the traveller spectacular panoramic views: to the south to the Genal Valley while the peaks of the Serrania de Ronda mountain range lie to the north. Restful and peaceful mountain village and only a 16 km drive from fascinating Ronda. Also convenient for Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz and Jerez.
Los Castaños, the charming little hotel situated in quiet historic Cartajima, is a relaxed, sophisticated hideaway in the middle of a tiny Andalucian pueblo blanco. Enjoy a warm welcome by resident proprietors (Di and Lu), sumptuous Western Mediterranean cuisine, and step back in history as you explore Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, and Christian Spain. A restful place to stay, only 16 km from bustling historic Ronda, and conveniently located for Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz, and Jerez - the romantic cities of Andalucia.
Comares is a town and municipality in the province of Málaga, part of the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. The municipality is situated approximately 28 kilometers from the provincial capital and 24 from Vélez-Málaga. It is located in the foothills of the Montes de Málaga 703 meters above sea level. Comares is one of the 31 villages that make up the comarca of Axarquía. It is bordered to the north with Riogordo, to the north, northeast and east with Cútar, to the south with El Borge, to the southwest and west with Málaga and to the northwest with Colmenar.
Located in the Andalusian hills, Casa Andalouse has a shared outdoor pool with amazing valley views. Surrounded by olive and fruit trees, This apartment offers free WiFi and a TV. Casa Andalouse features tiled floors and Moorish-inspired décor. This apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a living space with dining table. The property can also arrange climbing and hiking trips. You can drive to the beaches of the Costa del Sol in around 45 minutes from the Casa Andalouse. Málaga Airport is an hour's drive away, and a shuttle service is available on request.
Natural scents and sounds caresses the skin, ecstatic views disappear in the horizon, a taste of life. An oasis for enjoying the Mediterranean. Situated in one of the most peaceful and picturesque corners of Axarquia (Costa del Sol) with panoramic views over Frigiliana and Nerja, to the sea and mountains. At 60 km. from Malaga, 10 km. from Nerja, 8 km. from Torrox and 4,5 km. from Frigiliana. Original restaurant in a snail-shaped dining room with a spacious outdoor terrace where you can taste and enjoy Andalusian/Mediterranian cuisine. Bar, pool, gardens and parking.
Júzcar - typical small white village (pueblo blanco) in the Serrania de Ronda. Streets and houses have been built to suit the mountainous terrain. Incredible mountain scenery - ideal for birdwatchers, hikers, and mountain climbers.
Hotel Bandolero is a small rural hotel and restaurant located at the entrance of a tiny and charming pueblo blanco (white village) surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The village of Júzcar is one of seven pueblos blancos of the Alto Genal, an area that has only recently come to the notice of tourists, located in the Serrania de Ronda in Málaga province. For this reason it remains unspoiled, traditional and therefore of great interest to the new breed of tourist who is looking for an authentic experience far away from the crowded coasts.
Ronda - Mountain city, full of history. Visit the Arab Baths in Ronda. State protected because of historic interest in 1931, these baths were built at the end of the 13th century or start of the 14th century. The old part of Ronda was built, for defensive reasons, on a high rocky plateau, with the river to its North, West and East sides, and was further protected by a series of defensive structures, particular on the most vulnerable southern flank. The walls and arches remain reasonably intact today. Many historical monuments of great interest and churches to be visited. Make sure you stay a minimum of 3 days to avoid disappointment!
A unique and laid-back hotel, situated in the oldest paved street of Ronda and surrounded by historical buildings. It is just moments away from the city centre yet faces the mountains. The hotel offers 14 rooms, all with their own character and furnished with all the comforts. Above the intimate bar and dining room, is an outdoor swimming pool and sauna, a recreation room with a pool table, a library as well as a computer with free access to the internet. Several romantic courtyards and terraces offer stunning views and the subtropical garden with exotic plants, birds and fish is an attraction for nature lovers and children.
We are a new hotel in the centre of the old town in Ronda, with five large rooms which are very attractive and comfortable. The hotel has a wonderful garden and an arab wall around the gardens and hotel. The price includes breakfast which varies every day. The hotel is very quiet and relaxing, with a large swimming pool and lovely landscapes of mountains and green countryside.
Gaucin - small village in the Serrania de Ronda with caves dating back to prehistoric times, and later inhabited by the Phoenicians and Romans, then invaded first by the Visigoths, then by the Moors - and therefore has a lot of history! A quiet traditional village, ideal for birdwatchers and mountain climbers. It is possible to visit Gaucin railway station on the Algeciras to Ronda scenic train ride.
Located in the charming village of Gaucín, La Fructuosa offers amazing views over the Genal Valley from its terrace. Its country-style rooms come with free Wi-Fi and a spa bath. The attractive rooms at La Fructuosa feature satellite TV and a minibar. Each one comes with a private bathroom and great views. Featuring a traditional wine press, the hotel's restaurant serves Mediterranean food. You can enjoy a meal on the terrace overlooking the valley. Gaucín is just 40 minutes' drive from the beaches of the Costa del Sol. You can drive to Ronda in around 35 minutes.
Guaro - Small village in the Guadalhorce valley, between Coín and Tolox and next to the Grande river, one of the main tributaries of the Guadalhorce river with views of the Sierra de las Nieves. With moorish origins, this white village is very attractive - the hills, mainly covered in olives and almonds and some scattered cork trees.
El Molino Santisteban is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande which flows through the National Park of Sierra de las Nieves, renowned for its picturesque white villages and incredible landscape.The Moorish villages of Guaro and Tolox can be found 10 minutes from our charming watermill used for graining wheat as long ago as the 19th century; today the mill lies dormant and is used as the residence of your hosts.
The rural complex of apartments is located in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. The apartments are set around a swimming pool and a children's park. Free WiFi is available in common areas. The area is ideal for a holiday, leaving behind routine, and offering an opportunity to discover the authentic natural beauty of the region and visit cities such as Malaga, Marbella and Ronda. This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Guaro! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
An old refurbished Andalusian farmhouse with tennis court, swimming pool, sports facilities, comfortable rooms with TV, air conditioning, heating, bathroom. Very quiet, peaceful place for family vacation. Only 1,5 km away from the beach. Unsurpassable climate. 40 km from Malaga, surrounded by typical Spanish villages. Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, tennis court and terraces with sea views, Cortijo Amaya rustic-style hotel has been adapted from an Andalusian country home and is a 15-minute walk from the beach. Rooms at the Rural Cortijo Amaya come with air conditioning, TV and a private bathroom. They include free WiFi access. The hotel serves a full breakfast each morning; and drinks are available all day. Dinner is not served.
Situated in the small town of Torrox, a 7-minute drive from the coast, Casa Colina del Sol features a garden with citrus fruit trees, swimming pool, and barbecue facilities. The property includes a shared lounge with TV and a dining room where breakfast is served. There is free Wi-Fi throughout and free public parking is available on site. Some rooms feature a private balcony, and all of them are equipped with satellite TV, desk, wardrobe, and kettle. Bathrooms are either private or shared and include a shower. The property is just off the A-7 Motorway and Málaga Airport is a 40-minute drive away. The coastal town of Nerja is 11.3 from the property and Baviera Golf Club can be reached in 15 minutes by car.


Fadelu, T., S. Zhang, D. Niedzwiecki, X. Ye, L.B. Saltz, R.J. Mayer, R.B. Mowat, R. Whittom, A. Hantel, A.B. Benson, D.M. Atienza, M. Messino, H.L. Kindler, A. Venook, S. Ogino, K. Ng, K. Wu, W. Willett, E. Giovannucci, J. Meyerhardt, Y. Bao, C.S. Fuchs, 2018. Nut Consumption and Survival in Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer: Results From CALGB 89803 (Alliance). J Clin Oncol. 36(11):1112-1120.
Almond Skin Extracts Abrogate HSV-1 Replication by Blocking Virus Binding to the Cell.
Bisignano, C., G. Mandalari, A. Smeriglio, D. Trombetta, M.M. Pizzo, M. Pennisi, M.T. Sciortino. 2017. Almond Skin Extracts Abrogate HSV-1 Replication by Blocking Virus Binding to the Cell. Viruses. 9, 178; doi:10.3390/v9070178.


Studies of human memory; work with H.M.
Suzanne Corkin (May 18, 1937 – May 24, 2016) was an American professor of neuroscience in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT. She was a leading scholar in neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience. She is best known for her research on human memory, which she studied in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amnesia. She is also well known for studying H.M., a man with memory loss whom she met in 1962 and studied until his death in 2008.
Suzanne Corkin was born Suzanne Janet Hammond in Hartford, Connecticut, the only child of Lester and Mabelle Dowling Hammond. She studied psychology at Smith College in Massachusetts, and obtained a PhD at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, supervised by Brenda Milner. Milner studied a man named Henry Molaison, who had sustained severe memory loss as a result of brain surgery for uncontrolled epileptic seizures. Corkin met him in 1962 and tested his memory relating to his sense of touch "Somesthetic function after focal cerebral damage" which became the subject of her PhD.
After she completed her PhD in 1964 she moved to the US Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to join the laboratory of Hans-Lukas Teuber. In 1977, when Teuber passed away, Dr. Corkin became director of the human neuropsychology laboratory and, in 1981, was promoted directly from the position of Principal Research Scientist to Associate Professor with tenure.
From that point forward, Dr. Corkin directed the Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, making seminal contributions to many different domains of cognitive neuroscience. These contributions included further delineation of memory systems required for different forms of nondeclarative learning, elucidation of memory deficits that arise in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and contributions toward theoretical debates regarding the role of the medial temporal lobe in the retrieval of remote memories.
Dr. Corkin was also an early adopter of human neuroimaging methods and used these methods to elucidate the neural bases of different forms of human memory and of age- and disease-related changes in memory networks. She utilized both functional and structural MRI methods. Some of the last publications from her laboratory reported the benefits of a multispectral structural magnetic resonance imaging method for measuring the volumes of the substantia nigra and basal forebrain in patients with Parkinson's disease (Ziegler and Corkin, 2013; Ziegler et al., 2013).
Dr. Corkin continued to work with the amnesic patient H.M., protecting his identity until his death in 2008, at which point his identity was revealed to be Henry Molaison. She discussed the story of H.M. in her 2013 book Permanent Present Tense.
She published over 150 research articles and was author or co-author of 10 books. She received numerous awards for her research, including a MERIT award from the National Institutes of Health and the Baltes Distinguished Research Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association, Division on Aging.
Dr. Corkin was widely recognized for her advocacy for women and minorities in science. During her time at MIT, she was a freshman advisor for 17 years, and served on a number of institute and departmental committees. In 2011, she received the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Undergraduate Advising Award at MIT.
Controversy is ongoing in regard to Dittrich's article. Hundreds of neuroscientists signed a letter suggesting that the article was biased and misleading and as of August 21, 2016, there continues to be back-and-forth statements released by MIT and by Dittrich. Because there were well-known tensions between Dittrich and Corkin for many years, some reviewers have called Dittrich's book a "personal vendetta" Yet others have favorably reviewed his book, Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets.
Her marriage to Charles Corkin ended in divorce. She died of liver cancer in Danvers, Massachusetts on May 24, 2016, six days after her 79th birthday. She is survived by three adult children, Damon, J. Zachary, and Jocelyn Corkin, as well as seven grandchildren.
^ a b c "Suzanne Corkin, Who Helped Pinpoint Nature of Memory, Dies at 79". New York Times. May 27, 2016.
^ a b "Professor Emerita Suzanne Corkin Dies at 79". MIT News. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
^ a b c Geoff Watts (2016). "Obituary Suzanne Corkin". The Lancet. 388 (10042): 336. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31114-X.
^ Benedict Carey (December 4, 2008). "H. M., an Unforgettable Amnesiac, Dies at 82". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
^ "Suzanne Corkin (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge)". ResearchGate. Retrieved November 27, 2016.
^ Cronin-Golomb, Alice (2013). "The Elements of Style: A Tribute to Suzanne Corkin". Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. MIT Press Journals. 25 (1): 143–155. doi:10.1162/jocn_a_00297. PMID 23198895.
^ Dittrich, Luke (August 3, 2016). "The Brain That Couldn't Remember". The New York Times. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
^ "Letters/Statement Submitted to the New York Times on August 9, 2016 from Prof. James J. Dicarlo, Head, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT". Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. Brain and Cognitive Sciences. August 9, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
^ Dittrich, Luke (10 August 2016). "Questions & Answers about "Patient H.M."". Medium. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
^ Stark, Laura (19 August 2016). "Memory lane". Science. p. 757. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
^ "Book Review: "Patient H.M."". Neuroskeptic. Discover Magazine. 2 July 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
^ Begley, Sharon (10 August 2016). "MIT Challenges The New York Times over Book on Famous Brain Patient". Scientific American. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
Case Study: HM - The Man Who Couldn't Remember Claudia Hammond, BBC Radio4, 30 minutes, August 11, 2010.


AGAIN I read what is becoming a bore: Nicola Sturgeon says wait and the Greens, along with others, say: "now is the time".
If this is what the wider Yes movement believe, than why not use this waiting period to keep the conversation going? If we use this time productively we can win the argument before the date of the next independence vote.
Now is the time to talk with, listen to and work out ways of persuading those not fully convinced of independence for whatever reason.
To be truthful I think much depends on how the SNP vote at their spring conference on the independence discussions, on a Scottish currency and the adoption of the Growth Commission.
If this goes in the right direction then we will get an announcement on the road map to independence.
In the meantime, if we want an independent Scotland it up to us to use this waiting period to keep the conversation going.
Why must we wait for Brexit to happen before we set a date?


text:
Biografia
Fu batterista coi Misfits nelle sessioni del 1979 di Horror Business e Night of the Living Dead. Lasciò il gruppo nel dicembre 1979 dopo il fallimentare tour in Inghilterra con i The Damned. Dopo i Misfits, diventò batterista per la band The Whorelords. Passò gran parte della vita a New York e successivamente in Florida. Suonò anche nelle formazioni Human Buffet, The Mary Tyler Whores, The Strap-Ons, The Bell Ringers, The Hollywood 77's, The Undead. Dal 2007 visse a Los Angeles.

Discografia con i Misfits
Horror Business (1979) - EP
Night of the Living Dead (1979) - singolo

Collegamenti esterni

Batteristi punk

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Ask RP Photonics for advice on which laser source is best suited for generating pulses with given parameters, or on how to characterize optical pulses.
By modulating a continuous-wave light source, e.g., with an electro-optic modulator, pulses with durations from some tens of picoseconds to arbitrarily high values can be generated.
Pulse durations from Q-switched lasers typically vary between 100 ps and hundreds of nanoseconds.
Mode-locked lasers can generate pulses with durations between ≈ 5 fs and hundreds of picoseconds.
High harmonic generation allows the formation of single attosecond pulses or attosecond pulse trains, with pulse durations of a few hundred attoseconds or even below 100 as.
The most frequently used definition is based on the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the optical power versus time. This is not sensitive to some weak pedestals as often observed with optical pulses.
For calculations concerning soliton pulses, it is common to use a duration parameter τ which is approximately the FWHM duration divided by 1.76, because the temporal profile can then be described as a constant times sech2(t / τ).
For complicated pulse profiles, a definition based on the second moment of the temporal intensity profile is more appropriate.
Particularly in the context of laser-induced damage, one sometimes uses an effective pulse duration, which is defined as the pulse energy divided by the peak power.
The product of pulse duration and spectral bandwidth is called the time–bandwidth product. Typically, is calculated using FWHM values of duration and bandwidth (see above). It can not be much smaller than ≈ 0.3, depending on the pulse shape and the exact definition of pulse duration and bandwidth. This means that e.g. a 10-fs pulse must at least have a bandwidth of the order of 30 THz, and attosecond pulses have such a large bandwidth that their center frequency must be well above that of any visible light.
See also the article on the transform limit.
Pulse durations down to roughly 10 ps can be measured with the fastest available photodiodes in combination with fast sampling oscilloscopes. For the measurement of shorter pulse durations, streak cameras can be used. Another approach is optical sampling (or cross-correlation), using another source generating even shorter pulses. In most cases, however, one uses optical autocorrelators. Note that there are also techniques such as FROG or SPIDER (→ spectral interferometry), which can be used to obtain much more information on pulses than e.g. just the pulse duration and energy; see the article on pulse characterization.
The spatial width of a pulse in the propagation direction is given by the group velocity times the temporal pulse width. Despite the high velocity of light, ultrashort pulses can also be very short in the spatial domain. Whereas e.g. a 1-ns pulse still has a length of ≈ 30 cm in air, the shortest pulses which can be generated directly with a laser – with a duration of roughly 5 fs – have a spatial length of just 1.5 μm in air or vacuum. This corresponds to only a few wavelengths, or temporally a few optical cycles (few-cycle pulses). As the transverse dimensions, characterized e.g. with a beam radius, are usually much larger than that, few-cycle pulses can be imagined to be like pancake-shaped bullets of light. This aspect is important; it explains e.g. why the apparent pulse duration as measured with an intensity autocorrelator can be increased when this measurement apparatus involves pulses crossing each other at some significant angle.
Chromatic dispersion can lead to substantial pulse broadening, which can however be reversed by subsequently applying the opposite kind of dispersion (→ dispersion compensation).
Nonlinearities would normally not directly affect the pulse duration, but can e.g. broaden the optical spectrum, which makes the pulses more sensitive to chromatic dispersion during subsequent propagation.
Any type of optical filter, including a gain medium with limited gain bandwidth, can affect the spectral width or shape of an ultrashort pulse. When the spectral width is reduced, this may lead to temporal broadening, even though there are cases where strongly chirped pulses become shorter when their spectrum is made narrower.
In the steady-state operation of a mode-locked laser, the circulating pulses experience various effects which affect the pulse duration, but these effects are in a balance, so that the pulse duration is restored after every round trip. In some femtosecond lasers, the pulse duration undergoes substantial changes during each resonator round trip.
The definition and measurement of the pulse duration becomes considerably more complicated in cases where spatial and temporal pulse properties are coupled with each other. An example is the phenomenon of pulse front tilt, where a locally measured pulse duration may be smaller than a duration based on the whole beam profile.


With its Television Academy Honors, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will pay tribute to eight programs that demonstrate the power of television to change attitudes and exemplify "television with a conscience."
The honorees selected for the fourth annual event, which will be held May 5 at the Beverly Hills Hotel, explored a range of issues including sexual abuse and assault, racism and teen pregnancy, living with a life-threatening disease and good nutrition in the fight against childhood obesity.
The recipients include "The Big C," "Friday Night Lights," "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Parenthood" and "Private Practice."
Documentaries to be honored include HBO's "Wartorn 1861-2010" and ESPN's "The 16th Man."


text:
Q: Jersey (+jackson) serialization I am using Jersey framework, with com.fasterxml.jackson as default serializer. I am trying to return json object with specified root name. e.g.:
{
  "rootName": {
                "key":"value"
              }
}

The question is how to enable root-level wrapping so I could make use of @JsonRootName annotation?
For now I am using rootName class wrapper to get what I need however I believe there is some more generic setting somewhere... wrapping object into another wrapper object just to get its root name in output seems not to be the best solution for me. If you could point me to better solution would be great.
Thanks for help,
PP

A: To make use of the @JsonRootName annotation you need to enable the SerializationFeature.WRAP_ROOT_VALUE and/or DeserializationFeature.UNWRAP_ROOT_VALUE features. Here is an example:
public class JacksonWrapped {

    final static String JSON = "{\n" +
            "  \"rootName\": {\n" +
            "                \"key\":\"value\"\n" +
            "              }\n" +
            "}";

    @JsonRootName("rootName")
    public static class Thing {
        public final String key;

        @JsonCreator
        public Thing(@JsonProperty("key") String key) {
            this.key = key;
        }

        @Override
        public String toString() {
            return "Thing{" +
                    "key='" + key + '\'' +
                    '}';
        }
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        ObjectMapper mapper = new ObjectMapper();
        mapper.enable(SerializationFeature.WRAP_ROOT_VALUE);
        mapper.enable(DeserializationFeature.UNWRAP_ROOT_VALUE);
        System.out.println(mapper.writeValueAsString(new Thing("value")));
        System.out.println(mapper.readValue(JSON, Thing.class));
    }
}

Output:
{"rootName":{"key":"value"}}
Thing{key='value'}

To make it work under JAX-RS implementation you need to customize the Jackson JAX-RS JSON provider. There are few ways you could achieve this. One option is to register a context resolver for the object mapper as mentioned here. Another option to annotate resource methods with @JacksonFeatures annotation as follows:
@GET
@JacksonFeatures(serializationEnable = SerializationFeature.WRAP_ROOT_VALUE,
        deserializationEnable = DeserializationFeature.UNWRAP_ROOT_VALUE)
public Thing resourceMethod() {
    ...
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
UO Happenings: Connor Franta Celebrates Giving Tuesday with Common Culture Launch in L.A.
We've been counting down the days until we could finally welcome Connor Franta into our stores for a mini-tour to celebrate the launch of the Common Culture + Urban Outfitters collection — and yesterday the wait was finally over. Launching online and in select stores (which you can find here) was the five-product line including a tee, crewneck, hoodie, and hats with all proceeds benefitting GLSEN, a nonprofit ensuring safe and affirming school environments for LGBTQ students. To show his appreciation, the collaboration's spearhead, Connor joined us at Space 15 Twenty in Los Angeles for a meet-and-greet with fans on Giving Tuesday and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate. Re-live the excitement and tender moments here.
Photos by Dana Lynn
As soon as Space 15 Twenty opened on Tuesday, fans filtered in to purchase Common Culture goods. The first 200 who picked up the gear got a chance to meet Connor that night.
Wearing their new threads, the hundreds of fans queued up anxiously awaiting a photo op with Mr. Common Culture himself.
Each meet-and-greeter also walked away with a signed copy of the Common Culture musical compilation.
A creator's got to appreciate their work, right?
Get your cameras ready, Connor's in the house!
Every good meet-and-greet has dancing, snuggling, and flowers.
These Common Culture + UO collection sweatshirts are mighty cozy — and perfect for winter weather.
Denim jacket wearers are true 'til the end.
Thanks for helping us feel the love on Giving Tuesday. But the fun isn't over yet! Austin, you're up next: Be one of the first 200 to purchase Common Culture gear on Friday, December 2 at Space 24 Twenty and you'll get to meet Connor, too.
The tour continues on December 7 in New York City and wraps up on December 9 at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Details on all the events are here.
Shop Common Culture + Urban Outfitters

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


low. Horror as I know. Scrabble up the wall.
Savage slam! Brine sting. Blind cling to stone.
Slowly sea subsides. Dragonstreaks of foam.
a tsunami can carve a wake in time. But none!
lying like doom never came. Clean gone.
Jeffers tower: Robinson Jeffers, whose harsh nature-poetry scorned humanity as corrupt, built a stone tower by the sea--but in Carmel, not San Francisco.
Tsunami: earlier today, my recurring fever flared up. Chills, sweats, pounding heart. The dream includes/explains those sensations.
Bare cliffs unharmed, but the crowded Sunset smashed: during attacks, seclusion is wise. I'm an introvert like Jeffers; people tire me, solitude heals. Not a new message: a tsunami taught me this decades ago, in Part 3 of the epic dream Learning Scales.
No after-waves: this flare-up is sharp, but will be short; unless I over-socialize, no relapses.
ACTION: just wait it out.
The next day I began a (self-designed) treatment with long-term antibiotics to test the hypothesis I had a really tenacious bacterial or parasitic infection. My attacks slowly and steadily got milder and shorter. The dream exaggerated a bit: this tsunami wasn't the very last--there were small after-waves. But the experiment worked.


Some 200 people reportedly got up and walked out of Amy Schumer's live show in Tampa, Florida on Sunday night after she criticised US presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Schumer, an avid Hillary Clinton supporter and outspoken feminist and gun control campaigner and has spoke out about her own sexual abuse, referred to Trump as an "orange, sexual-assaulting, fake-college-starting monster," according to the Tampa Bay Times.
She then called a Trump supporter onstage to talk about why he was voting for the Republican candidate, who cited his national security policies and distrust of Hillary Clinton as his main reasons.
"Do you get worried at all with how impulsive he is?" she asked him. "That he gets so fired up from Saturday Night Live doing a skit on him … do you worry he'll be impulsive and get us in a lot of f--king trouble we can't get out of?"
After incident, Schumer told Vanity Fair that she was not fazed by the small minority of the crowd who left, and says she will continue to tell it like it is.
"I loved the crowd and my show in Tampa last night! I want to thank the 8,400 people who stayed. We had a great time! We have always depended on comedians to make us laugh and tell the truth. I am proud to continue that tradition.


Sayulita, a small surfing village on Mexico's Pacific coast. Each building is painted with warm hues, just as inviting as the people. Nature softens the strong concrete buildings, that house a culture of creativity and lovers of the ocean.


"The Man Who Became King" is the drama remake of "Masquerade," which is a Korean film premiered in 2012 and became a great hit with over 10 million local audiences. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the film follows the story of King Lee Heon, who invites a clown named Ha-seon who looks identical to him in order to protect himself from the enemies.
Yeo Jin-goo will be taking the dual role, which was played by Lee Byung-heon in the film. Lee Sae-young has been announced to take Yoo So-woon's role, which is the character steals both the king's and clown's hearts.
People are eagerly anticipating the drama, for its guaranteed quality of plot as well as for the chemistry of the cast members.
tvN's new drama, "The Man Who Became King" will premiere next year.


Creating a robust business plan.
Positioning to launch a community share offer.
Enabling the purchase of land plots for sustainable farming.
The Ecological Land Co-operative applied to Big Potential to help them create more affordable low-impact smallholdings in rural areas. They used their grant to help successfully launch a community shares offer.
The Ecological Land Co-operative (ELC) is a social enterprise providing affordable access to land for sustainable rural livelihoods via the creation of low-impact smallholdings. They believe that ecological land-based livelihoods can help solve pressing environmental and social problems and want to marry ecological ethics with sound business practice to help more people live and work on the land.
The type of small-scale ecological production they believe in delivers a number of benefits including protecting the environment, building vibrant rural communities, providing employment and training and supporting healthy diets through affordable, local produce.
With demand for their type of residential smallholding growing, and having successfully established their pilot site, the ELC applied to Big Potential to help them better understand how they could package their model to attract investment into the next site.
They received a Big Potential grant of £48,820 to work with two organisations, Eastside Primetimers and Plunkett Foundation, to build the capacity of the organisation to respond to investment opportunities.
Eastside Primetimers helped with business modelling, financial planning, board development, support on business plan development and project management; while Plunkett Foundation provided advice on the community share offer, on their co-operative rules, communications strategy and market research.
This work culminated in a successful community share offer. Community shares are a unique form of investment that can only be issued by co-operative societies, community benefit societies and charitable community benefit to raise investment from the local community. Since 2009, almost a 100,000 people have invested over £100m to support 350 community businesses throughout the UK.
Thanks to the Big Potential grant and the work carried out with the approved providers the co-operative secured investment of £189,350 in community share capital and £139,000 in a low-interest, long term loan from the A-Team Foundation, a charitable foundation. Raising this finance has funded the development of the ELC's second cluster of smallholdings.