April 30‚ 2024

Continuing after the death of their frontman was an emotional struggle for Big Big Train‚ but their first album without him is something he would have been proud of

A word with former Little Angels and Fastway frontman Toby Jepson as he prepares to go on the road alone

The best albums from the Nashville label that brought together rock'n'roll and soul

A recent scientific study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment demonstrates that a small change in lawn maintenance habits can have a significant impact on butterfly populations‚ providing hope for conservation efforts and helpful information for gardeners who want to help local wildlife. Yes‚ that’s right folks‚ #NoMowMay begins tomorrow and this year we have even more research that points to the benefits of long lawns. Dr. Richard Fox‚ head of science at Butterfly Conservation and a co-author of the study highlights the findings’ significance: “This study proves‚ for the first time‚ that allowing a patch of grass to grow long will attract more butterflies into your garden.” Let’s dig deeper into the ramifications of this research and look at practical strategies to construct butterfly-friendly habitats in your yard. The science of wild lawns and butterflies After analyzing six years of butterfly observations in 600 British gardens‚ researchers identified a striking correlation: gardens with tall grass had much more butterflies than those with routinely kept lawns. Dr. Fox emphasizes the importance of this phenomenon: “Long grass in gardens attracts more butterfly species whose caterpillars feed on grasses.” This suggests that rewilded lawns provide an important breeding habitat for butterflies‚ which contributes to their population expansion. Ivy: the secret weapon of urban butterfly gardens One of the study’s primary conclusions is that flowering ivy has a favorable impact on butterfly abundance. The presence of flowering ivy boosted the numbers of the holly blue butterfly‚ whose caterpillars live off of ivy and holly. It also boosted the numbers of the red admiral and comma‚ as both species benefit from its flowers which provide an abundant source of nectar in the fall. Gardeners can supply important supplies for butterflies throughout the year by adding ivy into urban landscapes‚ maintaining their lifecycle‚ and increasing overall biodiversity. Practical tips for creating butterfly-friendly spaces Gardeners who want to help butterfly populations can use wildlife-friendly grass care strategies. Dr. Fox encourages gardeners to go above and beyond #NoMowMay. “If you take part in #NoMowMay our message is‚ don’t just mow your grass in June‚” he says. However‚ for the best results‚ long grass has to be kept until late September or October. This method resembles natural meadow management approaches‚ allowing butterfly species to complete their lifecycles unhindered. By doing less‚ gardeners may build thriving homes for butterflies and other pollinators by extending lawn maintenance timeframes and prioritizing biodiversity. The study’s findings give persuasive evidence that simple modifications in gardening practices can have a large impact on butterfly populations. Individuals can contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and ecological support by adopting wilder lawns and adding native plant species into urban environments.The post Attention lazy gardeners&;#33; Why doing less can boost butterfly populations in your garden first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

For many people‚ coffee is more than simply a morning habit; it’s an integral component of their daily lives. But is this really the best method to get your caffeine fix&;#63; Dr. Kaustubh Dabhadkar‚ a preventive cardiologist from Charlotte‚ North Carolina‚ sheds light on the subject‚ showing the distinct health benefits that set coffee apart from other caffeinated beverages. The battle of the brews: coffee’s health benefits revealed Aside from its delicious flavor and comforting aroma‚ coffee provides an astounding array of health advantages due to its complex blend of natural components. According to Dr. Dabhadkar‚ “Coffee’s benefits‚ especially concerning brain health and cognition‚ are well-supported by research.” It’s not only caffeine; antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid play an important role. A 2023 study demonstrated that coffee improves brain connectivity‚ particularly in areas associated with memory and cognitive function. As stated by Dr. Dabhadkar‚ “Besides caffeine‚ the additional compounds in coffee assist in preparing the brain for activity.” Sipping smart: coffee’s effects on your heart and mind Coffee is not only a brain stimulant; it is also beneficial to your heart and metabolism. Dr. Dabhadkar emphasizes caffeine’s potential to increase blood flow to the heart and reduce the negative effects of sugar on the body. Furthermore‚ research such as this study from 2022 suggests that moderate coffee drinking is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. However‚ moderation is essential. Dr. Dabhadkar says‚ “The benefits of coffee can be enjoyed with one to two cups per day‚ consumed gradually.” Chugging coffee can cause heart rhythm difficulties and gastric pain‚ so take it slowly. Caffeine warning: the do’s and don’ts of coffee consumption While coffee has numerous benefits‚ excessive caffeine use might have negative consequences. Dr. Dabhadkar advises against taking more than 1.2 grams of caffeine each day‚ underlining the necessity of listening to your body. If drinking coffee causes discomfort or abnormal heartbeats‚ it may be time to reduce your intake. Tea time: green tea’s notable benefits While coffee grabs the spotlight‚ green tea deserves respect for its own set of health benefits. Dr. Dabhadkar recognizes green tea as a potent beverage high in antioxidants and flavonoids. Green tea’s low caffeine concentration makes it a softer alternative for people looking for a light pick-me-up. Working in tandem: coffee and green tea for longevity Rather than comparing coffee and tea‚ why not enjoy the benefits of both&;#63; According to research‚ drinking coffee and green tea in moderation can help you live longer. According to a UK study‚ people who drink both beverages in moderation have a lower chance of death. In the larger scheme of things‚ there is no reason to take sides in the coffee vs. tea debate. Both provide several health benefits‚ making them excellent additions to a well-balanced diet. So‚ whether you enjoy the robust flavor of coffee or the subtle appeal of green tea‚ both options can help you live a healthier‚ more vibrant life.  The post Coffee vs. tea: which caffeine source reigns supreme for health and vitality&;#63; first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Our minds are factories of thoughts—some intentional‚ some not. We strategize‚ reflect‚ and ruminate. And sometimes uninvited thoughts pop into our minds. Sometimes these thoughts are born of morbid curiosity. While driving along a winding mountain highway‚ suddenly we imagine what would happen if we jerked the wheel to the right. Other times‚ such thoughts arise from our sinful hearts. Stewing on mistreatment from a colleague‚ we imagine how we could put him in his place by humiliating him. Whatever its source‚ the intrusive thought—whether morbid‚ violent‚ or sexual—enters our mind unsummoned. How do we deal with such thoughts&;#63; Let’s consider four questions to help us examine and proactively fight against them. 1. Is there something different about the season I’m in&;#63; Intrusive thoughts spike during seasons of stress or change. My first job out of college was as a detention officer in a maximum security jail. During that time‚ I had vivid dreams and intrusive thoughts (they often go hand in hand). I imagined riots breaking out and inmates tracking me down outside the jail. At restaurants‚ I sat in the far back corner to watch the door. During seasons of stress or change‚ our minds are in overdrive‚ working to prepare us for new challenges and dangers. A student entering her first semester at a new school will likely have a steady flow of intrusive thoughts as she readies for a new situation. During seasons of stress or change‚ our minds are in overdrive. A spike in intrusive thoughts‚ then‚ might signal you’re experiencing stress. Make sure you’re resting and processing your stress with trusted loved ones and a healthy church community. 2. Is trauma triggering the intrusive thoughts&;#63; Trauma of the past or present can prompt intrusive thoughts. The weeds of lies grow in the soil of trauma. Consider a young boy caught in the middle of his parents’ divorce‚ feeling pulled between Mom and Dad—who are both manipulating him to side with them. I have to fix it‚ I have to fix it‚ I have to fix it runs through his head as he eats breakfast‚ rides the school bus‚ and stares out the window while his teacher speaks. He defines himself and his worth by his ability to solve a problem that’s out of his control. Unchecked intrusive thoughts affect our ability to understand our true identity. 3. Does my personality lend itself to intrusive thoughts&;#63; Some people have a bent toward intrusive thoughts. Psychological definitions can be beneficial at times as they help us recognize the patterns we experience. Someone might have obsessive-compulsive disorder: repetitive behaviors “aimed at preventing or reducing distress.” On the other hand‚ psychological diagnoses can be problematic‚ for they can lead an individual to internalize (pathologize) a struggle. This internalization can often direct someone to believe her diagnosis is intrinsic to who she is or that medical intervention is the only solution to her problem. If you think this might characterize you‚ first‚ know you’re not alone. Second‚ know you’re not condemned to being trapped by your compulsions. Third‚ know that how you naturally try to deal with intrusive thoughts isn’t helpful. There’s a better way. 4. Why am I having this intrusive thought&;#63; Does the driving force behind the intrusive thoughts point to sin in your heart&;#63; When I was a detention officer‚ many such thoughts were directed toward protecting myself and my wife in a new‚ dangerous environment. That wasn’t sinful. But some thoughts emerged from a sinful origin. Processing unresolved bitterness‚ I imagined retaliating against an inmate who assaulted me. The intrusive thought was a flag that my heart hadn’t forgiven him. Similarly‚ you might have intrusive sexual thoughts about someone that make you realize you have sinful desires toward them. These thoughts ought to lead to transparent confession. How to Be Proactive How can we be proactive in responding to intrusive thoughts&;#63; Paul urges the church at Corinth to actively fight the lies being spread by false teachers. His approach is twofold: knock down the lie‚ then move forward in obedience to Christ. “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God‚ and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). Use the gospel to pick apart the lies at the heart of your intrusive thoughts‚ and then move forward in action. Paul reminds us elsewhere it’s not enough to destroy false thinking—we have to form healthy imaginations too: “Brothers‚ whatever is true‚ whatever is honorable‚ whatever is just‚ whatever is pure‚ whatever is lovely‚ whatever is commendable‚ if there is any excellence‚ if there is anything worthy of praise‚ think about these things” (Phil. 4:8). Nurture mental playgrounds of gospel creativity. Many of us expend so much energy trying to knock down destructive intrusive thoughts that we have no energy to build constructive imaginations. We believe our minds are dangerous and need to be shut down. But your mind is a gift God intends to be leveraged for his glory. He desires to reshape your mind to become a factory of God-glorifying curiosity. Replace Negative Talk with God-Talk Intrusive thoughts aren’t your allies. One way they can slip in unnoticed is through negative self-talk: Who do you think you are&;#63; You idiot. You’re going to fail again. Many of us expend so much energy trying to knock down destructive intrusive thoughts that we have no energy to build constructive imaginations. We can even assume these negative reels are our spiritual allies because‚ we figure‚ they protect us from pride. But they’re lies. You can work to exchange destructively intrusive thoughts for convicting and empowering God-talk—a conversation with him that reflects who he says you are. Many wise Christians have encouraged the use of brief “breath prayers.” This practice can be a particular help for those struggling with intrusive thoughts. A breath prayer is a simple prayer to God offered on the inhale and exhale. Try these breath prayers: The LORD is my shepherd . . . I shall not want (Ps. 23:1). When I am afraid . . . I put my trust in you (56:3). My help comes . . . from the LORD (121:2). LORD . . . have mercy (123:3). Our Father . . . who art in heaven (Matt. 6:9). Hallowed be . . . thy name (v. 9). Thy kingdom come . . . thy will be done (v. 10). Not my will . . . but yours (Luke 22:42). Come . . . Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20). It’s also important to replace our negative reels with the truths God declares about us. We can echo back to him gratitude for who he’s remade us to be in Christ. Consider prayers that reflect that‚ such as “Holy God‚ good morning; thank you for making me a saint.” Or “Loving Father‚ I’m in awe that you adopted me as your son.” (The appendix of my wife’s and my book‚ Trading Faces‚ contains an extensive list of truths about who God says we are.) Spiritual Battle The words we speak about ourselves matter. Don’t give Satan control over your speech. Rather‚ rehearse what’s true about who you are in Christ and proclaim God’s truth over yourself. You don’t have to be controlled by impulses or negative thoughts. The battle for our minds‚ after all‚ isn’t merely neurological—it’s spiritual. So we need spiritual tools for the fight. Let’s destroy the lies our intrusive thoughts can speak. Let’s build minds of God-glorifying creativity. And let’s reflect gratefully on who God has made us to be. Your intrusive thoughts don’t have the final say.

Did you know that the number of people living in democratic states has fallen by more than half since 2003&;#63; I didn’t. But I learned that statistic in Allen Guelzo’s new book‚ Our Ancient Faith: Lincoln‚ Democracy‚ and the American Experiment. Guelzo writes to renew democracy in what he calls “a time of shadows” by exploring the life and thinking of America’s greatest president‚ Abraham Lincoln. Allen Guelzo is the Thomas W. Smith distinguished research scholar in the James Madison Program’s Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship at Princeton University‚ where he teaches courses on Lincoln‚ the Civil War era constitution‚ and American intellectual history. If you know Guelzo‚ then you’ve almost certainly encountered his previous works on the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln faced down the greatest threat to democracy in American history‚ at least so far. And Guelzo sees democracy threatened today by income inequality‚ cultural polarization‚ and bureaucracy that substitutes for representative legislation. I’m most interested‚ though‚ in the relationship between democracy and culture. Guelzo writes‚ “You can have a democracy without the underpinnings of culture‚ but you will probably not have it very long. And even while you have it‚ it will be disappointing in its results.” We know as Christians that our beliefs provided those cultural underpinnings‚ and it’s no surprise that as church affiliation has declined‚ so has confidence in our political system. Guelzo observes‚ “It is the collapse of shared mores‚ which has emerged in American minds as the single biggest danger to liberal democracy. For without any underlying set of agreed assumptions‚ no majority can rule safely and no minority can sleep quietly.” Guelzo joined me on Gospelbound to discuss what makes our time unique‚ when national conservatives are the mirror image of progressives‚ how to understand Lincoln’s complicated views on the Bible‚ and more.