Latest news with #Mahmoud
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
How a Haymarket fishmonger I met years ago reminded me there's still true grace in the world
Several years after I finished college, I landed a job in Government Center, just a block from Haymarket. And so, on Fridays after work, I started doing my produce shopping there again. Over time, the demographics of the vendors changed. Sellers with Italian backgrounds began to share the space with Vietnamese women, Central Americans, and Arabic-speaking men. What had been an ethnic monopoly was becoming a melting pot. There were also a few fishmongers. I got friendly with one named Ray. He was old school, but a really sweet guy. He'd tell me what was fresh and what to stay away from. Ray was having medical problems, and maybe 15 years ago, after some tough winters had taken their toll, Florida beckoned. Ray heeded its call, sold his fish stand, and bid Boston adieu. Advertisement Ray sold to a short, dark-haired, bearded Middle Eastern guy with a great smile. He had a couple of helpers, so he was happy to spend a little time chatting with customers like me. Sometimes, we'd even talk politics, candidly sharing views on sensitive subjects. After I retired from my Government Center job seven years ago, my schedule rarely brought me near Haymarket on a Friday or Saturday. So, when I ventured there after the protest march, I was curious to see what I'd find. The fruits and veggies looked good, and I wound up with several plastic bagsful. I moved on to the fish stands. There, behind the long metal trays displaying the day's catch, was the fishmonger I'd done business with years ago. As I approached his stand, his eyes widened. 'Hello, my old friend,' he said enthusiastically. 'How have you been?' Smiling, we both acknowledged how good it was to see each other again after these many years. He told me his leg was aching a lot, that he'd been thinking his days running the stand were numbered, and that he might return home. 'Neither of us is getting any younger,' I said. After we reintroduced ourselves — his name was Mahmoud — I asked, 'Please remind me, where's home?' 'Egypt,' he said. I nodded. I wanted to shake his hand. He offered to bump fists instead, mindful of what he'd been handling all day. I asked him what to get. 'The haddock is good,' he said, 'Also, the salmon.' I asked for several pieces of each. We chatted a bit more, then I was ready to head for home. 'Mahmoud, what do I owe you?' Advertisement He smiled and shook his head. 'No, no, no, you can't pay me. Please.' I insisted, but so did he. Touched by his unexpected generosity, I smiled, mustered one of the few Arabic words I know, 'shukran,' and waved goodbye. It had gotten dark and was bitter cold. The 'coup' was still a threat. But as I trudged home, my bags felt lighter, as did my spirits. Mahmoud's kindness had reminded me how we might encounter — at any moment — a gesture of true grace when we least expect it, and perhaps most need it. And yes, the fish was delicious. Michael Felsen is a writer in Jamaica Plain. Send comments to magazine@ TELL YOUR STORY. Email your 650-word unpublished essay on a relationship to connections@ Please note: We do not respond to submissions we won't pursue.
Indianapolis Star
3 days ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Cannabis users 29% more likely to experience heart risks, new study shows
A new study builds on previous research that shows marijuana usage can contribute to cardiovascular risks. Research published in Heart, an international peer-reviewed journal, documents that adults who use cannabis are 29% more likely than nonusers to develop Acute Coronary Syndrome and 20% more likely than nonusers to suffer from stroke. Acute Coronary Syndrome is any condition brought on by a reduction or blockage of blood flow to the heart, which can result in heart attacks. Researchers surveyed 24 studies conducted between 2016 and 2023 that involved more than 400 million participants, ranging mostly between 19 and 59, according to the study. "Our findings are consistent with those from previous reviews, which outlined a positive association between cannabis use and cardiovascular disorders," the study states. "The increased awareness of this potential risk among cannabis users should encourage investigating such use in all patients presenting with serious cardiovascular disorders." Marijuana news: New study finds cannabis edibles raise risk of premature heart disease Simply put, not enough research has been conducted to determine just how marijuana affects the cardiovascular system. The research that has been done has largely been conducted on the effects of smoking cannabis, in contrast to other modes of consumption like edibles. But generally, researchers understand that marijuana can make the heart beat faster and raise blood pressure, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ahmed Mahmoud, a clinical instructor at Boston University, previously told USA TODAY that researchers believe marijuana may make small defects in the coronary arteries' lining, the thin layer of cells that forms the inner surface of blood vessels and hollow organs. "Because cannabis increases the blood pressure and makes the blood run very fast and make some detects in the lining to the coronary arteries, this somehow could make a thrombosis (formation of a blood clot) or a temporary thrombosis in these arteries, which makes a cardiac ischemic (stroke) or the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen to function," Mahmoud previously told USA TODAY. "This is what makes the heart injured and this is a myocardial infarction or heart attack." Terms to know: Is marijuana the same as cannabis? What is THC? The new study aligns with previous research about cannabis' effects on the cardiovascular system. A study published earlier this year found that people under the age of 50 who consume marijuana are about 6.2 times more likely to experience a heart attack than nonusers. Young marijuana users are also 4.3 times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke and 2 times more likely to experience heart failure, the study shows. And a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association last year found the same, that cannabis users are more likely to experience cardiovascular risks than those who do not partake.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Cannabis users 29% more likely to experience heart risks, new study shows
Cannabis users 29% more likely to experience heart risks, new study shows Show Caption Hide Caption Smoking weed, using THC edibles could be as bad for you as cigarettes A new study found a link between marijuana use and a higher risk for cardiovascular disease comparable to the impacts of smoking cigarettes. Straight Arrow News A new study builds on previous research that shows marijuana usage can contribute to cardiovascular risks. Research published in Heart, an international peer-reviewed journal, documents that adults who use cannabis are 29% more likely than nonusers to develop Acute Coronary Syndrome and 20% more likely than nonusers to suffer from stroke. Acute Coronary Syndrome is any condition brought on by a reduction or blockage of blood flow to the heart, which can result in heart attacks. Researchers surveyed 24 studies conducted between 2016 and 2023 that involved more than 400 million participants, ranging mostly between 19 and 59, according to the study. "Our findings are consistent with those from previous reviews, which outlined a positive association between cannabis use and cardiovascular disorders," the study states. "The increased awareness of this potential risk among cannabis users should encourage investigating such use in all patients presenting with serious cardiovascular disorders." Marijuana news: New study finds cannabis edibles raise risk of premature heart disease How does marijuana affect the heart? Simply put, not enough research has been conducted to determine just how marijuana affects the cardiovascular system. The research that has been done has largely been conducted on the effects of smoking cannabis, in contrast to other modes of consumption like edibles. But generally, researchers understand that marijuana can make the heart beat faster and raise blood pressure, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ahmed Mahmoud, a clinical instructor at Boston University, previously told USA TODAY that researchers believe marijuana may make small defects in the coronary arteries' lining, the thin layer of cells that forms the inner surface of blood vessels and hollow organs. "Because cannabis increases the blood pressure and makes the blood run very fast and make some detects in the lining to the coronary arteries, this somehow could make a thrombosis (formation of a blood clot) or a temporary thrombosis in these arteries, which makes a cardiac ischemic (stroke) or the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen to function," Mahmoud previously told USA TODAY. "This is what makes the heart injured and this is a myocardial infarction or heart attack." Terms to know: Is marijuana the same as cannabis? What is THC? How does the new study compare to previous research? The new study aligns with previous research about cannabis' effects on the cardiovascular system. A study published earlier this year found that people under the age of 50 who consume marijuana are about 6.2 times more likely to experience a heart attack than nonusers. Young marijuana users are also 4.3 times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke and 2 times more likely to experience heart failure, the study shows. And a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association last year found the same, that cannabis users are more likely to experience cardiovascular risks than those who do not partake. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait and charity taxes in US
The U.S. Supreme Court has heard three controversial cases. The first concerns the Constitution's prohibition against using public funds to establish religious schools. Despite this, the Catholic school 'Ezido' was opened with public funding. The state Supreme Court had previously ruled against the school due to its public financing, but the school appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The second case - Mahmoud vs. Taylor - was filed by a group of parents from diverse religious backgrounds against the local school board. They sought to prevent their children from being exposed to LGBTQ+ topics without prior notice or an opt-out option, arguing that this violated their constitutional right to oversee their children's religious education. The court ruled against the parents, finding they had not sufficiently demonstrated that the policy burdened their religious freedom. The case has now been referred to the U.S. Supreme Court for a final ruling. The third case was concerning the tax exemption status of donations made to churches and other religious organizations under a dual-benefit system, which benefits both the recipient organization and the donor. Under this system, when an individual or company donates to an approved religious organization, the donor is allowed to deduct the value of the donation from their taxable income. For instance, if someone earns $100,000 and donates $20,000 to a church, they are only taxed on the remaining $80,000. This arrangement is rooted in long-established U.S. tax law, which exempts churches and religious organizations from income tax. This section of the U.S. tax code also extends tax-exempt status to organizations that are established and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) prohibits churches from providing private benefits to those who run them, such as pastors or their family members. Employee salaries must also be reasonable and not excessive. Also, U.S. law forbids churches from engaging in political campaigning or participating in elections. Despite these regulations, corruption among some church and charitable organization leaders in the U.S. is a known issue, with certain individuals living lavishly, more like royalty than servants of a cause. Recently, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that a charitable organization serving the poor and individuals with special needs, regardless of their religious affiliation, was primarily engaged in 'secular charitable activity,' rather than religious work. As a result, it was deemed ineligible for tax-exempt status. This ruling has sparked significant controversy and remains unsettled at the national level. In Kuwait, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior has suspended all activities of charitable associations and foundations, especially those operating abroad, and prohibited them from receiving or disbursing any funds. This decision will remain in effect until a neutral committee, formed to review their status, completes its work and drafts a law to regulate their operations. The move comes in response to a rising number of reported abuses, the extent and severity of which have become a growing public concern. It may be worth considering the imposition of a one-percent tax on the funds received by these associations, with the proceeds transferred to the Zakat House, provided that its management is kept free from the influence of any religious political parties. Notably, the Zakat House implements overseas projects, yet little is publicly known about the true nature or impact of these initiatives outside the Zakat House itself
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's Mahmoud qualifies for World Aquatics 2025
Qatar swimmer Mohamed Mahmoud booked his berth at the World Aquatics Championships 2025, to be held in Singapore from July 11 to August 3. Competing at the Elite French Championship in Montpellier, Mahmoud delivered a stellar performance in the 50m breaststroke, clocking an impressive 28.06 seconds to make the grade. By doing so, he has become the second Qatar swimmer to qualify for the global championships, following Ali Sayed, who surpassed the qualifying time in the 100m butterfly event during his participation at the Bell Canadian Swimming Trials, held in Canada last week. President of Qatar Swimming Federation Mubarak bin Ali Al Nuaimi congratulated the swimmers on their qualification. In a message on 'X' platform, he said, 'Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have paid off. We, at the Board of Directors of the Qatar Swimming Association, are extremely proud of you and your first-ever qualification in the history of Qatari swimming, and we are excited to see you shine in the upcoming championship. Keep challenging your limits and inspiring us all!'
