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For many of us, the ever-present temptation to reach for the chocolate becomes nearly impossible to resist when we're feeling stressed. The combination of deadline pressure and easily available sweets can easily sink your weight-management plans for the day.

But newly published research suggests this dynamic can be circumvented with a bit of folk wisdom: If you sense your craving is about to be triggered, take a short, brisk walk.

A research team led by Larissa Ledochowski of the University of Innsbruck in Austria reports a 15-minute walk reduces the urge for a sugary snack even in people who are overweight, under pressure, and literally have candy available at the tips of their fingers.

The findings of this study support the idea that a single bout of exercise can reduce cue- or stress-related cravings.

"When snacking has become habitual and poorly regulated by overweight people, the promotion of short bouts of physical activity could be valuable for reducing the urge to consume at times when the person may be particularly vulnerable," the researchers write in the online journal PLoS One.

Their study featured 47 overweight people (with a mean age of 28) who reported consuming "highly caloric sugary snacks, such as chocolate" on a daily basis. They were instructed to refrain from eating such foods for three days prior to the experiment.

Once they arrived at the laboratory, they were assigned to one of two groups. Half took a 15-minute brisk walk on a treadmill (they were told to walk briskly but not breathlessly), while the others sat quietly for that same period of time. All returned to the lab on another day within a week of their first visit and were assigned to the other group.

After sitting quietly for five minutes (or five more minutes, for those in the passive group), participants completed a Stroop test, in which a series of letters that spell out one color (say, blue) are presented in a different color (say, red). Participants had to distinguish between the color of the letters and the color the word spells out—a task that has been shown to elicit high levels of stress.

"Then the participants were offered a selection of high caloric sugary snacks," the researchers add. "They were asked to unwrap one sugary snack of their choice and handle it for about 30 seconds, without eating it." Their level of craving and emotional arousal were measured at each point in the process, along with their heart rate and blood pressure.

The researchers found that while the Stroop test did indeed increase stress, which in turn increased food cravings, this effect was lessened for those who had just taken a short walk. Similarly, "opening and handling sugary snacks" increased cravings (as well as participants' pulse rates), "but exercise attenuated these responses."

"The findings of this study support the idea that a single bout of exercise can reduce cue- or stress-related cravings," they conclude.

Obesity is a complex problem, of course, but reducing cravings is clearly a part of the solution, and this study shows it can be done, even with a vulnerable population under stressful circumstances.

So if you sense your stress is building, get up and take a quick walk. And if you stroll by any vending machines or convenience stores, you might want to pick up the pace.

Many of us have a great idea or a new solution to an everyday challenge lingering in the back of our minds but don't act on it. Having a good idea is great. Acting on it is even better. It takes a leap of faith combined with plenty of legwork.

The reason many us don't move forward is not because of roadblocks that stand in your way. Often it is the emotional barriers we create. Here are five mental hurdles you may have and how to scale them to make your leap:

1. I don't have the time. If not now, when? If you can make time for a weekly mani-pedi, spin class, laundry or posting endlessly on Facebook, why can't you take the same amount of time to work on your new idea? Flexing your mind is as important as flexing your body. Tip: Put the "Do not disturb" sign up and add just one hour in your week for "project development."

2. I can't afford to do it. Hey! You can't afford not to. Taking action costs relatively nothing compared to living with the price of regret for not trying. If money is tight, take baby steps to get started. Start saving in other areas or trading off to give yourself more spending power to spark your idea. I traded dining out for eating in and stopped buying stuff that was simply filling up my drawers and counters, often rarely used.

3. I don't have the skills. Well, you probably do and just don't know it. First, look at what talents you have and think about using them in other ways. I host two radio shows and never took a class called "How to be a radio host." I knew I loved to write, had a gift for gab and an inquisitive mind and just repackaged my communications skills to use them in a fresh new way.Want to learn new skills? Volunteer your time and talent with organization which aligns with your goals to gain hands on experience.

4. I lack the proper education or degree. That didn't seem to stop Bill Gates. You are smarter than you think. Our bodies are designed to give birth which is pretty amazing! But our minds are equally able to give birth to ideas, which is awesome!

Tip: If you feel you need to deposit to your brain trust, there are many online courses and Apps you can download. Just jump in with that extra hour a week you just gave yourself. I am a big fan of free webinars and tele-seminars. Usually there's a no-obligation sales pitch at the end. But you can learn plenty just by listening for one hour free. For some jobs like teaching, an advanced degree is necessary. Many programs offer payment plans for slightly more money or provide professional discounts to certain groups.

5. It seems like everyone is already doing what I want to do. Sometimes I wonder if any idea is truly original anymore. Here's the reality: There is a market for everything if you identify your niche and audience, understand their needs and figure out how to reach them and with a compelling message. Just give your idea a new twist.

Some of the best ideas are better solutions to everyday problems. Do your homework by drawing on your own experiences and by talking to others. There were a ton of breast cancer books written by survivors on the market when I was pitching "Getting Things Off My Chest." I read many of them and knew how I wanted my book to stand apart. I was able to sell this message and my plan to promote it to a publisher who listened and took me on. If I had not done the research and pitched how my book filled a niche for a specific audience and would be different from the other books, my manuscript would still be sitting in my computer.

If you want to pursue something for pure joy (dancing, painting, singing, jewelry making), there are many courses and apps to help you get started without making a huge commitment. I like www.craftsy.com

If your idea is a business, start with a simple outline. Ask yourself these ten questions:

1. What is my idea and what is its purpose?


2. How does it work?


3. What is the need and how will my idea fill it?


4. Who is my target audience and what do they like?


5. How can I reach them?


6. What am I offering them to engage their interest?


7. What am I selling to make money and how am I doing it?


8. How much money do I need to get started?


9. What other services/products like mine exist and how is my concept both similar and different?


10. What resources can I draw on (tech support, financial, friends, family, etc) to help me?

Taking the first step with a new project, enterprise or direction requires a leap of faith. You have to believe in yourself, your potential and your possibilities. Do it with an open mind and a willingness to listen to your gut, to advice from people you respect and to the people you want to reach. But ignore the naysayers who discourage rather than encourage you.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather act on my dreams rather than sleepwalk through life. Is it time to schedule your wake up call?

Feline fans, rejoice: Your cat isn't just a cute and cuddly ball of fluff -- he's also incredibly good for your health.

Even pet owners who prefer puppies can't deny the major benefits that come along with carrying for a furry friend of either species. Science shows that pets can help prevent allergies in kids, ward off respiratory infections, improve your mood and even boost self-esteem.

Whether you're a crazy cat lady or a dude ready to publicly proclaim your obsession with your feline friend, get ready to celebrate the many pros of being a proud cat owner -- all negative stereotypes aside.

Here are 11 reasons we should appreciate all of the cuddly kitties in our lives.

They keep your heart healthy.



According to a 2008 study from researchers at the University of Minnesota's Stroke Institute, cat owners are less likely to die from heart attacks. Monitoring nearly 4,500 people (three out of five participants owned a cat) for a 10-year period, the researchers were able to determine that the cat owners experienced a 30 percent reduced risk of death by heart attack than the participants without cats. A 2009 follow-up study further established that cat ownership is linked to a decreased risk of death from all cardiovascular diseases, including strokes.

They practically invented napping.



These serious snoozers not only value the importance of sleep but also look adorable doing it! Studies have shown that indulging in a little midday shut-eye can work wonders for your alertness, memory, creativity, productivity and overall mood. So if you won't make time for a nap solo, maybe the opportunity to curl up next to your furry friend will convince you to take a cozy 20-minute rest today.

They don't let failure stand in their way.


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No matter how many times they fall, cats always find the will to get up and try again. They have a resilient spirit, and probably know better than we do that just because you make a few mistakes doesn't mean you're incapable of achieving the success you envision for yourself in the long run. They have those nine lives for a reason.

Their purrs naturally calm your nerves.



Studies show that cat purrs can help lower their owner's stress levels as well as reduce their blood pressure. Additionally, cats can create purr vibrations from 20 to 140 Hertz, a frequency said to be medically helpful for a variety of illnesses, reported Scientific American. As if you needed one more reason to scratch behind your kitty's ears!

They're all about the present moment.



"I have lived with several Zen masters -- all of them cats." -- Eckhart Tolle

Sure, they lead far less stressful lives than their human counterparts on most days, but that doesn't discredit their innate ability to sit perfectly still, sometimes hours on end, and just appreciate the present moment. From their coveted spot on the windowsill to their reserved perch on top of the bookshelf, they watch the world before them come and go with ease. We, too, can reap the expanding list of benefits of a meditation practice should we decide to follow their lead.

They make you laugh harder than you ever thought possible.


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Any cat owner will tell you that these creatures are as hilarious as they are cute. From playful mishaps to outright fails, it's impossible not to laugh (a little at their expense) and subsequently reap the benefits of such outbursts. Last year, researchers at California's Loma Linda University found that watching just 20 minutes of funny videos reduced subjects' cortisol levels substantially and assisted the short-term memory of older participants. Other research has linked laughter to a stronger heart and immune system.

They teach us the importance of strategic decision-making.



"If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much." -- Mark Twain

Unlike their canine frenemies who leap at the chance to sprint out the front door, chase the tennis ball down the hallway or gobble up the bag of spilled treats off the kitchen floor, cats tend to pick and choose their battles more carefully. They take that extra moment to look, think and ponder from afar before deciding if the current attraction is truly worth their attention. They even move more intentionally as they climb to seemingly impossible heights and then find safe ways to get down. They are thoughtful, strategic and deliberate -- all characteristics their owners value and even hope to embody themselves.

They can help people with autism communicate.



Children and adults who have autism sometimes struggle to communicate with the world around them. However, pet therapy has proven a helpful learning tool, as many people with autism feel a stronger connection to animals than they do other people. A 2012 French study observed 40 autistic children and their family pets and found that the children felt calmer and could socialize more easily than those without a pet. They associated this change with the increased production of the hormone oxytocin, which can be triggered by petting a cat and further increases feelings of trust and love.

Iris Grace Halmshaw, the 5-year-old British girl in the photo above, was diagnosed with autism in 2011. Her therapy cat Thula has helped her gain enough confidence to speak to others, as well as providing additional inspiration for her painting -- another component of her therapy.

They support you in your battle with depression.



The soothing nature of petting a cat on your lap is not limited to stress relief. That tangible companionship is a known mood booster, and a positive distraction for those who struggle with depression disorders. Beyond their companionship, pets provide a way to add routine, responsibility and social activity to days that might otherwise not include such components. And while all pets can help play a role in improving depression symptoms, cats are particularly calm and peaceful, and those characteristics can be contagious for their owners in a rather helpful way.

They know it's alright to go berserk every now and then.


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"A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not." -- Ernest Hemingway

While cats are known for their calm and collected demeanor, they're not afraid to totally lose it -- physically as well as emotionally -- when the mood strikes. And as it turns out, that kind of expression can help their owners as well. A 2012 study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that bottling up negative emotions can actually prove toxic to the body, increasing the risk of death by heart disease and some cancers. Alternatively, psychologists have found that negative emotions like sadness, anxiety, anger and guilt can be powerfully positive when a person allows themselves to fully experience what they're feeling.

They crush feelings of loneliness with unconditional love.



"What greater gift than the love of a cat." -- Charles Dickens

Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledge that one of the biggest benefits of a pet is their ability to ease our feelings of loneliness. They are often the best listeners we could ask for at the end of a trying day, and the looks on their faces as we walk through the front door remind us that there is always someone excited to see us. According to researchers from Miami University and Saint Louis University, pets can fulfill their owners' social needs in the same way other humans can.

Talk of mindfulness -- and its capacity to improve health and well being -- seems to be everywhere these days. From stress reduction, to exercise, to eating and weight management, mindfulness practices are increasingly being recognized for their therapeutic benefits. Another benefit to mindfulness? Practicing mindfulness can also improve sleep.

First things first: what, exactly, is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a practice of gently focusing one's attention and awareness on the present moment. In a mindful state, we allow ourselves to be aware of any thoughts, feelings, and physical experiences that occur, as well as to be aware of the environment that surrounds us. This moment-to-moment awareness is accompanied by a non-judgmental acknowledgement of any and all thoughts and feelings. When we practice mindfulness, we accept all thoughts and feelings as they come and go, assigning no judgment or criticism to them -- or to ourselves for having them. In a mindful state, with our focus on the present moment, we look neither forward to backward. We don't anticipate what is to come in the future, and we don't re-live the past.

The origins of mindfulness trace back thousands of years within Eastern philosophy and religious practice. Mindfulness meditation is a core element of Buddhism. Over the past several decades, we've seen widespread acceptance and enthusiasm for many ideas and practices of Eastern traditions into Western culture. Yoga is one such practice. Mindfulness is another.

Mindfulness as a therapy for physical and mental health has been increasingly used by clinicians and studied by scientists. A significant body of research shows that mindfulness can have significant benefits for mental and physical health, as well as daily functioning and performance. Studies have demonstrated that mindfulness may improve immune system function, can reduce stress, and can be effective in treating depression -- perhaps even as effective as anti-depressant medications. Mindfulness has been shown to help spur weight loss, and may increase the likelihood of sticking with an exercise program.

Mindfulness has also been shown effective in helping to improve sleep, including reducing symptoms of insomnia and other sleep disturbances, as well as reducing daytime tiredness and fatigue. Mindfulness, according to research, also can help alleviate one of the prime obstacles to sleep: worry.

Anyone who has experienced the frustration of insomnia -- or even the occasional night of trouble falling asleep -- knows that a worried, racing mind can make sleep incredibly difficult to achieve. Worried thoughts can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and also to stay asleep, leading you to wake often during the night or to wake very early in the morning. These are also hallmark symptoms of insomnia. Difficulty sleeping can also bring about worries that are about sleep itself. Adding to the anxieties of daily life are sleep-related worries, such as how long will it take me to fall asleep? how much sleep will -- or won't -- I get tonight? how am I going to feel the next day? Mindfulness therapy has been shown effective in improving sleep problems that occur in combination with anxiety.

Mindfulness therapy to improve sleep and alleviate symptoms of insomnia or other sleep problems can involve a number of different techniques, including meditation, movement and breathing exercises, sleep restriction and sensory deprivation. Broadly speaking, using mindfulness to improve sleep involves developing in-the-moment mental and physical awareness, which in turn can help adjust behaviors and emotional responses in ways that make sleep easier and more restful.

A new study highlights some of the benefits that mindfulness can have for sleep, both in improving sleep quality and reducing some of the negative effects of poor sleep. Scientists at USC and UCLA investigated the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy to treat disrupted sleep in older adults. With age often comes less sound, more disrupted sleep. Older adults are more likely to experience insomnia and other sleep disturbances, as well as the daytime tiredness and fatigue that often accompany sleep problems.

The study included 49 men and women over the age of 55. The group's average age was just over 66 years. All the participants were experiencing moderate levels of sleep disturbance. Researchers divided the participants randomly into two groups. Each group spent six weeks receiving treatment and education directed at improving their sleep problems. One group attended weekly a course in mindfulness awareness practices, including meditation, movement, and other daily mindfulness practices. The other group attended a weekly class in sleep hygiene education, which included education about sleep problems as well as stress reduction and relaxation techniques.

After six weeks, researchers re-evaluated all the participants' sleep quality. The mindfulness group showed significant improvement compared to the sleep hygiene group, improving their sleep quality scores by nearly twice as much, on average. The people who received mindfulness training also saw greater improvements to their insomnia symptoms, as well as to symptoms of depression and to levels of daytime fatigue.

This was a small study, but one that aligns with other research that supports the effectiveness of mindfulness -- on its own and in conjunction with other treatments including cognitive-behavior therapy -- in treating insomnia and other sleep difficulties. As a form of sleep therapy, there's a great deal to like about this option. Mindfulness practices are generally easy to learn, and can be shared at a relatively low cost. Mindfulness takes a gentle and natural approach to managing and improving sleep, making it feasible for people in most cases regardless of age or physical condition. And as the research indicates, there are whole-health benefits to the practice of mindfulness, wherein every aspect of health stands to gain. A healthier you is likely to sleep better, and a better-sleeping you is likely to be healthier.

Exploring the practice of mindfulness requires no religious affiliation or philosophical belief. It's a gentle, simple, practical method of paying attention -- one that may deliver profound benefits for our waking and sleeping lives.

Sweet Dreams,

Michael J. Breus, PhD
The Sleep Doctor
www.thesleepdoctor.com

While registered dietitians certainly recommend balance, variety, and moderation to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients that you need, they have "personal superfoods" that they reach for on a regular basis for both nutrition and convenience purposes. From turmeric smoothies to chocolate and peanut butter combos, dietitians around the country share the foods they eat every single day.

Citrus Fruit

I eat some form of vitamin C and potassium packed citrus each day because the delightfully refreshing flavors are a great reminder that good nutrition should taste great! It might be a 6 ounce glass of orange juice one day and the next day a cup of grapefruit segments in a salad. For quick and easy healthy snacking I love the easy to peel Clementine oranges too.
-- Carolyn O'Neil, MS, RDN, author of The Slim Down South Cookbook, nutrition advisor for BestFoodFacts.org

Eggs

I eat an egg almost every day. I will have a scrambled egg for breakfast, slice a hard-boiled egg on my salad or just eat a hard-boiled egg as a snack with some veggies on the side. One whole egg is brimming with protein and the egg yolk has many good-for-you nutrients like vitamins D and B12, riboflavin, choline and selenium. Plus, the yolk is home to phytochemical antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, both shown to play a role in healthy eyes.
-- Toby Amidor, MS, RD, author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

Oatmeal

My day doesn't seem complete without some steamy oatmeal. I create a bowl of benefits by adding a swirl of almond butter, chia seeds and warm milk to boost protein, fiber, calcium and flavor. This breakfast keeps my appetite satisfied and it works wonders on my taste buds, too! It even makes a great lunch or dinner when time is tight.
-- Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author of Read It Before You Eat It

Turmeric

I use turmeric daily. Research has shown this wonder spice safely fights inflammation better than some ingredients in common anti-inflammatory OTC drugs. As a runner, I want to eat foods that have been proven to reduce inflammation because that means I can be active for longer in my life. It is also a source of antioxidants that could help fight inflammatory bowel disease, prevent cancer, improve liver function, and possibly lower cholesterol. I put 2 teaspoons in my daily smoothie. I don't taste it but I know it's doing awesome things in my body.
-- Jenna Braddock, MSH, RDN, CSSD, sports dietitian

Tomatoes

Whether it's along side an omelet, on a sandwich, in a salad or part of my pasta dish, a day doesn't go by that I don't include a tomato. It's a perfect food to add volume to a meal without adding many calories. And the bonus: it's packed with vitamin C to help keep your immune system strong.
-- Keri Gans, RDN, author of The Small Change Diet

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a must-have in my daily repertoire. I always go for a square of at least 70 percent cocoa and lately have been enjoying 85% topped with a teaspoon of peanut butter. Studies have found that one ounce of high quality dark chocolate (at least 70 percent) may decrease blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke so I say, bring it on!
-- Holley Grainger, MS, RD, culinary nutritionist

Nuts & Seeds

Since I eat mostly plant-based protein, I stock up on nuts & seeds. Not only do they give me protein, they also have satisfying healthy fats and fiber. I stir them in my oatmeal, puree them for sandwich spreads, toss them into salads, chop them as a pasta topping, and sprinkle them into dark chocolate bark.
-- Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, author of The Flexitarian Diet

Hummus

Hummus is a daily food for me. I am not a huge fan of raw veggies. Regardless, I try to get in four servings a day. Dipping them in hummus gives my boring veggies a boost of flavor. Not only that, I get in some extra fiber and protein by adding the hummus.
-- Jim White RD, ACSM HFI, spokesman for Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios

Blueberries

I enjoy blueberries daily because for only about 80 calories in 1 cup of blueberries, blueberries top the charts for antioxidant content compared to other fruits. One cup delivers 14 percent of the recommended daily dose of fiber and nearly a quarter of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. The synergy of these nutrients protects our hearts and cells against cancer. Frozen blueberries make it possible to enjoy summer sweetness during the winter months.
-- Jennifer McDaniel, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, Food and Nutrition Expert

Hot Water With Lemon

I start most days with hot water and lemon instead of caffeine as it doesn't agree with me. The lemon water gently wakes up my digestive tract and gets me ready for the day. The lemon offers flavor as well as anti-inflammatory and immune boosting nutrients.
-- Katie Cavuto, MS, RD, Nourish.Breathe.Thrive

In an interview with the Italian magazine Panorama, designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana of Dolce & Gabbana had some contentious things to say about same-sex families.

According to translations, the pair -- who dated for 23 years and broke up in 2005 -- stated that children born through IVF are "children of chemistry, synthetic children. Uteruses for rent, semen chosen from a catalog."

"I am gay, I cannot have a child. I guess you cannot have everything in life," Dolce added. "Life has a natural course, some things cannot be changed. One is the family."

Their comments sparked quite a bit of controversy. Sir Elton John, who has two children via a surrogate and married longtime partner David Furnish in December, responded to the designers' comments on Instagram.

How dare you refer to my beautiful children as "synthetic". And shame on you for wagging your judgemental little fingers at IVF - a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both straight and gay, to fulfil their dream of having children. Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again. #BoycottDolceGabbana
A photo posted by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Mar 14, 2015 at 10:29pm PDT

Elton John isn't the only celebrity who has expressed outrage over Dolce and Gabbana's comments. Well-known celebrity chef Art Smith is planning a protest party that's he's calling "Take The Hate Off The Runway."



"As a gay married couple with four gorgeous children, my husband Jesus Salgueiro and I join families across the world -- gay and straight -- in protest against these hateful, ugly, loveless comments by Dolce and Gabbana," he told The Huffington Post. "Behind the beauty was always ugly. As Dr. Maya Angelou said, 'When people show you who they are, believe them.'"


Elton John's #BoycottDolceGabbana hashtag has also taken off on Twitter as people express their disgust over the designers' words.

.@dolcegabbana ur voices R 2powerfull 2B spreading so much h8 http://t.co/30Oe2hcxNt Wake up,Its 2015 Luv urselves guys #boycottdolcegabbana
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) March 15, 2015

Oh bugger, there go my sunglasses... #BoycottDolceGabbana
— Val McDermid (@valmcdermid) March 15, 2015

IVF babies are synthetic? I don't think I've heard anything so disrespectful and insulting. Disgusting behaviour! #BoycottDolceGabbana
— Kaeyi Dream ♡ (@KaeyiDream) March 15, 2015

Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't been seen in public in 10 days, and the world is starting to wonder why.

Putin's absence has stretched from a brief hiatus to an eternity in Kremlin-time. He was last seen meeting Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on March 5. On March 11, Putin canceled a visit to Kazakhstan in a move that would turn out to be a catalyst for the current manhunt. What could have been an innocuous scheduling change drew attention after an anonymous source from the Kazakh government told Reuters it was due to illness. Observers raised more red flags after Putin skipped a regular meeting with the Federal Security Service the next day.

These missed meetings sparked the online rumor mill, and soon the hashtags #ПутинУмер (Putin is dead) and #WhereIsPutin were trending on Twitter, reports Reuters. Further ridicule of Putin quickly echoed across the Internet -- and in Ukraine, children even produced a cartoon showing aliens abducting the Russian leader.




While the president's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has done his best to quell the rumors, the persistent lack of Putin in the flesh continues to fuel questions. Is the president sick? Dead? Overseeing the birth of his love child?

Peskov has flatly denied each of these allegations, and insisted on Thursday that the president is so healthy that his grasp would "break your hand."

State TV has also done its bid to support the party line, on Friday releasing a video filmed at an indeterminate time depicting Putin meeting with the head of Russia's Supreme Court, reports The Washington Post.

Nevertheless, the rumors have only intensified over the course of the weekend. Israel's former ambassador to Russia has even gone as far as to suggest there may be a coup underway led by "branches or factions in the army" and "wealthy businessmen," he told Haaretz.

One report gaining attention comes from independent Russian news outlet Dozhd, which claims Putin is at his lake house in the province of Novograd. Peskov refused to comment on the charge, according to Reuters on Sunday.


Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on March 5, 2015. (Photo credit SERGEI KARPUKHIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Putin's alleged disappearance comes at a highly tense time in Russia, just weeks after the killing of noted opposition figure Boris Nemtsov raised alarm bells about the political landscape in the country. Its significance also has a lot to do with the image of Putin himself, and why simply admitting the president may be ill is seemingly out of the question.

"Putin's carefully cultivated image rests on never showing weakness, which is crucial in hypercompetitive Russia," writes Julia Ioffe in an analysis for The Washington Post. "If one shows some weakness, then one is all weakness -- and therefore prey."

On Monday, Putin is set to meet with the leader of Kyrgyzstan, and what would have once been a footnote in the president's schedule now takes center stage as the world watches to see whether the mysterious absence will end.

This following is a translation of Joseph Braude's latest weekly column in Arabic, Letter from New York (Risalat New York), in the Moroccan daily Al-Ahdath al-Maghrebiya.

Reports emerged in the American media Thursday that President Obama may propose a resolution to the UN Security Council calling for the lifting of international sanctions on Iran, if an agreement is reached by the "P5+1" negotiating team over the country's nuclear program. The possibility angered members of the Republican Congress, who have been fiercely critical of the emerging Iranian deal, citing concerns that it will enable Iran to gradually achieve its nuclear aspirations, as well as free its hand to further empower its Shi'ite Islamist Arab proxies.

Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told Al-Ahdath al-Maghrebiya, "There is a strong possibility that the President will take this to the Security Council because that is an Iranian demand. The reason the Iranians want him to go to the UN is they want sanctions relief, and a UN resolution will give the Europeans the international legal cover they need to lift sanctions. At the same time, Obama will argue to his domestic critics that the UN strategy is a mechanism to hold the Iranians' feet to the fire."

The "United Nations option" also offers a solution to the political problem Obama would face in engineering consent for a nuclear deal domestically. In testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier this week, Secretary of State John Kerry met stiff opposition to the details of the proposed deal that have emerged publicly so far. "The Administration wants to do an end-run around Congress -- yet they want the enforcement mechanism to be significant," Doran said. "If the Administration goes to the UN, they could argue that the deal contains a significant international legal component, even though they did not go to the Senate. So, it allows them to have it both ways."

For his part, Republican Senator Ted Cruz, one of the Administration's most strident critics on matters foreign and domestic, told journalists, "The United Nations has no authority whatsoever to bind the United States of America. If President Obama attempts to end-run the Constitution by enlisting the United Nations to enforce an Iran deal, that sets the stage for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. It would be both profoundly dangerous to the national security of the United States and our allies, and also patently unconstitutional."

In response, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Bernadette Meehan said the Administration has "no intention ... [of] converting U.S. political commitments under a deal with Iran into loyally binding obligations through a UN Security Council resolution."

This fierce pushback on the White House comes only two days after an angry response by both the Obama Administration and the Iranian government to an open letter, signed by 47 Republican members of Congress, warning Tehran that any nuclear deal with the White House may be cancelled by whomever succeeds Obama as President.