         update_important_count(false)
 
 delete_oldest_notification = () ->
+    if not notifications_syncdb?
+        return
     v = notifications_syncdb.select(where:{table:'activity'})
     v.sort(misc.timestamp_cmp)
     if v.length > 0

is_important = (x) -> not x.seen and x.actions?['comment']

update_important_count = (recalculate) ->
    if recalculate
        important_count = (x for x in notifications_syncdb.select(where:{table:'activity'}) when is_important(x)).length

    if important_count == 0

    #console.log("render_notifications")
    notification_list_body.empty()
    important_count = 0
    if not notifications_syncdb?
        return
    v = notifications_syncdb.select(where:{table:'activity'})
    v.sort(misc.timestamp_cmp)
    ensure_titles_and_user_names v, () =>
