MONT ALTO, Pa. A Buddhist monk will make his annual visit to Penn State Mont Alto to show people how daily life can be a powerful form of meditation.

The Venerable Bhante Sujatha will speak from 10:10 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 6, to the English 196 class in room 206 of the General Studies Building. From 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., he will address the Honors 297 class in room 305 of the same building. Both free sessions are open to the public and the entire campus community.

Sujatha has visited Mont Alto every year since 2010 as one of many culturally enriching opportunities offered at Penn State Mont Alto. A native of Sri Lanka, he began the monastic life at age 11. The rigorous training he underwent, he said, taught him how to get along with people anywhere in the world and how it is easier to handle peoples issues and personalities when you can get a grasp on your own.

In 1993, he left Sri Lanka for Brisbane, Australia, where he taught meditation and Buddhism. Four years later, he accepted the invitation of one of his former teachers to join him in the United States. He relocated to the Midwest, where he helped establish the Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara in Southfield, Michigan.

The next stop on his lifes journey was Illinois, where he pursued a degree in psychology at McHenry County College and started a meditation class at a Unitarian church in Woodstock, Illinois. There, the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center was established. Sujatha said he believes his job is not only leading meditation, but teaching people how to be happy. He said he aims to show how work can be a spiritual practice, allowing individuals to enjoy whatever they are doing in the moment, instead of worrying about the future or past.

For more information about the spiritual leader of the Blue Lotus Temple, visit bluelotustemple.org/bhante-sujatha.

Last Updated February 25, 2020

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The Venerable Bhante Sujatha will once again be visiting Penn State Mont Alto - Penn State News

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Stress is a modern epidemic 40 per cent of us Brits experience stress and burn-out EVERY day. Could gratitude meditation help? We explain how, along with other tips for combatting burnout.

From workload pressure to juggling family demands, stress-related sickness costs the UK economy more than 5 billion a year

But there are ways to beat our 24/7 culture. Its all about managing our life force, the Qi energy in our body, says Qi Energy practitioner Master Oh.

Stress levels and Qi energy levels are intrinsically linked. With high levels of stress come low levels of Qi energy, and with low levels of energy come higher levels of stress.

Most people think stress is due to external influences, but it really comes from within us, says Oh. It is our inability to manage the thoughts and emotions that are causing our stress levels to soar.

Over time, this lack of energy flow creates chronic pain and fatigue in the body which is essentially burnout, Oh explains. There is no quick fix, however Master Oh has five tips to help encourage positive energy and start the re-energising process.

Gratitude is the emotion with the highest vibration. When we appreciate what we have and feel deep gratitude, our mind is positive and our heart is open.

Try this meditation:

Sit in a comfortable position, either sitting on the floor or in a chair with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.

Close your eyes and start by taking in deep breaths, bringing the air down to your abdomen. Feel your abdomen expand with every breath in and contract with every breath out.

Slowly bring your mind to someone or something that you are grateful for. No matter what, there is always something in our life that we can feel grateful for.

Focus on the deep feeling of gratitude, notice how it makes you feel, stay with this feeling. Allow the feeling of gratitude to grow inside you with every breath.

Feel how your heart responds, wanting to give something back. Let this feeling of love permeate your whole body.Try the Master Oh stress test to see who high your levels are.

Youll get a personalised recommendation on more steps to combat stress and re-energise your life.

* According to the Health & Safety Executive.

Living beings have three vital ingredients: mind, body and spirit. If you support your spirit by practising a positive, happy and loving mind, you will feel better. Thats because a positive mind enables your energy system to remain open, so Qi can flow freely, allowing you to better deal with stress.

Introduce a daily form of exercise to oxygenate your body, improve your circulation and bring down your heart rate. This also eleases endorphins which are happy hormones. Dont have much time? Try these 15 minute workouts.

Studies have shown that vitamin C is a highly effective stress buster, so treat yourself to a daily lemon, grapefruit or kiwi. Omega 3 can help with stress because it supports your nervous system. Avocado, linseed and olive oil are good sources.

READ MORE: Whats the difference between good fats and bad fats? The popular diet terms decoded

Use moments alone to reflect on what you need to change in your life. These may be deep patterns or lifestyle choices that are unsustainable. This can seem daunting in the beginning, but by recognising what needs to be changed, you will be putting your health first.

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How to practice gratitude meditation and four other tips to combat stress and burnout - goodtoknow

Gratitude journals are incredibly effective, but theyre not the only way to instill a sense of appreciation to your day. Whether you prefer a different creative outlet or simply find keeping up with a consistent writing exercise more stressful than rewarding, there are other small ways to practice gratitude on a regular basis. Researchers have found that the benefits of a tiny expression of appreciation like writing and delivering a thank you letter can last for an entire month. Gratitude has even been found to lower levels of stress and depression, and improve sleep.

We asked our Thrive community to share the small ways they incorporate gratitude into their daily lives. Which of these will you try today?

Set a gratitude alarm

About four years ago, I was introduced to Shawn Achors TED Talk, The happy secret to better work. His talk inspired me to set a gratitude alarm on my phone for 9:00 pm each night. When it goes off, I recite three things Im grateful for from the past 24 hours. Whoever is around me at the time participates too, and I always find that its really fun when the alarm goes off in large groups.

Blair Kaplan Venables, entrepreneur and marketing professional, Pemberton, B.C., Canada

Send handwritten thank you cards

I write notes each week to express my appreciation to at least three people. I prefer to write them by hand, so I carry thank you cards in my travel bag along with stamps. Its made me a better observer as well.

Sue Hawkes, CEO of YESS!, Minneapolis, MN

End the day with a family bedtime recap

We do a brief recap before bedtime with our kids to appreciate different things and events from our day. Bringing our kids into this practice allows us to connect with their feelings and thoughts, and helps guide them on whats really important.

Giancarlo Molero, happiness innovator, Miami, FL

Visualize the people youre grateful for

There is something special and powerful about keeping a gratitude journal, but I find it hard to maintain. Instead, I lean on the power of visualization to incorporate gratitude into my daily life. The first moment I see my wife and son when I wake up, I smile with gratitude. Before I go to sleep, I do the same. And during the day, whenever I think of them, I use this visual memory to spark my gratitude until the next time I see them. It works every time.

Joe Kwon, executive coach, Oakland, NJ

Start each morning with a tech-free breakfast

Most mornings, my husband and I wake up at sunrise, go for an 8 k.m. walk, and then return home to what we call our candlelight breakfast ritual. We light a candle at our little dining table and sit down to eat breakfast together. During this time, we put our phones aside, set our intentions for the day, and share what were grateful for. We first started this practice during our ongoing fertility struggles, and we have kept at it for two years now. Its a great way to begin the day feeling grounded in gratitude, conscious of the many blessings we have, and supported by one another.

Jodi Sky Rogers, author and fertility support coach, Johannesburg, South Africa

Help someone else

I have incorporated gratitude into my life by helping others, especially on days when I am struggling. In a world that is so busy and sometimes cold, others feel lost in the shuffle, and I have found that asking, How are you? or Can I do anything to help you? can be life-changing. For the recipient, youre acknowledging them, and helping them feel seen. And for myself, I feel a sense of compassion and healing. It helps on the days I need a gratitude boost.

Shelby Sudnick, coordinator at Tribe Relations, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Express appreciation for the little things

Throughout each day, whenever I see people who have said or done something that I appreciate, I make a point to let them know that Im grateful for the specific ways theyve recently made a positive impact on me. Ongoing conversations like these can help start a cycle of gratitude.

Whitney Hopler, communications director, Fairfax, VA

Think of three good things

I started a three good things journal a couple of years ago, and it had such a huge impact on my mental health. I started to sleep better because I was going to bed focused on something positive rather than ruminating on my perceived failures from the day. It also encouraged me to look for more positives and be genuinely grateful for what I have, which impacted my mood and overall happiness.

Sophie Carefull, photographer, Bristol, UK

Shift from I have to to I get to

We often show gratitude for big things but neglect to give thanks for small, daily gifts. I find that one way to incorporate gratitude into your life is to remind yourself that you get to do things, instead of feeling like you have to do them. For example, be grateful you get to drive your kids to school, or make them dinner. When you do the laundry, be grateful that you have clothes to wash, have a washing machine, and feel healthy enough to do your own laundry.

Jill Liberman, author and motivational speaker, Palm Beach, FL

Say hello to strangers

When the day feels especially challenging, I make an effort to smile at strangers on my morning commute. Its my way of acknowledging them without saying anything. Then, when I enter the lobby and see the security sitting at the front desk of the building, I always make a conscious effort of saying good morning to him or her. I think its those simple gestures that allow me to express gratitude for others in the world around me, and they always enhance my day by smiling back or saying hello.

Cecilia Grey, client liaison and content creator, Santa Barbara, CA

Bookend your day with meditation

I do my daily meditations as a bookend to my day. As soon as I open my eyes in the morning, I close them again and meditate on all my blessings. In the evening when I close my eyes, I take the time to reassess the blessings that I received and gave that day. Then, again, I contemplate which blessings I will receive the next day and bring to others. This cycle of acknowledging all the good that surrounds me gives me inspiration and a clear path to what I want to accomplish.

Shahrnaz Nancy Southwick, producer and writer, Los Angeles, CA

Send a gratitude text

Find an accountability partner and text three things youre grateful for every evening. This is a wonderful way to get to know someone better as well!

Arlene Van Oss, community relations, San Castle, Florida

Use your shower time to reflect

For me, gratitude is being able to appreciate every experience: every touch, every word, and every thought that helps to create my lifes mosaic. I usually speak my gratitude messages out loud in the shower. Theres something about water that moves me. The shower water refreshes me. Gratitude helps me appreciate that I can live my dreams and help others do the same.

Gail Hayes, executive leadership coach and author, Mebane, NC

Think about a future gift

Right before my morning meditation, I think of five things Im grateful for, like the fresh blueberries in my morning oatmeal, or feeling thankful for my husband. Then, I list five things Im grateful for that I dont yet have. When I feel grateful for future gifts, it helps raise my vibration so I can attract more good things into my life. I always feel grounded and clear on my days purpose after this daily practice.

Katie Wolf, mindset coach at The Centered Creative, Nashville, TN

Take a moment for self-examination

Ive learned that authentic gratitude requires self-examination. With self-examination comes understanding and self-compassion. This leads to compassion for others wrapped in a spirit of gratefulness for ourselves and our fellow man. We can then look at strangers and send them waves of gratitude because we see them as ourselves, no gratitude gimmicks needed! Just earnestly examine yourself.

Demetria Bridges, voice and film actor, Boston, MA

Say thank you in advance

I like to say thank you before Ive actually received something. While writing an article the other day, I was struggling to find the right words. I stopped, took a deep breath, and thought to myself, Thank you for bringing the right words to me. After taking a break, I came back, and the words flowed through me. This practice reminds me that I always have everything I need whether I can see it yet or not.

Alissa Jablonske, blogger, Orange County, CA

Pause and reframe

I have a trick I use when I encounter something that might inspire annoyance. I repeat the phrase, Stop. Reframe. Gratitude. For example, rather than letting a pair of size-13 shoes absent-mindedly left in a trip-inducing position in a shared household set off a grumpy feeling, I remind myself that those shoes are a welcome sign that someone I love, with giant feet, is here, sharing this home with me, and I am quite happy that we are together messy shoe habits or not.

C.B., retiree, WA

Do you have a go-to exercise for incorporating gratitude into your daily life? Share it with us in the comments!

Follow us here and subscribe here for all the latest news on how you can keep Thriving.

Stay up to date or catch-up on all our podcasts with Arianna Huffington here.

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How to Bring Gratitude Into Your Everyday Life - Thrive Global

(Chris Baamonde)

Not only ought Gabriel Andrade resist implying there are parallels to be found by Peterson and Hitler, but he also should keep in mind how many lives have been positively changed thanks to his ideas.

In a recent Merion Westarticle, Dr. Gabriel Andrade asserts that Jordan Peterson needs to think harder about the detrimental effects of his Nietzschean/Randian-inspired philosophy and must try harder to disavow some of the tendentious readings that people make of his words. Andrade depicts Ayn Rand as a substandard philosopher and Peterson as an inferior version of Randmore aptly a self help motivational coach, whose ideas resonate with young males and also some of the worst individuals in society, such as members of the alt-right.

Although Andrade wonders what all the hand-wringing surrounding [Peterson] is all about and may prefer the Cliffnotes version of his ideas, many fans view the Canadian psychologist as a modern-day hero. This is something Andrade seems to recognize when he contends that Peterson has seized the mantle as the new right-wing intellectual guru. In doing so, Peterson, according to Andrade, is filling the rights thirty year intellectual vacuum that has been in place since the death of Ayn Rand.

Unlike some of his peers, Andrade is very careful in how he structures his arguments. Although he never directly compares Peterson to Adolf Hitler, his assertions are fraught with innuendo as he leaps from one unsubstantiated claim to another. He points out that Nietzsche was not guilty of the way his philosophy was abused by the Nazis but that he gives credence to the thesis that his ideas did sow the seeds of totalitarianism. Andrade is also concerned that underneath all the talk about responsibility, order, and anti-political correctness, there may be something more sinister going on with Peterson, presumably given the fact that some members of the alt-right and Men Going Their Own Way are counted among Petersons supporters.

Most unfair of all, however, is when Andrade suggests Peterson might be encouraging thinking along the lines of: If you worry so much about being a Superman, then ultimately it is not so hard to conclude that weaklings must simply disappear from the face of the Earth. As such, Andrade engages in the very tactic some commentators, including Conrad Hamilton, have accused Peterson of: suggesting various implications about a writers work, while allowing enough distance to disavow said implications if they are explicitly suggested by readers.

Attempting to invalidate anothers position on the basis of direct or indirect insinuations that there is a comparison to be found with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party makes for an exercise in one of the least excusable of the logical fallacies: Reductio ad Hitlerum. Rachel Maddow, for instance, was one of the mainstream journalists to most notably turn Nazi comparisons into a political strategy. In her effort to equate Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign with the advent of a well organized national fascist party in America, she asserted that fascism was not just a word or a way to insult one with whom you disagree with. Maddow continued, it is a specific thinga specific form of far-right politics that involves a sort of narcissistic cult of superman action around the party.

In contrast, Princeton Professor Gianni Riotta warned in a January, 2016 Atlantic piece that though xenophobic rhetoric, demagoguery, and populist appeals certainly borrow from the fascist playbook, there is no fascism without a rational plan to obliterate democracy via a military coup. Riotta said that the fascists who marched on Rome in 1922 were relentlessly, violently focused on a clear goal: to kill democracy and install a dictatorship, which was clearly not a part of the Trump presidential campaign.

Moreover, the frivolous use of the word fascism, not only belittles past tragedies but also obscured future dangers. Since Maddows prime time codification of the newest iteration of Reductio ad Hitlerum in 2015, it has become a favorite tactic of many on the left. Politicians such asAlexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Beto ORourke, and Tom Steyers willy-nilly Hitler references are a terrible insult to the actual victims of Nazi genocide, yet they have recently been joined by entertainerssuch as Linda Ronstadt. They have done it to Trump, and now they do it to Peterson, the latter of whom evendevoted many of his own lectures to explaining how the evil of Hitler was truly unparalleled.

Not only ought Gabriel Andrade resist implying there are parallels to be found by Peterson and Hitler, but he also should keep in mind how many lives have been positively changed thanks to his ideas. For Andrade, who argues that Peterson, still has time to avoid going down the path of Ayn Rand and that his unchecked views may be promoting a world that few sensible people would want, I would counter that Andrade still has ample time toavoid going down the path of individuals whose negative fixations on Peterson have resulted in substandard scholarship.

Maybe, instead of belaboring a perceived failure of Peterson to disavow certain subsets of his readers, Andrade should disavow the absurd comparisons of thinkers one disagrees with (or disagrees in part with) to Hitler. So, Andrade writes that, many, many contemporary intellectuals who have far more interesting things to say than Peterson. Yet, after reading Andrades tired indulgence of a lazy logical fallacy,I am afraid that I can now say the same about Gabriel Andrade.

There is something Andrade can do to regain the credibility that he has lost in his latest article. It is to give Peterson the respect he deserves as a scholar and refrain from writing articles that reflect the very unhealthy conspiratorial thinking that Andradeclaims to oppose. Otherwise, Andrade risks continuing the collectivist drift of his thinking and accepting his destiny as a contributing author toEveryone I Dont Like Is Hitler: a Childrens Guide to Online Political Discussion.

But Andrade is correct about one thing; Peterson is someone truly resonating with people, and in turn, he is making some people very upset. All things considered, it is not Petersonthe person himselfthat causes many of his detractors to feel such revulsion and anger but, rather, the ideas he promotes, ideas that are a repudiation of the identity politics of the left.

It is not so much the messenger as it is the message. Peterson offers an alternative means of understanding the world for so many, thus diminishing the power of many on the left as a result. I believe that there is a faction within the left that supports a type of authoritarian progressivism as nefarious in all aspects as the kind that Peterson is accused of supporting. The left might not own the means of production, but it greatly controls much of the discourse in cultural institutions, the academic world, and the mass media. Anyone interfering with that process would be attacked similarly.

Free speech is just one of the ideas that Peterson and his detractors disagree on. It is an ironic twist of fate that Peterson is now the preeminent spokesperson for todays Free Speech Movement, which had its origins within the counterculture of the Left. Mario Savio was in many ways the Jordan Peterson of his era. He is considered to have been the voice of the Free Speech Movement, and, at one time, he wasunder investigation by the FBI.

In an address given at Sproul Hall, University of California in 1964, Savio asserted that:

Despite the protestations of those such as Andrade, for many (in the United States and around the world), the idea of the heroic protagonist is intrinsic to our identity. For those of us who strive to uphold the principles of individualism, Peterson is a genuine hero, a paragon of virtue, and a man of great moral courage. We are indebted to Peterson for drawing his line in the sandand doing what needed to be done in his effort to stop the machine. Little wonder that all his detractors have in response are the pettiest of cheap shots.

Tony D. Senatore graduated from Columbia University in 2017, at the age of 55. He is a well-known bassist and musician and can be reached attds2123@columbia.edu.

The artwork for this piece was contributed byChris Baamonde, who can be reached at chrisbaamonde@optonline.net.

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The Travesty of Comparing Jordan Peterson to Hitler - Merion West

RELATED: How to get tickets for Jordan Peterson's 2019 Australian tour

Tammy Peterson (nee Roberts) was born on June 3, 1965, in Canada. She met Jordan Peterson at the tender age of eight, the two grew up together in Alberta, Canada. Jordan would claim that it was a case of love at first sight, going so far as to tell his father about his intention to marry her when he was just 11 years old. Sure enough, the two were wed in 1989, and are still together to this day.

Before Tammy Peterson devoted her time to supporting her husband as an advisor, she worked professionally as a massage therapist. Tammy has also been an avid foster parent since she was 30, housing many children from orphanages in and around Canada.

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He is the acclaimed author of 12 Rules: An Antidote to Chaos, reaching global fame as a clinical psychologist and a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. 12 Rules: An Antidote to Chaos has garnered a fierce following comprised of people who have enjoyed positive changes in their lives due to the teachings detailed in the book.

He further extends his reach by distributing his talks via his YouTube channel and has hosted an Ask Me Anything session on the popular social website Reddit. Jordan Peterson also provides regular updates about his life on Twitter. He teaches self-help lectures all over the world, going on tour to various parts of Canada and the United States, and even as far as Melbourne and Sydney in Australia.

Currently 53-years-old, Tammy Peterson enjoys a simple life. She has little to no presence on social media, and its no secret that her husband is definitely the more public one between them.

Her husband sparked great controversy when he went very public with his stance against political correctness. It all came to a head with his refusal to comply with a Canadian law that requires addressing transgender students with the pronouns of their choice.

Jordan Peterson is also infamous for his polarising interviews on various social media platforms, where he often critiques some aspects of the modern feminist movement. Peterson also speaks about a crisis of masculinity, providing critique on current trends that seek to feminize men.

Hes gone under fire for expressing his views on multiple platforms, such as a particular interview with Cathy Newman and a Q&A with the ABC that have gone viral. However, his stance is fiercely defended by his supporters.

His views have also impacted his professional life. After receiving a lot of backlash from students and faculty, Cambridge University rescinded an invitation for a visiting fellowship to Jordan Peterson.

One can only imagine what its like to be married to someone who is so scrutinised by the public. What does it mean to be Jordan Petersons wife? Is it intimidating to be so publicly known mostly by your other half?

Tammy Peterson seems to be in total support of her husband if we are to go by their enduring marriage. Her relative absence from social media and the public eye says very little about her real feelings about her husbands political stance, however.

The purpose of life is finding the largest burden that you can bear and bearing it.

Jordan B. Peterson

In the middle of 2019, Jordan Peterson released news that Tammy has been diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer. She underwent two surgeries, with the second one leading to a rare complication that damaged her lymphatic system. Through this ordeal, Jordan Peterson stayed by her side as she went from hospital to hospital, even going to the United States for treatment.

Tammy Peterson currently seems to be on the road to recovery, in a turn of events that her family sees as miraculous. Despite this, the stress of worrying and caring for his wife night after sleepless night has gotten Jordan Peterson into taking the anti-anxiety medication clonazepam and he has apparently fallen into a deep chemical dependency.

Jordan Peterson has recently checked into rehab in New York to wean himself from the drug as quickly as possible. His daughter Mikhaila Peterson reported on her YouTube channel that Jordan is having a miserable time dealing with the physical withdrawal, and is showing symptoms of severe depression.

Fun Fact: Both Mikhaila and Jordan are advocates of an all-meat diet which they claim to have helped them both with chronic health conditions.

In the age of social media and continuous connectivity, the fact that Tammy Peterson has kept such a low profile despite her husbands notoriety is strangely remarkable. Her struggle with a rare cancer is truly terrible news, and we can only hope that the Peterson family are able to put all of it behind them soon.

RELATED: How to get tickets for Jordan Peterson's 2019 Australian tour

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Jordan Peterson Wife: The Truth About Tammy Peterson - Who

The controversial but influential comic will bring his new standup tour to town in August.

Published Yesterday

Updated Yesterday

Marc Maron just came to Tampa. Seems like a good time for another podcast comedy king, Joe Rogan, to follow suit.

Rogan, the controversial yet influential comic, actor and host of the phenomenally popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast, is bringing his new standup tour to Tampas Amalie Arena on Aug. 14. Tickets are $35.75 and up. Click here for details.

The fact that a podcaster is able to headline Amalie Arena should tell you something about how far Rogan has come since his days on NewsRadio and Fear Factor. Since launching in 2009, The Joe Rogan Experience has booked a diverse array of guests from Hollywood and beyond, from Robert Downey Jr., Mel Gibson and Elon Musk to figures like Richard Dawkins, Jordan Peterson and Gavin McInnes.

Rogans choice of guests and eagerness to discuss topics ranging from the controversial to the toxic (or at least toxic-adjacent) have made him a polarizing political figure. Bernie Sanders spent an hour on his show last summer, which led the Libertarian-leaning Rogan to endorse Sanders for president in 2020. That led some on the left to urge Sanders to reject Rogans (potentially impactful) endorsement over the comics history of transphobic and xenophobic jokes and comments.

Regardless, The Joe Rogan Experience remains one of the worlds most downloaded podcasts, so much so that theres every chance his Amalie Arena show could sell out. He has, in fact, also booked a show at Orlandos Amway Center on Aug. 15.

Two shows in Florida during the dog days of the presidential election? Rogan might well find a few things to say about that.

Times Entertainment Critic

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Podcast giant Joe Rogan coming to Tampas Amalie Arena - Tampa Bay Times

This is preposterous and illogical. Trans people make an effort to pass as the gender they identify as, so forcing a trans man who is on testosterone and had top surgery into the women's restroomor a trans woman who is on estrogen into the men's restroom makes no sense. Even with her harmful views about trans people,I still think throwing drinksand swearing at her is unjustified.

I dont getBennetts whole shtick. Bennett, who rose to fame as The Gun Girl, first gained traction at Kent State University, walking around with a gunwith police for backup. A recent graduate, her activisms emphasis was to protest the campusrulewhichprohibitsstudents from open-carrying. Now, Ifor one, am definitely someone for SecondAmendmentrights.However, asking police from the same district as those who historically murdered students makes no sense to me. The police force at Kent State University may be comprised of different people than in 1970, but it doesnt erase history.

Her methodology is also abrasive.

Do you guys think we should abolish the death penalty? Bennet asked while dressed as her alter-ego, Jenna, at the Womens March in January.

The woman she was interviewing responded, saying she believe[s] in the death penalty, actually, to which Bennett countered, Is that why youre pro-choice?

Now, regardless of what your views are on either abortion orthe death penalty, you can agree this framing is incredibly disrespectful. It doesnt give the interviewee the benefit of the doubt and automatically assumes she gravitates towards policies which support murder. Of course, there are other reasons for being both pro-choice and pro-death penalty, most of which dont support a consistent murder ethic. What Bennett is doing aims just to get a rise out of people, not to have a calm, level-headed discussion. If she wanted to have a level-headed discussion, she wouldnt paint her political opponent as a murderer.

Even so, despite Bennetts apparentlack of disrespect for people she disagrees with, the borderline violent behavior of students at Ohio University was uncalled for, and the police should have intervened. There is a difference between a heated debate and splashing someone with hot beverages while behaving in a manner that could be determined as a precursor to violence.

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I disagree with Kaitlin Bennet but I will protect her free speech - UConn Daily Campus

William Bahm, Almont, was recognized as hunter education instructor of the year, and Kevin Lech, Mandan, was named archery education instructor of the year. Dickinson resident Walter Turbiville was honored with a lifetime achievement award.

Thirty-year service awards: Dean Anderson, Grand Forks; Wayne Beyer, Wahpeton; Leonard Enander, Granville; Darwin Gebhardt, Lake Elmo, Minn.; Jerome Koenig, Steele; Jack Lalor, Lidgerwood; Charles Meikle, Spiritwood; David Nelson, Grand Forks; Gary Nilsson, Walhalla; David Urlacher, Belfield.

25 years: Curt Beattie, Hannaford; Jay Grover, Cooperstown; Vernon Laning, Bismarck; Eddy Larsen, Larimore; Rick Olson, Garrison; Joseph OMeara, Hankinson; Brad Pierce, Hatton; Paul Roeder, Milnor; Robert Sanden, Barney; William Titus, Lincoln; Charles Veith, Bismarck; Larry Viall, Epping; Gary Wald, Maddock; Mark Weyrauch, Ray.

20 years: Lynn Baltrusch, Fesseden; Darryl Duttenhefner, Menoken; Don Ferguson, Jamestown; Rhonda Ferguson, Jamestown; Sean Hagan, Walhalla; Donn Hancock, Emerado; Mitchell Kallias, Minot; Gary Knotts, Fargo; Lynn Lawler, Cando; Richard Liesener, Ray; Dale Marks, Ypsilanti; Marvin Neumiller, Washburn; Jerry Rekow, Ellendale; Thomas Rost, Devils Lake; Jerry Schroeder, Horace; Rickie Theurer, Mandan; Leonard Wysocki, Grafton.

15 years: Robert Bartz, Richardton; Mark Bitz, Bismarck; Steven Buchweitz, Munich; James Dusek, Grafton; Michael Erickson, Edgeley; Bradley Gregoire, Thompson; Karl Helland, Kathryn; Jonathan Hughes, Minot; Perry Johnson, Northwood; Jeff Kapaun, Valley City; Keith Kinneberg, Wahpeton; John Kron, Enderlin; Martin Marchello, Bismarck; Jean Oster, Ft. Ransom; Kent Reierson, Williston; David Sardelli, Hebron; Dallas Schmidt, Velva; Dan Spellerberg, Oakes; Joe Tuchscherer, Rugby; Gary Wilz, Killdeer.

10 years: Travis Anderson, Grand Forks; Damon Bosche, Medina; Matthew Deal, Grace City; Curt Decker, Dickinson; Kendon Faul, McClusky; Cassie Felber, Towner; Kevin Fire, Grand Forks; Jon Hanson, Bismarck; Kevin Harris, Watford City; Tammy Haugen, Dickinson; Connie Jorgenson, Devils Lake; Petrina Krenzel, Harvey; Michael Kroh, Surrey; Richard Lehmann, Towner; Kellen Leier, Bismarck; Jerry Lillis, Lincoln; Phil Mastrangelo, Mandan; Roger Norton, Kindred; Mike Redmond, Ray; Brian Schock, Dickinson; Antoine Smith, New Town; Paul Speral, Fargo; Lavern Vance, Ray.

Five years: Darcy Aberle, Williston; Wayne Bauer, Wishek; Lori Deal, Grace City; Donald Dick, Enderlin; Jason Forster, Lidgerwood; Don Frost, West Fargo; Alex Gunsch, Grand Forks; David Hammond, Abercrombie; Joel Johnson, Mooreton; Jon Johnson, Jamestown; Shannon Johnson, Fargo; Henry Juntunen, Bismarck; Leah Kessler, Glen Ullin; Melissa Klitzke, Devils Lake; Edward Krank, Gladstone; Nathan Neameyer, Rolla; Melanie Nelson, Harvey; Bruce Nielsen, Valley City; Eric Odegaard, West Fargo; Erin Odell, Belfield; John Perritt, Fargo; Eric Poitra, Dunseith; Carl Quam Jr., Tolna; Jason Sauer, Glen Ullin; Kori Schantz, Underwood; Kent Schimke, Ellendale; Kristofer Schmidt, Washburn; Daniel Sem, Minot; Earl Torgerson, Bismarck; Than Young, Napoleon; Andrew Zickur, Glenburn.

Two-years: John Arman, Bismarck; Austin Barnhart, Dickinson; Casey Bernard, Mandan; Charles Betts, Minot; Joel Bohm, Mohall; Lisa Buckhaus, Hankinson; Lynn Burgard, Bismarck; James Craigmile, Bismarck; Larry Derr, Glenburn; Michael Deville, Mandaree; Christopher Eng, Underwood; Seth Engelstad, Mooreton; Bernard Ficek, Dickinson; Patrick Gerving, Linton; Michael Goroski, Wahpeton; Paul Hamers, Napoleon; Kresta Hauge, Ray; Katrina Haugen, Minto; Isaac Hendrickson, Bisbee; Jesse Kalberer, Bismarck; Jeanette Kieper, Bismarck; Jayar Kindsvogel, Center; Trevor Larsen, Bowden; Orville Martinez, Halliday; Brian McKenna, Gwinner; Kali Metzger, Mandan; Chad Olson, Lisbon; Jordan Peterson, Minot; Steve Rehak, Williston; Monty Sailer, Hazen; Dan Schmidtke, Devils Lake; Robert Schock, Bismarck; Ethan Shulind, Grand Forks; Danielle Siverhus-Dinger, Oakes; Timothy Smith, Burlington; Michael Straus, West Fargo; Tim Straus, West Fargo; Renee Tomala, Bismarck; Gerald Wallace, Cushing, Wis., Susan Wallace, Cushing, Wis., Brian Ward, Hunter; Lori Wertz, Fargo.

Read the rest here:

North Dakota Game and Fish Department recognizes volunteer hunter and archery education instructors - Grand Forks Herald

The story in Region 5 this week is simple: Will the team that has dominated the New Jersey public school wrestling ranks since the first whistle, do what it has done all winter long ... win big.

With North Hunterdons team values carry over to the very individualistic regional tournament? Will that I got your back, you got my back mentality help push North Hunterdon wrestlers to Atlantic City?

How many Lions will finish in the top four and head for the state tournament next week?

NJ.com will be at Franklin High School on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to get the answers to those questions and many more. Stick with us for bracket updates, photos, video and coverage of all the storylines as they happen.

REGION 5 SCHEDULE

Region 5 Brackets

106 | 113 | 120 | 126 | 132 | 138 | 145

152 | 160 | 170 | 182 | 195 | 220 | 285

RETURNING CHAMPIONS

OUR PICKS

1-Jack Zaleski, Middletown South

2-Logan Wadle, North Hunterdon

3-Harrison Gordon, Marlboro

4-Vincent Nadera, Old Bridge

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

The bottom bracket at 106 has far more pitfalls than the top. Middletown South freshman Jack Zaleski has been a force all season and is clearly the wrestler to beat at this weight. In the bottom half, Vincent Nadera of Old Bridge, Joseph Giordano of SJV, Anthony Vitola of Manalapan, Logan Wadle of North Hunterdon and No. 2 Harrison Gordon are all worthy contenders.

OUR PICKS

1-Jacob Venezia, Hopewell Valley

2-Nick DeLorenzo, North Hunterdon

3-Robert Grogan, Delaware Valley

4-David Rubin, Matawan

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

Another highly competitive weight class. There is no easy path to the title at 113. Top-seeded Jacob Venezia runs into Julian Irizarry of South Plainfield right off the bat and then could face scrappy Aiden Shaughnessy of Rumson. In the bottom bracket No. 3 Justin Schifter will have his hands full with the winner of the bout featuring Robert Grogan of Delaware Valley and Desmond Pleasant of Piscataway. We like Venezia coming out of the top bracket and Nick DeLorenzo of North Hunterdon coming out of the bottom half.

OUR PICKS

1-Dean Peterson, St. John Vianney

2-Jack Maida, Shore

3-Frank DiEsso, North Hunterdon

4-Jacob DelVecchio, South Plainfield

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

Nobody will pick against Peterson -- the two-time state champion -- here. What makes any Peterson bout interesting is his state of mind -- will be try to scored 15 takedowns in the first period (hes already done it), or might he decide to show he can ride an opponent for three-plus minutes (hes done that, too). Maida is the favorite to meet Peterson in the final. Maida is a two-time state tournament qualifier was sixth in the state lat season at 106.

OUR PICKS

1-Tyler Sagi, Old Bridge

2-Nick Diaz, SJ Vianney

3-Gage Crater, Delaware Valley

4-Kendall Jordan, Piscataway

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

Fans have the opportunity to see of of New Jerseys fabulous freshman at this weight. Old Bridge ninth-grader Tyler Sagi set the Greater Middlesex Conference on its ear in 2019-2020. He already has wins over South Plainfields Andrew Loniewski, Nick Diaz of SJV and Kendall Jordan of Piscataway. We like Sagi to go to the final, however, he needs to be wary of a Delaware Valley veteran with a great resume, Gage Crater in the the semifinals.

OUR PICKS

1-Al DeSantis, Shore

2-James Rodriguez, Perth Amboy

3-Tanner Peake, Hunterdon Central

4-Drew Doscher, North Hunterdon

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

A fabulous, deep and unpredictable weight class that has intriguing possibilities from top to bottom. Rodriguez is just starting to return to form and is the top seed. He could collide with Drew Doscher of North Hunterdon in the semifinals. In the bottom bracket, DeSantis will have to navigate his way through a bracket with Peak and Corey Crater from Delaware Valley.

OUR PICKS

1-Max Brignola, Rumson-Fair Have

2-Colton Washleski, Hunterdon Central

3-Evan Klimas, North Hunterdon

4-Hunter Konstantoulas, North Hunterdon

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

Another talent-laden weight class where the top four finishers could end up on the podium in Atlantic City. Brignola has been outstanding all season, He would see Konstantoulas in the quarterfinals. That would be a rematch of a Shore Conference Tournament final won by Brigloa, 19-7. Washlewski already has two wins over Klimas -- by fall and a 6-1 decision. Brignola defeated Washleski, 3-1, in sudden victory last week in the districts.

OUR PICKS

1-Michael McGhee, Shore

2-Anthony Romaniello, Hunterdon Central

3-Kyle Anderson, North Hunterdon

4-James Romaine, Princeton

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

There little reason not to believe McGhee and Romaniello will make their way to the title bout. If there is a potential upset, we think it will come in the upper bracket quarters where McGhee would mix it up with North Hunterdons Kyle Anderson.

OUR PICKS

1-Michael McGhee, Shore

2-Anthony Romaniello, Hunterdon Central

3-Kyle Anderson, North Hunterdon

4-James Romaine, Princeton

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

There little reason not to believe McGhee and Romaniello will make their way to the title bout. If there is a potential upset, we think it will come in the upper bracket quarters where McGhee would mix it up with North Hunterdons Kyle Anderson.

OUR PICKS

1-Jack Kelly, Rumson-Fair Haven

2-James Holder, North Hunterdon

3-Marcus Petite, Piscataway

4-Dylan Waller, Manalapan

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

To start with, look for Holder to push his way through to the semifinals where he will tangle with Kelly. The Holder-Waller match on Friday night should be a terrific bout. Petite will not have an easy time of it in the bottom half. Keep and eye on third-seeded Victor Wladika for a possible upset in the semifinals.

OUR PICKS

1-Liam Horan, Rumson-Fair Haven

2-Alex Uryniak, North Hunterdon

3-Gavin Claro, Manalapan

4-Brian LaCross, Hopewell Valley

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

This class is so good there is a 35-win and a 27-win wrestler in the pigtails. We like one of those wrestlers -- North Hunterdons Alex Uryniak to muscle his way past LaCross in the quarters, past Clark in the semis and reach the final. We also think theyll be an upset of sorts in the lower bracket, where No. 3 Horan gets past No. 2 Renna.

OUR PICKS

1-Christian Cacciabaudo, Hopewell Valley

2-Ian Gaburo, North Hunterdon

3-Mike Pavlinetz, Holmdel

4-Nnamdi James, Franklin

BRACKET | PAIRINGS

THE SKINNY

Gaburo looks like he has a good chance of getting to the finals out of the top bracket. The lower half is a little more tricky with some experienced wrestlers looking for upsets. One upset were calling for is for Hopewell Valleys Cacciabaudo to true up No. 2 NNamdi James of Franklin in the semifinals.

OUR PICKS

1-Marcus Estevez, Franklin

2-Liam Akers, North Hunterdon

See original here:

Region 5 wrestling preview and predictions for every weight, 2020 - nj.com

Manduka yoga mats

Whether you're new to yoga or a long-time enthusiast, the right yoga mat can make or break your practice. No one wants to be slipping and sliding, have their feet sticking off the edge during Savasana, or realize 15 minutes into class that their knees are bruising.

The sheer amount of options for yoga mats (there are more than 30,000 results for "yoga mat" on Amazon!) can be overwhelming. Use this curated roundup to guide your next yoga mat purchase.

Depending on your needs, you could just scoop up a mat at TJ Maxx for $10, or you might need to spend a little more on something with more features, such as an extra grippy surface.

Consider what types of activities you'll be using your new yoga mat for and where you'll take your mat. Also take into account your height and any other bodily considerations (such as pain in your knees or back).

Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself when choosing a yoga mat:

Will you be using it indoors, outdoors, or both? Pretty much any mat will do for indoor yoga, but if you plan on working out outside, you'll want something sturdier and more durable.

Will you use it for hot yoga? If so, look for a mat with an extra grippy or non-slip surface.

Do you need to take it on an airplane or other small space? Look for thinner mats that roll up or fold into a compact size so you can easily pack them.

Do you need extra cushion or length? Standard mats run between an eighth of an inch and a quarter of an inch. You may need something thicker, like a half-inch mat if you need cushion for your knees, hands or back. Lengthwise, the standard is 68 inches, so taller people would benefit from a longer mat.

What's your budget? Cheaper mats are best for beginners who aren't sure if they'll stick to a yoga practice and people who don't practice regularly. If you practice several days a week, a high quality mat will save you more money in the long run, since you won't have to replace your mat so often.

This 1/16-inch-thick mat folds into a 6.7-inch by 9.1-inch compact square and comes with a carrying case, making it super easy to slide into a backpack, carry-on bag, tote or even a briefcase. It only weighs 2.5 pounds, making it a great travel alternative to some heavier roll-up mats.

What buyers say: "Great material, really lightweight. Great for hiking or backpacking!" one buyer wrote. Another said, "Super compact and portable. I try to practice yoga every day so I got this mat for use when I travel. It's very soft and thin, and it folds up to fit in a compact little travel bag!"

Unlike other mats made of rubber or vinyl, this Aurorae mat has a microfiber surface that serves as a mat and towel in one product. It's a great option for people who sweat and slip a lot and usually lay towels over their mat. Oh, and it's washable too.

What buyers say: "I feel it's important that potential buyers know what a quality product this is -- I've been so happy with it." This reviewer continues, "I have used this mat two to three times per week every week since August, 2013. I've washed it in my washing machine (delicate cycle) and hung it to dry every time I've used it... It has held up perfectly over the years, and still looks almost brand new."

At a half-inch thick -- compared to the quarter-inch or even eighth-inch thickness of most mats -- the REEHUT High Density mat offers extra cushion and a grippy texture, making it comfortable but not unstable.

What buyers say: "Yay for gushy soft mat! My knees used to get black and blue from yoga. I actually walked across this mat on my knees to test it, too."

Another buyer wrote that this mat is perfect for use on hard floors, and another gushes at how easy it is on the hands, knees and back.

The standard length for yoga mats is about 68 inches, which means anyone over 5-foot-8-inches can't stretch out fully on a standard mat.

Taller people may also have trouble with wide-stance poses like warrior II and downward dog, so extra-long mats (which run between 72 and 85 inches) can help.

What buyers say: "I'm very happy with this yoga mat. I'm 5 foot 8 inches and rarely with extra length of this mat do I have to think about staying positioned on mat while practicing yoga like on shorter yoga mats," one reviewer wrote. "I can close my eyes during yoga and concentrate on yoga instead of constantly checking to see if I'm remaining within bounds of my mat."

This mat is heavier than most (7.5 pounds versus the average 4 to 5 pounds), but that extra weight helps with durability and stability for practicing yoga outside and on uneven terrain.

Note that Manduka mats must be broken in or they'll remain slippery. Many people expedite the breaking-in process with a salt scrub. While that's arguably inconvenient, most buyers say that the breaking-in process is well worth the mat's quality and longevity.

What buyers say: "The last mat I'll ever need It's comfortable but it's not at all soft or squishy, it's a very firm stable support."

Jade manufactures these mats with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, which is an extremely renewable resource. They make the mats in the US and uphold compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. On top of that, for every mat sold, Jade plants a tree.

What buyers say: "Jade Yoga is my new go-to. This is a really great mat, well worth the hefty price tag. It is also very thin but surprisingly cushy."

Inexpensive and simple, this mat is great for beginners and anyone who's wary to front the cost of some more luxurious mats.

What buyers say: "Affordable, easy, perfect thickness."

One reviewer who was new to yoga praised the mat for being an easy choice for beginners, saying: "I was always interested in starting but wasn't sure what yoga mat to go with or even if I would stick with yoga, so was cost conscious. My first impression was that I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and thickness of this mat."

What buyers say: "Best. Mat. Ever The surface is very absorbent. The grip is amazing -- way better than traditional mats - I am so secure in warrior 2. I am able to go through half my hot power yoga class without a yoga towel."

That same buyer came back two years later to update her review: "I have had this yoga mat for two years now!!! I went through TWO yoga teacher trainings using this every day for hours, and often allowing other students to use it. I practice on it every single day. I do restorative yoga, drip-heavy heated power yoga and Bikram, as well as occasionally an outdoor class. It remains immaculate, as though I bought it yesterday!"

Other buyers praise the sturdiness, grippiness and all-purpose abilities of this Gaiam mat, while others yet nod to its durability: No flaking or peeling after one year.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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7 of the best yoga mats for 2020 - CNET