How does a Zen student know if a Zen teacher is a reliable guide, a verified representative of the Zen tradition?

A Zen teacher claims authorization within the tradition and encourages students to give time, heart, and financial resources to the Zen project.But because we dont know what we dont know, how is a student going to assess their teachers authenticity?Well, you could trust your gut. However, the gut can go wrong. Buddha cited intuition as one of the several things that could turn out one of two ways you can be right or you can be wrong.

Why is it important to work with an authentic teacher?

Id say, primarily, so that practitioners can plumb the depths of this way of awakeningand live accordingly with the best guidance possible.

In addition, as James Myoun Ford Roshi writes,

For a surprising number of people, and it seems increasing, the mythic qualities of dharma transmission have become a major seducer, with people seeking and obtaining titles without either significant training, nor, even more sadly, insight. Add in those who just make up titles and, well, there is a jumble of thorns for people to navigate if theyre hoping to practice Zen.

For more than a decade, the Soto Zen Buddhist Association (SZBA), of which Ive been a member since the 90s, has been working on this issue. The group came together with the promise of becoming something more than a collegial group. Led by the late Kyogen Carlson and others, the vision was to create a professional association, a Soto Zen denomination, that would support ethical practices and provide some verification of a teachers training in order to help teachers and students alike.

Granted, it is dicey territory. Zen teachers, and rightly so, are quite sensitive to any qualification of the teachers power to give dharma transmission to whomever they view as appropriate. Fortunately, the SZBA has been careful not suggest that we abridge a teachers authority, but that for membership in a professional organization, more is required.If we are to move in the direction of creating a profession of Zen teacher, then as with other professions in this culture, there are training standards that involve joining a community of similarly trained people who assess if an applicant is qualified. This is an important move from one person authorizing a new teacher to a groups recognition of a candidates qualifications.

Presently, the only qualification for joining the SZBA is that a candidate has dharma transmission in a recognized Soto lineage. Therefore, membership in SZBA says onlythat one person with dharma transmission offered it to another. And because there is a wide range of what is required in Zen training, both in terms of the process and the outcome, this really doesnt say much. And it seems to be saying less and less.

So, Zen students, you would do well to cut through the mist of the mythic qualities of dharma transmission, and pay attention. This, however, as I said above, is tough when you dont know what you dont know.

Here is what the SZBA board is now proposing:

According to Jiang Wu in Enlightenment in Dispute: The Reinvention of Chan Buddhism in Seventeenth-Century China, the Chan community 17th century China was dealing with some of the same issues. The standards that they settled on (both Linchi and Caodong lineages) required a verified enlightenment experience and transmission in a person-to-person unbroken lineage. Transmissions that were claimed remotely, either in time or space, where not respected. And the handing off of a transmission by one teacher for another teacher to distribute later, proxy transmissions, were also suspect.

One prominent branch of the Linchi lineage began to dig into the Caodong lines and question both the verified nature of their enlightenments and their transmissions. It resulted in many nasty letters, books, and even a lawsuit that led to book burning and a warrant for the arrest of one of the protagonists. These dudes may have had enlightenment experiences but seriously lacked social skills! Later research by the Caodong folks revealed that the Linchi lines also had some questionable links.

There are a couple important points here. First, what is more important in a teacher of the Zen way of awakening than to have had a verified awakening experience? The modern koan curriculum seems to have been developed, in part, for just this purpose and it is very effective. However, not all lineages in Soto Zen, indeed a considerable minority, use a koan curriculum. In the nonkoan lines of Soto Zen, to my knowledge, there is simply no method of verifying an awakening experience. Even if the SZBA standards are accepted, if a teacher is a new member (others will be grandparented in), that just means theyve checked off the boxes in the list, not that there has been any particular outcome like awakening and learning to live with it.

At first I thought Id vote against these standards. I was concerned that voting for them would affirm that the practice period and sesshin requirements are intensive. In my view, they are not. One ninety-day practice period (or four three-week sessions) and seventy-five days of sesshin sets a very low bar far too low by a factor of about five for someone to lead others in these practices.

Ive been surprised to see in the listserve discussions that many see the standards as too high.

So although I view the proposed SZBA standards as setting a very low bar, Ive decided to vote for a low bar better, I hope, than no bar. For those who train with us here in Nebraska, we will offer what we think fitting a much more rigorous process with equally rigorous attention to outcome.

Dsh Port began practicing Zen in 1977 and now co-teaches at the Nebraska Zen Center with his wife, Tetsugan Zummach. Dsh also teaches with the Vine of Obstacles: Online Support for Zen Training, an internet-based Zen community. Dsh received dharma transmission from Dainin Katagiri Roshi and inka shomei from James Myoun Ford Roshi in the Harada-Yasutani lineage. He is the authorofKeep Me In Your Heart a While: The Haunting Zen of Dainin Katagiri.

Excerpt from:
Enlightenment in Dispute: Standards for Zen Teachers Now and Then - Patheos (blog)

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A quick look at food, wine and more in the news. Time

Customers shop at a Whole Foods Market in Upper Saint Clair, Pa.(Photo: Gene J. Puskar, AP)

The news that Amazon would be lowering prices on a range of products at Whole Foods Market on Monday excited many shoppers.

And Amazon Prime members have even more reasons to be excited.

As Amazon completes its purchase of the natural foods grocery chain, it plans to make Amazon Prime the customer reward program at Whole Foods stores.

More: Amazon to lower prices at Whole Foods starting Monday

More: Here are all the benefits that come with your Amazon Prime membership

There are only limited details about the perks that will be available for Amazon Prime members, but this is what we know so far:

Prime members will be able to get special savings and in-store benefits that other customers will not be able to get.

Whole Foods private label products 365 Everyday Value, Whole Foods Market, Whole Paws and Whole Catch will be available through Prime Pantry and Prime Now.

Ordering though Prime Now allows members to get free two-hour delivery in select cities and zip codes. Need it faster? Prime Now lets you get one-hour delivery for $7.99.

Prime Pantry features discounts on a wide range of groceries and household products in everyday sizes instead of bulk sizes with free shipping for 5 qualifying items or more.

More: 9 ways to score Amazon Prime at a discount

More: Amazon Prime perks you're probably not using

In addition, Amazon Lockers will be available at certain Whole Foods stores that will allow customers to pick up items ordered online at Amazon.com at their local Whole Foods store or send returns back.

The first round of price cuts that are set to begin on Monday will be available to all Whole Foods shoppers and not just Prime members.

The discounts will be on such items as: Whole Trade bananas; organic large brown eggs, avocados, baby kale, baby lettuce and Gala and Fuji apples; "animal-welfare-rated" 85% lean ground beef; organic "responsibly-farmed" salmon and tilapia; creamy and crunchy almond butter; organic rotisserie chicken and its generic organic butter.

Amazon did not say what the price cuts will be.

Were determined to make healthy and organic food affordable for everyone. Everybody should be able to eat Whole Foods Market quality we will lower prices without compromising Whole Foods Markets long-held commitment to the highest standards, Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer, said in a statement.

And this is just the beginning we will make Amazon Prime the customer rewards program at Whole Foods Market and continuously lower prices as we invent together.

The membership for Amazon Prime is $99 a year, or $10.99 a month. Students can get Prime Student for free for 6 months and then save 50% off on a Prime membership.

Same-day delivery? The option to share your benefits? Tech expert Kim Komando highlights the Amazon Prime perks you should start using.

Read or Share this story: https://usat.ly/2xzdgAL

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Amazon Prime members can expect these perks at Whole Foods - USA TODAY

Amazons acquisition of Whole Foods is set to close on Monday and the company is wasting no time in making changes. In a press release emailed out this morning, the company is making it a point to make healthy and organic food affordable to everyone. If youre familiarwith Whole Foods you know that their organic food can get rather pricey. Buying organic food, in general, hasnt been a cheap undertaking for consumers. Price is a big part of the reason many families dont buy organic food to begin with.

Were determined to make healthy and organic food affordable for everyone. Everybody should be able to eat Whole Foods Market quality we will lower prices without compromising Whole Foods Markets long-held commitment to the highest standards, said Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer. To get started, were going to lower prices beginning Monday on a selection of best-selling grocery staples, including Whole Trade organic bananas, responsibly-farmed salmon, organic large brown eggs, animal-welfare-rated 85% lean ground beef, and more. And this is just the beginning we will make Amazon Prime the customer rewards program at Whole Foods Market and continuously lower prices as we invent together. There is significant work and opportunity ahead, and were thrilled to get started.

Its been our mission for 39 years at Whole Foods Market to bring the highest quality food to our customers, said John Mackey, Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO. By working together with Amazon and integrating in several key areas, we can lower prices and double down on that mission and reach more people with Whole Foods Markets high-quality, natural and organic food. As part of our commitment to quality, well continue to expand our efforts to support and promote local products and suppliers. We cant wait to start showing customers whats possible when Whole Foods Market and Amazon innovate together.

Heres what will be new in Whole Foods Market stores on Monday and what customers can expect over time as the two companies integrate:

To add to all of that,Amazon and Whole Foods Market technology teams will begin to integrate Amazon Prime into the Whole Foods Market point-of-sale system. Prime members will also get in-store specials and benefits. It certainly sounds like Amazon has a plan to possibly make Whole Foods more accessibleto everyone.

What do you think of Amazons plan for Whole Foods? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

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Amazon wants to make healthy and organic food affordable for everyone - Techaeris

In this week's 2 the Outdoors, Terry Belke visits an organic farm in Elba, New York.

Terry Belke, WGRZ 8:43 AM. EDT August 27, 2017

Some Beautiful Peppers Await Delivery To CSA Customers.

ELBA, NY There are more than two million farms across the country, and those farms employing over 800,000 people. Of those, only about 15,000 are certified as organic farms. Perhaps that's because the certification process to become an organic farm is so stringent.

It took Porter Farms in Elba, NY three years to make the transition from conventional to organic farming. Differences between the two include restrictions in the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and rotation of crops.

But there is much more to it than that.

"Being certified organic involves an annual process where an inspector comes out to the farm," said Emily Porter, the farm's Promotions And Marketing Coordinator, "They will check the quality of our soil. They will check the quality of our water, they test it, obviously, and they want to know what we planted, when was it harvested, when was it cultivated, when was it sprayed, what was used."

Porter Farms is also a model of biodiversity. Katie Metzler, CSA Coordinator for the farm, says that a visit here will find several different crops growing.

"We don't have what's called a monoculture, which is hundreds of acres of one crop out there," Metzlersaid. "If you look around you'll see all different crops planted. We've got our vegetable plot, we've got our corn, we have our Alfalfa, we have cloverfields, we have wheat, we have triticale."

The farm also offers a Community Supported Agriculture Program, a cooperative agreement that benefits both farm and customer.

"What people actually do is they purchase a share in our farm," Porter said. "They pay us in advance, and that helps us pay for seeds and for keeping up any of the machinery. It helps us pay for labor costs, those types of things."

Metzler says their members get fresh in-season produce every week.

"Every week our members get a grocery sized bag of whatever's in season," Metzler said.

Reann Engler is an enthusiastic CSA member .

"I like to cook; I like the diversity; I like the way we get whatever is in season. Work with what's in season,"Engler said.

Porter Farms Takes Pride In Both The Quality And Diversity Of Their Crops.

Porter Farms connection to their community is no surprise. The family is beginning their third generation running the farm, and Porter says they're teaching the next generation as well.

"My daughter will come out and sell flowers, and my nephew is here on a regular basis with my brother," Porter said. "We just want to expose them to this lifestyle, so they understand the hard work that goes into it, but also the wonderful connection with Nature they can have."

It's a bountiful formula rooted in tradition, one that binds the community in a lush green embrace.

"A lot of our customers want to know, first of all, where their food comes from, but also what care was taken to avoid any potential harmful chemicals on their food," Porter said.

Engler agrees.

"It gets you closer to the community, you come in here on a Saturday morning and everyone's coming to pick up their bags, and everybody else feels the same way about organic foods and just fresh food and local food," she said.

If you would like to learn more about Porter Farms, click here .

2017 WGRZ-TV

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Organic Bounty At Porter Farms - WGRZ-TV

In a recent survey, Natural Grocers asked customers to weigh in on what matters most when shopping organic

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --In a recent survey of Natural Grocers customers, respondents revealed their top 3 reasons for choosing to purchase organic produce.

These survey results offer insight into the growth we've seen in the organic sector over the last decade. This growth has been mirrored by an increasing amount of scientific evidence emphasizing the benefits of organic food and organic agriculture. Recent large scale meta-analyses that carefully weighed all the data available from previously published studies have shown that organic produce is higher in antioxidants and much less likely to be contaminated with harmful pesticides and heavy metals than conventional produce.i

Organic buyers reduce their exposure to pesticides

More than 90% of the respondents said that one of the main reasons they buy organic "is to avoid pesticides." This reasoning is backed by solid scientific evidence, as one study found that 94% of people in the United States have detectable levels of pesticide breakdown products in their urine.ii Conversely, studies focused on the effect of eating organic have shown that consuming a diet that contains at least 80% organic ingredients for just one week reduces the pesticide breakdown products in subjects' bodies by 96%.iii Given these examples, it's no wonder that avoiding pesticides is a primary reason consumers choose to eat organic.

Organic produce is naturally non-GMO

The next most common reasonchosen by 70% of survey respondentsto buy organic is to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GMOs are pervasive in our food supply, and produce is no exception. Currently, genetically modified (GM) summer squash, such as zucchini, is grown in the United States and sold as fresh produce in both the United States and Canada. Similarly, approximately 80% of the total papaya grown in the United States (predominately in Hawaii) is also genetically modified, which is likely to increase as more GM papaya is in the process of being grown in new places such as Florida. A small amount of sweet corn sold in grocery stores is also GM, meaning that the delicious sweet corn you throw on the grill could be a GMOunless it's organic. Other types of GM produce that have been approved to be sold in the United States include potatoes and apples, though they haven't made it to the marketplace yet. Buying organic is a great way to be 100% sure that your produce is non-GMO because GMOs are never allowed in organic production.

Organic produce provides higher nutritional content

The third most common reason Natural Grocers customers choose organic produce is because they believe it is a more nutritious option to feed their families. And they are rightside-by-side comparisons of conventional tomatoes and organic tomatoes have shown that organic tomatoes have 20% higher levels of lycopene and 30% higher levels of vitamin C.iv Other studies have shown similar results when comparing organic and conventional fruits and vegetables.

Many of the phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables that are beneficial for human health are naturally produced by plants in order to discourage pests from eating the plant. When plants are sprayed with pesticides, the plant's innate production of these beneficial phytonutrients is reduced, resulting in a less nutritious product, while organic crops are forced to rely on their own defenses and produce more phytonutrients to deter pests. And it's not just about what organic produce has more of, it's also what it hasless ofdata shows that organic produce has 48% lower levels of cadmium, a harmful heavy metal that makes its way into conventional soils through contaminated synthetic fertilizers.

Organic produce supports a healthy ecosystem and agricultural economy

As you can see, there are some pretty significant reasons why consumers choose to buy organic produce. There are other reasons to consider, too.

Organic agriculture is known to regenerate ecosystems and the soil, while conventional agriculture strips the environment, destroying our natural resources, and requires constant chemical inputs. There are also numerous hidden costs of conventional agriculture that burden society and decrease quality of life.

On the other hand, a recent study conducted by a Penn State agricultural economist found that communities with high levels of organic agricultural activity are more successful economically. So no matter what your reason is for shopping organic, you should feel good about your purchase and know that you are voting with your dollar for a type of agriculture that benefits the environment, the economy, and human health.

Written by Jonathan Clinthorne, Ph.D. Manager of Scientific Affairs & Nutrition Education

Jonathan F. Clinthorne, Ph.D., is an ultra-endurance athlete trained in immunology and expert in human nutrition. Clinthorne has served on numerous medical advisory boards and has authored a number of research papers covering topics such as probiotics, immune function, inflammation and human nutrition.

Jonathan's mission is to help make free science-backed nutrition education available to everyone and reduce our dependence on pharmaceutical drugs. Jonathan has been seen on Fox TV, Forbes, Ultra Running Magazine, Runner's World and Organic Authority.

About Natural Grocers by Vitamin CottageNatural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com) is a rapidly expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements. The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format, affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has more than 3,000 employees and operates 140 stores in 19 states.

i Baranski M, et al. Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses. British Journal of Nutrition. 2014; 112(5): 794-811.ii Barr, Dana B et al. Concentrations of Dialkyl Phosphate Metabolites of Organophosphorus Pesticides in the U.S. Population. Environmental Health Perspectives 112:186200 (2004).iii Oates L,Cohen M,Braun L,Schembri A,Taskova R. Reduction in urinary organophosphatepesticidemetabolites in adults after a week-longorganicdiet. Environ Res.2014 Jul;132:105-11.iv Vinha AF,Barreira SV,Costa AS,Alves RC,Oliveira MB. Organicversus conventional tomatoes: influence on physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds and sensorial attributes. Food Chem Toxicol.2014 May;67:139-44.

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The Top 3 Reasons Shoppers Buy Organic Produce - The Daily Meal

Although Whole Foods has often been referred to as Whole Paychecka reference to what many say are the organic supermarket'soutlandish pricesall that may soon be coming to an end.

With Amazons acquisition of Whole Foods Marketofficial as of Monday, the two companies say they plan on making the popular supermarket's natural andorganic offeringsmore affordable, with an approximate price drop of about 15 to 20 percent on many items.

Whole Foods Market says it will now offer lower prices on a selection of populargrocery itemsacross its stores, and the company promises more to come.In addition, Amazon has plans to integrate Amazon Prime into the Whole Foods Market point-of-sale system, translating into lower prices forPrime members, along with somein-store benefits.

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This is exciting news for Newarkers, as Whole Foods recently opened its first location here to much fanfare.

The organic supermarket is located downtown inside the elegant Hahnemixed-use building on Broad Street, hometoseveral businesses and offices,including a Petco andExpress Newark university-community collaboratory, along with160 market-rate and affordable apartments.

Whole Foods offers a wide variety of organic and vegan choices, fresh produce and flowers, bakery items, beauty and health products, meat and seafoodand prepared foods, along with in-store caf-style seating.

Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Center, said that the company is determined to make healthy and organic food affordable for everyone.

Everybody should be able to eat Whole Foods Market quality, he said. We will lower prices without compromising Whole Foods Markets long-held commitment to the highest standards.

Wilke said that best-selling staples will be the first products chosen for the price drops, including Whole Trade organic bananas; responsibly-farmed salmon and tilapia; organic brown eggs; organic avocados, lettuce and kale; almond butter; animal-welfare-rated 85 percent lean ground beef, and more.

Ihsaan Muhamadof Newarksaid that, as a vegan, he visits the store on occasion for specialty items.

I literally came here today just for the vegan pancake mix, he said. The vegan items here are the main draw for me.

Sam Allaman, a graduate student at Rutgers who lives down the block from the market, said that although he has never been a fan of Whole Foods prices, the promised discounts could persuade him to become a Whole Foods shopper.

The price drop makes me want to shop here, Allaman said. Before that, I could never justify paying $11 for an eggplant.

The Kemps, a couple from Newark, said that it was their first time ata Whole Foods Market. They usually shop at Walmart of ShopRite, but are trying to eat healthier.Items like organic milk aresomething the couple will now be shopping for at Whole Foods.

Were attracted to the organic whole food, said Mr. Kemp, who did not want his first name used. Theres more of a healthy variety.

The couple noted their initial surprise at some of the prices, but said they are, literally, willing to pay the price for healthier food.

Were willing to sacrifice and pay a little more to become a little healthier, he said.

Whole Foods co-founder and CEO John Mackey said the market has been on a mission to bring the highest quality food to customers.

By working together with Amazon and integrating in several key areas, we can lower prices and double down on that mission and reach more people with Whole Foods Markets high-quality, natural and organic food, he said.

As part of our commitment to quality, well continue to expand our efforts to support and promote local products and suppliers. We cant wait to start showing customers whats possible when Whole Foods Market and Amazon innovate together.

Whole Foods Markets private label productsincluding 365 Everyday Value, Whole Foods Market, Whole Paws and Whole Catchwill be available through Amazon.com, AmazonFresh, Prime Pantry and Prime Now.

Customers can also have products shipped from Amazonto their local Whole Foods Market store for pickup or send returns back to Amazon during a trip to the store.

With the acquisition, the company will maintain operations under the Whole Foods Market brand, with Whole Foods Market maintainig itsheadquarters in Austin, Texas.

Founded in 1978, Whole Foods Market is the first national Certified Organic grocer, bringing in approximately $16 billion in sales last year.

Whole Foods has more than 460 stores in the United States, Canadaand the United Kingdom. The Newark location is its 19th store in New Jersey.

Read more here:

Whole Foods customers can anticipate lower prices with Amazon acquisition - TAPinto.net

Ive talked before about some of the amazing community partners we have come in to contact with in the year since I started working at Bona Vista. Ive applauded the Kokomo Police Department for talking to our preschool about Stranger Danger, Rhum Academy for coming to talk to the kids about music, the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library that reads to the students on a regular basis, FCA/UAW 685 that brought the Easter bunny (and snacks!) for the kiddos to enjoy, and the Kokomo Fire Department Local Union 376 and Walgreens for giving us a Santa Claus experience like none other!

And, that list doesnt include the many people who support our adult programs! There are so many, and Im not trying to single anyone out. But, what I do want to do is make it clear that without these types of partnerships, Bona Vista would not be able to offer all of the amazing opportunities we offer for the children and adults alike!

Thats where you come in, Howard County! Do you have a group or organization that likes to help local nonprofits? We would love to partner with you. Whether its your group hosting a food drive to help supplement the budgets of our group homes or maybe you could collect school or art supplies for the teachers/kiddos in our preschool program. We would even take hygiene/cleaning supply items for our Early Head Start closet for families to utilize. The list could go on and on, but we want you to expand your horizons and go with your gut.

You might be thinking, But I dont have anything to offer. You would be so surprised! A couple weeks ago we met a farmer (shout out to Daryl and Rachel Maple) who donated 70 dozen ears of corn. What could we possibly do with all of that? We split it up between our eight group homes, gave some to our preschool parents, shared some with our Day Services programs where it was used as crafts and a teaching tool. We also met up with our friend Andy Baker from AndyMark who donated more than 140 yellow, plastic balls to us. Again, not sure what we would do with those? We are using them in our early childhood programs, therapies, and even making crafts out of some.

We also have some specific programs set up for our staff in the coming weeks where people from the community are coming in to do a lunchtime yoga, a class on essential oils, and even teaching us how to make sushi! Sometimes professional development also needs to be personal development because life can be hard. Our jobs can be hard. And everyone needs an hour now and again to take care of themselves or learn something new. Maybe thats where you come in. Perhaps you have a specific skill set that would benefit the staff at Bona Vista Programs whether professional or personal!

We dont see limits. We dont want you to see limits. What we see are possibilities. We dont just make lemonade out of lemons. We add some sugar, shake it up and make some magic out of what might seem ordinary. So, try me.

Call 765-457-8273, e-mail (abrantley@bonavista.org), or stop by 1220 E. Laguna St. and tell me your idea. The more community partners, the merrier we all are!

Read more from the original source:
Bona Vista has great partners - Kokomo Perspective

In their Week 3 preseason loss to the New York Giants, quarterback Christian Hackenberg looked like he regressed yet again when given an opportunity to start for the New York Jets. Gang Green fought but ultimately fell to Big Blue to the final tune of 31-32.

Hackenbergthrew for two interceptions and looked confused under center. He was unable to properly read defenses and was roughed up all night long. It must have been quite the shocker since Hackenberg showed promise in Week 1, then got brought back down to reality in Week 2, and now, looks like hes still nowhere near ready to be a starting quarterback.

This shouldnt come as a shock to anyone since even when he was drafted back in 2016, Hackenberg needed to be completely retrained and retooled to be an effective NFL quarterback. He needed a year to at least sit back and learn from the sidelines which the Jets did in his rookie season.

Entering his sophomore season, its clear Hackenberg still needs more time to continue being coached and trained. Luckily, the Jets brought in a veteran quarterback this offseason to help mentor him during times like these.

Veteran quarterback Josh McCown knows he has his work cut out for him as all signs point for him to be the Week 1 regular season starter for the Jets. Considering that Hackenberg is nowhere near ready to start, McCown will undoubtedly go over film with him and again, mentor him through it.

Its not easy when putting up a game like that, let alone having to take a step back and go over things that dont put him in the kind of light he believes he should be in. Courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets, here is what McCown told Hackenberg shortly after the game:

On what he told Christian Hackenberg after tonightObviously, the first half is a bummer. When you go out there and it doesnt go as well as youd like, its tough. But part of playing this position in the league is being able to bounce back from that. Im just really excited about his last drive under those circumstances. To come out after the half goes the way it did, and you come in and you drive down and throw a touchdown, thats huge. Theres always great things to pull out from, so that was the main thing, and hell understand. Well look at the tape and figure out what happened in the first half and were working to get better and were showing the ability to bounce back and thats huge because as both these young guys continue to develop and grow you have to be able to do that. You have to find yourself in a situation where it can go either way, but you look up in the fourth quarter and you know your team needs you and so Im really proud of Hack for taking care of business and driving us down the field.

Ideally, starting McCown wont sit easily with many but with Bryce Pettys injury and Hackenbergs regression, he gives the Jets the best chance to win football games. Not just for being a game manager but again, for his leadership qualities and being there to help the young players around him deal with situations like this. For what its worth, this will absolutely help Hackenberg continue his personal development, which is what he needs for the future.

Follow The Jet Press on Twitter and on Facebook. We have open Contributor positions available for those interested in writing about the Jets and/or fantasy football. Fill out a Writers Application for our site to join the team!

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Josh McCown gives advice to Christian Hackenberg - The Jet Press

PITTSBURGH -- Ryan Shazier will be 25 next month and is viewing the game through a larger prism than as a rookie. He's challenging his own leadership, reading books that were recommended by friends or family. The latest batch of hard covers includes "How to Win Friends and Influence People," "The Mission, The Men and Me: Letters from a Former Delta Force Commander" and a business book, "Good to Great."

That last read seems particularly apt for Shazier, who reminded in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Colts that he's very much a catalyst for a good Pittsburgh Steelers defense trying to be great.

Shazier's leaping interception of Scott Tolzien in zone coverage early in the second quarter was his fifth in his last six games dating back to late last season.

Shazier says his goal is for there to be no weak links among Steelers linebackers in pass coverage. And, yes, Shazier knows he won't maximize his enormous potential until he plays a full 16-game season.

But after a reflective offseason, Shazier's playmaking includes an important subtext.

"You can't ask people to do what you wouldn't do yourself -- I know that's one thing I learned about [in my reading]," he said. "No matter what, you should be there for your guys and try to lift them up even when the situation is not in their favor."

Sure, it's just the preseason, but Shazier's interception came after the Colts scored a touchdown on the opening drive and moved the ball 50 yards downfield on the next one.

Shazier said he wasn't pressing to make a play but is learning that read-and-react coverage is suiting him at crucial times.

"A lot of times when I'm on the field I try to lead by example, like the play today," Shazier said. "Whenever I see something, I just want to talk about it and let guys know everything will run smoothly and everything will be all right. Being a defensive signal-caller, I try to lead when I can."

The Steelers defense making a sizable jump in 2017 requires a handful of first-round picks performing well. And Shazier must gel with new starting inside linebacker Vince Williams, who had eight tackles and 0.5 sacks Saturday.

But so far in a young season, Shazier striving toward "personal development" is equating to splash plays.

"I'm thinking about the locker room and long term," Shazier said.

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Ryan Shazier studying up on leadership and playmaking for Steelers - ESPN (blog)