There will be several big names on the open market when the new NFL year kicks off March 9.

One of those names is Adrian Peterson. The Pro Bowl running back is set to hit free agency after the Minnesota Vikings declined to excercise the $18 million option on Petersons contract for the 2017 season.

Peterson is expected to have several suitors, as he could bolster the backfield of almost any team. The New England Patriots could be in the business of adding another running back, and Peterson reportedly would consider taking a team-friendly contract in order to head up to Foxboro.

A source close to Peterson told the Herald that since AP has already earned a ton more than $97 million is his career its certainly something hed consider, the Boston Heralds Karen Guregian writes. Peterson knows how it worked out for Darrelle Revis and Chris Long. But naturally, there will be a lot of teams in the mix, including the Vikings. And, of course, the Pats would have to want to bring in an aging back with an injury history, not to mention baggage.

If the Patriots were able to sign Peterson for short money, it would be a low risk, high reward move for the team. With LeGarrette Blounts future in New England up in the air, the Patriots could be looking to acquire a power back to complement James White and Dion Lewis.

For Peterson, joining the Patriots would be as a good a chance as any to contend for a Super Bowl. New England is a perennial playoff team, and typically is one of the powerhouses in the AFC. The only question is, would Peterson be willing to sign for less money in order to compete for a Lombardi Trophy?

While the Pats would be just one of several teams inquiring about Peterson, their illustrious history could prove to be a powerful recruiting tool.

Thumbnail photo via Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports Images

View original post here:

NFL Rumors: Adrian Peterson Would Consider Less Money To Join Patriots - NESN.com

VARANASI: PM Modi visited the Gadhwaghat Ashram on the final day of campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh assembly election, potentially triggering some worry in the Samajwadi Party camp.

The ashram is revered especially by the Other Backward Classes and the SP counts Yadavs, who are part of OBCs, as its core support base. The PM on Monday spent about an hour at the ashram, located along the Ganga on the outskirts of Varanasi city, and met its head, Guru Sharananand.

Monday was the third and final day of the PMs hectic campaigning in his Lok Sabha constituency as part of the BJPs strategy to ensure a clean sweep in Varanasi district and ensure majority in entire eastern UP.

Varanasi, Chandauli and Ghazipur, which are considered SP strongholds, are among the districts where polling for 40 constituencies will be held in the seventh and last phase of the election on March 8. After reaching the ashram, the PM was offered several rudraksh garlands. Before offering his prayers, he visited the cowshed on the ashram premises and fed jaggery, bananas and fodder to the cows.

Later, he met the ashram head. In his last public address in this election season, at Rohania, the PM targeted both the SP-Congress alliance and BSP. He highlighted the alleged corruption in recruitment for government jobs and law and order in the state. The PM said police stations in the state have virtually become SPs office.

Excerpt from:

PM visits Gadhwaghat Ashram, triggers some worry in Samajwadi party camp - Economic Times

NEW DELHI: "This might be the last time we see him in his home," said Khushi, a friend of Atul Arora, when the teenager's body reached his house from the mortuary on Monday. Khushi fondly remembered the good times she had spent with the Class XII student, who was killed in a hit-and-run case late on Sunday night. "None of us liked to go out much after school hours, so we mostly ended up coming to Atul's house either for group studies or to spend some free time," said the grief-stricken girl.

And yet just hours earlier, nobody could have imagined the young student's life would be cut short by a Mercedes Benz ramming into his scooter and killing him. Monday was supposed to be the first day of Atul's final year in school. A month short of his 17th birthday, the boy was eager to meet his friends after a two-week school break.

"He had his bag all packed, the new books neatly arranged inside," said a despairing Ruchi Arora, Atul's elder sister, a teacher. "His uniform was crisply ironed. I had got a new pair of shoes for him, but he never got to wear them."

View original post here:

Boy offered seva at ashram before death: Kin | Delhi News - Times ... - Times of India

The Sabarmati Ashram management is mulling to install additional CCTVs at the Ashram premises to enhance security after replica statues of Mahatma Gandhi's 'three wise monkeys' were stolen over a week ago.

"We are considering covering the Ashram under additional CCTVs as to prevent any further incidents like the theft of replica of the statues of three wise monkeys from the Ashram premises some ten days ago," said Tridip Suhrud, director of Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust.

He said most parts of the Ashram are already covered under CCTVs but some areas like the ground from where the statues were stolen are still uncovered.

"There are 22 CCTV cameras across the Ashram which cover different parts like the museum, shops, archives, and office areas, among others, but we are planning to add more cameras to areas which are still uncovered," said Suhrud.

"While the stolen statues are not of great value, what worries that some one has been able to walk away with it. We have not felt the need to file any FIR in this connection," he added.

The original statues of "three wise monkeys" is kept at National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, he said.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Excerpt from:

Sabarmati Ashram mulls to step up security after theft | Latest News ... - Daily News & Analysis

Impossible Foods is now at a local NYC burger chain.

Hamburgers have roared in popularity over the past decade, and everyone has their favorite local joint or cult-like affinity for chains such as In-N-Out Burger and Shake Shack. But those cravings are also matched by an increasing concern over the meat industrys impact, from those occasional foodborne illness outbreaks to deforestation.

Meanwhile, plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat, Gardein and Yves are improving in taste and quality. Another fake meat company, Impossible Foods, hit theheadlines in 2014 with its vegan bloody burger made from coconut oil, wheat and potato protein. The burger appears red when raw and browns when cooked, just like the real thing. And it comes with a side of heme, a ferrous molecule that gives beef that meaty taste many of us crave.

Last year, the Impossible Burger made its debutat a Momofuku restaurant location in New York City. Since then, the burger made it ontomenus at NYCs Public and Saxon + Parole, as well as some high-end restaurants in California.

Last week, Impossible Foods scored a relationship with its first national burger chain at what is for now the small but popular eatery Bareburger. AsMicreported last week, the alternative burger will be offered not on a vegetarian menu, but alongside burgers made from elk, bison and beef.

So can this plant-based delicacy, which Mics Alex Orlov described as the $80 million veggie burger [that] could help fight climate change, sway meat lovers away from cows?

Impossible Foods founder, Stanford University biochemistry professor Pat Brown, says the company is on course to give meat-lovers a product that will eventually be as affordable as beef, but without wreaking havoc on the planets environment.

Many NGOs have long insisted that the global meat industry, especially the beef sector, is the worlds largest contributor to deforestation. In contrast, Impossible Foods claimsits product requires 95 percent less land, consumes 74 percent less water and emits 87 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than beef burgers.

With a White House that is now dismissive of climate change risks and appears determined to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency, the reality is that it will be up to the market to reduce emissions. As reported in publications including Forbes, Impossible Foods does not consider its competitors to be the likes of vegan food companies Quorn or Morningstar. Instead, Impossible Foods strivesto be on the menu alongside meat options such as beef and lamb.

The trick is to offer more than a substitute for meat: To be successful, animal-free products have to taste just as good as the real thing, or even better. Beyond Meat, for example, strivesto bring the price of its fake chicken strips made from ingredients including carrot fiber and pea flower down tothe same as chicken breast meat, or even cheaper if possible.

The Impossible Burger is now on the menu at Bareburgers flagship restaurant near New York University. It will appear at other Manhattan locationsthis month and will eventually roll out at Barebugers nationwide, the company told Mic.

But Impossible Foods, which secured at least $108 million in its latest rounds of funding, will have to go beyond a few entrees at hip restaurants if plant-based protein alternatives will truly compete with the global meat industry.

If the companys new space in Oakland, California, can help itscale and lead to a contract with a fast-food or more mainstream casual restaurant chain with a lower price point, then this industry can have a huge impact on consumers food choices.

Considering recent mounting evidence that the meat industry is causing, rather thanpreventing, more deforestation worldwide, the likes of Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are on the cusp of huge breakthroughs, both environmentally and financially.

Image credit: Impossible Foods (press use only)

Read more:

The Vegan 'Bloody Burger' May Soon Roll Out Nationwide - Triple Pundit (registration) (blog)

I find that most people I talk to about animal agriculture don't want to know the details of how the cattle, pigs, chicken, fish and other animals wind up on their dinner plates.

In fact, most people don't even refer to animals as animals once they are killed and processed. They use the sanitized, non-descriptive and generic term meat.

Now we have Fair Oaks Farms, right here in Indiana, attempting to go a step further by turning animal agriculture into entertainment in the form of a Disneyesque adventure.

The farm, about a half hour south on I-65, recently announced plans to add chicken and beef cattle "adventures" to the existing pig "adventure." The programs are being promoted as tourist attractions.

Despite how you feel about eating meat and consuming dairy and eggs, the process of getting those items to your dinner table is anything but a tourist-friendly adventure for the animals or the planet. I will spare you the gory details of the process, which are easily obtained through a simple online search, but any attempt to spin it other than horrible for the animals and planet is just more "alternative facts."

The media coverage of Fair Oaks' plans caught the attention of Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary in New York and California.

"I admire and appreciate farmers they work hard and feed the world," he said in a prepared statement. "It's important to realize, however, that animal agriculture is not a benign force in our world, despite how it is promoted at Fair Oaks Farms in its 'Pig Adventure' and 'Dairy Adventure.'

"In fact, factory farming is a key driver of significant threats to our environment, such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity; it subjects farm and slaughterhouse workers to dangerous conditions; and it can lead to chronic health problems for consumers who eat animal products. And, of course, animals routinely suffer unspeakable cruelty in the production of meat, dairy and eggs.

"Fair Oaks Farms is a marketing operation that manipulates consumers to feel good about supporting an abusive industry," he wrote.

"Dairy cows are repeatedly impregnated, and their babies are taken away so cows milk can be sold for human consumption," he said. "Pigs are confined behind bars; deprived of soft straw beds and pastures, and the chance to romp and play with their young."

"Just like dogs and cats, farm animals have feelings, and they deserve to be treated with compassion and respect, but Fair Oaks Farms encourages people to believe that these animals are ours to exploit as we wish," he said.

I agree with Baur that most people are compassionate and would avoid unnecessary violence if given a choice and the truth.

With truth, there is hope for the animals, the planet and human health.

The opinions are the author's.

More here:

Vegan in the Region: No alternative facts - nwitimes.com (blog)

This guest post is written by Heidi Lengel, birth & bereavement Doula, board certified music therapist, and owner and founder of Fulheart Family Support. She shares her thoughts on the recent Birthing Playlist from Spotify that recently blew up on social media. Childbirth and music can go hand in hand, but a birthing play list is a personal and impactful tool for birthing women.

Bones sinking like stones

All that weve fought for

Homes, places weve grown

All of us are done for.

These are words to a song on Spotifys recently released Birthing Playlist. Even today, the internet is still buzzing with delight at this new technique for using music during labor.

Ummmm, WHAT? That song is supposed to make me feel good?

As a board certified music therapist, professional counselor, and certified birth & bereavement doula who works directly with birthing women, I have to tell you I was excited when Spotify acknowledged how meaningful music can be. I agree with the sentiment shared by Dr. Mortiz: music strongly influences our central nervous systems limbic system which manages our memories, emotions, and how we deal with fear and pain. It makes sense that women would turn to music during childbirth as a source of comfort and strength. Dr. Gino Pecoraro also points out that music helps them relinquish controlyou have to during this process and the music can take over and help that to happen because it helps them calm down.

I can remember many times Ive witnessed, firsthand, musics amazing ability to provide great comfort, strength, and encouragement to women in labor. However, my excitement quickly gave way to disappointment as I listened to some of the songs.

Why? Isnt all music created equal? How could music possibly harm a Mom or baby throughout labor? Whats so wrong with using music to get pumped up during birth? Here are some of the reasons why music needs to be used with care and discernment during birth.

The emotional & physical needs of women vary greatly from the early moments of labor all the way to the first few hours of a babys life. A womans energy level can range from I dont have anything left to give to lets do this- now! in a matter of seconds. Pre-existing physical conditions can impact a laboring womans stamina and movements as labor progresses. Women experience feelings of elation and strength, while sometimes also feeling weak and despondent. Moreover, a womans mental health, exposure to stress and trauma, and support system can influence the course of labor.

Yes, it does. And lets be clear about something there is a difference between listening to music and receiving music therapy from a qualified professional. We might all enjoy listening to music from time to time, but music therapy goes beyond that: music therapists are trained to use music expressly for therapeutic purposes, and must follow rigorous standards of practice, clinical care, and ethical guidelines.

In fact, there are some amazing studies that show how music therapy can influence pregnancy, labor, and birth. Brownings 2001 study of music therapy in childbirth showed music therapy has the potential to make women feel more relaxed and in control- feelings which can directly inhibit the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Liu, Chang, and Chen (2010) discovered music therapy significantly lowers pain and anxiety during the latent (early) phase of labor. Hanser (1983) also found that music therapy lowered pain responses, increased concentration, and facilitated helpful breathing behaviors during labor. However, it is impossible to predict how one single playlist could support the complex needs of every woman, in every stage of labor. Just as important, one cant predict how each of the songs suggested in Spotifys playlist could impact physiological functions such as lowering blood pressure, increasing oxygen levels, and stablizing heart rate all wonderful goals for birthing women. Music therapist Beth Hardy of Heart Tones Doula discusses the importance of how music therapy guides the body and mind during labor:

So, heres the thing. Ask any qualified music therapist, and they will tell you: Music is VERY powerful, and sometimes it can have negative effects.

Dr. Brian Abrams put it best when he said, Its inaccurate to say music is innocuous. Music is a powerful medium and, as such, has the potential to help as well as harm, and is therefore not strictly benign. Moreover, it is inaccurate to call music non-invasive. Music penetrates us. In my practice alone, I can think of many times when women have specifically requested that certain songs (or even entire genres of music) not be played because of extremely difficult (often times traumatic) memories associated with them.

Music therapist and researcher Suzanne Hanser discussed how when she used music during the birth of her stillborn baby; she discovered music had the ability to comfort her: As labor progressed, the rhythm of the music guided my breathing and paced the next several hours. The stability of an ongoing beat in Vivaldis chamber music and Bachs keyboard works kept me breathing in their strict tempi, getting me through contraction after contraction, measure by measure. During a long and difficult transition stage of labor, Prokofievs chaotic and dissonant piano concerto matched my torment and somehow, curiously, I felt empathy with the music.

At the same time, she also realized it held potentially negative outcomes when offered to someone else experiencing distress: She revealed that the music had, indeed, provided some distraction and positive mood changes during the next two sessions. But, then at home, she began to experience nausea whenever she played these musical selections. Horrified, I recognized that this process was unwittingly conditioning a distressing response to this music. I needed to study the behavioral conditioning literature, and consult with fellow clinicians and researchers. My review of the development of classical and respondent conditioning paradigms enlightened me on these unexpected outcomes. Subsequently, I took care to pair music with relaxing effects in order to condition positive effects prior to experiencing any pain or trauma.

Babies can hear it all, yall. As early as 18 weeks, they can begin to hear sound. At 25-26 weeks, those little cuties can respond to sound. They can hear the music you bring to your birth and sense how it impacts your mood. Discoveries are being made every day about how babies are able to recall their birth memories. They are incredibly sensitive and responsive to the sounds they hear. The music we play during labor, birth, and the moments afterwards have a profound impact on a babys neurological development. To give an example, the cello suite recommend on the Spotify playlist may actually be too stimulating for a newborn who is busy regulating their breathing, becoming connected to Mom, and learning how to nurse. Classical music isnt always good? you gasp? Yes, even classical music is not always the best choice for your baby depending on the moment.

Have you ever heard a woman say she made playlists for labor and then hated them? Its probably because she didnt have the support of a music therapist guiding her throughout pregnancy and birth. But have no fear. There are an increasing number of music therapists specializing in music therapy assisted childbirth. Music therapist and doula Kate Taylor of Creative Childbirth Concepts provides these helpful suggestions:

In the enddo your research. Would you ask someone who is not a qualified birth professional to deliver your baby? I didnt think so. Then dont rely on musical recommendations for birth from someone who is not a qualified music therapist.

Look for a board certified music therapist near you who is trained to support you during pregnancy and birth. Empower yourself by creating a knowledgeable team of people you know and trust. At Fulheart Family Support, we offer music therapy assisted childbirth services throughout Philadelphia as well as online Birth Melodies consultation services that enable you to choose the best music to for you and your birth.

No matter what anyone tells you, make the best possible choices for you and then take a deep breath- your baby cant wait to meet you.

This article was originally published on http://www.achildgrows.com, the ultimate online parenting guide for NYC and Philadelphia families.

Read more here:

Childbirth and Music: What's the Big Deal? - Huffington Post

The Hindu

If music be the food of love, play on! The Hindu Some forms of music can reduce stress and modulate arousal levels. These are generally 'relaxing music forms'- low pitch, slow tempo and no lyrics. Rhythm would be slow or not at all (as in meditative pieces). Such listening appears to reduce the ...

Read the original here:

If music be the food of love, play on! - The Hindu

Continuing its path leading attendees to mental, spiritual and physical health, the Olean Meditation Center will soon offer the next in a series of themed presentations.

The next, titled Contemplative Prayer: The Experience of a Franciscan Friar, will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the center, 2275 Dugan Road, Olean. Franciscan Br. Joe Kotula will lead the talk.

The tradition of contemplative prayer goes back to the early Christian communities, most notably to the Desert Fathers, and has been carried on in monastic practice over the centuries, says Dr. Richard Reilly, president of the Olean Meditation Center.

The influence of Thomas Merton a Trappist monk whose career writings, including while at St. Bonaventure University, earned international acclaim has boosted the contemplative prayer tradition the last 50 years, Reilly says. He also credits many other faith practitioners. The tradition has become more accessible to laypeople.

Br. Joe, a friar in residence at Mt. Irenaeus since 1989, has had a profound influence on generations of Bonaventure students, Reilly says. Br. Joe shares St. Francis love of nature and has a particular passion for hiking. Our community is very fortunate to have this opportunity to become acquainted with contemplative prayer through the lived experience of a Franciscan practitioner.

The event will be free and open to the public, although donations will be gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be available.

+10

Remaining programs in OMCs free Tuesday evening series include:

Olean Meditation Center events span topics pertinent to a broad range of religions. Most recently, the center hosted an interfaith forum titled Compassion: When a Stranger Knocks on Your Door.

The panel discussion, including speakers from various area houses of worship and religious organizations from Christianity to Islam to Hinduism addressing The Golden Rule treat others as you would like to be treated.

Excerpt from:

State and Union: Meditation center to host Franciscan friar - Olean Times Herald

When a crisis or challenge hits, everyone hopes that whoevers in charge remains calm under pressure while at the same time acting decisively and effectively to sort out the problem. But what if that person in charge is you? Unfortunately, so many of us, when faced with a critical decision in a moment of crisis, behave like a dear in the headlights of a car which stares in horror at the approaching lights but dares not move. These people end up achieving little or possibly, like the dear, making things worse.

It may be the last thing you would expect, but theres evidence that people who meditate regularly are more likely to act effectively when things go wrong. Lets take a look at why this might be and look at a quick technique that you can use to help out at those times when a crisis in the workplace (or anytime in your life) requires you to perform at your best.

Meditation used to be confined to Eastern religious gurus and trendy Californians. However, research, much of which is backed up by brain imaging techniques, has shown that regular meditation can produce real changes in the structure of the brain and consequently in the way we behave. Here are just some of the reasons why so many workplaces around the globe are encouraging their staff to take up meditation:

Regular meditators are better at coping with stressful situations

Meditation can help you to control your emotions

Meditation can increase emotional intelligence and empathy

Meditation increases mental resilience

Regular meditators are better at decision-making and problem solving

If you want to start experiencing some of these positive changes in the way you think and behave, then its time to make meditation part of your daily routine. It might be hard to find the time at first, but once you start to experience some of the benefits, you won't leave the house in the morning without having meditated, just as you would not leave the house without having showered or brushing your teeth.

You might decide to join a class or simply to listen to guided meditations in the comfort of your own home or in your office during the lunch break.

Another way to start a meditation practice is to combine it with another activity. Years ago I was having a tough time fitting it into my morning routine so I started meditating right after lunch, before I went back to work. I was already on a break, so I just extended it another 15 minutes with a meditation. I found myself really enjoying the quiet time before heading back to my desk and even experienced feeling rejuvenated and often inspired with new and creative ideas. It also gave me time to step away from the hurriedness of the day and problem solve with greater perspective and clarity.

A moving meditation is another option. Sometimes when Im having an unusually difficult day or just feeling unmotivated, Ill take myself on a short brisk walk. Ill even ask myself while Im walking a question or two and listen to any answers as a way to connect with my inner wisdom. Such as: How can I support myself right now? Or, What are some options for resolving this issue*? (*Insert the actual situation youre seeking solutions for here). Im always amazed at how much better I feel and the ideas that I come up with on these meditation walks.

Next time you have to cope with a crisis or challenge at work, try using this technique. It will only take a couple of minutes and will help you to tap into your inner strengths. Make sure you wont be disturbed for several minutes.

Sit comfortably in a chair with erect posture, close your eyes and focus your attention fully on how your body feels at this stressful moment. Is your jaw clenched? Are your shoulders tense? Has your breath changed from normal? Notice the thoughts you are having (without judging them). Now change your focus so that your attention is just on the sensation of breathing. Do not try to change the way you breathe. Just notice the bodily sensations as each breath goes in and out. Notice how it feels in your nose, lungs or abdomen wherever you feel the sensation of breathing most strongly. Continue to breathe naturally for a minute or so as you observe your breath and how youre feeling. Now open your eyes. You should feel calmer and more able to cope with what you now need to do. The more regularly you take time to pause and practice meditation the easier it will become to use this technique.

I suggest starting with a very easy and do-able first step. Experiment with a minimum of 5 minutes a day to begin. The benefit will come from your consistency versus trying to do 20 or 30 minutes right from the start. Once you have a consistent practice established, you can add more time to your meditation practice. But even if you only have a few short minutes to meditate, you can still reap the benefits.

If you have time to breathe, you have time to meditate.

See the original post:

Crisis at Work? Time to Meditate - Huffington Post