This undated photo released by the Free Burma Rangers, shows a monastery destroyed by a Burmese military airstrike on March 31, 2024, in Papun, Karen state, Myanmar.Photo | Associated Press

NEW DELHI: The situation in Myanmar continues to be on the grim with increased fighting between the military-led Junta army and the ethnic rebel groups across many parts specially in Rakhine state.

The tensions have taken a communal turn with reports of nearly 5,000 houses belonging to Buddhists and Hindus being gutted in Buthidaung, which is just 25 km away from Bangladesh border.

"These 5,000 houses were targeted as they belonged to Buddhists and Hindus. Most people had fled to safer zones so many houses were empty, but those who were left behind were pulled out and their houses looted and burnt in front of their eyes. Conscripts who include young boys from Rohingya camps in Bangladesh are being used for this exercise, according to a source.

These houses were gutted between April 11th and 21st. Buthidaung is now under complete control of rebel ethnic group Arakan Army.

Reports suggest that most of the local Muslims living in Buthidaung and Maungdaw township are not supporting the communal divide and some have sought help from the ethnic rebels to move to safer zones.

"In 2018 census there were 3000 houses in Buthidaung. This number has increased more than threefold to 10000 as many people fled their homes from other areas to settle here. Over 50 per cent of residents are Muslims while the remaining are ethnic groups (Buddhists, Hindus), according to a source.

It may be recalled that communal tensions had flared up in Rakhine state more than a decade back, which led to the exodus of Rohingyas and many of them sought refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh.

"Some Rohingyas from refugee camps are being forced as conscripts and even though a few flee, the others end up fighting the civilians. This strategy of divide and rule will worsen things on the ground, a source added.

Thousands of young people from across Myanmar have fled to safer zones, some have even crossed over to other countries to avoid forced conscription.

Meanwhile, recently, Bangladeshs Foreign Minister, Hasan Mahmud said that they were hoping that the Rohingya refugees they are sheltering would return to Myanmar. There are said to be one million Rohingyas in Bangladesh.

There are reports of 138 Myanmar military personnel including a lieutenant colonel and two majors of Myanmar who have taken refuge in Bangladesh.

"They will be sent back the same way as other military men were repatriated, Mahmud said last week adding that the Rohingyas too wanted to return.

Meanwhile, people who have fled are facing survival issues due to lack of livelihood facilities.

The only respite will happen in Myanmar once monsoons begin in a few weeks. Mobility becomes restricted and the clashes on the grounds reduce drastically for nearly two months.

See more here:

Nearly 5,000 houses of Buddhists, Hindus gutted in Myanmar as tensions simmer - The New Indian Express

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Failed 2024 Republican primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy praised Ann Coulter for having the guts to make racist remarks directly to his face on his podcast this week.

Ms Coulter, a conservative firebrand with a history of openly racist remarks, appeared on the businessmans podcast, Truth, on Wednesday for an episode titled, The N Word: Nationalism.

Mr Ramaswamy welcomed Ms Coulter by telling her that he is a fan.

She replied that he is bright and articulate and notes that she wouldnt be allowed to say that to him, if he was an American Black.

She goes on to say that, even though she agreed with him more than most other GOP primary candidates, she would not have voted for him to be president because he is Indian.

She said: I agreed with many, many things you said during your campaign, in fact probably more than most other candidates when you were running for president. But I still would not have voted for you because youre an Indian.

She then claimed that the core national identity in the United States is a WASP - a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant.

[That] doesnt mean we cant take anyone else ina Sri Lankan, a Japanese, or an Indianbut the core around which the nations values are formed is the WASP, she continued.

Mr Ramaswamy was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Indian immigrant parents and is an American citizen. He would not have been eligible to run for president if he was not born in America.

Additionally, the Constitution of India does not permit holding of dual nationality by Indian nationals.

Mr Ramaswamy did not balk at Ms Coulters remarks, and the pair discussed their shared disdain of dual citizenship.

He pushed back on Ms Coulters idea that Americans whose families have been in the US for centuries were more American.

He argued that the children of immigrants could be more loyal to the US than a WASP, seventh generation descendent of some rich guy on the Upper East Side in Brooklyn that pretends to hate this country because its the cool thing to do.

Following the podcast, Mr Ramaswamy posted on X that he agreed with Ms Coulter on dual citizenship but disagreed with her reasoning on why she wouldnt vote for him. However he added that he admired her guts for telling him.

Ann Coulter told me flat-out to my face that she couldnt vote for me because youre an Indian, even though she agreed with me more than most other candidates, he wrote. I disagree with her but respect she had the guts to speak her mind. It was a riveting hour.

Congressman Ted Lieu, whose family immigrated to the US from Taiwan, said that he wasnt surprised by Ms Coulters racism but expressed sympathy for Mr Ramaswamys response.

I wasnt surprised that Ann Coulter made a racist statement about Vivek, he posted on X. What surprised me is the weakness and lack of self respect of @VivekGRamaswamy. Hes actually promoting this episode and praising the person who spewed raw racism to his face. I feel sorry for Vivek.

More:

Ann Coulter tells Vivek Ramaswamy she wouldn't vote for him because he's Indian - The Independent

NEW YORK, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The globalmindfulness meditation application marketsize is estimated to grow by USD 1.48billion from 2023 to 2027, according to Technavio. This growth is expected to occur at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30.01% during the forecast period.

To understand more about this market -Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Report Attribute

Details

Base Year

2022

Forecast period

2023-2027

Historic Data for

2017 - 2021

Segments Covered

End-user (Individual and Corporate ), Platform (Android, iOS, and Others ), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa)

Key Companies Covered

Aura, Calm.com Inc., CBZ Village des Pruniers, Headspace Inc., Humm.ly Inc., Inner Explorer, Insight Network Inc., Meditation Moments BV, Meditation Oasis, MindApps AB, Mindfulness Everywhere, Mindvalley Inc., Portal Labs Ltd., Simple Habit Inc., Smiling Mind Pty Ltd., Ten Percent Happier Inc., UCLA Health, Waking Up LLC, Welzen, and Yedi70 Software and Information Technologies Inc.

Regions Covered

North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Key Trends Fueling Growth

For more insights on the market trends with forecast market size and historic data (2017 - 2021)-Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Major Challenges:

To know more about the market opportunities impacted by market dynamics, click here to-Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Analyst Review

In today's fast-paced world, mindfulness meditation applications are increasingly essential for managing stress, chronic pain, and high blood pressure. These apps, compatible with smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches running Android operating systems, cater to individuals seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Utilizing modern technologies like sensor technology and artificial intelligence, these apps offer breathing techniques, body relaxation exercises, and yoga sessions to promote stable mental health. With gamification elements and progress tracking features, users can monitor their mental well-being and adherence to mindfulness practices.

Targeting a wide audience, including aging populations and those in corporate wellness programs, these apps provide personalized coaching and motivation. They contribute to preventative healthcare and workplace wellness initiatives, complementing traditional treatments like spa therapies and mindfulness courses.

As smartphone penetration and app usage continue to rise, the mindfulness meditation application market thrives, addressing the growing demand for digital wellness solutions in today's digital-centric society.

Market Overview

In the growing Mindfulness Meditation Application Market, users seek solutions for stress management and mental well-being. With the prevalence of lifestyle diseases on the rise, digital technology steps in to offer accessible solutions. Wearable technology devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers integrate seamlessly with tablets to provide muscle relaxation and stress relief.

These apps cater to user needs by offering guided meditation sessions led by mental health professionals, mindfulness experts, and meditation teachers. Subscription models ensure continuous access to content, promoting consistency in practice. As individuals become increasingly conscious of screen time, these applications offer a balance by leveraging technology to alleviate stress-related disorders. In this dynamic market, the focus remains on delivering effective tools for relaxation and mental health enhancement.

Start exploring market insights byDownload a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape 8Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10VenodrLandscape 11VendorAnalysis 12Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

ContactsTechnavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email:[emailprotected] Website:www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio

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Mindfulness Meditation Application Market size to record USD 1.48 billion growth from 2023-2027, Touch input and ... - PR Newswire

I have 2 great news today.

First, my next course is at its final stages. It will be about chess strategy and it will be the perfect complement of my last course "The Complete Chess Tactics Bootcamp". The course will be ready on April 30th, so mark that date to get the best offers!

The second important thing is that yesterday the 2024 Candidates Tournament finished and we have a challenger!

17-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh convincingly won the tournament with 9/14 points, and he will play against world champion Ding Liren to have a chance to become the youngest world chess champion ever!

As I had previously anticipated, Gukesh had been playing the best chess in the tournament.

Despite being a teenager, Gukesh is very passionate about chess and has been studying hard for many years. For todays lesson, I studied all of his games from the Candidates and tried to find out what made him the better player.

I noticed some very outstanding qualities that I wanted to share with you so that you can try to incorporate them in your games.

1) Dont Panick Even when he was under extreme pressure, Gukesh kept his cool. In the second game he had the following position as Black against Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (aka Pragg) after 15 moves:

Until this point Pragg was quickly playing his moves as he was under preparation whereas Gukesh was thinking on his own.

Black is a pawn up and could get a third pawn after 15fxe6. However, considering that White had prepared this line and also easily attack the e6-pawn in that line (White could play Bf4, Bh4 or even Nd4), Gukesh was still able to come up with a new original plan by going 15f5!? planning to go Nf6 and slowly consolidate his position. This allowed him to win his first game in the tournament.

2) Be Pragmatic Gukesh can easily find solutions to worse positions.

This is the position that he had as Black after 17 moves in his 4th game against Fabiano Caruana.

Black is under some pressure since the knight on f5 is quite strong. White might even have ideas to sacrifice with Bxh6 mounting an attack against Blacks king.

Gukesh played 17Ne7!? Planning to trade knights. After 18.Nxe5 Nxf5 19.exf5 c5!?

his idea is to trade as many pawns as possible and the extra (doubled) pawn on f5 wont be much of a difference. Gukesh drew the game comfortably.

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3) Dont Be Dogmatic In his next encounter with Caruana (this time as White), he had the following position after 26 moves:

Here Gukesh played the surprising 27.fxg5 creating 2 sets of isolated doubled pawns after 27Qxg5:

Most players would not dare to play this way as White pawns can now become targets but Gukesh ideas was to play 28.Rf3! planning to double rooks on the f-file and attack the pawn on f5. The game ended in a draw after an accurate defense by Caruana.

4) Innovate Many people have been claiming that classical chess is dead since opening preparation is now killing creativity.

However, Gukesh is ready to come up with new ideas as early as move 4!

In this position that we get after 4 moves in the Nimzo-Indian Defense, Gukesh (playing as Black against Nijat Abasov) played the move 4h6. This position has been reached in thousands of games and moves like 40-0, 4d5 or 4c5 are very common. However, the move 4h6 is pretty much unique and the idea of Nh7-f8 that Gukesh later played is new.

5) Know When to Press Gukesh is a very objective player but as soon as he can start getting ambitious, he will not hesitate.

In his game against Alireza Firouzja from the 13th round he had this position as White after 34 moves:

Here taking on f5 with 35.Nxf5 might look tempting but after 35Nh5! Black is attacking both f4 and f5. Gukesh played a few solid moves with 35.Kh2 Nh5 36.Qf2 but after 36Rg6 37.Rd5!

White is already pressing for an advantage, putting pressure on f5 and planning to double rooks on the d-file and invade with Rd7. Firouzja was not able to hold the position, giving Guskesh a very important win.

If you want to see a more detailed analysis of the positions that I show in this article, check my video analysis here: https://youtu.be/aTJxn916qxk

Read more here:

What Can You Learn From the 2024 Candidates Winner - Chess.com

You can quit work, but you can quit retirement?

You can quit work, but can you quit retirement? Many people are. Why? The answer is about more than money and may surprise many people who are working hard to plan their dream retirement.

Pulling out of the driveway, my chatty rideshare driver volunteered that he retired a few years ago from the hotel that I had just checked out of.

I just had to quit, he said. Somewhat confused, I ask, Quit what? Working at the hotel?

Looking back at me in his rearview mirror, eyes twinkling, he responded briskly, No, retirement! I just couldnt do it anymore.

While accelerating onto the highway, he explained, It was becoming the same ole same ole. I just had to quit.

You can certainly quit a job but you can also quit retirement, at least in the classic sense of retirement. Psychologists refer to what my driver describes as habituation, when people become accustomed to or no longer react to a situation or stimulus. In short, even retirement, like decades of work before it, can lose its excitement and become what my driver craftily refers to as the same ole, same ole.

In fact, after about a year, nearly 2 in 5 people retire from retirement, at least part time. Its not that people are unhappy in retirement; it is just that they do not anticipate how much time there is in retirement. In my previous Forbes article, I argued that for people in relatively decent health, retirement life might be 8,000 or more days a full one-third of adulthood. Moreover, the big and small things many believed would fill their retirement days either didnt, or their routines became as tedious as the morning and evening commute they toiled for decades and came to loathe when working.

My driver could tell I was somewhere between baffled and amused. He volunteered why he went back to work. He shared, I enjoyed my time away from work for a while but found that I fell into a boring routine. I missed talking to people, meeting new people, and having a reason to go out for other than buying groceries or going to the coffee shop to see the same faces every day.

MassMutual recently released its 2024 Retirement Happiness Study, which reports the perceptions and self-reported behaviors of pre-retirees age 40-plus and people already in retirement. According to Matt DiGangi, Head of MassMutual Strategic Distributors Annuity Distribution, MassMutuals research on retirement happiness underscores the importance of managing expectations and preparing for retirement both financially and emotionally. The happiest retirees invest not just in their financial futures but also in their social circles, pastimes, passions, and physical health long before retirement. MassMutuals data indicate that 77% of pre-retirees believe they will feel happier on any given day in retirement compared to 67% of current retirees who say they are happier.

And what do people anticipate doing in retirement? What activities do they think will make them feel happier? Most (55%) pre-retirees do not see retirement as the end of work. Instead, 38% of pre-retirees view retirement as shifting focus to a new type of work or fulfilling purpose, while another 17% see retirement as simply working less.

The study findings further report that while many retirees had a plan or developed activities to keep them engaged, many were like my driver; they began to suffer from the same ole, same ole. When asked if they experienced more or less boredom, 38% of retirees reported being about as bored as anticipated, and another 16% discovered they were more bored than expected. Of those who returned to work, 83% did so as a choice, not a financial necessity.

The most revealing findings are what people think they will do in retirement versus what they report doing as retirees.

Travel is always a big and stated goal in retirement planning. A full 79% of pre-retirees said that travel was how they planned to spend their free time; instead, 55% of retirees actually reported traveling.

Likewise, 61% of pre-retirees said they will spend more time pursuing hobbies. Retirees are a little less excited about their hobbies in retirement; 52% report they are painting, gardening, and more.

Half (50%) of pre-retirees anticipate getting outside and exploring nature as a pastime; the data show that only a quarter (27%) of retirees actually seek out flora and fauna retirement.

Even volunteering drops from relatively high anticipation to modest participation. Of pre-retirees, 44% expect to volunteer, but only 22% of retirees report volunteering to fill their free time.

So, what are people doing in retirement? In fairness, more than half (56%) of pre-retirees say they plan to watch movies and television. Clearly, the entertainment and advertising industry sees ratings when they see retirees. A full 8 in 10, or 83% of retirees, report spending their free time watching movies and television.

Retirement planning is focused primarily on ensuring financial security. In contrast, longevity planning is about financial security and overall well-being which demands a holistic approach to ensuring enough money and preparing for what to do with the vast wealth of free time found in retirement. Here are four steps to managing the chances of retirement years becoming the same ole, same ole. These steps should begin decades before when you believe your last day of work will be.

A decade or more before retirement, begin noting and discussing with your partner or significant other places and activities that spark your interest and curiosity or simply make you smile.

Years before retirement, translate inspirations collected over time into specific activities, places, and social groups you may wish to pursue. You can begin forging connections to grow your social circle and become familiar with organizations you find interesting for future part-time and even full-time work or volunteering.

As retirement approaches, revisit and review your shared interests with your significant other and how they have evolved over the years. Compare your shared aspirations, expectations, and hesitations.

It's not easy but take retirement out for a test drive. Find time to volunteer, even work part time, or try out a gig job on weekends. If you are thinking you might move in retirement, use some of your banked-up vacation time to experience where you might live. Dont choose a resort hotel but consider renting a home where you might live and do the daily, often boring, life tasks, for example, cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Identify and visit where you might meet new people. Participate in activities that may confirm or negate what you believe today will contribute to a happy retirement tomorrow.

I parted company with my driver at the airport. He smiled as he handed me my bag and said, I think I will find another ride or two, go home, see what the missus is up to, and maybe go back to work for an hour. I work and do what I want on my time now. Its better than being retired.

More here:
4 Steps To Take Decades Before Retirement To Keep It From Getting Old - Forbes

Whats thought to be the UKs first all-vegan animal rights conference is taking place later this month.

The inaugural Vegan Animal Rights Conference (VARC) combines workshops and panels led by industry experts with networking opportunities and information on impactful advocacy. Taking place over two days, VARC has over 43 different sessions in total.

Read more: Vegan Women Summit Announces Celebrity Speakers and More for 2024

The event aims to unify and energize the vegan and animal rights movement by connecting activists of all kinds and fostering a sense of shared purpose through talks and activities.

The organizers say that VARC promises to be an inspiring gathering, aiming to ignite new initiatives, strengthen ongoing efforts, and enhance the sense of community among advocates for animal rights and veganism in the UK.

Speaking to Plant Based News (PBN) VARC Founder and Director Liz Flynn said: The UK is a hive of animal rights and vegan advocacy, imagine what we could achieve with our own conference here, dedicated to looking at our unique challenges and opportunities.

There are now approximately 2.5 million vegans in the UK, a 1.1 million person increase compared to 12 months ago. Meat consumption fell to record lows in 2023, and an increasing number of people are moving away from animal diets for their health, the planet, and the animals.

Along with Flynn, VARC was co-founded by Emily Huang and Esther Salomon, who have collectively spent years within UK animal rights working on training and leadership development, direct action, strategizing, and mobilization in various parts of the movement.

Read more: Vegandale Is Coming To The UK How To Get Tickets

The trio describes VARC as a strictly grassroots effort, involving many different people working in their free time to design and organize. In a statement on the events website, Flynn, Huang, and Salomon write: Each of us believes that in order to achieve animal liberation, the movement needs many people working on a variety of different strategies.

These different strategies include and combine both corporate campaigning and direct action, challenging laws and disrupting the food industry through alternative proteins. The organizers add that VARC welcomes both established strategies and novel ones.

The strength of our movement lies in our diversity and unity. With VARC 2024, we aim to showcase the incredible range of voices and tactics within our community, demonstrating that there is not just one way to advocate for animal rights, but a multitude that can unite to form a powerful force for change, explained Flynn.

The event will begin with a keynote speech titled Lessons from 30 Years of Vegan Advocacy by Generation Vegans Director of Communications Kate Fowler, while panel discussions range from How We Can Use Science to Improve Public Support for Animal Freedom to Why We Need to Work Effectively With the Farming Community.

Weve curated sessions that challenge, inspire, and educate. From undercover investigations to legal battles for animal rights, each session is a piece of the larger puzzle of advocacy. Its about showing the multifaceted ways we can fight for change, said Flynn.

Other speakers and discussion leaders include Plant Based Universities Regional Co-ordinator Alistair Stewart; Humane Society UKs Senior Public Affairs Manager Amro Hussain; Animal Justice Project founder Claire Palmer; Animal Think Tank founder Laila Kassam; Viva!s Head of Investigations Lex Rigby; and ALF founder Ronnie Lee.

For the full VARC agenda including timing, read on here.

The inaugural VARC will take place at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel from April 13 14, 2024.

Ticket prices are tiered depending on income from GBP 89 per person up to 168. (There is also an option to donate an additional 10 plus fees to subsidize someone elses entry.)

Read more: The UK Is About To Open Its First Ever Vegan Theater

VARC 2024 is more than an event; its a beacon for change in the animal rights and vegan community. Were crafting a space where advocacy meets action, knowledge meets passion, and individuals become a movement, added Flynn.

Find more information on the VARC website here and purchase tickets here.

See the original post:

A Major New Vegan Conference Is Coming To The UK - How To Get Tickets - Plant Based News

It appears that plant-based meat isn't just for vegans and vegetarians anymore.

In an ironic shift in strategy, plant-based meat companies are planning to add a surprise ingredient to their products: animal fat.

Some of the companies are growing the fat in laboratories with hopes of combining it with other ingredients (think "extra porky" plant-based bacon). Others are taking animal byproducts from traditional meat production and blending them with plant ingredients, The Washington Post reported.

Though the market for plant-based meats looked promising in the late 2010s, unit sales dipped by 8% in 2022.

One of the barriers for plant-based meat is that it just doesn't taste enough like what it's trying to imitate. Meanwhile, consumers primarily make purchasing decisions based on cost and flavor.

"It's fundamentally difficult to make plants taste like meat," Saba Fazeli, co-founder of the startup Choppy, one of the companies incorporating fat into plant-based meat, told the Post. "I would say it's impossible."

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Meat-eating accounts for about 15% of planet-warming pollution. Going vegan is one way to help reduce this impact, but finding plant-based substitutions can be challenging, and the percentage of people who call themselves vegans or vegetarians has stayed relatively steady at about 10% over the past two decades.

That's why some advocate instead for simply reducing meat consumption. In fact, supporters of the integration of animal fat into plant-based meat see it as a way to propel their products into the mainstream.

Aside from trying animal fat-infused plant-based products, consumers can also lower their meat consumption by following the "plant slant" diet, which has been tied to longer lifespans in the world's five Blue Zones. This eating style goes heavy on beans, whole grains, and veggies while going easy on but not completely eliminating meat.

For those who do want to shift to an animal-free diet, it's not impossible. One vegan fitness buff shared a list of the least expensive and most filling plant proteins, including lentils.

Either way, the massive land requirements of the meat industry coupled with its pollution problems beg for another solution to how we get our protein, according to experts.

"The way that we produce food is unsustainable," Faraz Harsini, senior scientist for cultivated meat at the Good Food Institute, told the Post. "There have to be alternatives."

Meanwhile, the new corporate strategy for plant-based meat caused quite a stir in the r/vegan subreddit, with varied opinions. One user took a middle-of-the-road approach, saying, "Small steps should be embraced not shunned and ridiculed."

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.

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Plant-based meat companies experiment with surprising ingredient added to products: 'There have to be alternatives' - The Cool Down

INDIANAPOLIS A season defined by their fortitude became the defending state champion Lanesville Eagles greatest asset on Saturday morning.

Tested throughout the year by the absence and in-season reemergence of junior center Shelby Allen, who suffered a knee injury last spring, the top-ranked Eagles were dealt another heartbreaking blow late in the first quarter during the IHSAA Class 1A State Finals in Indianapolis.

However, instead of letting the setback crush their repeat hopes, the Eagles (29-1) banded together to overcome 11 lead changes and five ties to defeat fifth-ranked Marquette Catholic, 51-43, and become the first back-to-back Class 1A champion since 2019.

Up 11-10 against Marquette Catholic (24-5) inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lanesville guard Hadley Crosier, a projected Indiana Junior All-Star, pivoted under the basket and immediately dropped to the court, screaming out in pain and holding her right knee.

Crosier, the teams leading scorer, had four points, two assists and two steals before being helped off the court with 1 minute, 27 seconds left in the first quarter.

The shock hit the Eagles sideline, but with Allens injury and other adversities already dealt with this season, Lanesville adjusted quickly, as Crosier cheered on her team from the bench while wiping tears from her eyes and crutches nearby.

The kind of team that we have, you just saw up there. They have faced adversity this entire year, Lanesville head coach Angie Hinton said.

Our message in the locker room at halftime was that you faced adversity all year long. This is just one more day. I had confidence in these kids.

The Eagles led 27-26 by halftime following a pair of first half ties. The Marquette Catholic Blazers (24-5) jumped out fast with a 9-3 run to start the game behind three consecutive 3-pointers by freshman Marissa Pleasant, who finished with 13 points on 4 of 9 shooting.

A Crosier layup cut into the early deficit, 9-5, before Allen took control in the paint en route to a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds.

Allen was sidelined this season until mid-December with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but the 6-foot-1 big returned to compete in 16 games prior to the State Finals.

With Crosier out the remainder of the title game, Allen hit her stride, while the Lanesville defense found a way to disrupt the Blazers, which won the rebounding battle 41-21 but lost the turnover tussle 24-9.

I thought we were in it. It was a one-possession game for most of the game there, and I thought our kids battled hard, Blazers head coach Katie Collignon said. Just down the stretch, we had some costly turnovers, didnt hit our shots and their free throws really helped them late. Those mistakes ended up in a situation where youre down five and you cant claw back with about a minute to go. Im proud of my girls effort. They were tough and resilient as they always are, but I think this one stung a little bit more than we imagined.

Sophomore Laniah Davis, who was averaging 20 points per game, struggled early on, but in the second quarter she scored 10 straight points to pull the margin within one possession entering halftime. She finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and three steals.

By the end of the third quarter, the Blazers led 33-31, holding the Eagles scoreless from the field (0-for-8). A pair of foul shots by junior Hylton Brumley kept the Eagles from getting shut out, but in the fourth, a clutch 3-pointer by senior Emma Davis broke the games final tie, 38-35.

We just knew we were all going to have to step up. Hadleys really good with her jump shot. Shes real good getting to the basket, but we found other ways to score. Shelby inside, shes a beast, Brumley said. We had to step up, state championship game. We werent going to lose it, and we were going to do everything we could.

Crosier averaged 15.8 ppg for the Eagles this season, and defensively, Lanesville limited their opponents to 33.5 points allowed.

Marquette Catholic pulled within one possession of reclaiming the lead four times late in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles combination of Davis (5 points), Allen and Brumley (15 points), who shot 5 of 6 from the free-throw line in the final minute, cushioned their advantage.

The Blazers shot 44 percent in the first quarter and 50 percent in the second, but those numbers dipped to 25 and 31.3 percent in the second half due to Lanesvilles zone and Marquette Catholics mounting turnovers.

Its almost like we beat ourselves. Those possessions down the stretch. We didnt finish, Collignon said. Those are the toughest losses to take. You think, if we hang on to that ball, dont turn it over there, make that extra pass. What if? Thats the hardest thing to do at the end of the season. Not to say we were actually beaten, but we beat ourselves.

The Blazers had three players in double figures, including junior Livia Balling with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Marquette Catholic was the last Class 1A team to repeat in 2018 and 2019. With Crosier out the last three quarters, the Blazers nearly prevented the Eagles repeat, but Lanesville found inspiration through experience.

In practice every day, we compete against each other, and we give them so many things to do so that when an offense breaks down, they know how to go make a play, Hinton said. We certainly did make some plays, and even though Hadley wasnt able to be on the floor, she has been that leader in practice every day. They had to go against her defense.

Having to take her off the floor was losing a very important piece to everything we do on both ends of the court, but I just felt like those kids knew what to do. We just had to make some adjustments to let it work for them.

The Eagles, in turn, worked together to secure their 13th straight state tournament victory, 57th win in 60 contests overall and third state championship in coach Hintons 18th season overall (sixth at Lanesville). Hinton led 4A New Albany to the state title in 1999.

I dont think a lot of people get to know when their last game is going to be, so to get to know that is unimaginable. But to be able to do it with us four (seniors) and the girls that weve been playing with for a long time means a lot to us four. Just to be able to finish with something this big and make history, said Lanesville senior Ava Kerr, who had two points and six steals.

The key was composure, going 11 of 15 from the free-throw line in the second half and logging 19 total steals as a team.

When Hadley went down that was a tough emotional situation for all of us. We had to be very careful as coaches how we handled that because I had to keep the confidence of my team because I really believed in my team, Hinton said. But then your heart is breaking for a kid on the bench. To have an injury like that was really, really tough. I had to really dig deep down to keep everything consistent, calm and cool. Weve taken a lot of hits this year, but no bigger hit than we took today. But the kids stepped up.

Crosier, who suffered a probable anterior cruciate ligament tear, hugged almost every Eagle after the final horn sounded.

I was on the bench, and I started feeling sorry for myself, and I was like, these girls are doing this, and I cant think about me because this is for everybody. This is our community, Crosier said. Yeah, I went down, and I probably wont be back for a while, but these girls, I just couldnt be any prouder.

Class 1A State Championship Records

Most Steals: (Tied) 19 by Lanesville vs. Marquette Catholic.

Lanesville's Ava Kerr earns Roy Mental Attitude Award

Following the game, members of the IHSAA Executive Committee named Ava Kerr of Lanesville Jr.-Sr. High School as the winner of the Patricia L. Roy Mental Attitude Award in Class 1A Girls Basketball.

The award is presented annually to a senior participant in each classification who was nominated by her principal and coach and has demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability.

Ava carries a 3.8 GPA, serves as senior class president, president of the Student Council and is a member of the National Honor Society.

A four-year letterwinner in basketball and a starter the last two seasons, Ava also has been a four-year member of the Eagles' volleyball and softball teams.

She is the daughter of Christine and Kevin Kerr of Lanesville, IN and plans to attend Indiana University Southeast to study Nursing.

The Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers, the presenting sponsors of the IHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament, presented a $1,000 scholarship to the general scholarship fund at Lanesville Jr.-Sr. High School in the name of Ava Kerr.

The award is named in honor of the late former IHSAA assistant commissioner Patricia L. Roy, who oversaw the girls basketball state tournament from its inception in 1976 until her retirement in 1999.

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Lanesville overcomes loss of top scorer to win second straight title | Indiana High School Athletic Association - IHSAA

In the midst of a season that has seen its fair share of twists, turns, and heart-stopping moments, the landscape of college basketball remains as exhilarating and unpredictable as ever. As teams across the nation jockey for position, the stories of ambition, resilience, and sheer talent continue to unfold on the hardwood floors of arenas big and small. Among these, certain teams have risen to the forefront, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. Notably, UConn and Purdue have emerged as formidable contenders, each with their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations for national championship glory. But as history has shown us, in the realm of college basketball, it's not just about the talent on the roster; it's about motivation, depth, experience, and the ability to seize the moment when it counts.

In a recent showcase of dominance, the Auburn Tigers decimated South Carolina with a historic win, boasting a final score of 101-61. The team's exceptional shooting performance, with 61.0% from the field, 60.0% from the 3-point range, and 89.5% from the free throw line, underscored a night of near-perfect execution. Coach Bruce Pearl, in his post-game reflections, lauded the team's outstanding display, a sentiment echoed as Auburn ascended from No. 14 to No. 9 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings. With eyes set on their upcoming face-off against Kentucky at Neville Arena, Auburn enters as 10-point favorites, a testament to their rising prominence and the palpable buzz of anticipation among their supporters.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Mercy Titans have scripted their own narrative of hope and perseverance. Breaking free from the shackles of a 27-game losing streak, the Titans clinched their first win of the season against IUPUI with an 81-66 victory. Despite a challenging season that tested the limits of their resolve, the win, celebrated as a significant milestone, saw fans storming the court in jubilation. As 5.5-point favorites, their triumph not only marks a turning point but also ignites a spark of optimism for the battles that lie ahead, with Fort Wayne next in their sights.

The stories of UConn, Purdue, Auburn, and Detroit Mercy underscore a critical facet of college basketball - the unpredictability and the sheer competitiveness of the game. Yet, beneath the surface of these narratives lies a deeper truth about the ingredients for success in this high-stakes environment. Motivation, depth, and experience stand out as pivotal elements that can propel teams to greatness or serve as stumbling blocks to their aspirations.

As teams navigate the treacherous waters of the season, the importance of a deep bench cannot be overstated. Injuries, fatigue, and strategic adjustments call for a roster that can adapt and thrive under pressure. Moreover, the experience of having been through the crucible of high-pressure games equips teams with the mental fortitude necessary to face the challenges of the tournament. Finally, motivation, often stemming from a blend of leadership, culture, and the hunger for victory, can be the catalyst that transforms potential into performance.

As the season progresses, the anticipation builds, not just for the fans but for every team with dreams of cutting down the nets in April. The standings across various conferences, from the CAA to the Mountain-West Conference, reflect a mosaic of potential championship contenders, each with their own story of triumphs, defeats, and unrelenting ambition. With team records, win-loss percentages, and upcoming games painting a picture of a fiercely competitive landscape, the road to the national championship remains fraught with uncertainty and excitement.

In the end, the journey of college basketball this season is a testament to the power of sports to inspire, unite, and captivate. The tales of UConn, Purdue, Auburn, and Detroit Mercy, each with their unique challenges and triumphs, remind us that beyond the stats and scores lies the heart of the game - the players, the teams, and the communities that rally behind them. As the season unfolds, the only certainty is the promise of more unforgettable moments, the kind that only college basketball can deliver.

Originally posted here:
College Basketball 2024: Rise of Top Teams and the Power of Motivation, Depth, and Experience - BNN Breaking

Theres a clear distinction between being a good person and being an awesome person.

The difference lies in actions. A good person does whats right, but an awesome person goes the extra mile, leaving a lasting positive impact on everyone around them.

Lets dive in and find out what it takes to be truly awesome!

Its not about being nosy or trying to dig up gossip. Its about caring, about wanting to understand where another person is coming from, their experiences, and their perspectives.

These people often ask thoughtful questions and listen intently to the answers. They remember details from previous conversations and follow up on them later. They make you feel seen and heard.

Ill never forget a friend of mine who embodied this behavior. Lets call him Jack.

Jack was someone who always had a smile on his face. He radiated positivity, even when things were tough.

One day, we were stuck in a rainstorm during a camping trip. Instead of complaining about the wet and cold, Jack laughed and said it was an adventure. He started singing songs and making shadow puppets on the tent wall.

His positive attitude was infectious. Even in that miserable situation, we all ended up laughing and having fun.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Its a cornerstone of being human and vital in forming meaningful connections.

In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers found that people who display empathy are viewed more positively by others. Theyre seen as more caring, more trustworthy, and overall, more awesome.

Theyre lifelong learners who are always seeking to expand their knowledge and improve themselves.

Theyre the ones who are always reading new books, taking up new hobbies, or exploring new ideas. Theyre not afraid to ask questions and admit when they dont know something.

Their thirst for knowledge isnt just about self-improvement; its about understanding the world around them better. They know that the more they learn, the more they can contribute to conversations, help others, and make informed decisions.

Its about sticking to your moral and ethical principles, even when no one is watching.

Awesome people are the ones you can trust. Theyre honest, reliable and they keep their promises. If they say they will do something, you can bet they will follow through.

Integrity isnt about being perfect. Its about owning up to mistakes, making amends and learning from them.

Theyre the ones who will stop and help you pick up a pile of dropped papers, or offer their seat to someone in need on a crowded bus. Theyre the ones who see someone struggling and step in to lend a helping hand.

Their acts of kindness might not always be grand gestures. Often, theyre small, everyday actions that show their compassion and consideration for others. It shows they value kindness over convenience, and people over tasks.

Life is full of ups and downs.

A few years ago, I was hit with a series of setbacks that left me feeling defeated. It was a difficult time, but it was also a time when I learned the true value of resilience.

They dont let setbacks define them. Instead, they use these experiences as stepping stones to grow stronger and wiser.

They face challenges head-on, and even when they fall, they get back up and keep moving forward. Their ability to bounce back and maintain their optimism in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

Theyre quick to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of others, and theyre never shy about expressing their gratitude.

Whether its a simple thank you to a waiter, a heartfelt compliment to a colleague, or a note of thanks to a friend, they make sure people know their efforts are noticed and valued.

They understand that appreciation can make someones day better, boost their self-esteem, and even inspire them to continue doing great work.

Authenticity requires courage and self-awareness. Its about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and being unapologetically yourself.

Living authentically means that theyre genuine in their actions and words. Theyre not pretending to be someone theyre not just to fit in or please others.

One thing is clear: being awesome is not an accident. Its a choice, a constant decision to be kind, considerate, and genuine.

Keep in mind, awesomeness isnt always about big, grand gestures. Its found in the small acts of kindness, the times we choose understanding over judgement, and in the moments we courageously stay true to ourselves.

So go ahead, choose awesomeness. Not just for others, but for yourself too. Because in the end, being awesome is simply about being the best version of you.

In this age of information overload and pressure to meet others expectations, many struggle to connect with their core purpose and values. Its easy to lose your inner compass.

Jeanette Brown created this free values discovery PDF to help clarify your deepest motivations and beliefs. As an experienced life coach and self-improvement teacher, Jeanette guides people through major transitions by realigning them with their principles.

Her uniquely insightful values exercises will illuminate what inspires you, what you stand for, and how you aim to operate. This serves as a refreshing filter to tune out societal noise so you can make choices rooted in what matters most to you.

With your values clearly anchored, youll gain direction, motivation and the compass to navigate decisions from your best self rather than fleeting emotion or outside influences.

Stop drifting without purpose. Rediscover what makes you come alive with Jeanette Browns values clarity guide.

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If someone displays these 9 behaviors, they're a really awesome person - Hack Spirit