December 30, 2020
Last winter I fell into a rut. Rather then enjoying life’s many blessings, I was simply trying to get through my daily routine: work, home, work, more work at home. My relationships felt off; I was unsatisfied by work and on many days, uncomfortable in my own skin. I prayed for wisdom. I prayed for strength. It is exhausting to be frustrated and uninspired.The yoga studio I had been attending advertised a class to start in the New Year: “Transform Your Life” was an introduction to a new way of living. I friend of mine and I decided to join. Every Tuesday night in January and February we joined 4 women and our teacher in the studio, to share, grow, and nourish body and soul. We became friends, journaled, were reminded to love ourselves and cherish our unique gifts. The class was more than I had hoped, and provided the jump-start I had so longed for. By March, I had engaged in intense self-study and knew for the first time in my adult life, how to build myself up. I felt whole and so happy.Many of my work colleagues and others would twist their lips in doubt as I discussed my class and the blessings that had been revealed on my yoga mat with new friends. My husband listened skeptically as I explained how I wanted to live each day with purpose, intention, placing an emphasis on what I needed to feel connected – quite time, time to pray, write, study.The yoga studio that hosted the class, Uttara, has been in downtown Roanoke for two years. Our teacher is the studio owner, and my friend, Jill Loftis.A few weeks ago when I decided to write about being a fish out of water, about people who inspire us to go beyond and become our best selves, Jill was the first person who came to mind.
Jill has been practicing yoga for over 10 years, and started her teacher training program in 2005. She shares her love for the practice, and her love of others with the same veracity and spirit.When I asked Jill what lesson yoga has taught her that has most shaped who she is, she explained that now, because of yoga, she knows what makes her feel healthy and strong, as well as what makes her life feel dull and uninspired. Her practice has even changed the way she thinks about the world and its daily struggles. Yoga helps Jill to step away from the craziness and find ways to detach from it. She explains her practice gives her power over her mind, and the desire “to step away from it and find this endless peace and stillness.”While her explanation may not be familiar to everyone, the goal certainly is. How can we as people, focus on what really matters, and not be pulled into endless worry and drama of daily life?Jill explains (and I whole heartedly agree) that once you’ve gotten a glimpse of a life of peace, that stillness and realize that it is not outside of you, you will have a greater understanding of who you are and why you are here.All that from a yoga class?In my experience, yoga can remind you of that desire to lead a more purposeful life, and once the seed has been planted, change can happen.For those who have never practiced before, or even entered a studio, Jill encourages you to “try a few different classes and instructors.” She compares yoga classes to ice cream wherein “all the flavors are delicious, you just have to find what kind makes you happy. Maybe you like slow, quiet, meditative yoga; maybe you like to rock out with an intense, sweaty class that blasts Bruce Springsteen. Either class will take you where you want to go.”Sounds delicious.And what will you need to start? Jill insists you don’t have “to be a natural rubber band to practice,” or have the right gear. “You don’t even need to have a ton of time, or start the practice when you are young,” she explains.She advises that people who are interested and curious not to be afraid; “Start your practice NOW and whatever shape you’re in, whatever age you are, your strength and flexibility will improve.”And really, so much more could improve as well. If a weekly yoga practice can help a stubborn lawyer like me focus on what really matters, my faith, my family, my purpose, I think the practice can be a blessing to anyone with an open heart or willing spirit. And if you really want to learn from Jill’s years of practice and wisdom, you can Transform Your Life with her new class this fall. Call the studio today or visit online at www.uttarayogastudio.com.
Or, just stop by your local studio and attend a few classes. I know I am so grateful I did.
People in Charlottesville, Virginia and surrounding Albemarle County areas are mourning the loss of a legendary local ‘Running Man’ named Phillip Weber.Weber, recognized for long hours spent pounding the pavement and logging miles on local trails, was pronounced dead yesterday morning after being struck by a passing motorist during a routine run on Ivy Road.Police say the investigation into the crash that killed Charlottesville’s beloved ‘Running Man’ is ongoing, but the driver who was operating the 2001 Isuzu Trooper that struck and ultimately killed Weber has not been charged. Heavy fog has been cited as a reason for the accident.According to WVIR NBC29, Weber routinely logged as much as 5,000 miles a year and more than 125,000 miles during the course of his lifetime—a distance equivalent to five trips around the globe.
He lived alone in a residence along Jefferson Park Avenue, but his near constant running habit brought Weber local celebrity status.“It’s ironic because Phillip was probably the most public runner in our local running world, but he had an intensely private personality,” said Mark Lorenzoni, owner of the Ragged Mountain Running shop, himself a well-known figure in the Charlottesville running community.“Myself and others have been watching him run around the area for close to thirty years now. I’ve always been amazed not only by how much he was running, but by the weather conditions that he braved while logging his miles. There were days when it would be twenty degrees, and the ‘Running Man’ was out there in nothing but a pair of shorts.”Billy Catron is Phillip Weber’s brother-in-law. He has been acting as the intermediary between Weber’s family and the media since the story of his death began to rock Charlotteville early Tuesday morning.
“Philip was largely a solitary man,” Catron said in an email to Blue Ridge Outdoors. “We as his family rarely saw him, but from all the emails and social media messages I have received, it seems that few people knew him well or knew him beyond his ‘Running Man’ persona.”According to Lorenzoni it was Weber’s private nature that led to the running community’s fascination with him.“He was probably Charlottesville’s most beloved and recognizable running figure, but no one really knew him personally,” he said. “We are all terribly saddened by the loss of the ‘Running Man’ and inspired by the amazing life he lived.”
De Blasio said any decision about New York would be taken in consultation with state Governor Andrew Cuomo.New York’s restaurants and bars were ordered closed this week, except for takeout, and the city’s large public schools system is also shuttered as officials scramble to slow the spread of COVID-19.The virus has claimed seven lives in New York City, with confirmed cases at 814, according to officials. New York’s mayor said Tuesday the city’s 8.6 million inhabitants should prepare for being ordered to stay at home at any moment within the next 48 hours to help contain the coronavirus pandemic.Bill de Blasio told reporters that a decision had not been made but that New Yorkers could soon be confined to their residences, barring any essential travel. “I think that all New Yorkers should be prepared right now for the possibility of a ‘shelter-in-place’ order,” the mayor said. “I think we have to come to that decision in the next 48 hours,” he added, without specifying what exactly the order would look like.His comments came a day after San Francisco’s mayor announced a “remain-in-place” order restricting millions of Californians to their homes except for basic needs.Also Monday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced he was limiting the movements of residents of the state in a bid to contain the outbreak.He said “all non-essential and non-emergency travel” between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am was “strongly discouraged.”
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Gary Neville slams ‘poor player’ Sokratis Papastathopoulos after Arsenal draw at Watford Advertisement Phil HaighMonday 16 Sep 2019 8:04 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link24Shares Comment
Sokratis Papastathopoulos has come in for some serious criticism (Picture: AMA/Getty Images)Gary Neville has not held back on his criticism of Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos after his mistake led to Watford’s first goal in the 2-2 Premier League draw on Sunday.The Greek centre-back was attempting to play out from the back from a goal kick when his pass was diverted into the path of Tom Cleverley by Gerard Deulofeu.Cleverley calmly slotted past Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno to reduce Watford’s deficit to 2-1, before Roberto Pereyra scored from the penalty spot after he was clumsily felled in the box by David Luiz.Neville thinks that the standard of defending at Arsenal means that they have not moved on since Unai Emery took over as manager last summer, and has singled out Sokratis for particular criticism.AdvertisementAdvertisementADVERTISEMENT‘Arsenal are trying to come out of the Arsene Wenger era and rid themselves of these types of games where they are exciting going forward, they can score goals, we know they’ve got good players in attacking positions,’ Neville told Sky Sports.‘But then you question their resilience, their game management, all the basic aspects of football, that they’ve not been good at for a long period of time now.‘A lot has been said about this type of thing [playing out from goal kicks], it’s just really poor play, people will point to structure, tactics, playing out from the back and whether you should split your centre-backs into these types of positions but it’s just really bad play.More: FootballRio Ferdinand urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to drop Manchester United starChelsea defender Fikayo Tomori reveals why he made U-turn over transfer deadline day moveMikel Arteta rates Thomas Partey’s chances of making his Arsenal debut vs Man City‘Every time you watch Sokratis play, or him [Luiz] they just regularly make mistakes. The best players have concentration and focus, they don’t make mistakes.‘Arsenal’s defenders always give you a chance. Watford at 2-0 down never feel for one second that they can’t get back into the game.‘I just think Sokratis is a poor player, he’s a poor player. I don’t think it’s structural, I don’t think Unai Emery’s going to change, I just think it’s poor execution.’The Gunners centre-back has openly admitted to his own mistake, believing that he cost his team the three points at Vicarage Road.‘I think that I cost the game for the team,’ Sokratis said. ‘It was my mistake for something simple that I don’t have to do.‘I think this was the problem why we lose the three points. I apologised because I cost the game for the team and I have to work harder.’MORE: David Luiz has never had any of the qualities Arsenal need, says Tony CascarinoMORE: Tom Cleverley was surprised Arsenal kept playing out from the back during draw against Watford Advertisement
Quade ready to let go — at any cost Ray White New Farm principal Matt Lancashire has gone to some extreme lengths to sell property, from riding a horse to jumping in pools in his suitThe house at 78 Harding Street was designed by Base Architecture and built for the Boyd family by award-winning development company, Graya Construction. More from newsNoosa unit prices hit new record high as region booms: REIQ12 hours agoParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus12 hours ago The Boyds are selling their house in HendraBut with the selling season heating up, the 32-year-old fullback has signed inner-city prestige agent Matt Lancashire of Ray White New Farm to convert the listing in to a sale.And Mr Lancashire is confident of a win.“This home takes inner city family living to new heights,” he said. RELATED: Darius Boyd’s next big project revealed Rugby league star offloads luxury house Mr Lancashire said the property “will sell” via an expressions of interest campaign.The first open house is scheduled for 10am to 10.30am tomorrow. Located in Hendra, which is fast becoming one of the city’s most sought-after millionaire suburbs, the striking residence sits on a 650 sqm block. Also on this floor is the dedicated media room with projector, a powder room and a two-car garage.Other features include oak flooring, timber ceilings and original woodwork, plus contemporary touches of stone, marble and European tiles. Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:50Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:50 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD432p432p216p216p180p180pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenNRL stars tackling the property game00:50BRISBANE Broncos skipper Darius Boyd has made a captain’s call, trading real estate agents in a bid to sell his multimillion-dollar home.The architecturally-designed stunner, which is owned by Boyd and his social media influencer wife Kayla, was listed with another agency earlier this year, but failed to sell. MORE NEWS: Inside the most expensive house for sale in the US Spread over two vast levels, the house has four bedrooms including a huge master suite that is separated from the three other first floor bedrooms by a bridge and voids.It has a walk-in robe and a large ensuite.There is also a study and a family bathroom located on the first floor.It is on the ground floor that you will find the living areas, including the dining area, kitchen and living space, which opens on to an outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen, sunken lounge, decks and pool. “We have already reached out to our extensive database, had some interested parties through the house, and received significant interest from people who want to inspect it,” Mr Lancashire said.“They include local Brisbane buyers and interstate and overseas buyers.“I did 19 transactions last quarter, and six were bought by people from overseas and interstate so there is still buyers looking for this type of high-end property in the Brisbane market.”Mr Lancashire said its location was also a drawcard for buyers looking to shift from other prestige suburbs like Ascot.“Hendra is quiet, close to the airport, has wide, tree-lined streets, is low density with low traffic, good schools and its family friendly,” he said.“In my opinion, Hendra is the suburb to watch.”
MarineEnergy.biz has compiled the top news from marine energy industry from July 9 – 15, 2018.Generator fault prompts MeyGen tidal retrievalSIMEC Atlantis Energy has announced plans to retrieve two of the four installed MeyGen tidal turbines following diagnosis of a generator fault by the onboard monitoring systems.The project operators plan to retrieve two of the Andritz Hammerfest Hydro (AHH) turbines during this month for inspection and maintenance by the turbine supplier, SIMEC Atlantis informed.The turbines, both of which are covered under warranty, will be inspected onshore and, subject to confirmation of the fault diagnosis, the repairs are expected to be completed within approximately two months.PLAT-I nears Canadian destinationSustainable Marine Energy’s PLAT-I tidal energy platform is currently sailing across the Atlantic towards Canada where it will be deployed in the area boasting the world’s most extreme tides – the Bay of Fundy.The disassembled platform, which has been broken down into road-transportable modules, left the Port of Liverpool on the Atlantic Sky container ship bound for Province of Nova Scotia.The Atlantic Sky is set to arrive to Halifax at 5 pm on July 15, 2018, according to the information provided by VesselFinder.Tidal ‘old lady’ still powers third of Guernsey islandOperating for over 50 years, the Rance tidal power plant – located in the estuary of the Rance River in France – has in 2017 supplied close to third of total energy consumed by the island of Guernsey’s residents.Built in 1966 as the world’s first tidal power station, the Rance Tidal Power Station operates by using the barrage to build up a reservoir to create a difference in the height levels of water, in order to release it twice a day through 24 turbines.Through an agreement with EDF, the sole commercial electricity supplier on Guernsey island – Guernsey Electricity – has been using the clean electricity produced by the Rance tidal plant delivered to the island through a 60MW subsea cable.According to the utility, the electricity delivered via the cable has in 2017 met 86% of the island’s electricity demand – with 53% coming from nuclear sources, and 33% from the tidal barrage on river Rance.The remaining electricity was generated on island, Guernsey Electricity said.DesignPro device optimization pushes back SEENEOH splashIrish company DesignPro Renewables has rescheduled the deployment of its device at the French testing site SEENEOH to accommodate additional improvements on the device expected to be completed before fall this year.The company will now install the 25kW device at the site in the French city of Bordeaux in September 2018, as opposed to the previously planned installation that was set for March.The extra time, according to design DesignPro, will be spent on the optimization of the device and deployment plans.Ocean current turbine demo scores moreA small-scale tidal current turbine demonstrator – being developed by Spanish Seaplace and UK’s Magnomatics – has achieved one third more efficiency during testing than had been previously predicted.A 6kW turbine demonstrator, with rotational speeds of up to 120 ppm, was recently tested at a facility in Madrid, where it achieved better results than anticipated, the developers said.The project is looking to harness the power of sea currents as an alternative energy source by designing a turbine with pseudo direct drive (PDD) technology to deliver high torque, low speed power for the machine.
Despite ongoing resilience planning in the UK, concerns have arisen about the level of preparedness of the wider logistics sector and the possible impact of a ‘no-deal’ on the economy.British Ports Association raised concerns following the publication of the Government’s Brexit economic impact assessments. This week also saw the UK Prime Minister introduce measures in Parliament allowing for a possible short extension of the Brexit Article 50 deadline.Commenting on the developments in Westminster and following a meeting with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Ports and Shipping Minister Nusrat Ghani to discuss ports’ Brexit preparedness,“These are unprecedented times and the level of Government emergency planning in our sector is cranking up. We would hope that all parts of Government are working together and sharing information when it comes to resilience planning,” the British Ports Association’ Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne said.He added that Local Resilience Forums are key organisations in bringing together commercial operators and public agencies to ensure that all are working together and with the same understanding.In attempts to avoid post-Brexit disruption, Government officials have made a laudable effort to put in place pragmatic processes that will help mitigate disruption in a ‘no-deal’ scenario but the wider impact assessments released by the Government include some stark warnings about the economy.“If the economy slows down, people and businesses buy, build, manufacture and invest less which typically leads to a slow down in trade. There are also concerns that the wider logistics industry and traders might not be ready and we welcome moves to allow them to prepare,” according to Ballantyne.The Government’s Brexit impact assessment estimates that the UK economy would be between 6.3% to 9% smaller, with significant variation across the UK, in the long term in a no-deal scenario.Regarding a Drewry study published on the matter, Ballantyne said that the study shows there is certainly resilience in UK-EU short sea market “but it highlights that while many of the Government’s mitigation measures should help Roll-on Roll-off ferry traffic flow, some of these customs arrangements and systems are untested.”“It also demonstrates that potential traffic peaks could need to be managed underlining the importance of the regional resilience planning exercises.”
read also:Ronaldo’s penalty double edges Juve closer to title in Atalanta draw “We already invited the fan to our training ground, you’ll see when you find out who he was…” explained Gasperini. “It has nothing to do with me, I have friends all over the country, and you’ll see it is nothing to do with Atalanta either.” FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Atalanta coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has dismissed the controversy over a member of staff after their draw with Juventus. The club’s team manager was caught on camera insulting a Napoli fan by calling him ‘terrone’ – an insulting term for those from the South of Italy. An investigation has been opened into the situation, which could see Atalanta and the team manager fined.Advertisement Loading…
RelatedPosts Suarez agrees Atletico terms Simeone tests positive for coronavirus Griezmann handed Barca’s no. 7 shirt Atletico Madrid substitute Alvaro Morata scored a late second half header to give his team a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. The win sent them top of their UEFA Champions League Group D. In a game of few chances and many mistakes, neither team came close to breaking the deadlock before Morata scored. He did this with a powerful downward header from a Renan Lodi cross in the 78th minute. The goal gave the hosts a major boost for a top-two finish and a spot in the knockout stages. The Spaniards, unbeaten now in three group games, are on seven points, three ahead of Italy’s Juventus, who played against third-placed Lokomotiv Moscow later on Tuesday. The Germans, without a point, are in last place and all but eliminated in the run for a spot in the last 16. Atletico, who have now failed to score during the first half in their last six UEFA Champions League matches, lacked spark and intensity in the first half, with Leverkusen in control in midfield. The visitors gradually started finding pockets of space with Kevin Volland and Kerem Demirbay but they also were missing the final pass. Lodi completed a quickfire move with a fine first touch and shot to test Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky in a rare Atletico attack in the first half. The game picked up the pace after the break, with the hosts becoming more aggressive and Diego Costa in front of goal narrowly missing to connect with a Kieran Trippier cross. Morata did it better in the 78th when he headed in Lodi’s cross for the winner. Reuters/NAN.Tags: Alvaro MorataAtletico MadridBayer Leverkusen
Press Association With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set for a spell on the sidelines because of a hamstring injury, Walcott could come into contention against West Ham on Saturday. “It is an opportunity. Theo is ready now to play games, but when a player has been out for a year, when he comes back he always thinks he is ready,” said Wenger. “When you speak to him three weeks later and ask him if he thinks he really was ready three weeks earlier, he says, ‘now I realise, no’. “I have been holding him back because he has been out for a long time and for the fact there is intense competition (in the side).” Asked if players had to accept now that they cannot always start, Wenger said: “They know that, we all know that. You know it, I know it.” Captain Mikel Arteta is another player Arsenal intend to hold onto, but will not offer the 32-year-old Spaniard more than a one-season extension as line with club policy. “Nothing is done yet,” said Wenger. “I don’t know what he wants more than one year – ideally he wants 10 years, but no, he will not get more than one year anyway.” Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to be sidelined for around a month, which rules him out of the contention England’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley on March 27 and the friendly with Italy in Turin four days later, along with Jack Wilshere who is recovering from minor ankle surgery. The 21-year-old had just returned to the side from a groin injury, and impressed against United, helping to set up Arsenal’s opening goal at Manchester United as they reached the FA Cup semi-finals. Wenger, though, feels Oxlade-Chamberlain can recover. “We are always tempted to play him because he even if he is not completely fit, he has that surge of power, naturally, that even if you think he will not last 90 minutes he can still make a difference,” the Arsenal boss added. Walcott, 25, has spent the last few games watching from the bench as he is eased back from a year out after a serious knee injury. Wenger still has every faith in the former Southampton starlet, who joined Arsenal in January 2006 and is the club’s longest-serving player, but insists everyone has to earn their spot in the starting XI. “The first contacts have been established with the embassy. We will see how that (negotiations) progresses politically,” said Wenger. “Walcott was difficult to convince (in 2013) and that is why it took us much time. “We have started very early with him, but it was slow progress – he is very quick on the pitch, but off the pitch not always.” Wenger continued: “I always wanted to keep him and I still want to keep him now. “I want him to stay and be a regular player and fight for his place, but no matter where you go if it is a big club you have to compete for your place. “We went to Manchester United on Monday night – look at what they had on the bench, look at what was sitting on the bench at Chelsea versus Paris St Germain on Wednesday night, that is part of the job.” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants Theo Walcott to stay at Arsenal for the long-term – but warned there can be no guarantees of a first-team place for anyone. Negotiations have started, albeit moving slowly, over the prospect of a new contract extension, with the England forward’s current £90,000-a-week deal not set to expire until the summer of 2016. The landscape now, however, is much different to the last time the club were looking to secure Walcott’s future in what turned out to be a protracted saga before he eventually signed in January 2013, with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and fellow England colleague Danny Welbeck also now on board. 
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