Vermont State Parks announces renewable energy innovation challenge
At the Sunward solar manufacturing facility in Winooski today, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) and Governor Jim Douglas kicked off a new initiative offering Vermont companies the opportunity to demonstrate their newest renewable energy and energy conservation products in the Vermont State Park system.The new initiative—dubbed the Vermont State Parks Innovation Challenge—is an opportunity for Vermont’s energy companies to connect with park visitors, and benefit from the Vermont State Parks brand, while making a contribution to an important state resource.Sunward, one of Vermont’s premier solar hot water companies, will be the first official innovation partner. All told, the company will donate a solar hot water system with an 80 gallon storage tank and a timber frame ground mount option, with a total retail value of approximately $11,000.“As you well know, Vermont is on the forefront of the green economy and a leader in the pursuit of 21st Century solutions that grow the economy and create good jobs,” said Governor Jim Douglas. “Vermont has always been a home for innovation. This initiative continues that tradition.”Forests, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jason Gibbs said the Vermont State Parks Innovation Challenge combines Vermont’s ongoing investments in growing the green economy and workforce development with the state’s reputation as a leader in natural resource management. “The Vermont State Parks Innovation Challenge is a unique opportunity to build a partnership that further encourages growth in this economic sector and inspires innovation in Vermont’s green industry,” Gibbs said. Sunward president and CEO Joe Perrotto said his company is delighted to be the first official partner in this initiative. “Using Vermont State Parks as venues for demonstration offers companies a comparative advantage in the production and marketing of their products that they can’t get from other demonstration sites,” Perrotto said. “It is also a great way for companies to make a contribution to one of our state’s most valuable, and most popular, assets.”BENEFITS OF THE PARTNERSHIPCommissioner Gibbs said companies with demonstration projects in any one of Vermont’s 52 state parks will benefit from:· The power of the State of Vermont’s and Vermont State Park brands;· On site branding opportunities and passive access to park visitors;· Earned media; and· Access to the park(s) for demonstration and promotion of the product to prospective customers, as well as for video and photography. HOW DO COMPANIES APPLY?Companies interested in applying to have their products showcased in a Vermont State Park must send a product summary and proposal to parks@state.vt.us(link sends e-mail) or by snail mail to:Vermont State Parks Innovation ChallengeC/O Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation103 South Main St.Waterbury, VT 05671-0601ABOUT SUNWARD SOLARSunward is a US company, headquartered in Vermont, and is an affiliate of Country Home Products. For over 25 years, Country Home Products has been designing and manufacturing hard-working, long-lasting, purpose-built tools to help people get the most enjoyment from the places they call home.Sunward™ is a company that was started to fill a void. Homeowners were desperately looking for more efficient, planet-friendly and cost-saving ways to deal with their energy. And solar hot water made perfect sense. Yet, no company had connected the dots for homeowners. Until Sunward. For more information, visit www.gosunward.com(link is external)###Jason GibbsCommissionerDepartment of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Total forms joint venture with Adani Group to target India’s renewable energy market FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint分享Nikkei Asian Review:French energy supermajor Total has invested more than 37 billion rupees ($487 million) to form a renewable power joint venture with India’s Adani Group. The deal, finalized Tuesday, splits the ownership 50-50 between Total and the Indian conglomerate’s Adani Green Energy unit.The French company is pursuing clean energy amid the global push toward lower carbon dioxide emissions. Despite India’s current nationwide lockdown, Total sees demand for renewables growing in the long run as the government tackles air pollution.The joint venture takes over Adani’s solar projects, which span 11 Indian states and field a total power generating capacity of roughly 2 gigawatts. Through the partnership with Total, Adani plans to expand all renewable energy capacity, including solar, to 25 GW by 2025.The Indian government seeks to double renewable energy output to 175 GW in 2022, up from 86 GW as of November 2019. New Delhi targets capacity of 450 GW in the long term, focusing on solar energy.More: France’s Total invests $500m in India renewables with Adani Group
August 1, 2005 LAWS Regular News Pursuant to Standing Board Policy 1.60, the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar hereby publishes this notice of intent to consider or take final action at its August 26 meeting on the following items. These matters are additionally governed by Rule 1-12.1, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, where applicable. Most amendments to the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar that are finally acted upon by the board must still be formally presented to the Supreme Court of Florida, with further notice and opportunity to be heard, before they are officially approved and become effective. To receive a full copy of the text of any of these proposed amendments call (850)561-5751 — reference any requested proposal by its title or item number and date of this publication. RULES REGULATING THE FLORIDA BAR Chapter 2 Bylaws of The Florida Bar Subchapter 2-7 Sections 1. Bylaw 2-7.3 Creation of Sections and Divisions Summary: Changes the name of the “Out-Of-State Practitioners Division” to the “Out-Of-State Division.” Chapter 3 Rules of Discipline Subchapter 3-6 Employment of Certain Attorneys or Former Attorneys 2. Rule 3-6.1 General Summary: Throughout entire rule, clarifies the limitations imposed on suspended, disbarred, or disciplinary resigned attorneys when they are employed by lawyers and law firms. Subchapter 3-7 Procedures 3. Rule 3-7.2 Procedures Upon Criminal or Professional Misconduct; Discipline Upon Determination or Judgment of Guilt of Criminal Misconduct Summary: Substantial revision of existing rule: within subdivision (a), expands definition of “determination of guilt’; within subdivision (b), extends the conclusive proof of guilt provisions regarding felony cases to all criminal cases; within subdivision (c), requires a member of the bar who is arrested on felony charges to give notice of such arrest to the executive director within 10 instead of 30 days; within subdivisions (c) – (e), provides notice requirements for members, court clerks, and state attorneys regarding institution of felony charges against the member, and regarding determination or judgment of guilt of any crimes; within newly proposed subdivision (f) – current (e) – streamlines and conforms text to proposed amendments elsewhere; within newly proposed subdivision (g) – current (f) – deletes subdivisions (2) & (3) and adds that a petition to modify or terminate suspension shall not stay any suspension under this rule; deletes current subdivision (g); within newly proposed subdivision (h), adds new provisions for appointment of referee upon entry of a suspension order, and includes procedures and timelines for separate hearings on petitions to modify or terminate and petitions on sanctions; within newly proposed subdivision (i) – portions of current (h) and all of current (i) are deleted – revises current (h)(3) to clarify that a suspension remains in effect during any appeal of a criminal conviction; within newly proposed subdivision (j), revises existing provisions regarding expunction to include any disciplinary action under this rule, and to encompass criminal matters disposed by dismissal as well as acquittal; within newly proposed subdivision (k), adds that a respondent may waive the time requirements of this rule by written request and judicial approval; revises affected subdivision titles and other entries appropriately. Chapter 4 Rules of Professional Conduct Subchapter 4-1 Client-Lawyer Relationship 4. Rule 4-1.8 Conflict of Interest: Prohibited and Other Transactions Summary: Within subdivision (h), adds new language that would permit a lawyer – upon request of a potential client – to contract with the client to resolve through mandatory arbitration any malpractice claim by the client against the lawyer that may arise; sets forth required language for any such attorney-client agreement; proposed as companion to suggested amendments creating new rule 4-1.5(i). Subchapter 4-6 Public Service 5. Rule 4-6.5 Voluntary Pro Bono Plan Summary: Consistent with proposed changes in rule 2-7.3, changes the name of the Out-of-State Practitioners Division to the Out-of-State Division. Chapter 6 Legal Specialization and Education Programs Subchapter 6-1 Generally 6. Rule 6-1.2 Public Notice Summary: Consistent with court opinions and Bar committee determinations, updates the explanation of board certification for public notices in telephone directory yellow pages. Subchapter 6-22 Standards for Certification of a Board Certified Antitrust and Trade Regulation Lawyer 7. Rule 6-22.4 Recertification Summary: Within subdivision (a), adds “or trade regulation law” to certification area name consistent with headings and references elsewhere in subchapter; within subdivision (b), allows certification committee discretion whether to request samples of administrative, trial, or appellate memoranda or briefs from an applicant rather than mandating the submission of such materials. Subchapter 6-23 Standards for Certification of a Board Certified Labor and Employment Lawyer 8. Rule 6-23.3 Minimum Standards Summary: Within subdivision (c), expands qualifying experience to include service as a judge, hearing officer, arbitrator, or mediator in the 30 days’ minimum involvement in litigation and/or administrative proceedings; within subdivision (e) provides authority for the board of legal specialization and education or the labor and employment law certification committee to establish policies applicable to this rule. 9. Rule 6-23.4 Recertification Summary: Within subdivision (a), removes reference to language in 6-23.3(b) and restates that subdivision language verbatim; within subdivision (b) removes reference to rule 6-23.3(c) and restates that subdivision language verbatim, with proposed changes; within subdivision (c), adds authority for the board of legal specialization and education or the labor and employment law certification committee to establish policies applicable to this rule; also within subdivision (c), eliminates reference to rule 6-23.3(e) and restates subdivision language verbatim regarding how the education requirement may be satisfied. Chapter 10 Rules Governing the Investigation and Prosecution of the Unlicensed Practice of Law Subchapter 10-2 Definitions 10. Rule 10-2.1 Generally Summary: Within subdivision (a)(2), clarifies language regarding a person’s use of the title “paralegal” or “legal assistant.” Chapter 17 Authorized House Counsel Subchapter 17-1 Generally 11. Rule 17-1.2 Definitions Summary: Within subdivision (a)(6), rearranges wording of rule to clarify that an authorized house counsel must reside in Florida or soon relocate to Florida. Chapter 18 Military Legal Assistance Counsel Rule Subchapter 18-1 Generally 12. Rule 18-1.2 Definitions Summary: Within subdivision (a)(4), expands definition of “authorized legal assistance attorney” to also include a person who completes a resident military officer basic course which qualifies the person to be a JAG officer in their particular military service. STANDING BOARD POLICIES 500 Series – Committees, Sections and Divisions 13. Policy 5.10 Standing Committees Summary: Conforms name changes, additions, or deletions of various committees as necessary. 14. Policy 5.60 Section Budget Policies Summary: Based on suggested revisions within newly proposed SBP 5.63, deletes subdivision (f) regarding distribution of dues proceeds and redesignates subsequent subdivisions appropriately. 15. Policy 5.63 Administrative Support Policy Summary: New proposed policy for calculating the amount each section is to reimburse The Florida Bar for support services, including 80 percent of general and administrative allocation. Section charges range from $12.50 per paying member to $17.50, effective July 1, 2006. Allows in certain circumstances for support in excess of the amount collected, and for return of any excess paid if support costs are less. 600 Series – Continuing Legal Education 16. Policy 6.31 Distribution of Proceeds Summary: Changes codify the recently approved formula for distribution of CLE proceeds or losses between The Florida Bar and either co-sponsoring sections or the Out of State Practitioners Division. Effective July 1, 2005 distribution will be on a net basis after all costs, direct and indirect, have been paid. 1500 Series – Lawyer Regulation Policies 17. Policy 15.20 Recusal of Board Members Summary: Consistent with recent changes in policy 15.10, adds language within subdivision (a) to clarify that the president or presiding officer may order recusal of a board member in a disciplinary matter upon concurrence of a majority of the board; further clarifies that a recused member may not participate in any manner of discussions with any member or group of members of the board concerning the matter; adds new language stating that a recused member should not be present when the matter is being debated by the board. BLSE POLICIES 18. Policy 2.11 Exam Preparation and Administration, Applicant Misconduct Summary: Adds new subdivision (f) re applicant misconduct, stating that failure to follow staff or administrator instructions pertaining to the examination or its administration shall disqualify an applicant’s exam and application; redesignates subsequent subdivisions appropriately. 19. Policy 2.13 Applicant Review Process for Certification or Recertification Summary: Within subdivision (a), adds language to authorize area committee review and investigation of an application for certification in an area other than that overseen by the committee; also within subdivision (a), adds new language allowing applicant review by other members of the area committee or other committees in situations where a fair judgment cannot or might not be rendered due to actual or perceived conflict. 20. 300 Series – Certification Program Accreditation Summary: New proposed series of policies, to establish procedures and criteria to guide BLSE in its review and evaluation of programs and organizations that issue various board certifications to members of The Florida Bar. 3.01 Authority and Purpose 3.02 Definitions 3.03 Eligibility for Accreditation 3.04 Minimum Standards for Lawyer Certification 3.05 Minimum Standards for Lawyer Recertification 3.06 Applicant Procedural Requirements 3.07 Application for Accreditation 3.08 Evaluation Subcommittee 3.09 Evaluation Subcommittee Action 3.10 BLSE Action 3.11 Duration of Accreditation 3.12 Advertisement of Accreditation 3.13 Revocation of Accreditation 3.14 Revocation Process 3.15 Annual Renewal 3.16 Fees 3.17 Disclosure of Information BYLAWS 21. Health Law Section Summary: Within Article II (Purposes), adds a mission statement for the section; within Article IV (Executive Council) deletes outdated provisions dealing with terms of office during the section’s first year of existence after adoption of its bylaws; within Article IX (Committees) adds a Communications and Technology Committee, deletes the Substantive Law Committee, renames the Education Committee as the Education, Training and Information Committee, deletes the Nominating and Legislative Committees as full committees, and renames and reconfigures the Section Administration Committee as the Section Effectiveness Committee, to now include Nominating and Legislative Subcommittees; and within Article X (Miscellaneous) revises effective date of bylaws. 22. Tax Section Summary: Within Article VI, Section 4, changes the structure of the Federal Tax Division into five separate subdivisions and designated committees, with assistant directors who report to the division director; within Article VIII, Section 3, adds requirement that a proposed legislative position be within the scope of both Articles I and Section I of Article VIII of the section bylaws rather than one or the other. CLIENTS’ SECURITY FUND REGULATIONS 23. Regulation 14 Definition of Useful Services Summary: Revises regulation that states CSF claims “will be denied” if useful services were performed to a claimant, to read that claims “may be denied” in such instances; adds a definition of useful services. Proposed Board of Governors actions
Proposed Board of Governors actions
“I believe we were the first case that applied for review from that unit,” Mr. Horwitz said, adding that his client had been freed because of “a building snowball of exonerating evidence coming steady over the course of a very long time.” On Thursday, Joseph Webster lunched on grilled salmon, which he had longed for while spending almost 15 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. There was also steamed broccoli and Diet Coke. “It was delicious,” he said by phone on his way to a local TV news station for an interview.Mr. Webster, 41, walked out of a detention center in downtown Nashville just before 7 p.m. Tuesday, hours after a judge had agreed with a determination by the district attorney’s office that they had lost confidence in Webster’s first-degree murder conviction and had ordered it vacated. Mr. Webster had been serving a life sentence and would have been eligible for parole after serving 51 years.- Advertisement – Sunny Eaton, who runs the conviction review unit, said her office had been created in an effort to make truth-finding the central role of the prosecutor’s office. “I believe that the overwhelming feeling is one of pride to be part of a district attorney’s office that puts its money where its mouth is,” Ms. Eaton said, “and is actually transparent and takes the steps toward self-reflection and accountability and getting things right that may have been gotten wrong before.”The night he was released, Mr. Webster said, he went to his mother’s house and reunited with his four adult sons, whom he had called multiple times a week throughout his imprisonment. “My mom had cooked me a dinner, and we just caught up, and it was just unbelievable,” Mr. Webster said. “So we enjoyed the moment.”Mr. Webster was having a busy Thursday. In the morning, he was back in a courtroom petitioning a judge to return his voting rights, which may be restored after Mr. Webster resolves his court costs, Mr. Horwitz said.From there, the two went to the Tennessee Driver Services office so that Mr. Webster could obtain a new driver’s license, only to find that so much time had passed while he was in prison that he would have to retake the driving test.After doing interviews, Mr. Webster and Mr. Horwitz were planning to visit Project Return, a local organization that helps people transition from incarceration and reintegrate into society.Mr. Webster hopes to start a trucking business and drive a dump truck.“Nashville is growing so much that I just want to be part of the growth,” Mr. Webster said. “And I can contribute a little bit at a time by moving gravel and rocks.” Mr. Webster’s conviction was the first to be overturned since the Nashville District Attorney’s Office set up a unit in 2016 to review cases that might have been decided wrongfully. Members of the new unit collaborated with defense lawyers in an investigation that produced new witnesses and evidence.“We’re now in the process of helping him rebuild his life,” Mr. Webster’s lawyer, Daniel L. Horwitz, said Thursday. Witnesses testified during Mr. Webster’s trial that Mr. Owens had been attacked by two Black men driving a white station wagon, and they described one assailant as weighing roughly 160 pounds and the other perhaps 200 pounds. Mr. Webster, however, weighed 300 pounds at the time and had 12 permanently installed, very bright gold front teeth. No witnesses recalled either of the men who attacked Mr. Owens as having gold teeth.“There was evidence that made it pretty clear who committed this crime, and it was not Mr. Webster,” Mr. Horwitz said. “Two new witnesses came forward who saw the murder and were able to give pretty good descriptions of the two people who did it.”In October 2016, Mr. Webster hired Mr. Horwitz after a failed attempt to have the murder weapon tested for DNA evidence. It was around that same time, Mr. Horwitz said, that the Nashville District Attorney’s Office established what it called a conviction review unit to look at cases that might have been incorrectly decided.- Advertisement – Mr. Webster went to prison in 2003 on an unrelated drug charge and was convicted in 2006 for the murder of Leroy Owens, who was bludgeoned to death with a cinder block in a Nashville parking lot on Nov. 22, 1998.- Advertisement – – Advertisement –
Topics : There are some signs that companies are already giving greater consideration to the issue, though it’s too soon to say there will be knee-jerk reactions to the virus. Last week, France’s Sanofi said its plan to create a standalone company to make key ingredients for other drugmakers will help ensure supplies of essential components and reduce reliance on Asia.Boone was briefing journalists on the OECD’s economic outlook, in which the Paris-based organization slashed its 2020 growth forecast because of the shockwaves the epidemic is sending across the globe. The deeper links between economies that have come with globalization mean that the virus impact is unprecedented.“The global economy has become substantially more interconnected, and China plays a far greater role in global output,” the OECD said in the report. “Even if the peak of the outbreak proves short-lived, with a gradual recovery in output and demand over the next few months, it will still exert a substantial drag on global growth in 2020.”The OECD is not the first to raise the point. The longer-term lessons also came up at a meeting of Group of 20 finance chiefs in February, with some officials warning of the risks of depending largely on complex supply chains in strategic and sensitive sectors.“We clearly see that we are too dependent on supply from foreign countries and China,” French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Monday on France 2 television. “We will review all our industrial supply chains to see how we can re-localize business in most strategic areas and be sovereign and independent.” The upheaval from the coronavirus outbreak may be the final jolt that the world’s biggest companies need to reevaluate how they operate in a globalized economy, the OECD’s chief economist Laurence Boone said.The sprawling, continent-crossing supply chains of corporations have already come under pressure from trade tensions and climate concerns, and may face further stress as countries change global taxation rules. If and when the dust settles from the coronavirus, Boone said firms will likely pause to reconsider what they do.“What characterizes what we have seen over the past decade is effectively real-time management of stocks and very integrated supply chains,” Boone said Monday. “In the same way that central banks can review their monetary policy framework, I think businesses after this outbreak will likely look at how they are managing their stock, how they are organizing their production throughout the world.”
The five-year loan priced at a spread of 7.5 percentage points over the benchmark London interbank offered rate and at a discount of 97.5 cents on the dollar, the people said. Terms tightened from a rate of 8 percentage points over Libor and a discount of 96 cents on the dollar, the person said. Investor demand for the deal exceeded $2.5 billion.The new debt is senior to the San Francisco-based company’s borrowings from Silver Lake and Sixth Street that it unveiled earlier this month, which is composed of second-lien debt and equity securities. The equity valued the company at $18 billion, a fraction of its $31 billion peak. The new deal doesn’t include warrants or other equity components, a person familiar with the deal said.The additional funds give Airbnb extra financial cushion as prospects dim for an initial public offering this year. It could help the company weather the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic without going public, and could also allow the company to make acquisitions, a strategy it has been weighing, people with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg last month.Topics : Airbnb raised $1 billion in debt, according to people with knowledge of the matter, as the travel company braces for an extended fallout from the coronavirus.The new, first-lien debt comes from a group of more than 20 investors, including Silver Lake, the largest participant, as well as BlackRock, Eaton Vance, Fidelity Investments and T. Rowe Price Group, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Other participants include Apollo Global Management, Benefit Street Partners, Blackstone Group, Glade Brook Capital Partners, Oaktree Capital and Owl Rock Capital, the people said.The deal builds on last week’s investment of the same size from Silver Lake and Sixth Street Partners, which is also participating in the new debt, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deal isn’t public. Representatives for the companies involved either declined to comment or didn’t immediately respond to requests.
Nautilus Minerals’ Production Support Vessel (PSV) was launched today at the Mawei shipyard in China, the company said in its latest release. The vessel will be used by Nautilus and its partner, Eda Kopa (Solwara) Limited at the Solwara 1 project site, in the Bismarck Sea off Papua New Guinea.Mike Johnston, Nautilus’ CEO, said: “Today’s launch is a significant milestone for the company and the deep water seafloor mining industry. Mawei yard has designed and built the world’s first deep sea mining production support vessel, in cooperation with Nautilus and Marine Assets Corporation.”“This has involved much discussion, thought and innovation, to produce this magnificent vessel. The yard’s efforts have been truly amazing, and I would like to thank the management and team at Mawei Shipbuilding for the terrific work that has been done to get the vessel to this stage of completion.“We believe that mining the seafloor for much needed minerals will be a more cost effective and environmentally friendly source of obtaining high grade copper, gold and silver.”The Production Support Vessel (PSV) provides a stable platform for operations using dynamic positioning technologies to ensure it stays on location at Solwara 1 irrespective of wind and wave conditions, said the company.The PSV, as launched today, is approximately 75% complete with the final vessel delivery currently scheduled for March 31, 2019.Image source: Nautilus
Two Norwegian seismic companies TGS and PGS have announced a new multi-client project in the Barents Sea, offshore Norway, labeled the Nansen 3D Geostreamer.The survey will cover around 6100 square kilometers in an active APA area of the Hammerfest Basin. The acquisition is expected to start in late May and is due to be completed in September 2018.According to a statement on Tuesday, the project is designed to improve the imaging of the known fields and discoveries and allow identification and development of new targets in both mature and new plays. The survey area contains shallow targets on the basin flanks and platforms, with deeper exploration potential elsewhere in the basin.Kristian Johansen, CEO, TGS:”Nansen 3D will expand TGS’ data coverage in the Barents Sea where we have a strong track record of success. This project will provide modern, high quality seismic data to an area that is highly relevant for exploration in the current and upcoming APA rounds,” saidPGS’ Ramform Atlas will tow an ultra-high-density 3D configuration with a 16 x 56.25 m x 7,000 m setup. Three of the streamers are towed with 10 km offsets for optimized performance of full waveform inversion (FWI).Data processing will be performed by TGS using its Clari-Fi(TM) broadband technology. Fast-track data will be available in Q1 2019 with final data in Q4, TGS said.Towing configuration (image source: PGS)
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Share Tweet Tips to help you de-stress and unwindFinding time to relax can be difficult. With work, family and hectic social lives, it can seem as though proper relaxation takes a back seat. Fortunately, there are many ways to make relaxation a part of your everyday life.Relaxation tip 1: Try tryptophanMany of us reach for food when we are stressed out, however this may be no bad thing as certain foods can actually help us to relax. Foods containing tryptophan, an essential amino acid, are great to stock up on when you need to calm down or unwind. The nutrient helps to raise serotonin levels which can elevate your mood, and melatonin, which can help induce sleep. Good tryptophan-rich foods include nuts, cheese, turkey, chicken and soybeans.Relaxation tip 2: Get activeIf you are feeling stressed out, one of the best things you can do is go for a run or hit the gym. Although you may feel more inclined to veg out in front of the TV to relax, exercise is great for releasing mood-boosting chemicals such as endorphins and anandamine, which can help to lower anxiety and increase mental wellbeing. As well as having a great effect on your mood and stress levels, exercise is also good for taking your mind off problems and helping to induce sleep.Relaxation tip 3: Take deep breathsIf you are short on time, one of the quickest ways to relax is to take a few deep breaths. Anxiety can cause people to breathe more rapidly than normal and taking deep, slow breaths can be an effective aid to relaxation. If you are frequently feeling anxious or stressed, it can be helpful to implement deep breathing in to your regular routine by doing breathing exercises regularly or joining a yoga, Pilates or meditation class; all of which use deep breathing to promote relaxation and wellbeing.Relaxation tip 4: Listen to musicMany of us are aware that listening to our favourite music puts us in a good mood, and studies have now found that music is also good for reducing stress. Various studies have indicated a strong link between music and lowered stress levels in everyday life, while research has also indicated that music can lower extreme levels of stress in people undergoing surgery, critically ill patients and pregnant women. Rather than seeking out “relaxing” genres of music, it is best to go with your individual taste and choose whatever type of music boosts your mood.Relaxation tip 5: Stock up on chocolateGood news for many is that chocolate – one of the world’s most popular comfort foods – is also a great calming food. Chocolate is high in magnesium – which can help relaxation – and also contains anandamine, a neurotransmitter which can help you to experience a feeling of peace. With high levels of phenylethylamine, chocolate also raises endorphin levels, so all the more reason to unwind with your favourite chocolate treat.Relaxation tip 6: Have a hugHaving a hug is a renowned mood booster, and research findings published in Psychomatic Medicine have reinforced what we knew all along — that having a good old cuddle is great for reducing stress. Having physical contact has been found to raise levels of oxytocin — the “love hormone” — and lower levels of stress hormone cortisol, putting us in a more relaxed frame of mind. Human affection is not the only type that counts, however, as owning a pet has also been linked to lowered stress levels, meaning that playing with your pet could be a great way to wind down after work.Relaxation tip 7: Pamper yourselfOne of the best — and most luxurious — ways to unwind is to treat yourself to a spot of pampering. If your budget extends to it, you could have somebody else pamper you by heading to a health spa or beauty salon for a massage, facial or beauty treatment of your choice. Alternatively, you could indulge in a bit of DIY pampering by running yourself a bath, lighting some candles and lying back with a relaxing facemask and some calming music.Relaxation tip 8: Have a laughLaughter is well-known for its therapeutic effects, and many places now offer laughter therapy or laughter yoga classes to those seeking to boost their health and mood. Studies have in fact found that even the anticipation of laughter can help us to relax by lifting our spirits and reducing stress levels in the body. If you are serious about your relaxation, you could consider attending a laughter class, but chilling out with a funny DVD, book or friend is an equally great option to help you relax.Relaxation tip 9: Try aromatherapyTo really make the most of your senses, turn your home into a relaxing sanctuary with a scented candle or some relaxing essential oils. Some good essential oils for relaxation include camomile, lavender, neroli, bergamot and ylang ylang. Use these oils to aid relaxation by adding a couple of drops to a bath, burning in an oil burner, or adding (sparingly) to water to use as a room spray or skin spritzer.Relaxation tip 10: Get in the momentThere are various things you can do to help you relax. However, if you are not fully present in the moment, it is unlikely you will fully benefit from any relaxation technique. If you find it difficult to switch off from your stresses and cast off past regrets or future worries, try making a list of anything that needs to be done or thought about at a later date, set a time and date to deal with each item, then switch off your mind, cast your cares aside, and focus for now on simply enjoying the moment.Real Buzz
Batesville traveled to South Dearborn to compete in the EIAC Championship meet on Saturday. Overall, Batesville placed 4th in the Women’s competition while the Men finished in 5th place.Individuals placing in the top 6 for Batesville included:– Sonja Gaulin (5th 200 Free, 3rd 100 Free)– Allison Storms (6th 200 IM, 2nd 100 Breast — New School Record 1:14.14, previously held by Storms @ 1:15.99)– Gwen Martin (6th 50 Free)– Maria Lopez (4th 100 Fly)– Halle Renck (6th 100 Fly)– Ethan Brewer (4th 200 Free, 3rd 100 Fly)– Sean Callahan (3rd 200 IM, 3rd 500 Free)– Ben Moster (2nd 100 Breast)– Kyler Daulton (6th 100 Breast)“I’m blown away by the way our teams performed this weekend. This team went above and beyond my expectations for this meet, swimming up when needed and improving on their times,” said Coach Greg McMullen. “We have a few things to come back and refine, but overall this season is going extremely well and I’m happy to see a school record come down mid-season.”The Bulldogs travel back to South Dearborn on Tuesday, Jan 8 to take on the host and Lawrenceburg in tri-meet action.