Latest news with #Bikram
Time Out
3 days ago
- Climate
- Time Out
A brutal NYC heat wave this week will feel like 104 degrees
New York City is officially entering its main character in a heatwave era, as a three-day stretch of dangerous temps kicks off today, bringing real-feel temperatures as high as 104 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 11 am today through 8 pm Wednesday—so if you were planning an afternoon jog or a midday dog walk, maybe… don't. Forecasts call for highs in the low to mid-90s, but thanks to humidity levels that rival a Bikram studio, it'll feel much hotter, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday. Factor in lingering smoke from Canadian wildfires, and you've got a one-two punch of gross air and oppressive heat that could put vulnerable New Yorkers at real risk. 'This is going to be a several-day event,' warned NWS meteorologist Matthew Wunsch. 'Take it easy, make sure you stay hydrated and things of that nature.' Solid advice, unless your A/C's out—at which point, the city has opened public cooling centers, including libraries, senior centers and community spaces across all five boroughs. For a full list, call 311 or check the NYC Cool Options Map. City officials have also activated a heat emergency plan, which includes outreach to the homeless, energy conservation alerts and hydration reminders for, well, everyone. Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol put it bluntly: 'Prolonged heat like this is dangerous, especially for older adults, people with health conditions, and those without air conditioning.' For the record, more than 500 New Yorkers die prematurely each year from heat-related illness, making extreme heat one of the city's deadliest weather threats, even more so than snow or hurricanes. If you absolutely must be outside, experts advise sticking to the shade, wearing light clothing and avoiding alcohol or caffeine (sorry, iced coffee). And don't forget to check on elderly neighbors or anyone who might not have access to A/C. Relief is expected late Wednesday as a cold front moves in, possibly bringing showers and a return to more reasonable temperatures in the low 80s by Thursday. Until then, NYC, stay cool—and if you're dripping in sweat by 9 am, just know: You're not alone.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Corrie star Alan Halsall looks in love as he attends Jack P Shepherd's wedding with new girlfriend
Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall looks the picture of happiness as he walks hand in hand to Jack P Shepherd's wedding with new love Ellie Dolan Coronation Street star Alan Halsall looked like the cat that's got the cream as he proudly walked into Jack P Shepherds wedding ceremony hand in hand with his new girlfriend. The 42 year old father of one, looked dapper in a light grey suit which he teamed with a pale blue shirt and a yellow tie. Meanwhile, his new girlfriend Ellie Dolan opted for a sunshine yellow floor length summer dress which she teamed with a pair of gold heels and matching bracelet. The couple have been reportedly dating since May this year. And by attending the Celebrity Big Brother winner's wedding, it looks as though their budding romance appears to be going from strength to strength. At the time, a source explained to the Mirror: "Alan is really happy. Ellie is a great girl and they have lots of common. And she gets on so well with Sienna, which is so important to Alan. Sienna is his world." Alan and Ellie reportedly met at the Marriott Worsley Park Club, where Ellie works and Alan holds a membership. Alan is a fan favourite since he joined the ITV soap playing Tyrone Dobbs in 1998. And he has had a number of high profile relationships with his fellow co-stars prior to meeting Ellie. The actor has a daughter with Lucy-Jo Hudson who starred in the soap as Katy Harris. The pair tied the knot in 2009 but sadly split in 2018. The following year he started dating another co-star, this time it was Tisha Merry. The couple dating for five years before calling time on their relationship last year. Alan recently revealed that alongside being a father and an actor on a demanding soap, he also made the decision to undergo a body transformation. The star took on the challenge alongside his co-star Colson Smith, who has shed 10 st. And this included attending the gym three times a week, a strict diet and 2.5k on the treadmill, time on the rowing machine and cross trainer. In 2019, he told The Sun: "I've transformed a little bit myself and people have seen that. I like to come [to the gym). I have a pre-workout meal, I work out, then I have a post-workout meal or a swim and a steam." He has also combined his gym sessions with yoga that takes place in a heated room, also known as Bikram yoga. This is designed to expel toxins in the body through sweat.
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Unroll your mat, open a book: 7 yoga books for mind, body & soul
On June 21, for the 11th consecutive year, practitioners around the world will spread out their yoga mats, and perform a bevvy of poses – from the warrior pose (virabhadrasana) to downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana) – in a tribute to the ancient Indian discipline of yoga. When the United Nations declared an International Day of Yoga in 2014 (though it was observed for the first time in 2015), people in the West were already flocking to classes on hot yoga, aerial yoga, and Bikram yoga. The practice, one of the few that focuses on holistic wellbeing (bridging the conscious and unconscious), is arguably India's most influential cultural export. Before yoga studios opened around every corner, enthusiasts would turn to illustrated books to learn the postures and understand their benefits. Indeed, finding a book or two on yoga was commonplace in Indian middle-class households. Here are six books that might serve as faithful companions on the journey to mastering the practice and embracing the philosophy of yoga. If one were to pinpoint the moment the ancient Indian practice of yoga captured the western imagination, it would be Swami Vivekananda's speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. This volume compiles the spiritual leader's teachings on the four main paths of yoga—karma (spiritual liberation through duty to others), bhakti (devotion), jnana (self-realisation), and Raja (control of body and mind). Drawing from ancient scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the helps explain the philosophical and spiritual foundations of yoga. Muthanna, who runs a popular yoga school in Bengaluru carries out workshops across the world, blending tradition and modern wellness in her book. She melds the wisdom of ancient Sanskrit texts with contemporary lifestyle needs. In the book, she offers 21 yoga routines designed to address several common maladies. The book, which is also inspired by Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, demystifies yogic philosophy while offering visual guides and practical tools for those navigating busy schedules. Focussing on yoga tailored to the individual (viniyoga), the book outlines a step-by-step sequence to develop a customised yoga routine taking into account the practitioner's health, age, occupation and lifestyle. Desikachar – the son of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga – draws from his father's teachings as well as his own practical approach. In his own words, he offers 'a programme for the spine at every level: physical, mental, and spiritual.' Desikachar discusses all the elements of yoga, including, but not limited to poses and counterposes, conscious breathing, meditation, and philosophy. For those going for the latest edition, the book now comes with 32 poems of Krishnamacharya that capture the essence of his teachings. Iyengar – Krishnamacharya's brother-in-law – gave the world 'Iyengar Yoga', a form of Hatha yoga that reinforces precise body alignment and encourages learners to use props to achieve proper posture. His students famously include the violinist Yehudi Menuhin and Standard Oil heiress Rebekah Harkness. His 1996 book, Light On Yoga, is recommended reading for beginners as it serves as a comprehensive introduction to the discipline. Iyengar breaks down poses into steps allowing students to practice yoga on their own. He explains the meaning of yoga, asanas and kriyas and dedicates a whole section to Pranayam and its effects. The Latvian actor, Eugenie Peterson, better known by her stage name Indra Devi, was once known as the First Lady of Yoga. Another disciple of Krishnamacharya, she is known to have taught Hollywood actors such as Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson. Her guide for her American audience, who she said needed yoga the most, victims as they were of a competitive, tension-ridden society suffering from its own 'superabundance.' With obesity, 'underactivity,' and psychosomatic illness becoming common outside the continent, one might crack the spine of her book, which includes introductory FAQs (Frequently-asked-questions), illustrations, diets, and advice for those suffering from arthritis, asthma, and overweight. In Swami Satchidananda, a widely respected yoga master and spiritual teacher, presents Patanjali's Yoga Sutras with English transliteration, translation, and analysis. The book is structured as a manual for self-discipline and mental clarity, covering the eight limbs of yoga, from ethical living (yamas and niyamas) to meditation (dhyana) and bliss (samadhi). This book serves as a meditative companion for both seasoned seekers and those new to the spiritual path. Known for his mastery over Hatha Yoga techniques (asanas, pranayamas, mudras, bandhas, and kriyas), Vishnu-Devananda was a discipline of Swami Sivananda and trained under him at an ashram in Rishikesh before he set up yoga centers across the United States and Canada, establishing the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta headquarters in Montreal. First published in 1960, the book comprises photos of different yoga poses and touches upon a variety of allied philosophies, including the conquest of old age and the astral body.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
NE natives in Israel on tenterhooks as Iran rains missiles
G uwahati: As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, people of Assam and the northeast residing in Israel are contemplating returning to India if the conflict escalates further. On Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv reached out to its nationals, including those from Assam and the northeast, to gauge their interest in evacuation flights from Jordan and Egypt. Preetam Regon, a researcher at the Volcani Institute in Rishon LeZion, said, "The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has started sending emails to Indian citizens to know if we are interested to leave Israel. We believe if the war continues to escalate, many Indians will leave." Rishon LeZion near Tel Aviv has seen numerous missile strikes from Iran. While daily life continues with supermarkets and public transport operating at reduced capacity, the targeting of schools and hospitals has heightened anxiety among residents like Preetam. His family in Jonai, Assam, has left the decision to return in his hands. "Shelter to protect ourselves is there in the institute or the place where we are staying. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Nevertheless, I may decide to return home if my supervisor allows. At this moment, no one knows to what extent this war will go," Preetam said. He recounted a close call with a missile landing just a kilometer away, despite Israel's efforts to intercept such threats. Preetam added that some of his friends in Jerusalem might also opt to return soon. Bikram Basnet, employed as a caregiver with a local family in Jerusalem, said while missile strikes were taking place at some distance on Thursday morning, significant tremors could be felt in the nearby areas. "It is far bigger than the attack of Hamas. Even as missiles are intercepted in the sky, glass widows and household utensils shake and walls vibrate," said Bikram, who hails from the Kalapahar area in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. Bikram said he is in contact with the Indian Embassy and does not intend to leave Israel immediately. However, he added that the inclination to leave is likely to be stronger among students, researchers, and construction workers due to disruptions in their work and studies. "There are many caregivers like us from India. We work indoors and that's why we are in comparatively safer zones. But the construction workers can not work during war time and students and researchers too are facing frequent closure of their institutions. So, they might return," he added. The Indian Embassy has assured its nationals that once they confirm their intent to leave, details about flights and transport will be provided. The MHA is organizing chartered flights from Jordan and Egypt to facilitate the return of those wishing to leave Israel. The embassy will coordinate transport from Tel Aviv to the borders and onward to the airports. As of now, there have been no reports of Indian nationals from Assam returning from Iran. However, state officials are closely monitoring the situation and the MEA's evacuation plans.
The Guardian
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
‘We were powerless': inside the devastating Ohio State sexual abuse scandal
Ohio State sets the standard in intercollegiate sports. The university's athletics department, a statewide source of pride that includes 36 varsity sports teams (from pistol shooting to college football's reigning national champion), rivals some Fortune 500 companies for scale. In 2024 Ohio State spent $292.8m on its sports programs, more than every school in the well-heeled Big Ten conference and every college in the country besides the University of Texas, while hoovering in more than $1.2bn in revenue over the past seven years. The Ohio State brand – flaunted through scarlet red block-O logos and buckeye tree iconography – is so synonymous with flush times inside and outside the lines that even now few really associate the university with one of most shocking and widespread sex abuse scandals in US history. Eva Orner – the Australian documentary director behind Netflix's Bikram and the Oscar-winning Taxi to the Dark Side – got an up-close view years ago on her first flight from Los Angeles to Columbus, home of the Buckeyes and the Ohio State campus. 'We stopped somewhere,' she recalls. 'There wasn't a direct flight, and it was a game day weekend. When I got on to the connecting flight, everyone was in Buckeyes paraphernalia. I walked around the city, and everything was Buckeyes. I went to the game and watched the tailgating. It's like a fever or a cult. It's an incredible thing and a positive thing – but then when a story like this comes out, it can be very challenging.' Her latest documentary, Surviving Ohio State – which premiered at Tribeca and releases on HBO – unpicks one of the most overlooked scandals in sports: It trains a harsh, unflinching light on Richard Strauss, the once-respected physician who abused at least 177 male students while working in Ohio State's athletics department and student health center from 1978 to 1998. According to Ohio State's own campus crime data released in 2021, the school logged more than 2,800 instances of alleged sexual misconduct by Strauss – including more than 170 total allegations of rape. Many of the survivors were violated during routine checkups in a pattern of abuse that spanned at least 15 sports – from football to fencing. (Male student-athletes nicknamed Strauss 'Jellypaws' and would warn one another to 'watch your nuts' before exams.) An independent investigation concluded the university had been aware of complaints about Strauss's conduct as early as 1979 – when the women's fencing coach raised the issue. But the university didn't take meaningful action against the doctor until 1996; that year, Strauss was finally suspended from clinical duties, but remained a tenured faculty member until his retirement in 1998 – at which point he was still given emeritus status. That would seem to make Strauss an even bigger scourge than Larry Nassar – the former Michigan State University and US women's gymnastics team physician serving a de facto life sentence for sexually assaulting at least 265 young women and girls under his treatment from 1996 to 2014. But where Rachael Denhollander, Maggie Nichols and the other elite gymnasts who blew the whistle on Nassar were celebrated as heroes, the men who came forward with their allegations against Strauss were greeted with skepticism and ridicule. 'I don't think we're used to seeing men come out publicly about abuse,' says Orner, who spent 31/2-years on the documentary – or more than twice the time she typically dedicates to her projects. 'When the OSU survivors came out, they were challenged by the university legally. It's been going on for seven years. That's had devastating effects on them all.' Orner's film puts viewers in front of those survivors and challenges them to maintain their cynicism after hearing their experiences in explicit detail. Most prominent are Buckeyes such as Mike DiSabato (the Strauss whistleblower) and Mark Coleman (a former college champion turned mixed martial arts star) who fueled the success of Ohio State's wrestling program and were held up as exemplars of a particular strain of flinty, midwestern toughness. Al Novakowski, a standout hockey player who left his native Canada to play for the Buckeyes, tells a horrifying story about one Strauss assault in which he alleges the doctor drugged and raped him after he went to see him about a muscle spasm. 'I kept thinking, Who am I gonna tell?' he recalled. It's one of many scenes that hammers home the disparity between Strauss – a former Navy officer who edited medical journals and issued early warnings about the dangers of steroid use – and the tough-guy students, who could lose their scholarship if he failed them on their physicals. Says Coleman: 'We were powerless.' Strauss's death by suicide in 2005, before the allegations against him came to light, robbed his survivors of their day in court. ('Most of the survivors didn't know he had killed himself until 2018,' Orner says.) But that's not to say there still isn't guilt to go around. Russ Hellickson, the Buckeyes hall of fame wrestling coach, has conspicuously not supported his former students even as they allege he knew about Strauss's perversions and didn't stop them. The coach didn't even object to the doctor having a locker in his team's sacred space or showering next to his athletes. 'What you'll come to learn,' former Buckeyes wrestler Dan Ritchie says in the film, 'is that this isn't just happening with the wrestlers…' Significantly, Hellickson's lead assistant during much of Strauss's tenure was Jim Jordan – the two-time NCAA wrestling champion turned Freedom Caucus congressman and Donald Trump bootlick. While Jordan would register his share of on-the-record denials at the time, a number of former wrestlers say in the film that Jordan reached out to them privately and pushed them to change their stories in hopes of making the scandal, and the growing scrutiny on him, go away. The story bookends a shocking testimonial from Frederick Feeney, a respected wrestling referee who alleges that Strauss pleasured himself as the ref was showering after officiating a meet decades ago. 'The next thing I know, I'm feeling his hand on my butt,' Feeney says to camera, choking back the emotion. 'It affected me so bad that I didn't even respond to him, when I should've knocked him on his ass at that point. But I didn't. As I'm walking out [of the locker room], Russ Hellickson and Jim Jordan were both standing there. I looked at both of them and said, Strauss was in there masturbating beside me in the shower. Jim Jordan looked at me straight in my face and said, 'It's Strauss. You know what he does.'' But where Michigan State went above and beyond most institutions while taking responsibility for the Nassar affair, agreeing to an historic $500m settlement that notably doesn't further silence survivors under NDAs, Ohio State has only paid $60m and refused to own any legal liability. All the while the university, despite issuing a formal apology and revoking Strauss's emeritus status, continues to reject the implication – derived from the independent investigation that it called for and funded – that it covered up Strauss's misconduct. Strauss's son releasing a statement on behalf of his family endorsing the independent investigation only makes the school look worse in the final analysis. 'I had one off-the-record conversation with his son that I'm not allowed to disclose,' says Orner, the rare journalist who has spoken with the Strauss family. 'And I think it's OK to say that this was a complete shock to them when [the news] came out.' Given that this is the fourth sex abuse case to break out at a Big Ten school in the past 14 years, you have to wonder how many more college sports colossuses are sitting on similar scandals – or if there could ever be a case extreme enough to prompt any intervention from the NCAA, which I understand is charged with (checks notes) regulating college athletics. Ultimately, the film, affecting as it is, only gives Ohio State survivors an outlet to release their emotional trauma, raise awareness and remind the world how strong they always were. 'It's a lot of responsibility,' Orner says, recalling the anxiety she felt while screening the film for them for the first time at Tribeca. 'There were a lot of tears, but it turned out to be a really cathartic thing for them, where they were sort of transformed after the screening and felt really proud and banded together as brothers.' It would be a nice ending if Ohio State didn't still owe them and the remaining Strauss survivors a just one. Surviving Ohio State premieres on HBO on 17 June with a UK date to be announced
