text: User ProfileProfile Prof Rachel McKendry Telephone Number: +44 (0)20 7679 9995Telephone Extension: 39 995Fax Number: +44 (0)20 7678 0595Email: email@example.com/Location: 3C6Research Interests: Diagnosis, treatment and tracking of infectious diseases – integrating advances in nanotechnology, telecommunications and big data. Superbugs and superdrugs: unravelling the nanomechanics of antibiotic resistance (Nature Nanotechnology 2008, 2013 and 2014) Mobile phone-connected diagnostics for HIV (NIHR i4i programme with OJ-Bio and UCL Partners) EPSRC IRC in Early Warning Sensing Systems to track serious infections including influenza, antimicrobial resistance and HIV by linking self-reported symptoms on social media and search engines with mobile phone connected disease diagnostic tests (i-sense BiographyBiography: Professor Rachel McKendryDirector of i-sense, the EPSRC IRC in Early Warning Sensing Systems for Infectious Diseases.Director of Biomedical and Life Sciences at the London Centre for Nanotechnology (UCL & Imperial).Interventions Theme Lead for the Bloomsbury Research Institute (UCL & LSHTM)Rachel McKendry is Professor of Biomedical Nanotechnology at UCL with a joint position at the London Centre for Nanotechnology and Division of Medicine. She is Director of i-Sense, a national £11M EPSRC Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) in Early Warning Sensing Systems for Infectious Diseases as well as Director of Biomedicine and Life Sciences at the London Centre for Nanotechnology and 'Interventions' theme lead for the Bloomsbury Research Institute (UCL & LSHTM).Her research lies at the cutting edge of infectious diseases, nanotechnology, telecommunications and big data. Recent research highlights span from unravelling the molecular workings of antibiotics against MRSA (Nature Nanotechnology 2008, 2013 and 2014), to creating mobile phone-connected tests for HIV (NIHR i4i programme) and the new EPSRC IRC in early warning sensing system for infectious diseases, by linking self-reported symptoms on social media and search engines with mobile phone-connected disease diagnostic tests (i-sense).She has a First Class Honours Degree in Chemistry from Durham University, a PhD in Chemistry from Cambridge University (Jesus College) and was a postdoctoral researcher at IBM Zurich Research Laboratory. Her contribution to the field is evident from 6 Nature-group papers, research funding in excess of £20M from the EPSRC, NIHR, Royal Society, BBSRC, the Human Frontier Science Programme and industry. Rachel has also won prestigious fellowships and awards including a Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award (2014), Institute of Physics Paterson Medal (2009), Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship (2002-6), Girton College Cambridge Research Fellowship (1998-2001) and was invited to a Young Achievers celebration by H.R.H the Queen at Buckingham Palace (1998).Rachel is also on the Steering Committee of the UK Infectious Diseases Research Network, Reviews Editor for Proceedings of the Royal Society A and the Editorial Board of the Royal Society of Chemistry journal Analyst. She has served on the UK Government Blackett Review Panel on Biological Detection chaired by Sir John Beddington OBE FRS.She has a passion for public engagement – highlights include interviews with the BBC, The Independent and i, New Scientist, Nature Nanotechnology, Nanomagazine, Deutsche Welle and ABC, you-tube video for World AIDS Day and EPSRC public dialogue on nanotechnology. Rachel has also presented her research to MPs at the Houses of Parliament and given numerous talks at schools.Finally Rachel rowed for Cambridge Blondie in the Women's Oxbridge Boat Race. She is the Mother of two young children and has worked part-time for much of her research career.External positions held: • Steering Group of the UK Infectious Diseases Research Network.• Editorial Board of Royal Society of Chemistry Journal Analyst.• London Technology Network Emerging Medical Technologies Advisory Board.• Industrial consulting with UCL Business, London Technology Network and Bio Nano Consulting.• London Technology Network Business Fellow – training at London Business School.• Organised conferences and networking events with the British Council and the Swiss Embassy.• Women's Engineering Society (WES) Role Model - Inspiring Women in Engineering - www.wes.org.uk/content/rachel-mckendry Memberships : Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, General Society for Microbiology & Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences. ResearchResearch: Emerging infections and antibiotic resistance rank among the gravest threats to human health alongside global warming and terrorism. My research aims to transform the early diagnosis, treatment and tracking of deadly outbreaks - including new strains of influenza, antimicrobial resistance and HIV – by exploiting advances in nanotechnology, telecommunications and big data. Recent research highlights span from unravelling the nanomechanical workings of antibiotics against MRSA (Nature Nanotechnology 2014), to creating mobile phone connected diagnostics for HIV (NIHR i4i award with OJ-Bio) and a major new £11M EPSRC IRC in global early warning sensing systems, linking self-reported symptoms on social media and search engines with mobile phone-connected disease diagnostics: - Superbugs and superdrugs: Alexander Flemings' serendipitous discovery of penicillin heralded a golden era of antibiotic drug discovery but in recent years the drug pipeline has dried to a trickle and new antibiotics are urgently needed. My team is using cantilever 'diving board' sensors to unravel the remarkable nanomechanical molecular workings of vancomycin, one of the few effective treatments for MRSA on drug susceptible and drug resistant phenotypes. Our percolation framework provides new insight into how drug binding mechanically weakens cells leading to death by lysis (Nature Nanotechnology 2008). More recently we have developed analytical models to disentangle the interplay between antibiotic levels in serum and their efficacy on the surface of bacteria for ultra-sensitive therapeutic monitoring applications. Our findings may also aid drug discovery of new antibiotics against drug resistance. (Nature Nanotechnology 2014). http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/v9/n3/full/nnano.2014.33.html; http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/v8/n7/full/nnano.2013.127.html - Mobile phone connected diagnostics for HIV Globally HIV currently infects 33 million men, women and children but even in the UK, one in four people are unaware of their infection. Working with industry partners OJ-Bio and clinicians at UCL/UCLH BRC and UCL Partners, we are creating a new generation of mobile phone-connected diagnostic devices to help widen access to testing in community settings and developing countries. Our approach combines innovative surface acoustic wave biosensors developed by OJ-Bio with UCL's llama antibodies coatings - small temperature stable antibodies with a high affinity for HIV. Collaborators: Robin Weiss, Deenan Pillay, (UCL); Vince Emery (Surrey) and Dale Athey, Hiromi Yatsuda (OJ-Bio www.oj-bio.com) Acknowledgement: The II-LA-1111-20004 project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research's Invention for Innovation Programme. - Hunting Pathogens (EPSRC IRC i-sense) Emerging infections arise can spread rapidly with the ability to cause pandemics e.g H1N1 Spanish Flu and SARS. Early detection of outbreaks plays a vital role in helping patients gain quicker access to treatment and protecting the wider public from the risk of deadly infection. However, today, limited diagnostic technologies in community settings mean that infections are often picked up at a late stage, leading to ongoing transmission within communities and delays in public health efforts to respond to emerging threats e.g. pandemic influenza. We have recently been awarded a major new £11M EPSRC interdisciplinary research collaboration (i-sense) to build early-warning sensing systems to identify outbreaks – including new strains of influenza, antibiotic resistance and HIV - much earlier than ever before by linking web information sources to mobile phone connected tests. We are investigating if self-reported symptoms of infection on social media (Twitter) and search engines (Google and Bing) can help to accurately identify outbreaks across populations, in real-time with geographically linked information, even before people attend clinics. Since many diseases share common symptoms we are linking these big data sources to mobile phone-connected diagnostic tests – including 'barcodes' of host and pathogen biomarkers which can be read using smart phone cameras via an 'app'. The ability to transmit results and location immediately into clinical and public health systems will help patients gain more rapid follow up care and protect populations from the spread of deadly infections. The IRC is a 5 year, EPSRC funded collaboration between UCL, Imperial, LSHTM, Newcastle, Surrey and Public Health England with clinical and industry partners- UCL: Deenan Pillay (Wellcome Trust Africa Centre), Anne Johnson, Ingemar Cox, Andreas Demosthenous, Quentin Pankhurst, Eleni Nastouli (UCL Partners), Andrew Hayward, Dorothy Duffy; Imperial: Molly Stevens; LSHTM: Rosanna Peeling; Newcastle University: Calum McNeil, Neil Keegan, Colin Harwood, Anil Wipat and Phil Manning; Surrey University: Vince Emery; Clinical Partners: UCL/UCLH BRC, UCL Partners, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trusts, Newcastle BRC, the International Diagnostics Centre (LSHTM), Wellcome Trust Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies; Public Health England: Mike Catchpole and Richard Pebody; Industry: OJ-Bio, Microsoft, O2 Health, Mologic (Alere), Zurich Instruments, X-FAB, Cambridge Life Sciences, Avacta and Cepheid. *** Join our 'New Frontiers in Digital Technologies for Influenza: Big Data and Mobile Phone Connected Diagnostics' workshop on 26th June 2014 in London. The meeting is being jointly organized with the UK Infectious Diseases Research Network with high profile speakers from PHE, Google, Harvard, Telefonica, OJ-Bio, UCL, LSHTM and Imperial http://www.ucl.ac.uk/infection-sense/upcomingevents *** Our £500K Exploratory Funding call is now open for new research early warning sensing systems for influenza. The closing date is 1st July. For more information please see the i-sense website: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/infection-sense Selected Publications [1] 'Surface stress sensors for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of active free drugs in human serum' Ndieyira, J. W., Kappeler, N., Logan, S., Cooper, M. A., Abell, C., McKendry, R. A.* & Aeppli, G. Nature Nanotech. 9, 225 (2014). Featured in Nature Nanotechnology News and Views. Top 10 Nature Nanotechnology download in March 2014. [2] 'Good Vibrations for Bad Bacteria' McKendry R.A.* & Kappeler, N. Nature Nanotech. 8, 483 (2013). [3] 'Differential stress induced by thiol adsorption on facetted nanocrystals' Watari M, McKendry, RA; Vögtli, M; Aeppli, G., Soh YA; Shi, X; Xiong, G; Huang, X; Harder R & Robinson, I Nature Materials 10, 862 (2011). [4] 'Nanomechanical detection of antibiotic mucopeptide binding in a model for superbug drug resistance.' Ndieyira, W.N, Watari, M., Donoso-Barrera, A., Batchelor, M., Zhou, D., Vogtli, M., Bactchelor, M., Cooper, M., Strunz, T., Abell, C.A., Rayment, T., Aeppli, G. & McKendry R.A.* Nature Nano. 3, 691 (2008). Featured in Nature Nanotechnology News and Views. [5] 'A polarised population of dynamic microtubules mediates homeostatic length control in animal cells' Picone R., Ren X., Ivanovitch K. D., Clarke J. D., McKendry R. A.* & Baum B. PLoS Biol. 16, 11 (2010). F1000 ranking - top 2% of published articles in biology and medicine. [6] 'Rapid and label-free nanomechanical detection of biomarker transcripts in human RNA' Zhang, J., Lang, H.P., Huber, F., Bietsch, A., Grange, W., Certa, U., McKendry, R. Guntherodt, H., Hegner, M. & Gerber, C. Nature Nano. 1, 214 (2006). [7] 'Chiral discrimination by chemical force microscopy' McKendry, R., Theoclitou, M-E., Rayment, T. & Abell, C. Nature 391, 566 (1998). RESEARCH TEAM: My team is highly multidisciplinary and includes chemists, virologists, physicists, engineers and medics. Current PDRAs: Eleanor Gray, Natascha Kappeler, Claudio Parolo, Jenny Brookes; PhD Students: Valerian Turbe, Ben Miller, Candice Keane, Kristina Schlegel; Researchers: Alexander (Sandy) Wright; Support staff: Antonio Ruiz-Sanchez (Senior Laboratory Technician), Tania Saxl (Strategic Operations) and Kailey Nolan (Administration and Communications Manager). We collaborate with academic, clinical and industry researchers in the UK, South Africa, Switzerland, Denmark, Australia, Japan and the USA. OPEN POSITIONS: I currently have open positions for talented postdoctoral researchers, a senior technician and PhD studentships. If you are interested to apply please contact me at email@example.com and Kailey Nolan, (i-sense Administration and Communications Manager) at email@example.com Research Highlights: Funding: EPSRC, IRC in Nanotechnology (Cambridge, Bristol, UCL), BBSRC, Royal Society, HFSP, industry. Publications Search publication title Pages« first ‹ previous 1 2 3 4 5 News General news Mobile health technologies to rapidly test and track infectious diseases Early-warning sensing systems that can test and track serious infectious diseases – such as major flu epidemics, MRSA and HIV – using mobile phones and the internet are being developed by a major new Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration (IRC) led by UCL (University College London). The new £11... Rapid, early warning HIV test in development thanks to £1 million funding A new hand-held device that can diagnose patients at the early stages of HIV and give results within minutes is in development following a £1 million investment in the technology. The device, which resembles a smart phone, will help widen access to HIV testing in non-hospital settings, including GP... Pages« first ‹ previous … 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 TeachingTeaching: London Centre for Nanotechnology BioNano Graduate Tutor. Outreach: Public Engagement work: interviews for BBC Radio 4 Today Programme and Naked Scientist and feature articles in New Scientist, Nanotechnology Magazine and EPSRC public engagement work. Women's Engineering Society (WES) Role Model - Inspiring Women in Engineering - www.wes.org.uk/content/rachel-mckendry Print


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Why is the current Obama Administration completely against relieving our oil crisis? Read on and be shocked to learn things you may never have heard before!
by Robert Ringer
Since the Obamaviks descended upon the nation's capital in January of 2009, the government has dramatically improved its ability to carry out its two main functions — redistributing wealth and creating crises. However, lest you give them too much credit for their remarkable success in these areas, remember that much of that success was made possible by past actions on the part of progressive Republicans, philosophically confused Republicans and RINOs.
The redistribution-of-wealth issue is almost at the point of no return, even though a number of principled Republicans are actually threatening to make a serious attempt to stop it by refusing to raise the debt ceiling. The odds against their succeeding, however, are about as long as the odds against Osama bin Laden's showing up in Times Square tomorrow.
Just ask their leader, Boohoo Boehner, who keeps going out of his way to let the enemy know the Republicans have no intention of cutting up the Democrats' Capital One card. We will soon get the answer to the debt-ceiling increase, so let's set aside that Obamanation for now and turn to government function No. 2, crisis creation.
The crown jewel of the Obamaviks' crisis-creation strategy is the skyrocketing price of gasoline, resulting almost exclusively from the government's heavy-handed, unConstitutional regulation of the petroleum industry.
A recent example was the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ruling to withhold air permits from Shell Oil, which, in essence, forced the company to drop its long-planned exploration project in the Arctic Ocean off the northern coast of Alaska. The result is that Shell wasted five years and roughly $4 billion in preparation for the project. The EPA's excuse for their latest "drill nowhere, drill never" ruling is that Shell's exploration would have been too close (70 miles) to a 1-square-mile village named Kaktovik, Alaska, a booming metropolis of 245 residents.
Needless to say, far-left groups like Earthjustice, Center for Biological Diversity and the Alaska Wilderness League were wetting their pants with joy at their latest victory over evil oil companies who are trying to improve the lives of Americans. No big deal — just another 27 billion barrels of oil that have been left to sit underground indefinitely. When the news reached Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, they must have started celebrating and passing out cookies in the streets.
Notwithstanding this latest attack on fossil fuels, many in the media arm of the White House (ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, The New York Times, etc.) are concerned that if gas prices continue to rise, it will hurt Obama's chances for reelection. But their concern may be unwarranted, because one of Obama's greatest talents is his ability to deflect attention from his own economy-killing actions and attack the good guys in Alinsky-like fashion.
So how can the anti-progress progressives have their no-gas cake and eat it, too? The fact is that when it comes to high gas prices, finger-pointing is a piece of cake — greedy speculators and greedy oil companies… case closed. It is, of course, pure nonsense, but the Homer Simpson crowd doesn't have a clue.
Notwithstanding Bill O'Reilly's constant drumbeat about evil oil speculators, most experts agree they have very little bearing on the price of gasoline. Remember, a smart speculator can make just as much money when gas prices go down as when they rise.
As to greedy oil companies making billions of dollars in profits, almost everyone who watches or reads the news knows the profit margins in the oil industry are relatively small compared to, say, technology companies such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft.
All other things being equal, the chief cause of rising oil prices is the continuing decline of the dollar. That ties the artificial oil crisis to the equally artificial debt-ceiling crisis, because when you raise the debt ceiling — as Congress has been doing nonstop for decades — it makes it possible for the government to spend more, in turn causing the dollar to decline.
It's somewhat tragedy and comedy that redistribution of wealth is perhaps the chief reason for skyrocketing gas prices. I say tragedy and comedy because those who benefit most from the government's redistribution-of-wealth policies have to give an increasingly larger percentage of their largesse back in the form of government-created higher fuel costs.
If I were king (the only government position I would ever accept), I could solve the artificial energy crisis overnight. My plan would be simple:
Close down the Department of Energy and the EPA, and get the government completely out of the energy business.
- Make oil and gas drilling legal everywhere — in the Gulf, off both coasts, in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, even in your back yard — no restrictions and no exceptions.
- Remove all restrictions on coal mining and shale-oil extraction, except for reasonable safety standards.
- Forget arguing about tax breaks and tax credits, and just cut taxes to zero on all oil, natural gas and coal-producing companies.
- Remove all taxes on gas at the pump for consumers.
I would announce all of the above (and many more pro-growth ideas that I could come up with by then) the day of my coronation, and I guarantee you that energy prices would quickly fall through the floor.
- This would result in hundreds of billions of dollars in increased profits for gas, oil and coal companies, which in turn would result in:
- The creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs (and millions more indirectly), which, unfortunately, would actually increase tax revenues for those greedy guys who roam the halls of Congress.
- Energy companies increasing, rather than decreasing, exploration and production, which would put the U.S. on a fast-track to becoming energy independent.
- Energy companies paying higher dividends to their shareholders, most of whom are pension funds and mutual funds that represent middle-class Americans. Increased dividends would mean more money for shareholders to spend, which would be good for the economy.
The United States has at least 100 years of natural gas reserves and 200 years of coal reserves. And if I became king, I would wager that should all restrictions be lifted, we would discover we have much greater oil reserves than we now believe. The amazing truth: We are the world's most energy-rich nation!
Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma — a Democrat! — summed it up succinctly when he said recently: "President Obama is completely uninformed about the oil and gas industry. … If the President doesn't want to stand up and be a leader, then his silence would be appreciated from people who are trying to find solutions."
Fat chance. The odds of silencing the Master of the Monologue, who is steadfastly focused on collapsing the U.S. economy, are right up there with the odds of Osama bin Laden's showing up in Times Square.
Robert Ringer is the author of three No. 1 bestsellers and host of the highly acclaimed Liberty Education Interview Series, which features interviews with top political, economic, and social leaders. He has appeared on Fox News, Fox Business, The Tonight Show, Today, Good Morning America, The Dennis Miller Show, ABC Nightline, and The Charlie Rose Show, and has been the subject of feature articles in such major publications as Time, People, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Barron's, and The New York Times.
Source: Personal Liberty

subset: commoncrawl


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NEW ORLEANS (SunBeltSports.org) – The Sun Belt Conference released today that 29 games for the upcoming football season will be available for viewers and of those, seven will be available on the Sun Belt Network.
For the upcoming season the Sun Belt Network will air seven high-definition football broadcasts as part of a minimum of 39 broadcasts that the network will air. The Sun Belt Network is a partnership of the league and Cox Sports Television (CST) and Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) that has been in place since 2008. The Sun Belt Conference may seek distribution with providers outside of the footprint those two networks reach. Contests are often available on ESPN3 and ESPN GamePlan outside of the CSS and CST markets.
Since its inception and including the upcoming season, the Sun Belt Network will have aired over 150 Sun Belt contests.
The 2013 Sun Belt Network slate kicks off on October 5th with rivals South Alabama and Troy being showcased in a noon kickoff. League newcomers Georgia State and Texas State will be featured on several occasions – including a head-to-head tilt on October 19. The SBN schedule concludes with a late season rivalry clash between Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe on November 30.
The release of the schedule also includes the previously announced midweek appearances on ESPN2 and four Thursday night appearances on ESPNU.
Two-time defending R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Champions Louisiana-Lafayette will be featured in both of the ESPN2 matchups. The first of the two midweek games will feature the Cajuns facing the Bobby Petrino led WKU Hilltoppers in Bowling Green, Kentucky. That game will be aired live on October 15th.
A week later, the Cajuns will travel to Jonesboro to face last season's GoDaddy.com Bowl Champions and two-time defending Sun Belt Champions Arkansas State. The game will take place on October 22nd.
Additional television games can be added through ESPN's 12-day selection option and the announcement of non-conference games that will be televised.
About CSS
CSS is a 24-hour sports network carrying a full slate of college sports programming. The channel offers a comprehensive sports lineup throughout the year including over 40 live college football games. In addition, CSS broadcasts over 165 men's and women's live college basketball games and over 80 live baseball games, as well as a comprehensive mix of sports news and in-depth sports analysis geared toward fans in the south. For more information on CSS, or to find out how you can get CSS on your cable system, log on to css-sports.com.
About CST
The New Orleans-based sports network launched on October 28, 2002 in front of 450,000 Louisiana viewers. CST has grown over 400% to 2 million in the nearly 11 years since launch, making it one of the fastest growing regional sports networks in the south. The 24-hour regional sports network is currently carried in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Oklahoma, Missouri and Virginia. CST is owned and operated by Cox Communications Louisiana, LLC. Initially targeted to be a Louisiana sports network, CST has secured collegiate, professional and high school events that have expanded the networks reach throughout the south. CST boasts over 300 live events per year including the New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers, Arkansas Razorbacks, Southeastern Conference, Sun Belt Conference, Tulane University, Louisiana high school events, Southern University in Baton Rouge, Big East, Big 12, WAC, Gulf South Conference, A-Sun Conference and the New Orleans Zephyrs.
Composite Television Listing as of July 15 (More games to be announced)
August 29
Southern Utah at South Alabama - 6:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
August 30
Samford at Georgia State - 6 p.m. (ESPN3)
August 31
Louisiana-Monroe at Oklahoma - 6 p.m. (Fox Sports Network PPV)
UAB at Troy - 6 p.m. (ESPN3)
^ Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky (ESPNews) - 6 p.m.
Arkansas Pine-Bluff at Arkansas State - TBA (ESPN3)
September 7
Tennessee-Chattanooga at Georgia State - 1 p.m. (ESPN3)
South Alabama at Tulane - 2:30 p.m. (CST)
Prairie View A&M at Texas State - 6 p.m. (ESPN3)
Savannah State at Troy - 6 p.m. (ESPN3)
Louisiana-Lafayette at Kansas State - 5:30 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)
Grambling at Louisiana-Monroe - TBA (ESPN3)
September 12
* Troy at Arkansas State – 6:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
September 14
Louisiana-Monroe at Wake Forest - 11:30 a.m. (Raycom Sports Net)
Nicholls State at Louisiana-Lafayette - 6 p.m. (ESPN3)
* Western Kentucky at South Alabama – 6:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
October 3
* Western Kentucky at Louisiana-Monroe - 6:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
October 5
* South Alabama at Troy - 12 p.m. (Sun Belt Network)
October 12
Troy at Georgia State - TBA (Sun Belt Network)
October 15
* Louisiana-Lafayette at Western Kentucky - 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
October 19
* Georgia State at Texas State - 6 p.m. (Sun Belt Network)
October 22
* Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas State – 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
October 31
* Louisiana-Monroe at Troy - 6:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
November 2
* Western Kentucky at Georgia State - TBA (Sun Belt Network)
November 7
* Troy at Louisiana-Lafayette - 6:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
November 9
Western Kentucky at Army - 11 a.m. (CBS College Sports)
November 16
* Texas State at Arkansas State - TBA (Sun Belt Network)
November 23
* Louisiana-Monroe at South Alabama - TBA (Sun Belt Network)
November 30
* Louisiana-Monroe at Louisiana-Lafayette - TBA (Sun Belt Network)
* denotes Sun Belt Conference game
^ Game to be played at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn.
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HELENA, Mont. -- Health care cooperatives that are being launched in eight states announced Tuesday they will receive a total of $638 million in loans from the Obama administration under the federal health insurance law.
The government said the new nonprofit health insurers will be run by their customers and will be designed to offer coverage to individuals and small businesses. Supporters say the co-ops will keep pressure on private insurance companies for both price and coverage.
Critics, led by House Republicans who voted last year to repeal the health care law, immediately questioned the administration's decision. The House Ways and Means Committee called the loans a political reward to a friendly constituency.
Republicans noted that the recipient that received the largest loan -- more than $340 million -- was the Freelancers Union, a nonprofit that serves independent contractors that are a growing segment of the workforce. Members are eligible for health insurance through a company owned by Freelancers.
The legislative panel questioned the organization's eligibility in a statement that said "it appears as though the Obama administration will stop at nothing to reward their political friends." The administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Starting in 2014, millions of people who are currently uninsured will buy private coverage in new state markets under President Barack Obama's health care reform law. Tax-credit subsidies will help customers with the cost of the insurance.
The co-ops will compete in these state-run insurance exchanges, although co-op backers said they do not yet know the cost of premiums when the program will be formally unveiled in late 2013. Initially, they expect to compete for a small share of the overall health insurance market.
The new federal awards were announced for co-ops serving Montana, Iowa, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Wisconsin. "It will be consumer-governed and will be responsive to consumer needs," said John Morrison, who is helping set up the cooperative in Montana.
Money from the loans will be given to the co-ops over time as they meet benchmarks for setting up claims processes, provider relationships, disease management and other cost-control efforts. Money from the loans will also be used to provide financial footing for the co-ops once they start fielding claims.
The federal government said it will be rolling out awards to co-ops in other states as more applications are processed.
The Freelancers Union said the loans will launch a new health care system that is "more affordable, more accessible, and more responsive to the needs of all workers." It expects to cover 200,000 people in New York, New Jersey and Oregon with five years of opening enrollment.
Some individuals and small business owners helping with the formation of the cooperatives said they believe the new operations will help reduce one of their most worrisome costs.
"Every year it's a challenge," said Tom Murphy, who employs eight people at Door Systems of Montana. "Every year for the last four, five or six years, it seems like we have had to decrease benefits to our employees due to rising costs in the health care system."
Montana congressman Denny Rehberg, a Republican trying to use his position as chairman of a House committee overseeing the new law to block its implementation, said he has been denied requests to see details behind the state cooperative's lengthy application.
"President Obama told us if we wanted to keep our existing health insurance, we could," Rehberg said in a statement. "So I don't think we ought to be using the hard-working taxpayers' own money to subsidize new government-approved health insurance companies that will displace existing programs that people like."
Morrison, a Democrat who used to be the Montana insurance commissioner, said that the volunteers who originally gathered to establish the Montana cooperative will hand over operations to a board of directors elected by the customers who eventually sign up for the service.


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Mukesh Ambani is the Chairman, Managing Director and the largest shareholder of Reliance Industries, India`s largest private sector enterprise and a Fortune 500 company. His personal stake in Reliance Industries is 48%. His wealth is valued at US$20.8 billion (according to Forbes), making him the richest man in Asia. Mukesh and younger brother Anil are sons of the late founder of Reliance Industries, Dhirubhai Ambani. Mukesh also owns the Indian Premier League team Mumbai Indians. Mukesh Ambani was educated at Abaay Morischa School in Mumbai and completed his graduation with a bachelor`s degree in chemical engineering from the UDCT. Mukesh later enrolled for an MBA from Stanford University but completed only one year of the two year program. Mukesh Ambani joined Reliance in 1981 and initiated Reliance's backward integration from textiles into polyester fibres and further
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Volume 20, Number 5 July/August 2003
Rainmaking Tips from Solosez Caution: Don't try these at the office without an umbrella handy Gleaned and Cleaned
by Carolyn J. Stevens
At one time or another, most of us have been responsible for rainmaking, even if it was not an official part of our job. Naturally, if you start your career as a solo practitioner, you're also a solo rainmaker, responsible for seeding the clouds and maintaining the business. If you start out in a large law firm, other people or an entire department might research and implement the effective marketing techniques, which is great-but when you leave the firm, you leave their expertise behind.
What makes us memorable? We might advertise, volunteer, network at professional functions, and step by step build our reputations as good lawyers. But, inevitably, we often end up praying for rain. Where do you start? What works?
Rainmaking tips and comments for this article come from members of Solosez, the listserve sponsored by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Solo and Small Firm Practitioners. For more information about Solosez, go to www.abanet.org/solo.
Marketing, Branding, Advertising
Jay Foonberg (Santa Monica, CA) reminds us that the three P's of marketing are Persistence, Persistence, Persistence. In marketing you don't "make mistakes"; you "learn lessons." Carolyn Elefant (Washington, D.C.) learned lessons early on. Writing to large law firms for contract work wasn't successful, and neither was hosting an open house. Asking attorneys to lunch to learn about their practices resulted in "Come to my next seminar." But some "mistakes" lead to other things-such as the attorney who notified her when prime space opened in his office. Randy Birch (Heber City, UT) hosted a cocktail party and distributed 5-by-8-inch binders imprinted with his contact information. Alan C. Bail (Playa del Rey, CA) garnered large firm business through his legal and social contacts. He developed good professional relationships while working in a large firm and, after he went solo, the firm attorneys sent clients to him. He also had social relationships with decision makers in companies. At a volunteer organization's meeting, Bail talked casually about food, cooking, and Kauai with the chair's husband, who turned out to be president of a company. They met socially several more times and, after Bail visited the husband's headquarters, the company retained his services.
Brendon Carr (Seoul, Korea) created his firm's original website (www.auroralaw.co.kr) on a shoestring budget by using off-the-shelf programs. He used a cult program for the graphics, edited photos with a shareware program, and made the portraits with his digital camera. The page layout was courtesy of NetObjects Fusion MX and a few JavaScript components from Coolmaps Components Club. Carr even did the Flash animation. The early returns made him believe that a good website should be included in any solo's marketing plan.
Austin, TX, lawyer Rob Robertson cannot imagine a law firm's URL becoming a household word like Yahoo; he considers his website's metatags, which garner hits during a search, more important than the URL. Chris Barber (Houston, TX) uses descriptive URLs and descriptive e-mail addresses. Not only are descriptive addresses easier for people to remember, they also allow Barber to filter both incoming and outgoing e-mail, according to whether the sender used firstname.lastname@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com, or email@example.com. Bruce Dorner (Londonderry, NH) starts with the premise that people are under a lot of stress when they look for an attorney and often miss details. Instead of having inquiries answered by a "disembodied" e-mail presence, Dorner sends a note saying the caller might have a valid legal point and inviting the person to set up an appointment so they can explore the problem in greater detail. This method also helps to weed out casual shoppers.
Writing and Speaking Engagements
Alan Clark (Freemans Bay, Auckland, NZ) wrote a short article for his local community monthly newsletter and at the same time purchased a small "professional card" ad that appeared on the facing page. Christian Vinaa (Gentofte, Denmark) advises that writing in a journalistic style, not a legal style, will attract many new clients.
Domenic A. Bellisario (Pittsburgh, PA) is a presenter at National Business Institute (NBI) seminars. NBI sends about 10,000 mailings to lawyers and businesses around Pittsburgh and provides extra brochures for him to send clients and other contacts. The brochures include his bio, which increases his exposure. Bruce Dorner is a well-known presenter at CLE programs, where he makes sure to have fun, meet interesting people, and learn something new to take back to his own practice. Presenting is also a great way to become known as an authority in a field. Jimmy L. Verner's (Dallas, TX) work as a presenter keeps him current, provides a lot of CLE credit, and affords him many contacts. It's also fun. He suggests you are more likely to get referrals by speaking to groups of lawyers who don't practice in your field; they feel comfortable referring to you because they've heard you speak and you're not competing with them.
Chicago-area attorney Shell J. Bleiweiss receives high evaluations when he speaks, but positive exposure doesn't often directly result in work. Nevertheless, he doesn't regret his efforts; speaking helps establish name recognition and a reputation as an expert in a field, which can lead to business. A supervisor chose Jay S. Goldenberg (Chicago, IL) to present the IRS training course because he thought Jay would learn more than anyone from doing it. "He was right! You clarify your thinking and knowledge by explaining and you'll research and write many points, and you'll know the stuff." The business Rebecca Weiss gets from being a CLE presenter comes from two groups. First, she handles specialized litigation within her main real estate practice, and she makes sure that real estate lawyers know this. Her CLE presentations spread the word and bring in specific referrals from other attorneys. Second, nonattorney professionals (real estate agents) who attend CLE refer their clients to Weiss when they need attorneys. Adam Shapiro (Philadelphia, PA) appeared on a television call-in show mainly to make the public aware of his practice area, not thinking the callers would become clients. After the show, the other panelist said he was getting away from landlord-tenant work and, because Shapiro demonstrated knowledge on the topic, would refer cases to him. Sharon Campbell (Dallas, TX) employs what she characterizes as an obvious marketing step-she asks for referrals at the end of her CLE presentations.
Becki Fahle (San Antonio, TX) recommends cold-calling referral sources and inviting them to lunch, morning coffee, or afternoon tea. Even doing this just once a week, she estimates, provides four or five new referral sources a month. E. Alexandra (Sasha) Golden's practice (Needham, MA) includes guardianship actions for nursing home residents. Nursing homes need attorneys, and families need information concerning Medicaid and related legal matters, so she cultivates relationships with nursing home social workers. During her first call from one facility's social worker, Golden mentioned she would have to visit the nursing home, read the record, talk with the social worker, and meet the resident before accepting the case. After the preliminary work, Golden invited the social worker for coffee, where she learned that the home's former attorney considered site visits a bother and did not do them. By "bothering" with a site visit and networking with the social worker, Golden learned that the employer owned ten nursing homes in the area. She gained a new friend and a lot of potential work.
Business Cards
Randy Birch found a unique way to hand out cards. An old high school buddy who bartended at Randy's favorite watering hole asked for a supply of Birch's cards, which he passed out to customers who complained about legal problems. This gambit brought a surprising amount of decent business, and Birch swears he hasn't been tarnished with the "Paul-Newman-in-The-Verdict" image of the barfly lawyer. (Although he hasn't yet cultivated all the local bartenders, he says there's still time.) An attorney once told Becki Fahle that she would have a profitable practice by the time she gave away 2,000 business cards. Her closing letters contain two business cards and a request that the client retain one for future reference and give the other to someone in need of legal services. She suggests going one step further by affixing a mailing label "coupon" good for a free office visit to discuss new matters.
Referral services work for some people. Joseph Hughes (Berrien Springs, MI) recommends the state bar referral service and prepaid legal services networks. Marion Chase Pacheco (Syracuse, NY) got started by signing up with the local lawyer referral service. After a few months, she had so many cases she had to withdraw her listing. Rob Robertson had a similar experience but cautions that effectiveness varies from program to program. Fortunately, his local lawyer referral service leads to profitable work even if most callers do not engage him. On the other hand, his experience with legal insurance plans is that the clients generally pay small premiums and participating attorneys discount their fees, but clients expect "white-shoe law firm" representation. Sterling DeRamus (Birmingham, AL) pays $100 a year to be on a referral service list and considers the five or six hits per month it generates definitely worthwhile.
Volunteer and pro bono work lead to business for Joseph Hughes. By connecting with Legal Services offices and volunteering his time, he also receives the bonus of free training. Pro bono legal work for the battered women's shelter, for example, helped him with his grasp of family and immigration law.
But client recommendations seem to be the best marketing tool. Joseph Hughes calls it "priceless"; John D. Kitch (Nashville, TN) agrees. When he completes a piece of work for a client, he reminds the client of additional practice areas and other services he provides-wills, PI matters, or reviewing contracts. Randy Birch keeps in touch with one repeat client, a sand and gravel company, by visiting its office once a month to have lunch, review files, and pick up new cases. "Sometimes I think it works too well," he reports.
Keeping Clients Happy
Marion Browning-Baker (Stuttgart, Germany) tries to help every caller, even if she simply finds another attorney who can help. "Do unto others," agrees Rod Klafehn (Laurens, NY); "give the kind of service you'd want from your own lawyer." In Nerino J. Petro's Loves Park, IL, area, preparing a client closing book is standard practice in commercial real estate deals, but it's not common in residential real estate. He prepares a closing book for all residential real estate clients and finds that the extra step does lead to referrals. New Zealand attorney Alan Clark delivers Rolls Royce service from the first call until the case is completed. In Jacksonville Beach, FL, Wendell Finner cuts to the core: "Diligently and efficiently do the work in front of you." And Shell Bleiweiss keeps it simple: "Answer the phone when it rings."
Keeping in Touch
When you say goodbye to happy clients, you want them to remember you when they need legal help in the future. Some attorneys use personal cards to keep in touch. Charles Abut (Fort Lee, NJ) always sends a personal thank you for a client's or colleague's referral, even if he doesn't take the case. Vicki Levy (Lake Mary, FL) writes notes for everything from thank you to condolences-and also brings along homemade cookies to the three main courthouses almost every time she's there.
Some attorneys use seasonal reminders. Becki Fahle's Thanksgiving cards are usually the first cards of the holiday season. Karen Robbins (Olney, MD) never deletes a name from her holiday card list (unless, of course, the person dies). People who haven't been clients for years still send other clients to her. "They all say they're tickled to know I still care about them even though they're no longer clients."
Each November Andrew Simpson (Christiansted, Virgin Islands), Patricia Joyce (East Greenwich, RI), and Rob Robertson send calendars. Simpson's features local artists' work printed on high-quality paper ("suitable for framing"). Simpson affixes a clear label with a greeting and his contact information and includes a note with information about the artwork. Client comments throughout the year confirm that they remember the calendars came from him. Joyce's mailing is a tri-fold calendar card with "Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 200X" and her contact information. The tri-fold doesn't get lost in the shuffle of holiday cards, and clients keep them all year. Robertson's is a 12-month 10-by-4-inch calendar with holiday dates-and the following year printed on the reverse. In early fall, clients and courthouse personnel begin asking Rob about the upcoming calendar; court coordinators hang it next to their seats in court, and judges routinely thank him. The calendars remind some clients to pay him and occasionally, years later, someone comes across an old calendar and calls him for services. He gives remaining calendars to new clients at the first conference.
Some attorneys use newsletters to keep in touch. Alan Clark sends a newsletter every three months to former clients so they will continue to think of him as their lawyer. Nicholas H. Cobbs (Washington, D.C.) sends a two-page office newsletter to clients, prospective clients, and other potential sources of business. The articles feature general legal matters: how to execute a judgment or take a deposition, the theory of negligence, and such. However, family law practitioner Jimmy Verner keeps in mind that family law clients usually aren't repeat customers and that sending materials might even be offensive to remarried clients. Instead, Verner sends a newsletter alert of legal developments to attorneys who don't practice family law and to family law attorneys who might want some help with a big family case.
Successful rainmaking comes from persistence, creativity, and variety. If one technique doesn't make rain today, it might work tomorrow. If a technique produces only a mild shower, thinking about it in a different way might produce a better result. To continue to explore new rainmaking ideas, simply connect with your GPSolo colleagues for new ideas.
Carolyn J. Stevens is a solo family law practitioner in Lolo, Montana, and can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women has awarded a grant to the Danish Refugee Council in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, two leading NGOs in the region, and the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies at UC Hastings to address violence against displaced and refugee women and girls in the two countries.
"Most of the refugees in Tajikistan arrive from the country's war-torn neighbor to the south, Afghanistan, where women and girls face gender-based violence and discrimination," says Blaine Bookey, CGRS Associate Director. "CGRS will be training and conducting workshops on providing legal aid to trauma survivors in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. In addition, we will research and prepare a report on laws protecting women from violence in the two countries, analyzing how these laws have been implemented, and proposing recommendations for improvement."
"The UN Trust Fund received over 2,400 concept papers in response to their call for proposals, and funded only 17 of them, less than 1%," explains CGRS Director Karen Musalo. "We are honored to be working on this important project for the next two years with the Danish Refugee Council and its local partners."
The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies protects the fundamental human rights of refugee women, children, LGBT individuals, and others who flee persecution in their home countries. CGRS provides legal expertise, training, research and publications, engages in appellate litigation and policy development, and uses international human rights instruments to address the root causes of persecution and to advance human rights.


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Quality Inn - Oakwood
Oakwood, GA 30566
770-287-1000 | 800-424-6423
The Quality Inn® hotel is ideally located in northern Georgia. This Oakwood hotel is convenient to several local attractions, including Lake Lanier, the North Georgia mountains, Elachee Nature Center, Chateau Elan Winery, Road Atlanta and Brenau College.
Visitors will also enjoy nearby recreational activities like biking, boating, fishing, hiking, jogging, tennis, golfing and bowling. There are a wide variety of restaurants, cocktail lounges and specialty shops located in the surrounding area. The Mall of Georgia is only minutes away.
Full-service features and amenities include free high-speed Internet access in all rooms, free continental breakfast, free local calls, free weekday newspaper and free coffe. Guests are also invited to relax by the seasonal outdoor pool.
Info & Amenities
Hours of Operation
Sunday: All Day
Monday: All Day
Tuesday: All Day
Wednesday: All Day
Thursday: All Day
Friday: All Day
Saturday: All Day
Average Nightly Rate
Call for Rates
Group Discount
Military Discount
Facility Amenities
Complimentary Breakfast
Complimentary Newspaper
Complimentary Parking
Continental Breakfast Served
Express Check-in/out
Free Local Calls
Free Parking
Full-Service Business Center
Golf Nearby
Meeting Space Available
Outdoor Pool
Parking on Site
Public Restrooms
Restaurant Nearby
General Information
Group Amenities
Maximum Room Block: 25
Internet Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi
High-Speed In Public Space
High-Speed In-Room
Wi-Fi in Public Space
Wi-Fi In-Room
Near Interstate Highway
Payment Options
American Express
Room Amenities
Hair Dryer
In-Room Coffee Maker
Iron/Ironing Board
Smoking Rooms
Room Information
Number of Doubles: 35
Number of Rooms (Total): 72
Number of Singles: 30
Number of Suites: 6
Room Type
1-Bedroom Units
Meeting Rooms
Name Dimensions Ceiling Ht Sq. Feet Banquet Cap. Theater Cap. Classroom Cap. U-Shaped Cap. Exhibit Cap. Conference Cap. Reception Cap. Conference Room - 9 270.0 - - 20 - - 20 -


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User talk:Callofduty4
| This is the talk page for User:Callofduty4. Please leave a message.
Always sign off your messages using four tildes (~~~~ ) to automatically add your signature.
I understand but...
I under stand I deserved that block, and I'm not aruging that I don't, I was surprised I didn't get anything longer, I'm going to try reading The Child Called 'It', so far it's been working wonders on me, and I think once that month is over, maybe I'll be more mature, but please, I stress the maybe.
I hate to mention his name, but I'm just saying, I don't understand how Bord gets away with it, and you actully talk in a happy mood about me being blocked. He has also been warned not to talk to me, and to just pretend I had never hit Create Account. I got into a small dispute with EightOhEight, trying to explain myself (read my new quote, I even admit I'm a jackass), and who do you guess burns into OUR (808 and my) conversation. I'll give you a hint, he's RLLY BORD, and I think he deserves a strict warning, or a block, but he deserves the former of the two, as he did break a warning. I can't help but get angry at how I get banned for harassment and indimitation, for someone who started tossing mud at me first (political term). He contionously harrased me when I tried to start over, and even called me a jackass and a bitch, before I did, and I was simply returning the favor.
I'm not argueing about being blocked, and I'm just saying, I'm not the only shady person under the tree (Old Ku Klux Klan word for a guilty man, but I'm not a kkk member)
Notice:If anyone else reads this, this is regarding the Call of Duty wiki, and it sure beats Grand Theft Auto like Tiger's wife beats him. Peter Griffen Boy 22:24, February 12, 2010 (UTC)
New Wiki
I'm trying to find a new wiki I can edit, and I'll think I'll try at the Made Up Charachters wiki, hope no one touched my Modern Warfare Four. Peter Griffen Boy 22:31, February 12, 2010 (UTC)
I'm gonna stop bothering you.
Anyway, if you need anymore userboxes, I'll make them. They're pretty fun to make, here's one of my favorites File:Wawspringfield.jpg
I copied this from Saints UMP.45, it was one of my first userboxes, never used it though.
How I'd improve WAW
- When you shoot someone, in the face with a bazooka, they're right leg will not come off, they're head, a large amount of the spine and body will follow
- When shooting Armsel with a PTRS you see gore, when shooting him with a pistol, he will not jump into the air.
- The PTRS would be a mounted gun on vehicle maps (around fifteen hits would take a tank from the front, around five from the back), not a scoped rifle, that would be impractical, as it would be impossible to aim correctly
- Why would Dimitir go for a bolt-action rifle, when going to take out three Nazis, with MP-40s, when he had a SEMI-AUTOMATIC pistol
- MGs being carried and used like they do is nearly impossible, as they would overheat and be very heavy to use, normally it took two men to operate a mounted one, and it was still difficult. Infinity Ward made theirs overheat, and they were a rare sight un-mounted
- Honestly, how the hell can someone survive sliced in the wrist, and they're watch working fine?
- Shooting someone once withg a BAR to the head will not make it come off.
- Banzai charges were not used as a simple attack, they were used in a time of sure deafeat. Plus, them just screaming BANZAI is unaccuarte, it would be "Emperor BANZAI!" only a few Suns can speak correct Japanease.
- Sullivan being killed like that is impractical, who opens a door when they hear enemies coming, get back and aim down your sights, the second that door peeps open, boom and done.
- Obtaining the rank General is very hard and takes a long time, how can just one at least sixty year old man run that fast, he runs even faster then his body guards.
- Dimitri being burnt by flamethrowers would surely kill him like they did in Vendetta.
Sorry for being lengthy, but I honestly got nothing better do, and I would post this as a blog, but I'm banned. Peter Griffen Boy 23:48, February 12, 2010 (UTC)
I was wonderin'...
I know my messages are plentyful, but since you banned me I got nothing better to do, besides go hang out by the beer store and buy beer then drink it. I was wondering if we were still chumps (my signature word, I called it. If you use it you're Foley's new bitch, sorry Ramirez). Plus you and 808 seem to be being Bord's bodyguards. He's said some rather rude things to new users (and I mean NEW users). When someone simply asks him to stop, he will not and admins take his side, and that is why Chia opposed him for RFA.


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Credits: 1.5
There will be an information session regarding the application process for this course on Monday, September 8, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. in Rm 4430 in SOM's Evans Hall.
To recieve credit as a Capstone course for F&ES students, you must be registered & complete both Fall and Spring Terms for full credit and must be in your second year.
This course is for six teams of five students each that want to write a business plan for their own real new start-up company. It runs October 20, 2014–February 23, 2015. Entrepreneurship is all about starting and running one's own business. In order to focus thinking and to help assemble the needed people and financial resources, many entrepreneurs write a business plan for their new venture. One of the best ways to learn how to write a business plan is to learn by doing—a real plan for a real new venture. The work is "hands-on," "learn by doing" in nature. Entrepreneurs should be flexible thinkers and highly motivated, with a large capacity for work. They must be persistent and able to thrive in an unstructured environment. Entrepreneurs should be confident self-starters with the ability to take the initiative, overcome obstacles, make things happen, and get things done. Students enter their plans in the Yale Venture Challenge Business Plan Contest sponsored by the Yale Entrepreneurial Society. The scope of the work includes doing in-depth market, product, and competitor research; creating a strategy for a sustainable business; and writing and presenting a professional-quality plan (including a financial model and deal structure). Enrollment limited to thirty, by permission of the instructors. There will be an information session regarding the application process for this course on Monday, September 8, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. in Rm 4430 in SOM's Evans Hall.


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Things to Do During Your Stay on Cape Cod
- Beaches: A listing of many of Cape Cod's finest (and not necessarily most popular) beaches . . .
- Biking: Details on great bike paths in and around Cape Cod . . .
- Cape Cod Playhouse: A summer institution on Cape Cod. Great live theater . . .
- Cape Cod Railway: Named one of the top ten scenic train rides in the country by USA Today . . .
- Fishing: The source for outdoor information on Cape Cod. fly-fishing, striped bass, charters, etc.
- Golf: A listing of Cape Cod's golf courses, by town . . .
- Kayaking: A selection of kayaking programs exploring the many kettle ponds and streams of Cape Cod . . .
- Museums: Here you will find a comprehensive guide to museums on Cape Cod and the Islands.
- Walks/Hikes: A comprehensive guide to walks and hikes on the Cape . . .
- Whale Watching: Whale-watching trips from Barnstable Harbor . .
Boston (one hour by car)
No trip to Boston is complete without a walk along the two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail. Truly one of the best ways to get acquainted with Boston and to explore its wealth of historic landmarks, the 2.5-mile trail begins at Boston Common and ends in Charlestown at the Bunker Hill monument. The entire trail is marked with a painted or bricked red line that is easy to follow. Signs along the Trail identify each of the 16 stops.
Quincy Market, also called Faneuil Hall Marketplace, is a great place to stop for a refreshment break during your walk of the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail in Boston. The indoor-outdoor market is home to dozens of restaurants and food vendors. Want to see sea lions smile and penguins play? Then head to the New England Aquarium in Boston, one of the city's most popular attractions. At the center of the Aquarium is the four-story, 200,000 gallon Giant Ocean Tank, a Coral Reef environment filled with everything from sea turtles, and tropical fishes to sharks, stingrays, and moray eels.
A unique and fun way to tour Boston is on a Boston Duck Tour . The fun begins as soon as you board your "DUCK", an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle. Upon boarding, you will be greeted by one of their legendary tour ConDUCKtors, who'll narrate your tour, including little known facts and interesting tidbits along the way. Starting on land, you'll cruise by the domed State House, Bunker Hill Monument, Boston Common, Copley Square, Government Center, fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market, Prudential Tower, or the "Pru" as it is known by the locals. And just when you think you've seen it all, it's time for "Splashdown" when your ConDUCKtor splashes your DUCK right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.
Plimoth Plantation (45 minutes by car)
Plimoth Plantation is a living history museum located just 45 minutes from the inn in the picturesque seaside community of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
This quaint tourist destination offers a memorable New England experience through personal encounters with historic figures of a Colonial English community in the 1600s. The exhibits, programs, live interpreters, and historic settings encourage a new level of understanding about the past and our connection to our settlers.
Newport, Rhode Island (90 minutes by car)
The Mansions of Newport . . The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff, and numerous others were built by the men and women who built America. Now protected under the auspices of the Preservation Society of Newport County the 11 historic properties and landscapes – seven of which are National Historic Landmarks – trace America's architectural and social development from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age.
In Newport visitors will find a world of exceptional elegance and inspiration in architecture, art, interior design and landscapes. Visitors can explore 250 years of American history sprawled across 80 acres of gardens and parks.
Provincetown (one hour by car)
Though Commercial Street can be overrun with tourists in the summer, the downtown area is alive with local color, fun and funky shops and galleries, and an array of restaurants from casual to fine dining. Beyond the town limits you'll find Race Point and the Provincelands, the Old Harbor Life Saving Station, and Herring Cove Beach. To really experience the spectacular dunes, try an excursion deep into the sand with Art's Dune Tours.
Nantucket (one hour via the fast ferry, or 20 minutes via air.)
An easy daytrip from Cape Cod, Nantucket is an offshore island laying 30 miles out to sea. Visitors enjoy the endless beaches, miles of designated bike paths, the Nantucket Whaling Museum, and oodles of shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Take a 90-minute minibus tour of the island for a nice overview of the landscape or rent a bike from Young's Bicycle Shop and take a ride on the Polpis Road out to Siasconset and Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
Martha's Vineyard (one hour via fast ferry, or 20 minutes via air.)
Though much closer to Cape Cod than Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard is much larger and therefore much more rural in nature and is home to both year-round and seasonal residents. Edgartown is the hub of activity in the summer with lovely restaurants and shops to explore and a bustling harbor. Oak Bluffs, where most of the ferries disembark, is the home of the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country. Here you'll also find the Methodist Camp Meeting Association, a cluster of vividly painted gingerbread houses that have been painstakingly restored. If time allows, take a trip out to Aquinnah and the bluffs of Gay Head, or the sleepy little fishing village of Menemsha.
Day One: The Olde King's Highway
Drive the length of scenic Route 6A, the Old King's Highway, designated one of the most scenic byways in America. Browse antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, and one-of-a-kind gift shops along the way. Have lunch at the Brewster Fish House. Visit the Natural History Museum and walk the nature trails across the marsh to the Brewster Flats at Paines Creek. Catch the sunset along the boardwalk at Gray's Beach in Yarmouthport. Stop for a soft serve at Captain Frosty's.
Day Two: The National Seashore
Head east to the National Seashore. Take a side trip to Fort Hill for a view of Nauset Beach and the Penniman House and a walk along the nature trails. Continue on to the Salt Pond Visitors Center at the start of the National Seashore in Eastham. See the Coast Guard Station at Coast Guard Beach, the Nauset Beach Lighthouse, and the Marconi Wireless Station site. Drive down Lecount Hollow Road to Ocean View Drive, past Cahoon Hollow to Newcomb Hollow. Stop at Arnold's on Route 6 for onion rings and fried clams. Catch a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In.
Day Three: Provincetown
Hop on Route 6, the mid-Cape Highway, and make a bee-line for Provincetown. Along the way you can detour for a tour of Truro Vineyards and the Atlantic Spice Company. Climb the Pilgrim Monument for a spectacular view. Take a one-of-a-kind tour of the dunes with Art's Dune Tours. Alternatively take a whale watching excursion to Stellwagen Bank. Have lunch at the Lobster Pot, then stroll the shops and galleries along Commercial Street. Drive to the Province Lands Visitors Center and watch the sunset over Race Point.
Day Four: Cape Cod Rail Trail
Grab your bike and ride the 26-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail. Pack a lunch for a picnic along the trail. Take a detour into Nickerson State Park and have a swim in the one of the lovely ponds. Return via 6A through Dennis on 6A and stop at the Sesuit Harbor Cafe for a lobster roll or perhaps a sunset cruise in the harbor.
Day Five: Sandwich
Spend the day in Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod. Tour the Sandwich Glass Museum and visit the Dexter Grist Mill. Have tea at the Dunbar Tea House. Walk the boardwalk out to Cape Cod Bay or stroll along the 6-mile trail that lines the Cape Cod Canal. Grab a bite to eat at Seafood Sam's or order a steamed lobster from Joe's Seafood Market and dine at a picnic table along the canal. Then spend the afternoon at the Heritage Museum and Gardens. Stroll acres of perennial gardens, visit the historic Shaker round barn with its spectacular classic car collection, and the exhibits of military miniatures, antique toys and Native American artifacts in the American History Museum. Take a ride on the working carousel and stay for an evening concert at the amphitheater.
Day Six: Boston
Take a day trip to Boston (one hour by car) to walk the Freedom Trail, or take a Duck Mobile or Beantown Trolley tour of the city. Visit the New England Aquarium, Old Ironsides, Bunker Hill Monument, Quincy Market, and Faneuil Hall. Dine on fresh seafood at Legal Seafood or the Union Oyster House.
Day Seven: Chatham
Travel to Chatham, the "elbow" of Cape Cod to see the Chatham Lighthouse. Browse the shops along Main Street. Drive out to the Chatham Fish Pier to see the day boats unload their catch. Take Shore Road past Chatham Bars Inn to Morris Island and the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Take a seal cruise aboard the Rip Ryder or have them drop you off for an afternoon at the beach on South Monomoy. Dine at The Impudent Oyster.
Day Eight: Newport
Venture to Newport, R.I. (90 minutes by car) and tour the mansions that were the summer homes of the Vanderbilts and Astors. Take a leisurely drive along the 10-mile Ocean Drive, walk the Cliff Walk in front of The Breakers, Marble House and Chateau Sur Mer. End your day with a bowl of steaming clam chowder at the Black Pearl on the water.
Day Nine: Cape Cod at Play
Spend the day at any one of Cape Cod's beautiful beaches soaking up the sun, reading the latest novel, walking the coastline in search of treasures from the sea, or frolicking in the waves. Alternately, take a kayak trip in Pleasant Bay or Nauset Marsh with Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures or golf at any of our championship golf courses. After dinner, catch a play at the Cape Cod Playhouse, and enjoy wonderful live theater.
Day Ten: Nantucket
Take the high speed ferry (one hour) to Nantucket for the day. Visit the Whaling Museum. Rent a moped or bicycle and ride the Polpis Road out to Slasconset and Sankaty Head Lighthouse to see the rose-covered fishing cottages. Walk the cobblestone streets of Nantucket Town, climb to the top of the First Congregational Church bell tower on Center St. for a beautiful view of the harbor. Have lunch at the Brotherhood of Thieves or Le Languedoc. Be sure to throw a penny off the stern of the ferry as you pass Brant Point Lighthouse to ensure your return trip to the island one day.
Day Eleven: Falmouth and Woods Hole
Drive to Falmouth and Woods Hole via Route 28A, which will take you through the lovely community of West Falmouth with its many antique shops. Stop for lunch at Dana's Kitchen for unusual sandwiches, homemade soups and salads. Turn right on Palmer Ave in downtown Falmouth for shopping. Follow Sippewissett Road, a windy 8-mile route that takes you past beautiful homes with great views of the water into Woods Hole, home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Alternately you can ride your bike along the Shining Sea Bike Trail. On the return trip, have dinner at the Chapoquoit Grill, then catch the sunset from Chapoquoit Beach near the restaurant.
Day Twelve: Plimoth Plantation
Spend the day at Plimoth Plantation in nearby Plymouth, MA (45 minutes by car). Plimoth was the first permanent European settlement in the "New World". Today it is a living history museum dedicated to recreating the 17th century lifestyle. Tour the Mayflower II, a recreation of the original, and learn about the perils of the 1620 journey. Stop to see Plymouth Rock, located on the waterfront in downtown Plymouth, close to where Mayflower II is anchored.
Day Thirteen: Martha's Vineyard
Take the Island Queen ferry (35 minutes) from Falmouth Harbor to Oak Bluffs on the island of Martha's Vineyard for the day. Rent a bike or moped and ride into Edgartown via the designated bike path. Take the 5-minute ferry trip to Chappaquiddick and take the lighthouse tour or visit Mytoi Japanese Garden. Return to Edgartown for lunch at Alchemy. Then ride down to Katama Beach for fine surfing. Alternatively, drive out to see the fishing village of Menemsha, Aquinnah, and the cliffs at Gay Head. Return to Oak Bluffs and ride the Flying Horses carousel before returning to the mainland via ferry.
Day Fourteen: Rail and Sail
Ride the rails on the Cape Cod Scenic Train. Rambling through the countryside, alongside cranberry bogs and salt marsh, this 2-hour journey is narrated by a local expert as you make your way roundtrip between Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal. Stop for lunch at Baxter's Boat House on the harbor then set sail for a leisurely one-hour harbor cruise aboard the Prudence, which will take you around Hyannis Harbor and into Lewis Bay for a glimpse of the Kennedy Compound. You can visit the shops along the harbor, then head down Main Street to the JFK Museum. End you day with a concert at the Cape Cod Melody Tent (in season) or stop for a nightcap at any of the local waterholes.


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In a first since passage last November of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, the Office of Special Counsel on Thursday filed an amicus brief challenging a ruling it says would deny federal employees who feel they are unfairly removed from so-called "sensitive" national security positions appropriate recourse. The move was applauded by nonprofit whistleblower advocates' groups.
Special Counsel Carolyn Lerner, siding with the Merit Systems Protection Board, filed a brief in the U.S. Appeals Court for the Federal Circuit, arguing that a Defense Department decision to declare two civilian employees ineligible for positions deemed sensitive, if upheld in court, "would undermine Congress' repeated efforts to strengthen whistleblower and other good government protections for federal workers." Lerner added that "it could also limit OSC's jurisdiction to investigate allegations of whistleblower reprisal for hundreds of thousands of federal employees."
The case, Berry v. Conyers, involves two low-level Defense civilians, one of whom worked preparing product inventory at a commissary and another who was a GS-5 accounting technician. Pentagon supervisors stripped them of their status as "non-critical sensitive," demoting one and suspending the other. Both filed a complaint to the MSPB, though neither claimed to be whistleblowers. The Office of Personnel Management backed the Pentagon and petitioned for the court to overrule the anticipated decision by the merit board.
In August 2012, a three-judge circuit court panel ruled against the employees, based on an expanded reading of a 1988 Supreme Court ruling that had allowed agencies to deny employees' sensitive positions in a narrow set of circumstances affecting national security, the OSC said. Two of the three judges ruled that national security required "deference to agencies" in such cases. The reasoning, the OSC wrote, is that "the commissary employee's ability to observe stock levels of sunglasses and sports drinks could hint at future deployments of troops and impact national security. Accordingly, review of eligibility determinations to hold such positions should be limited to the agency involved."
The OSC, MSPB and nonprofits that work with whistleblowers argued that such a ruling "eliminates independent due process hearings at the MSPB for employees who lose their eligibility to hold a sensitive position." The case could have wide impact because the Pentagon employs some 500,000 in jobs designated as sensitive, with tens of thousands more at other agencies.
The whistleblower angle emerged because the one dissenting judge noted that the decision could affect employees who allege that their eligibility to hold a sensitive position was revoked in retaliation for whistleblowing. OSC, the amicus brief argues, would be in danger of losing its jurisdiction to investigate whistleblower cases involving determinations of job sensitivity.
In January, the full appeals court agreed to hear the case, which is what prompted the Special Counsel's Office to weigh in.
Tom Devine, legal director of the nonprofit Government Accountability Project, which filed its own amicus brief in the case, said in an email to Government Executive that "the OSC is right where it should be, defending the merit system against the civil service equivalent of a nuclear attack." If OPM gets its way, he said, "virtually any job can be labeled 'sensitive' and require renewed 'eligibility' apart from the civil service system. Once that happens, agencies could circumvent the rule of law in place since 1883 for a nonpartisan federal workforce. The federal work force could be purged at will."
Devine warned that the new whistleblower law "and all other merit system laws guarding against discrimination will be swept away. So would the most basic right of a free society -- independent due process to defend against government charges of misconduct."
Angela Canterbury, director of public policy at the Project on Government Oversight, called the special counsel "a breath of fresh air, someone actually doing the job." She called the position taken by the Pentagon and OPM "an incredibly dangerous one that could have far-reaching effects."
Both POGO and GAP view the case an example of the Obama administration being "at war" with itself. "We really have two American governments," Canterbury said. "One looks like a democracy, the other a national security state where rights and freedom of speech all too often are superseded by claims of national security."
She spoke of a "dichotomy" within agencies under President Obama. "On one hand he more than any other president has supported and advanced fundamental protections under the law for federal employees," she said. "On the other hand, the administration created this huge national security loophole for whistleblowers, brought an appeal to the federal circuit, and blew a hole in the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Civil Service Reform Act."


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(CNN) -- Craving romance this spring? Or simply a destination free of wedding bands, crying babies and the shackles of work?
Try the singles vacation, an increasingly popular travel trend catering to the nation's unmarried.
"The trips are social -- they're designed for travelers to meet people and make connections," said Mark Braunstein, who crafts dream destinations for Singles Travel Service. "It's a thousand degrees different from a dating service because you're involved in your passion. You're spending significant money to be at that spot and so is everyone else."
These five getaways give new meaning to "wander lust."
Montana (March 13 to 19)
If you're feeling cramped in your cubicle, Big Sky, Montana, provides more than 5,000 acres of outdoor escape. Singles Travel Service invites travelers of all ages to six days of skiing, hiking and drinking hot cocoa with other guests at the Lodge. Daily breakfast is served to fuel slope outings and, of course, slope flirting.
"This trip has generated six marriages," Braunstein said. "People who love to ski are excited to meet other people who love to ski."
For cost, itineraries and other details, click here.
Turkey (April 7 to 18)
The sparks will fly -- literally -- on All Singles Travel's featured hot air balloon rides in Turkey. After you peruse the Turkish skyline, top-rated clubs, restaurants and a guided tour await on the ground.
Istanbul's Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophi appeal to architecture lovers, and Göreme's ancient rock chapels bring way-back-when flavor to modern sightseeing.
All Singles Travel representative Eric Kravitz said this trip is ideal for springtime -- and budding love.
"The weather is great and dependable," he said. "And of course, everything's cheaper this time of year."
Begin your adventure here.
Australia (March 29 to April 10)
Sip cocktails in Sydney. Snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef. Hand-feed a kangaroo.
Excitement in Australia brings singles together, said Ed Reder, Singles in Paradise representative.
"Every year, our women are drawn to the Australian men," he said. "We've started several international flings."
The trip begins in Sydney, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. After five days of city exploration, travelers plunge into the deep blue waters of Cairns, the "Gateway to the Barrier Reef."
More details on this Aussie experience here.
China/Tibet (May 15 to 30)
May the Great Wall of China be your path to ever-lasting love -- or at least the starting point of an unforgettable 15-day expedition.
On this trip, All Singles Travel leads you through Beijing to Tibet and every notable tourist attraction in between. Cruise the scenic Yangtze River, explore a Buddhist monastery and relax at four-star accommodations every evening.
Find out more about this Asian adventure here.
Caribbean islands (April 17 to 24)
Reality is better than TV on this "Love Boat."
Singles 45 and up can board the Ruby Princess, which sails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the eastern Caribbean. Patrons may enjoy massages at an on-board spa before they join frequent singles dinners and cocktail parties. Multiple restaurants, activities and evening movies support eclectic tastes.
Find out more about this spring sailing. Happy travels.


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Address Dubai Mall is undergoing a partial renovation until 1st September 2018
Address Dubai Mall is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, a futuristic vision of designer stores and cutting-edge attractions. Within this district is an array of landmark sights, including The Dubai Fountain, one of the world's largest shopping malls and, soaring above it all, the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa itself.
This is home to some of the city's most enticing restaurants, trendsetting lounges and sublime spas. Whether you're here for work or leisure, a myriad of choices and an exciting fusion of Middle Eastern and Western cultures are only minutes away.
Address Dubai Mall is a convenient 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, and within easy access to the city's most renowned landmarks and leisure hotspots.
Arabian Ranches Golf Club is an 18 hole, par 72 signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. Past the immaculate grass of the fairways and greens, golfers enter the 'sandy waste,' with indigenous shrubs and bushes. Golfers will appreciate the GPS (Global Positioning System) yardage service available on every golf cart.
The Spanish Colonial style clubhouse features the Ranches Restaurant, with a terrace offering panoramic scenic views over the 9th and 18th holes. Within the clubhouse there are 11 luxurious en-suite guest rooms all opening to spectacular views of the golf course. The clubhouse is a perfect setting for any golfer. Step out of the room, hop onto the golf cart and drive or walk straight to the first tee, totally refreshed for a game of golf.
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club extends over 68 acres of desert landscape. Apart from polo, regarded as the Sport of Kings, the club hosts show jumping and dressage, horse riding and desert hacking. It has 336 stables, 25 paddocks, two polo fields, one practice field and two riding / show jumping arenas. The all-weather surfaces of the riding, show jumping and dressage areas are regarded as amongst the best in the region
The club has a unique Spanish hacienda-styled clubhouse, where guests can relax at one of four stylish lounges or dine al fresco on Argentinean cuisine cooked Asado style at the Palermo Restaurant. The grand patio at the Saha Courtyard is an ideal function venue. The club also offers all modern amenities required for business meetings and conferences.
Discover the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, nestled within the heart of Dubai Marina. The leading private yacht club boasts a range of distinctive marinas set along the 3.5 km canal, offering a wealth of activity, entertainment and tranquility. Dubai Marina Yacht Club offers world class berthing options at one of their four unique marina's and is equipped with an expert team of marine professionals who offer assistance with everything from berthing to sailing permits. Athena - their own private yacht offers the chance to enjoy a luxury cruise on the water.
If you are in the mood to indulge in some serious retail therapy, then you are at the best place possible. Address Dubai Mall is directly linked to The Dubai Mall, which features 1,200 stores including some of the world's leading haute couture brands. To help you tune in to the latest fashion trends effortlessly we even offer you the assistance of a personal fashion advisor.
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Mall is the world's new centre of shopping and entertainment. The mall is a shopper's paradise, featuring 1,200 retail outlets and more than 160 restaurants - all masterfully spread over an area totalling an astonishing 12.1 million square feet. Anchored by Bloomingdales and Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall is also home to the dazzling Gold Souk and Fashion Avenue, a 440,000 square foot precinct featuring more than 70 signature haute-couture stores.
The Dubai Mall also has the most extensive food and beverage offers in a mall across the region. There are over 160 outlets from fine dining to casual eateries offering a wide range of flavours, ambience and price. The mall's promenade is lined with an array of themed café's and restaurants, each offering an al-fresco dining experience with the views overlooking the Burj Khalifa Lake and the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa.
A vibrant market square of meandering alleyways and inner courtyards, The Old Town is styled along the lines of a village within the city, brought alive by its people and its promise of a special way of life. By day, the fusion of stalls, boutiques, parlours and coffee shops add spice to an already alluring setting. By night, abundant vitality spills out onto the lantern-lit streets, where diners feast to the sounds of live music.
In contrast to The Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, offers a taste of something more traditional and rustic. The Arabesque souk which is located on The Old Town Island, is a vibrant waterside dining, shopping and entertainment experience and a must-see destination for tourists.
Souk Al Bahar ('market of the sailor') derives its name from both its traditional architecture of natural stone corridors, high archways and subdued lighting and its unique 'sea-side' location on the Burj Lake.
The cultural theme flows throughout the souk, with boutique shops showcasing Arabian heritage through a mix of authentic handicrafts, fashion and accessories. The souk also features more than 22 restaurants and cafés framing the extensive waterfront.
The Dubai Mall is a family destination for all ages, all year round. Things to do and see at the mall include the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo - the world's largest aquarium featuring a 180-degree walkthrough tunnel, KidZania®, an innovative children's 'edu-tainment' concept, a 22-screen Cineplex and an Olympic-size ice rink will keep your children entertained while you shop.
No visit to Dubai is complete without a visit to At The Top, Burj Khalifa, the gateway to the tallest building in the world.
As night falls, Downtown Dubai begins to move to a new beat The Dubai Fountain becomes even more dazzling as it shoots water jets as high as 500 ft, equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. Set in the 30-acre Burj Lake, right along The Dubai Mall's sprawling waterfront promenade, The Dubai Fountain's breathtaking display of choreography brings together light, music, and water in a spectacular performance set to Arabian, classical, and world music.
Sundowners at the many sophisticated clubs and lounges in Downtown Dubai are another great way to watch the city begin to light up and shimmer. These chic venues, which attract celebrities and superstars from around the world, offer the highest level of service and entertainment, creative and unique beverages and menus, and music played by both resident and international house DJs.
Dubai Opera is a truly unique venue and the city's first purpose built multi-format performing arts theatre situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Offering the ultimate flexibility of a proscenium arch theatre, an acoustic concert hall and a 2000sqm flat floor event space, the configuration allows for approximately 2000 seats for a concert and up to 1000 for a gala dinner. Outside of the main auditorium, the venue has a smaller performance space and rehearsal room and a stunning rooftop restaurant and sky garden with views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.


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Cuisine At Home Magazine. I've never made a Red Velvet Cake, before, and I loved the idea of a White Chocolate Frosting. This particular recipe uses buttermilk and vegetable oil, in lieu of butter. I was banking that this combination would be essential components to a really moist cake.
I got a little nervous, because it took a lot of red food coloring so that the cake wouldn't be pink! I had to dig in to my gel food coloring (for frosting), as I didn't have one full ounce of liquid food color. That was a real challenge to get it to break the gel paste into the buttermilk. At last, I mixed the buttermilk with vanilla and the food coloring, first, since the recipe said it would help to avoid a huge mess. Ha! (More on that later.)
I confess. I usually skip sifting cake dry ingredients. In this case, I sifted both unbleached flour and cake flour together. This recipe listed 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa, baking soda, plus some espresso powder and salt. Sift, sift, sift... done. Last, but not least, I wisked all of the dry ingredients together.


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The Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry provides distinctive, rigorous, and transformative immersive learning experiences for Ball State students. Each year, four faculty members are chosen to lead teams of 15 students in interdisciplinary, immersive seminars.
Congratulations to the new VBC Fellows for the upcoming 2017-2018 academic year!
Fall Semester:
- Vanessa Ament, Telecommunications - "American Women in Film Sound"
- John Mckillip, Biology - Fine Focus: Catalyzing STEM Opportunities for Minority Undergraduates
Spring Semester:
- Elizabeth Agnew, Philosophy and Religious Studies - "Muslims in Muncie"
- Daniel Porter, School of Music - "Beneficence Records: Records for a Reason"
Read more about their upcoming seminars here: Press Release
Read about the 2016-2017 academic year projects...
See how our students worked with a community group to teach others about civil rights. Read more.
Read about our 2016-2017 seminars. Interested in more information about one of these current projects? Contact Adam Kuban & Lee Florea (Water Quality Indiana) or Rai Peterson & Sarojini Johnson (Book Arts Collaborative)!
Interested in doing a project? Click here to learn more and apply for a fellowship.
Our seminars have produced a wide range of creative projects and won distinguished awards and recognitions. For example:
Learn more about the center, our benefactor, our house, and the many seminars that have done incredible work within and beyond its walls.
Follow us on Facebook!


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Current Topics in Qualitative Reasoning
In this editorial introduction to this special issue of AI Magazine on qualitative reasoning, we briefly discuss the main motivations and characteristics of this branch of AI research. We also summarize the contributions in this issue and point out challenges for future research.
Full Text:PDF
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1609/aimag.v24i4.1727
Copyright © 2018, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (www.aaai.org). All rights reserved.


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The View from the Porch Calendar for 2018 features 12 stunning full color photographs of enchanting views from porches. Pour yourself a glass of lemonade and spend some time on the old porch swing. This beautiful calendar will give you a years' worth of tranquil porch views with these twelve full color photographs. The large format calendar features six bonus months of July through December 2017; daily grids with ample room for jotting reminders; moon phases; U.S. and international holidays.


text: Lessons From the Field January 24, 2014 08:51 PM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Farm Journal Editors Email Agronomists reply to inquiries about sulfur, tillage and volunteer beans Find answers to a variety of crop production questions on Farm Journal's "Ask an Agronomist" blog. The Farm Journal agronomists and experts respond to questions sent to firstname.lastname@example.com based on their independent experience and in-the-field insight. Past questions and answers can be found at www.FarmJournal.com/ask_an_agronomist. Here are three recent questions and answers from the blog. Q Can the addition of sulfur in some amount, which will increase the "greenness" of corn, increase photosynthesis, which should increase the amount of sugars and in turn impact yield? A It can make a difference, depending on your sulfur loads in the field. A combination of tissue and soil testing can help you figure out where you stand. Traditionally, the more nitrogen you apply, the more sulfur is usually required. The lower the organic matter in the soil test, the more likely you'll probably get a response. As a rule of a thumb, the response to sulfur will be stronger in soil with 2.5% organic matter or less. As you move up from 2.5% organic matter, the response to sulfur will be lower because you get more sulfur naturally released from the soil. If you do have a deficit in sulfur, you will see a decrease in those things you mentioned—the greenness, photosynthesis and sugars. The challenge is if you're at 3.5% to 4% organic matter in the soil, meaning sulfur levels are adequate, because adding more sulfur isn't going to improve your situation. You need both tissue and soil tests to figure this out; the two together give you a more comprehensive reading on your fields. If the tissue tests and soil tests together are in the low range, you'll get a response. When I look at our plots, if we're in that zone where we need sulfur, usually we need to apply 15 lb. to 20 lb. of sulfur per acre. Also, a 50-lb. rate per acre of sulfur isn't usually any better than 15 lb. to 20 lb., as a rule. Q What kind of tool do I need for vertical tillage? A There is no single tool that works for vertical tillage. Vertical tillage is a system, not a one-season tillage pass or a single tool. It can take a couple of years to transition to a true vertical tillage system. Before you buy any tool, think about what you're trying to gain from using a vertical tillage system. One of the best goals you can set is trying to achieve uniform soil density. That uniformity can help you develop a good-quality seedbed, which is crucial for uniform corn emergence and high ear counts. Evaluate whether you have density layers or compaction problems in your soils. If so, at what depth? Your answer matters because it influences the type of tool you will use to correct those problems. At 4" deep, you can use a variety of tools to remove density layers. If it's at 12" deep, though, you will need a more specific tool. Consider your residue needs before purchasing vertical tillage equipment. For instance, if you're in continuous corn, you need to select a tool to get rid of root balls and incorporate more residue. If you have deep density layers but don't need the residue, you can use something like a disk ripper, which is designed to go deeper than a chisel plow. If you have shallow layers and don't need a lot of residue, then you can run a chisel plow. If you have deep density layers but need a lot of residue, you can go with an inline ripper type of tool. On highly erodible soils, you need less aggressive tools. Primary vertical tillage tools include chisel plows, disk rippers and inline rippers. Other tools better suited to leveling fields are harrows and coulters, which prepare the final seedbed. Q I had some volunteer soybeans in my corn in 2013 that I think affected my yield outcome. This spring, I plan to take a wait-and-see approach to address them if the problem shows up again. Got any recommendations? A If volunteer soybeans show up in your corn next season, consider these postemergence control measures, outlined by Darrell Deneke, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension pest management coordinator. He says soybean plant size at the time of herbicide application will determine the degree of control you will get. Small volunteer soybeans are easier to control than larger ones. Try to control any problem before volunteer soybeans exceed the V3 growth stage. Using 2,4-D is one option, Deneke says, though SDSU research shows that soybeans are not as sensitive to 2,4-D as they are to other plant-growth regulator herbicides, such as dicamba or clopyralid. Plant-growth regulator herbicides such as Hornet contain clopyralid and should provide effective control to smaller soybeans. Products containing dicamba, such as Status, Distinct and numerous generics, will provide effective control in a wider range of volunteer soybean growth stages. Read all product labels for application directions and to ensure the herbicide you plan to spray is labeled for use in your state. To read more crop production questions and answers or to submit your own questions, go to www.FarmJournal.com/ask_an_agronomist Back to news


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Alex Len, the former Maryland center who was drafted fifth overall by the Phoenix Suns last month, underwent surgery on his right ankle Monday.
"As a precautionary measure, our medical staff determined that it would be prudent to perform surgery on Alex Len's right ankle at this time," Suns president of basketball operations Lon Babby said last week. "As part of a routine evaluation, our medical team identified the very beginnings of a stress fracture in Alex's right ankle even though Alex was entirely asymptomatic. We expect him to be available to begin the season."
Len had surgery on a partial stress fracture of the left ankle April 27.
Asked whether he still felt good about drafting Len, Suns general manager Ryan McDonough told the Valley of the Suns blog: "I would say short answer, 'Yes.' Our medical people, who are some of the best in the league, took a close look at it and studied it. And we're confident he won't have issues going forward. So I guess I'll just say we would not have drafted him if we thought it was a significant medical risk."