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The Connecting the LGBTI Community category recognises those individuals and organisations that help bring together the LGBTI community through activities and events which celebrate diversity.
Here are the finalists for Connecting the LGBTI Community Award:
Midsumma Festival is Melbourne's premier queer arts and cultural festival, and for the past thirty years has provided a platform for LGBTQI artists and performers, with a more recent focus on trans and indigenous performers, and performers living with disability.
Purple Bombers, in conjunction with the Essendon Football Club, work to raise funds to promote gender equality, and advocate for indigenous rights within the AFL and sporting communities.
Minus18 is an organization dedicated to Australia's LGBTQI youth, and offers a range of seminars, workshops, and educational materials reaching over fifty thousand people in Melbourne and Adelaide alone.
Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus and shOUT Youth Chorus provides a vast, musical showcase stretching from Melbourne to Castlemaine and Shepparton, and works to unite community members with workshops, events, and song.
To purchase your tickets from the GLOBE 2017 Community Awards click here.


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London is a huge metropolis, not the sort of city that can be seen in a day. Indeed, you could live there your entire life and not see the half of it. But in lieu of residency, I'd recommend a hotel stay. Perhaps Hotels In Acton like Holiday Inn London West would suit you, or maybe a Hyde Park Boutique Hotel Like The Westbourne London is more up your street. Alternatively, you could Book Hotels in Paddington London and see if you can track down the area's most famous bear. Flying in or out of London? Check out Holiday Inn Luton South for Luton airport accommodation. Contact SCL Wills And Probate, for experience probate lawyers in London, dealing with all aspects of Wills and Probate law.
4 thoughts on "Overnight in London"
I have a hankering to see London. My niece will be there in August and I will be passing through in October. But I want to go now. I checked the rates for Brown's. I may stay home.

subset: commoncrawl


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You don't need to be Richard Castle to make a stop here!
This quaint, off-the-beaten-path stop's header, is sweet snacks. Pop inside Writer's stop for a warm pretzel with cheese sauce, a rice crispy treat or beverage. Even though the menu changed on April 3, 2016, there are still plenty of sweets and coffee drinks to enjoy. Now, you can pick up wine, beer or one of the cocktails offered.
Sit back and relax at one of the high top cafe tables, or on the couch to watch some Disney TV. This bookshop offers more than just a lounge-style menu, it's also a small shop with books, CDs, movies, kitchen accessories and to-go snack items.
Service: Quick Service
Cuisine: American
Meals: Snacks
Location: Commissary Lane, Disney's Hollywood Studios
Hours: 9 am – varies
Disney Dining Plan: Snack credits
Tables in Wonderland: Not accepted
Charcuterie and Cheese Plate 7.49
Warm Pretzel with Cheese Sauce 5.69
Sugar-Spiced Nuts 4.99
Assorted Iced Cookies 4.95
Assorted Iced Rice Crisp Treats 4.95
Assorted Candy Bars – Twix, Snickers, M&Ms, Peanut M&Ms 1.95
Bottled Beverages – Coke or Diet Coke 3.29
Dasani Bottled Water 3.00
Coffee – Hot or Iced (Regular or Decaf) 2.49
Ariel or Buzz Lightyear Punch with Glow Clip 7.00
Frozen Margarita 9.75
Pina Colava 10.00
Irish Coffee 9.50
Fall Sail Session Premium Lager 8.00
Napa Smith Hopageddon Imperial IPA 9.00
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale 8.00
Florida Beer Co. Key West Southernmost Wheat 8.00
Orange Blossom Pilsner 8.00
Coffee with Baileys or Kahlua 8.50
Michelob Ultra 7.50
Bud Light 6.75
Heineken 6.75
Corona 6.75
Placido Pinot Grigio 9.00
Vista Point Chardonnay 9.00
Dr. Loosen 10.00
Dr. L Reisling 10.00
Canyon Road Merlot 9.00
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 10.00
Dining Tips
- A perfect place to escape the busy parks, grab a snack and cool down.
- It's located next door to Sci-Fin Dine-In Theater before entering the former Streets of America so it's often overlooked.
- You can pick up Snacks with Character, Minnie's Bake Shop, Chip & Dale and Goofy's bagged candy here. Many of the small bagged items can be purchased with Disney Dining Plan snack credits.


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Beef Bacon
Our homemade beef bacon starts off with beef bellies being dry cured for 1 week which ensures they are fully cured. From there, the bellies are then soaked for 2 days to remove a majority of the salt utilized in the curing process, and then smoked and fully cooked! Paulina's bacon is one of our products that may take a little longer to make, but hopefully this is demonstrated in the way it tastes!
Available in 1 lb increments- whole or sliced


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Health Sciences News
Auburn University achieves research milestone with 'R1' Carnegie classification
In another affirmation of its drive forward to excellence, Auburn University achieved a research milestone Monday - being elevated to an "R1" institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The announcement follows a concerted effort by Auburn to elevate its commitment to life-saving research, beginning with an announcement by Auburn President Steven Leath in December 2017 and subsequent awarding of $5 million for three years toward the Presidential Awards for Interdisciplinary Research, or PAIR. An R1 designation by Carnegie is reserved for doctoral universities with the highest levels of research activity.
Among 120 institutions to receive the R1 designation Monday, Auburn was listed in the top 100 of such universities, raising its classification from an already lofty "high research" R2 classification to Monday's "very high research activity" R1 label.
"This tremendous designation acknowledges the hard work involved in the pioneering discoveries happening at Auburn every day," said Leath, who was recently named one of seven new members appointed by President Trump to the National Science Board, a policy-making body of the National Science Foundation. "We are grateful to the university's faculty and staff, especially Graduate School Dean George Flowers, for their unwavering commitment to elevating Auburn's profile as a world-class academic institution.
"Auburn is on the move, and this prestigious distinction recognizes Auburn's critical role in creating new knowledge and helping others live better lives."
Universities considered for the R1 designation must have awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees and had at least $5 million in total research expenditures, according to Carnegie's classification website. Auburn has grown its research efforts in both STEM and non-STEM areas, furthering its institutional commitment to offer solutions to real-world problems and grow its reputation as a go-to university in providing results that transform and inspire.
"Auburn University is known for its innovative and transformational research, and receiving the R1 classification is a significant accomplishment," said Jennifer Kerpelman, interim vice president for research. "This classification recognizes the dedication, commitment and hard work of Auburn's faculty and student researchers across all disciplines."
Dr. Amal Kaddoumi, left, a professor in Auburn's Department of Drug Discovery and Development, works in a lab with graduate research assistant Sweilem Al Rihani. Kaddoumi is leading a multi-disciplinary team in an investigation of oleocanthal, a molecule that appears naturally in extra-virgin olive oil, as a novel preventative treatment for such diseases as Alzheimer's or dementia.
Categories: Health Sciences, Cyber, Energy & the Environment, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Transportation, Food Systems, Engineering, Auburn In the News, Creative Scholarship
Auburn, partner organizations sign agreements for additive research centers
Auburn University, ASTM International and other partner organizations on Monday celebrated the launch of two new centers of excellence in additive manufacturing aimed at accelerating research and development, standardization and innovation in that field, also known as 3-D printing.
Global standards developer ASTM International launched its Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence with Auburn University, NASA, manufacturing technology innovator EWI and the UK-based Manufacturing Technology Centre. Auburn and NASA also formally launched the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence.
ASTM International President Katharine Morgan said, "The synergy among EWI, MTC, Auburn and NASA will help fill the gaps in technical standards that this industry needs to drive innovation. As a result, we'll empower industries that are eager to apply additive manufacturing to aerospace, auto, medical and more."
AMCOE's advisory board comprised of U.S. and international public and private sector leaders met for the first time today while other meetings involved research and development as well as education and workforce development teams. The events come on the heels of AMCOE's international launch on July 13 at the MTC, where European industry and government officials gathered to celebrate this initiative.
Auburn University President Steven Leath said, "Auburn is committed to growing research, solving real-world problems and establishing partnerships that support these transformative initiatives, such as our thriving additive manufacturing program. By investing in skilled researchers and first-rate facilities, we aim to drive additive technology forward and unleash its full potential. We look forward to continuing to work with our industry and government collaborators."
Auburn University is in the final stage of renovations to the Gavin Engineering Research Laboratory, which will in part house additive manufacturing research funded through the centers.
Auburn was selected for the two research partnerships in March.
Media Contact: Chris Anthony, email@example.com, 334.844.3447
Components made through additive manufacturing are shown in the additive manufacturing lab in Wiggins Hall at Auburn University.
Categories: Health Sciences, Transportation, Engineering, External Engagement
Presidential Awards for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) Announced
Auburn research teams are tackling local and global challenges ranging from housing affordability to advanced manufacturing of medical implants, thanks to a new $5 million investment in 11 groundbreaking projects designed to deliver practical, life-changing solutions.
"Auburn research is on the move," said Auburn President Steven Leath. "Our world-renowned faculty are leading Auburn in our drive to solve problems, provide real-world benefits and serve the social good."
Today's announcement is part of an initiative funded through the Presidential Awards for Interdisciplinary Research, or PAIR, that Leath created last year to propel Auburn to new levels of research and development distinction. The PAIR funding will span three years. Additional research topics include rural health disparities in poverty-stricken areas, treating the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, neuroscience research and graduate education, reducing carbon dioxide emissions or using them for other means, and other critical areas of human and environmental health.
Project teams were selected from three award tiers: Tier 1 for new teams, with funding up to $100,000 per year; Tier 2 for established teams, with funding up to $250,000 per year; and Tier 3 for high-impact teams, with funding up to $500,000 per year. All proposals received an in-depth evaluation from Auburn's associate deans for research, and Tier 3 proposals were also externally evaluated. Top-evaluated proposals were those that most closely aligned with the goals of PAIR as stated in the program guidelines. From 101 proposals received, 11 project teams will receive funding (the two top-evaluated proposals per tier for up to three years of funding, as well as five additional, top-evaluated Tier 1 proposals for two years of funding with a third-year no-cost extension available).
Project teams to receive funding are:
Project: Creating better bio-medical implants for patients in need using additive manufacturing, or "3D Printing" (Tier 3; $1,275,000 total funding over three years)
The issue: Auburn researchers plan to develop improved implants/orthotics for those with neuromuscular and skeletal system needs through the process of additive manufacturing. This process, also known as "3D printing," allows for more customizable implants for small animals and humans and the possibility of embedded drugs in implants to ward off infections that can sometimes follow implant surgeries.
The Auburn solution: Research will take place to ensure "3-D printed" biomedical implants will remain durable during use and conform well to a patient's needs while serving as a reliable drug-delivery source that can offer injury-triggered pain relief. The additive manufacturing process also helps reduce implant production costs.
Project: Unlocking Home Affordability and Prosperity in Rural America (Tier 3; $1,275,000 total funding over three years)
The issue: Auburn researchers are focusing on helping those in poor, rural areas gain greater access to resources that will ultimately lead them to finding affordable housing options.
The Auburn solution: Auburn researchers will work toward the creation of a National Institute of Rural Prosperity that will foster partnerships to help rural residents more easily overcome barriers to home ownership, including mortgage lending, home insurance and local ordinances and policies.
Project: Reducing the burden of neurological disease by increasing fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system (Tier 2; $637,500 total funding over three years)
The issue: Auburn researchers will work to mitigate against mental, neurological and substance use disorders, which make up a substantial proportion of the world's disease burden.
The Auburn solution: A team of experts in chemistry, physiology, development, degeneration, and imaging of the brain will collaborate to develop a neuroscience center to increase fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.
Project: A Mobile Mitochondria Laboratory (AU MitoMobile) to Lead the World in Measuring Bioenergetics in Natural Settings (Tier 2; $636,941 total funding over three years)
The issue: Because the successful study of genetic and environmental impacts on mitochondria (the energy-providing part of the cellular makeup of plants and animals) can be severely limited in a laboratory setting, Auburn researchers will collaborate to build a mobile laboratory to bring this research to field sites.
The Auburn solution: A team of evolutionary biologists, environmental biologists, exercise physiologists and engineers will develop a mobile laboratory for measuring mitochondrial energy production of vertebrates at remote locations, such as oil spill sites and other places where environmental disturbances have damaged the health of local wildlife.
Project: Rural African American Aging Research (Tier 1; $255,000 total funding over three years)
The issue: Auburn researchers will assess the psychosocial stressors that can contribute to the problem of rural African Americans having a lower life expectancy and a faster progression of age-related diseases. Research in this area has the potential to inform health-promoting interventions and polices and lead to health and social equity.
The Auburn solution: PAIR funding will be used to establish a sustainable research structure in east-central Alabama focused on improving health in that community and beyond by partnering with surrounding communities. The ultimate goal is to grow the scientific knowledge of how psychosocial risk factors can accelerate aging among African Americans.
Project: Reducing and reusing carbon dioxide emissions for useful means (Tier 1; $255,000 total funding over three years)
The issue: Auburn researchers seek to combat the dire environmental effects of carbon dioxide emissions through a plan to reduce such emissions and store or utilize them for other useful means.
The Auburn solution: Researchers will work toward the development of an Alabama CO2 Utilization and Storage Center at Auburn University, with a goal of establishing Auburn as a leader in carbon dioxide utilization and storage research focused on best ways to capture CO2 emissions and convert them into helpful forms such as green fuels.
Project: Extra-virgin olive oil examined for uses in treating hallmarks of Alzheimer's (Tier 1; $150,000 total funding over two years)
The issue: Auburn researchers are examining the consumption of extra-virgin olive oil for its potential to have a positive effect on the disease hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease. The research team is seeking to conduct more research into this area to determine the viability of findings for humans.
The Auburn solution: A multidisciplinary team will be assembled to conduct a pilot study on the positive effects of extra-virgin olive oil and to produce data for a strong human clinical trial to be submitted to funding agencies.
Project: Drugs from Dirt: Development and Characterization of Novel Antimicrobial Compounds (Tier 1; $150,000 total funding over two years)
The issue: Because many disease-causing organisms are resistant to current drug therapies, Auburn scientists are pursuing new approaches to the development of antibiotics.
The Auburn solution: Researchers will test and develop new therapeutic strategies for treating infectious diseases, through the study of antiobiotic-producing bacterial cultures they have discovered in soil. These are potentially life-saving antibiotics that could have application in human medicine, agriculture, and veterinary practice.
Project: Creating a Climate Information System to aid in planning for climate-related disasters (Tier 1; $150,000 total funding over two years)
The issue: Auburn researchers will create a climate service model that will help guide decision making in planning for climate-related disasters that can cause great economic and social damage.
The Auburn solution: A cross-disciplinary team of investigators will develop a science-based, Unified Climate Information System to better inform planning, policy and practices at regional, national and global scales. In addition to exploring emerging climate data, the research will seek to improve and integrate impact models for water quantity, water quality, crop growth and disease transmission simulations. The project also will include the creation of an interactive website platform, with all work being focused on the southeastern U.S. and being easily adaptable to other locations worldwide.
Project: Emerging Contaminants Research Team (Tier 1; $150,000 total funding over two years)
The issue: Auburn experts are conducting research into newly recognized environmental contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have not been studied sufficiently to determine their impact on the environment and their possible health risks to humans and wildlife.
The Auburn solution: This Auburn research team will use its expertise in civil engineering, pharmacology, aquatic sciences, and other key areas to collaborate on focused research into the effects of these and other previously understudied contaminants, to increase knowledge and public awareness of risk factors.
Project: Development of the AU-NASH Research Program (Tier 1; $150,000 total funding over two years)
The issue: Auburn researchers are seeking solutions to the problem of nonalcoholic steatotic hepatitis, or NASH, the most severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and perhaps the most significant form of chronic liver disease in the world today, which has no current approved therapies available.
The Auburn solution: The research team will work to address this urgent, unmet medical need by developing a disease therapy program to increase positive outcomes for those suffering from liver disease.
For more details on each PAIR project and how Auburn is inspiring as a leading provider of life-changing research, creative scholarship and community engagement, visit auburn.edu/auburninspires.
Categories: Health Sciences, Energy & the Environment, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Food Systems, Engineering
Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine conducting clinical trial on new melanoma drug
Dogs, like their human companions, can be susceptible to skin cancer, and the Oncology Service at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine could use the help of man's best friend in launching a clinical trial to test a new melanoma treatment drug.
"This study is designed to test a new drug that may be useful in treating melanoma, or skin cancer, which most commonly occurs in the mouth in dogs," said Dr. Bruce Smith, a professor in the Department of Pathobiology and director of the Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, or AURIC.
"The drug, called MMX, is a peptide, which is a chain of amino acids, the basic building blocks of all proteins," Dr. Smith said. "This study seeks to measure the effect of this drug on these tumors. We are currently taking patients to participate in the clinical trial."
Dog owners who are interested in enrolling their pets into this clinical trial must do so through the Oncology Service at the college's Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital.
They can be referred by their primary veterinarian, according to Dr. Smith. The treatment, as well as surgery to remove any tumor left at the end of the trial, will be provided at no cost to the owner.
The trial initially is about a five-week program, Dr. Smith said. It involves the dog owner bringing the animal in for an initial evaluation.
"The melanoma is measured, the drug is administered, and we begin a series of treatment and monitoring the tumor to measure its response," Dr. Smith said. "The dog will need to visit Auburn weekly for five weeks. In addition, owners will administer the peptide daily at home and keep a logbook about their dog while it is being treated."
Dr. Smith said this drug is not chemotherapy, but rather, a protein-based medication that has been tested on dogs in a clinical setting with no known side effects.
"It appears to act quickly to shrink the tumors," Dr. Smith adds. "It has been under testing in a clinical setting for about 10 years and now, it is ready to be tested for FDA approval."
Dog owners who believe their pet might be a candidate for participating in this clinical trial can contact the Oncology Service at the Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital at 334-844-6000. More information about this clinical trial can be found on the Oncology Service website.
The study is an example of Auburn faculty working toward life-changing solutions to meet pressing global health issues.
The Oncology Service at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is launching a clinical trial to test a new melanoma treatment drug for dogs. Dr. Annette Smith, left, the Robert and Charlotte Lowder Distinguished Professor in Oncology with the Department of Clinical Sciences, and Dr. Bruce Smith, a professor in the Department of Pathobiology and director of the Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, or AURIC, are shown with a canine patient in an exam room at the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital. (Photo by Mitch Emmons)
Categories: Health Sciences
El-Sheikh receives 2017 Research and Economic Development Advisory Board Advancement of Research and Scholarship Achievement Award
At its recent fall meeting, Auburn University's Research and Economic Development Advisory Board presented Dr. Mona El-Sheikh, a professor in the College of Human Sciences, with the 2017 Research and Economic Development Advisory Board Advancement of Research and Scholarship Achievement Award. The award recognizes El-Sheikh's contributions to public health, and particularly to sleep research, over the course of her 27-year career at Auburn.
Composed of more than 40 industry professionals from across the country who actively support Auburn's research efforts, the board established the award in 2014 to recognize significant research and scholarly activity that exemplifies and advances Auburn's research and scholarship mission. The recipient of the annual award receives a $25,000 grant to further his or her research.
"I am thrilled that Dr. Mona El-Sheikh has been named the recipient of the 2016-2017 Advancement of Research and Scholarship Achievement Award. Noted for being one of the world's leading scholars in the area of sleep regulation and its physiological and socio-cultural correlates, Dr. El-Sheikh continues to advance the field with her transdisciplinary lines of creative inquiry, continuous pursuit of excellence, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars," said Dr. June Henton, dean of the College of Human Sciences.
El-Sheikh, the Leonard Peterson & Company, Inc. Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, was honored for innovative research that links socio-economic adversity, family risks and well-being, with physical health, sleep processes, and brain function. Supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation among others, El-Sheikh and her colleagues' groundbreaking work on the role of sleep and sleep problems in child development has expanded to include sleep regulation in adults and adolescents. Her findings help identify and address insufficient sleep as an important public health issue.
"Dr. El-Sheikh is one of Auburn's most accomplished health science researchers and has earned this recognition through her strong track record of impactful research," said Dr. John Mason, vice president for research and economic development.
Dr. Mona El-Sheikh receives Auburn University's 2017 Research and Economic Development Advisory Board Advancement of Research and Scholarship Achievement Award at the board's fall meeting. Also pictured: Dr. John Mason, vice president for research and economic development; Dr. Lori St. Onge, board member; and Charles Pick, board member.
Categories: Health Sciences
Pharmacy faculty, engineering student find common ground in research collaboration
Rusty Arnold, an associate professor in Auburn's Harrison School of Pharmacy, believes in academic units working together and crossing departmental lines to further research.
That collaboration does not stop at the faculty level as Arnold, a recipient of the President's Collaborative Units Award, also benefits from the work of undergraduate students such as chemical engineering major Christy Pickering.
Pickering, a senior from Hazel Green, Alabama, was recently awarded a $5,000 Gateway to Research Scholarship from the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education for her work in Arnold's lab, called "Development and Application of Gold‐Lipidic Nanocomposites to Enhance Chemotherapeutic Delivery and Release." She was one of seven recipients nationally.
The purpose of the scholarship is to support faculty-mentored research in the pharmaceutical sciences. For Pickering, an active student who has been a member of the Auburn University Marching Band the last four years, the funding will assist with tuition and research expenses in her final year at Auburn.
"Christy is very intelligent, extremely motivated and very thorough. What is unique about her is that most of the undergraduate honor students that I work with are pre-med and she is chemical engineering," said Arnold. "She has a clear vision that she wants to go into research, she wants to go into academia."
Pickering is in her second year in Arnold's lab, coming on board shortly after he arrived on campus. For someone who knew she wanted to work in the medical field, it was a perfect match.
"I applied because I thought what Dr. Arnold did sounded really cool – working with cancer, looking at chemo – it just sounded like a project I would really be interested in," said Pickering. "So I sat down with him and talked about the project, and he took on me and four other undergrads. My project, from the start, was set up to be a very engineering-based pharmaceutical project. It has been a really neat experience getting to work with him."
For Arnold, Pickering stood out right away as someone who would bring a new approach and think outside of the box in his lab. Bringing on someone with a chemical engineering background has added a new perspective to his research.
"What immediately caught my interest in Christy is when I described some of the challenges with the formulations, she was asking have you tried composites, have you tried these other things. She was immediately thinking about how to solve the problems," said Arnold. "She has been able to take a system we are working with and propose changes that are actually going to allow us to deliver more than one drug, use more than one imaging modality, and hopefully be able to improve therapy. Using her background in engineering, she is able to add value in an area that my lab did not have expertise in. Even though she is an undergraduate, some of the ideas she has are very different than some of the approaches we would use."
Part of Pickering's research is working with liposomes, small spherical particles commonly used for chemotherapeutic delivery because they capitalize on a unique quality of tumors called the enhanced permeability and retention effect, or the EPR Effect. In order for tumors to grow quickly, they stimulate the production of blood vessels, but the quick growth causes them to not be as organized as they are in the rest of the body and the cell wall is more porous.
"The cells aren't fully connected in some places, which means there are holes that things can transport through," said Pickering. "The holes are very small, but big enough that liposomes or drugs can pass through into the tumor cells."
Liposomes, like the ones that Pickering works with in Arnold's lab, can circulate the body for a long time. When they get to a tumor, holes in the tumor vessels allow the liposomes to pass from the blood into the space outside the blood vessel where the tumor is located.
"We can put these long-circulating liposomes into the body and just let them go through the blood stream until they passively accumulate in the tumor site," said Pickering. "The treatment called Doxil is a liposome with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin encapsulated within it.
"So, using the EPR Effect is a passive means of targeting a tumor because you are just relying on the liposomes to naturally accumulate there by passing through the blood vessel. What we are trying to do is use active targeting where there will be something on the liposomes that actually targets the cancer cell and not the other cells in the body."
Specifically, what Pickering has been working on is using the liposomes with the doxorubicin as a treatment method, but also incorporating gold nanoparticles as an imaging contrast agent to be able to look at the tumors.
"If we can put drug and gold nanoparticles in a liposome at the same time and send it to the tumor cell, then we can image the tumor cell at the same time as we are killing the tumor cell, so it gives us combined diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in one particle," said Pickering.
"It is an exciting experience to work on a project that has the potential to help people fighting cancer, and I have learned so much though the challenges involved with this research. I am very grateful to Dr. Arnold for the opportunity to work in his lab and to AFPE and the Office of Undergraduate Research for the fellowships that allow me to continue my research."
By: Matt Crouch
To learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Research, visit: http://www.auburn.edu/undgres/
Categories: Health Sciences
Auburn University hosting forum: Additive Manufacturing – The Next Industrial Revolution
On July 30, 2015, Auburn University will be hosting a by invitation only forum on industrialized additive manufacturing.
Experts will discuss the application of this advanced technology for industries ranging from aerospace to biotechnology. Industry leaders from GE Aviation, GKN, NASA, Carpenter Technology, Alabama Laser, U.S. Army Aviation and faculty from Auburn University, University of Alabama, UAH and University of Memphis will describe the role their organizations are playing in developing, implementing and utilizing new processes and computer-aided hardware and software to produce components from material and composites once considered exotic.
A keynote address will be given by Greg Morris, the General Manager of Additive Technologies for GE Aviation.
To learn more about this day-long forum and networking reception to follow, or if you are interested in attending, please email forum organizers at email@example.com.
Categories: Health Sciences, Cyber, Energy & the Environment, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Transportation, Food Systems, Engineering
Auburn University celebrates Olympic Training Designation
Elite athletes from across the nation can now train and receive science-based assessments and personalized feedback from kinesiology experts at Auburn.
The College of Education unveiled signage on Sept. 25 marking Auburn University's official designation as a U.S. Olympic training site by the United States Olympic Committee, or USOC, following a ceremony at the School of Kinesiology. Auburn is one of 18 Olympic training sites in the country and one of only five universities nationwide to receive the designation.
The Kinesiology Building, Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum and Watson Fieldhouse were designated U.S. Olympic training sites as the university assists Team USA on its journey to the 2016 Rio de Janiero Olympic Games.
"USA Team Handball is one that competes at the highest level in the Pan American Games and Olympic Games," said retired Brig. Gen. Harvey Schiller, president of USA Team Handball and USOC representative. "I think it's a unique opportunity for the community and the university to have an Olympic sport housed in its environment."
The ceremony, which was hosted in conjunction with the College of Education's centennial anniversary celebration and the Auburn University Board of Trustees' quarterly meeting, included remarks from Jay Gogue, Auburn University president; Betty Lou Whitford, dean of the College of Education; David Benedict, chief operating officer for Auburn University Athletics; Schiller; Sarah Gascon, doctoral candidate in the School of Kinesiology; Sarah Newton, member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees; and Dave Pascoe, a Humana-Germany-Sherman Distinguished Professor and the assistant director of the School of Kinesiology.
Administrators from the university and USA Team Handball, along with several athletes were also honored on Sept. 26 before the Auburn vs. Mississippi State football game.
"This designation brings together the recognizable logos of the USOC, Auburn University and USA Team Handball," said Pascoe. "People across the country will want to connect with this unique collaboration of spirit, science and top training facilities."
Since the summer of 2013, Auburn has hosted elite training and competition for the men's and women's USA national team handball programs.
The USA Team Handball members are also a part of a long-term residency program at Auburn through the School of Kinesiology. This program allows the school to provide expertise in assessment and performance of human movement, including biomechanics, basic and applied physiology, neuroscience, behavior, conditioning, health and motor learning and development.
"The Auburn School of Kinesiology has been instrumental in providing a new home for USA Team Handball athletes and we appreciate the support of the Auburn-Opelika community in welcoming our athletes and coaches," said Alicia McConnell, USOC director of training sites and community partnerships. "We look forward to a fruitful relationship with Auburn University as an official U.S. Olympic training site."
For more information about the United States Olympic Committee, go to www.teamusa.org. For more information about USA Team Handball, go to www.teamusa.org/USA-Team-Handball.
By: Sarah Phillips
Categories: Health Sciences, Auburn In the News
Human pacemaker giving older dogs new 'leash' on life at Auburn University
Older dogs with slowing hearts are getting a new "leash" on life at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine, where advanced technology and new treatment protocols have created an emerging cardiology program.
Dr. SeungWoo Jung, assistant professor and clinician in the Cardiology Service of the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital, recently placed one of the most advanced pacemaker systems used in humans in Joe, a seven-year-old bulldog owned by Wayne and MaryAnn Swift of Meridian, Mississippi.
Because of the technology and faculty expertise, procedures once considered complicated are now becoming routine.
"Pacemaker implantation is not new to veterinary medicine, having been done for the last 30 years," Jung said. "What is relatively new, and the first one at Auburn, was the use of the same type of pacemaker used in human cases, which we implanted in Joe."
During Joe's recent checkup, tests showed the pacemaker was keeping his heart beating normally. "He's really doing quite well and from this point on, Joe will only need to be seen on a yearly basis," Jung said.
For the Swifts, Joe is a loyal family member, and they had no hesitation to bring him from Mississippi for treatment.
"We were shocked and frightened when they told us what they would have to do," MaryAnn said. "We love that dog dearly, and we know he loves us."
Joe began experiencing fainting episodes and collapsing this past September, and after visits to a Mississippi veterinarian, they determined the next stop was Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Swifts were impressed with the treatment and care Joe received, saying, "we cannot praise Auburn enough. They reassured us at all times and kept us informed about what would happen and why. Even if this only gave Joe another two years or so, it would be well worth it."
Pacemakers help monitor and control the heartbeat. A pacemaker will send electrical impulse to the heart to keep the beating rhythm in sync and pumping correctly.
The procedure is similar to the one done in humans. Under anesthesia, a pacemaker wire is threaded through a dog's vessel in the neck to the correct place in the heart. A small incision, made in the back of the shoulder, then allows for insertion of the pacemaker under the skin and connection to the wire.
In the past, Jung said, pacemakers for dogs were older, human models, which only regulated the beating of the heart's bottom chamber. Today's human pacemaker regulates the heart's top and bottom chambers, but because of technical challenges, was not typically used in canine patients.
In the last two years, manufacturers have started donating human pacemakers, or offering them to the veterinary cardiology community at reduced costs. "We are able to offer the device at no additional cost to the owner," Jung said. "Dogs are now able to get the most up-to-date pacemaker on the market."
by Janet McCoy
Categories: Health Sciences
Auburn professor develops cost-effective, staph-resistant bandage
Staph infections affect thousands of people each year, often occurring as a person recovers from surgery or a wound. But an Auburn University professor has developed a better bandage that could keep you from becoming infected.
Professor Emeritus Dave Worley of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Sciences and Mathematics is applying his patented N-halamine chemistry to gauze bandages to kill any bacteria that might contact a wound.
"A 2-inch-square bandage would cost only 3-4 cents more than a regular bandage," Worley said. "We tested it on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It kills them before they can infect the wound. Once a person becomes infected, the bacteria are hard to kill, especially if they are resistant to antibiotics."
Worley's process works by soaking the gauze in a solution of alcohol and an N-halamine compound containing chlorine. When the alcohol evaporates, the remaining solid, bacteria-killing compound adheres electrostatically to the bandage.
"You can shake the bandage, but the compound won't come out," said Worley, who says current bandages with silver also kill bacteria, but they are costly at up to $500 each. "We are at least as effective as silver at only a fraction of the cost."
Worley's research shows that N-halamine bandages should be kept away from light prior to use. "Our stability is good if you keep the bandages in opaque packages," he said. "Most wound dressings are replaced every one to two days, so ours are effective throughout the time they are worn."
The technology also works for air filters, surgical masks or any other disposable fibrous structure.
Worley's proof-of-concept research was funded by Auburn University's LAUNCH program that helps faculty move research ideas closer to the marketplace. He conducted the research with Professor T.S. Huang of the Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture; Professor Emeritus Roy Broughton of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering; and postdoctoral fellow Buket Demir of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences and Mathematics.
Auburn's Office of Innovation Advancement and Commercialization has filed a U.S. patent application for the bandages, and is in the process of filing in multiple foreign territories, including Europe and several countries in Asia. The office is also pursuing licensing, including the possibility of forming a start-up company. Worley currently has 40 patents for developing the N-halamine chemistry, which was used to help form the HaloSource company in 1998 for bacteria-killing, rechargeable water filters.
"We are excited about licensing his bandage technology," said Brian Wright, associate director for commercialization. "This technology has application in health care as well as consumer products. The market potential is tremendous, but so is the possible positive impact on public health."
Categories: Health Sciences
Auburn's Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Program's 10th annual Research Day March 3
The Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research Program at Auburn University is holding its 10th annual Research Day March 3 at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.
The event, which has grown each year, brings together more than 175 researchers from throughout the Unites States for a day of learning and sharing information about research related to diabetes and the role of obesity in its development.
"We have three widely renowned speakers for this year's event," said organizer Dr. Robert Judd, a professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Judd also serves as chair of the Boshell program at Auburn.
The mission of the program is to enhance the opportunities for diabetes research at Auburn by facilitating cross-disciplinary scientific discussion, supporting the study of new ideas, fostering the development of investigators new to the field of diabetes and expanding the overall base of diabetes investigation at the university, Judd says. Specifically, these investigators are addressing many facets of both types 1 and 2 diabetes, with particular focus on the cardiac, neurological and metabolic aspects of the disease.
"There are more than 45 faculty members here at Auburn who are involved in some form of diabetes-related research," Judd said. "This event gives all of us an opportunity to get together for a day of learning and sharing, and also, it brings colleagues from many other research programs and universities."
This year's keynote address will be given by Dr. E. Dale Abel, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Sabrina Diano, director of the Reproductive Neurosciences Group at the Yale University School of Medicine, is the plenary lecturer and Billy Mills, Olympic gold medalist, is the banquet speaker.
Registration for the Research Day is open through Feb. 24. The event is free for Boshell program members and $125 for nonmembers. Deadline for abstract submission is Feb. 6. Registration and additional information, including an event itinerary and travel and lodging information can be obtained from the Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research Program website, www.auburndiabetes.com.
Speaker bios:
Abel is the chair and departmental executive officer of the Department of Internal Medicine, director of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, director of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism in the Department of Internal Medicine at Iowa and head of the Interdisciplinary Diabetes Clinic at Iowa River Landing, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He is a professor of medicine and biochemistry and currently holds the John B. Stokes III Chair in Diabetes Research. Prior to moving to Iowa, Abel was chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and senior investigator in the program in molecular medicine at the University of Utah where he held the H.A. and Edna Benning, Presidential Endowed Chair in Diabetes and Endocrinology.
Diano is a professor in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, as well as neuroscience and comparative medicine at Yale. She is also part of the Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism and Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program. She graduated with honors from the University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy, and conducted her postdoctoral studies at Yale where she became faculty in 2000.
Mills is the only American to have ever won the Olympic gold medal in the 10,000-meter run. A Lakota Sioux raised in one of the poorest communities in America, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Mills was orphaned as a young boy, facing prejudice and cultural discrimination most of his childhood life. It was through a running scholarship to the University of Kansas that he was able to leave the reservation.
While in college, Mills accepted a commission as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, which allowed him to cultivate his winning spirit and rich heritage. He began by running 30 miles a week and eventually worked up to 100 miles every week. Basic training and an excellent track and field program helped Mills qualify for the 1964 Olympics in the 10,000-meter run and the marathon. His victory in the 10,000-meter is often called one of greatest upsets in Olympic history.
Categories: Health Sciences
Research on diabetes and metabolic disease highlight of Boshell Research Day Feb. 26
The ninth annual Boshell Research Day will showcase research in the fields of diabetes and metabolic disease Friday, Feb. 26, at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.
The conference brings together experts to present current topics related to diabetes and the role of obesity in its development. It is an annual event of the Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Disease Research Program at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and includes more than 40 researchers from across Auburn University.
Speakers and presentations include:
- Keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Newgard, director of the Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center at Duke University's School of Medicine.
- A plenary lecture by Dr. Jacqueline Stephens, the Claude B. Pennington Jr. endowed chair in Biomedical Research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
- Distinguished banquet speaker Mick Cornett, mayor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His efforts to address the culture of obesity in his city have resulted in a collective drop of a million pounds by Oklahoma City citizens. Banquet-only tickets can be purchased for $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased online.
Other highlights of the conference include morning and afternoon oral and poster presentations by experts and researchers.
"Cases of diabetes and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and this conference allows investigators from Auburn and other universities the opportunity to get together and discuss significant ongoing research," said Dr. Robert L. Judd, chair of the Boshell program and an associate professor of pharmacology at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Disease Research Program was established in 2001 through an endowment by the Birmingham-based Diabetes Trust Fund in honor of founder Dr. Buris R. Boshell. A 1953 graduate of Harvard Medical School, Boshell joined the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center in 1959 and became the chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism in 1963. During this time, he established the Diabetes Research and Education Hospital and the Boshell Diabetes and Endocrine Center in Birmingham.
Online registration is live. Registration is free for Boshell research members and is $100 for non-members. Students and postdoctoral fellows can attend at no cost. To register for the conference and to view a brochure and itinerary, visit www.auburndiabetes.com/researchday.html.
A limited number of rooms are available at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 228-2876 or (334) 821-8200. Ask for the Boshell Room Block. Transportation from the Atlanta Airport is available through Groome Transportation by calling (334) 821-3399.
For questions about Research Day, email Judd at email@example.com.
By Edward Brown
Categories: Health Sciences, External Engagement
Auburn researchers using 'awake-dog' MRI scanning to seek neural marker that would predict a dog's detection ability
A dog's remarkable nose has helped mankind for ages, from the hunting of game animals to more recently sniffing out explosives and contraband.
However, the field of neuroscience knows very little about how the canine brain works, particularly when it is using the sense of smell. Auburn University researchers are shedding light on this aspect through functional MRI brain scans of awake, non-anesthetized dogs.
"We are the first group in the world to use functional MRI of awake dogs to study how their brains process odorant information," said Assistant Professor Gopikrishna "Gopi" Deshpande of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
"This lets us see their brains in action when they are smelling odors. Best of all, the dogs don't have to be anesthetized."
Auburn's College of Veterinary Medicine developed the unique awake-dog training system that Deshpande is using in his research to establish an MRI baseline test, which would determine a dog's ability to become a good detector before it goes through training.
"The dogs are not restrained in any way," said Paul Waggoner, co- director of Canine Performance Sciences in the veterinary college. "We trained them to get up on the scanner; place their head in the correct position; and then remain still while the scanning occurs. We're really the first ones to have dogs scanned in this awake fashion. Previously dogs had to be scanned while anesthetized."
Deshpande's project, "Functional Imaging for Developing Outstanding Service Dogs," is being conducted in collaboration with the iK9 company, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts.
Auburn and iK9 are using a $1 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, to do the study. iK9, which has an office in the Auburn Research Park, is providing the dogs and training while Auburn researchers conduct the MRI scans at Auburn's Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Center.
"The dogs are undergoing the awake-dog MRI brain scans before and after they are trained so we can look for baseline neural features that would predict the dogs' future detection performance," Deshpande said. "This would enable us to scan a prospective dog's brain and determine the likelihood of its success."
Forty dogs are undergoing the scans and training during the two-year project.
"After a dog gets its initial scan, we train that dog to be a detection dog," iK9 President Roland Beason said. "After four to six weeks, we scan it again. At two other time points we will again scan the dog."
During the MRI scanning, various odors are presented to the dog's nose, with the idea that researchers can determine a specific neural marker in the brain image—to determine if a dog has the makings of a detector dog.
Current methods of finding and training suitable dogs are time consuming and costly for agencies around the globe.
"If we can pinpoint a specific neural marker on the scan, this could result in tremendous financial savings for the government and private companies since they would not use training resources on unsuitable dogs," said Deshpande, who adds that cost of training a highly specialized detector dog can cost up to $30,000.
The researchers hope their findings will result in a test that can used by agencies nationwide. "Auburn is known around the world for its canine programs," Deshpande said. "We have an excellent team working on this project."
by Charles Martin
Categories: Health Sciences, Security, Engineering
Auburn experts harness the power of genetics to develop cancer treatments for humans and dogs
Experts in the Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer (AURIC) are pursuing genetic approaches to better understand both the causes of cancer, and ways to treat it using a one-health approach. By working with dogs, which have many of the same cancers as humans, they learn about treating both humans and dogs. In breast cancer, researchers have identified multiple mutations in the dog that mirror mutations in women. These mutations give us an understanding of the pathway that a cell takes when it becomes cancerous. Researchers at Auburn are also using genetics to create new therapies for cancer. In the case of osteosarcoma, they have harnessed a canine virus, engineering it to attack bone cancer cells, in an attempt to treat dogs with this disease. Check out some of their research highlights below.
To learn more, visit: http://www.auriconline.org
Categories: Health Sciences
Experts at Auburn University say biosecurity is crucial tool in battle against avian influenza
While avian influenza has been confirmed in 20 states, Alabama remains free of the disease and Alabama poultry producers are doing all that they can to keep the disease at bay.
A poultry scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System said poultry producers are more vigilant than ever when it comes to sanitation and other biosecurity measures.
"All our Alabama poultry growers have biosecurity measures in place," said Ken Macklin. "Biosecurity measures are the first line of defense against avian influenza and other poultry diseases."
Macklin said that more than 43 million chickens and turkeys have either died from the disease or had to be euthanized because the flock tested positive for a highly contagious form of avian influenza in the first five months of 2015. The most severely impacted states are in the upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
"These cases in commercial poultry operations in the upper Midwest have mostly been linked to a failure of biosecurity," said Macklin. "Growers may have thought they were following biosecurity guidelines fully, but it seems that there were lapses."
Macklin, who is also an associate professor of poultry science at Auburn University, said strong biosecurity measures take many forms.
- Isolating the birds from other animals
- Minimizing access to people and unsanitized equipment
- Keeping the area around the poultry buildings clean and uninviting to wild birds
- Sanitizing the facility between flocks
- Cleaning equipment entering and leaving the farm
- Having an all in, all out policy regarding the placement and removal of the birds
- Disposing properly of bedding material and any mortalities
Joseph Giambrone, an Auburn University professor of poultry science, called the losses to the national poultry industry staggering.
"The losses are in the hundreds of millions of dollars," said Giambrone. "We can expect a reduction of at least 10 percent in egg laying production and a similar drop in turkey production nationally."
Macklin said the potential production loss is why Alabama producers are working hard to keep their flocks free of the disease. According to Auburn University research done in 2012, poultry and egg production and processing contributed more than $15 billion to the state's economy and employed more than 86,000 people.
Giambrone, whose research focuses on viral diseases of poultry, said the disease is spread by migrating water fowl such as ducks and geese.
"This outbreak began in Canada, and water fowl spread it south along the migratory bird flyways," he said. "It was brought into the Midwest by birds using the Mississippi flyway. It has persisted so long there because of the heavy concentration of poultry producers in that region of the country."
Giambrone said ducks and geese shed the virus in fecal material.
"Infected water fowl shed the virus into ponds and lakes as well as onto the land they are grazing."
Macklin said that warmer weather may slow the disease's spread.
"The virus can survive for days, especially if it is in water. In water, the virus can survive up to 100 days with a water temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit. But when water temperatures reach the 80s, the virus can survive for less than a month."
He said the virus has a reduced ability to survive on land.
"On land, the virus can survive for 30 days at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 7 days at 68 degrees Fahrenheit," said Macklin. "Once the outside temperature hits the 80s the virus breaks down in hours."
While warmer weather may halt the disease's progress in the United States, Giambrone emphasized that the disease can return next year.
"Even if we get control of the disease this year, wild water fowl in Alaska and Canada remain carriers of the disease and are a threat to bring it back to the United States when they migrate again next year."
By Maggie Lawrence
Categories: Health Sciences, Energy & the Environment, Food Systems, Security
Auburn University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School team with French Biotech Company to treat neurologic disorder in children
Auburn University and the University of Massachusetts Medical (UMMS) school have partnered with Paris-based biotech firm, Lysogene, in studies related to GM1 glandliosidosis.
GM1 gangliosidosis is a member of a group of about 40 related disorders that result from dysfunction of lysosomal enzymes or related proteins. GM1 is a neurologic condition of children that is typically fatal by two years of age. An inherited disorder, GM1 progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and is a neurodegenerative disease much like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. There is no cure or effective treatment available and it affects one in every 100,000 to 200,000 newborns.
For more than 40 years, Scott Richey Research Center (SRRC) in Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine has researched GM1 gangliosidosis in felines, as GM1 also occurs naturally in cats. The goal of SRRC's GM1 research is to find a cure for feline GM1 and, through research partners, successfully apply similar therapies for application in humans.
One of the most successful experimental treatments found to date is gene therapy, using a non-harmful viral vector (AAV) to produce missing enzymes, in this case beta-galactosidase. In feline trials at SRRC, it has successfully restored beta-galactosidase levels to normal, prevented storage of GM1 ganglioside, and quadrupled the lifespan of GM1 cats as survival benefits continue to increase.
Auburn University, Lysogene, and the UMMS will work together on preclinical studies related to AAV gene therapy. According to a press release from Lysogene, the collaboration will combine Lysogene's outstanding translational and clinic expertise in gene therapy for central nervous system disorders with the unique preclinical expertise and infrastructure of UMMS and with Auburn's ability to design and text innovative AAV-based gene therapy approaches to treatment.
To learn more about this collaboration, visit: http://www.clinicalleader.com/doc/lysogene-university-of-massachusetts-medical-school-and-auburn-university-0001
Click here to learn more about Auburn's Scott Richey Research Center.
Categories: Health Sciences
Get to know Brian Vaughn, an award-winning Auburn University authority on children and peer-relationships
Parents often find that no matter how much they prepare beforehand or think they know about children, they can learn more from simply watching and living the experience. That bit of advice to parents is based on research by Brian Vaughn, an award-winning Auburn University authority on children and peer-relationships.
Throughout the past decade, Vaughn, a professor of human development and family studies in Auburn's College of Human Sciences, has conducted research on peer relationships at Auburn's Harris Early Learning Center in Birmingham.
"I study how children learn to love in their families and how they learn to use the character that's developed within the context of those early family relationships to accomplish the kinds of goals that they set for themselves as they move out of the family and into social groups," Vaughn said.
Vaughn is an authority in child development with special emphasis on the social/emotional development of infants and young children. His published research has made important contributions for understanding the development and consequences of social attachments between children and their major caregivers. He has also contributed to the literature of social competence and peer relationships in early childhood.
"Unless you understand how trajectories unfold for the average case, you're never going to understand the pathway that leads to deviance or problems," Vaughn said. "If I'm successful in that, then it will be possible to put the atypical in context. I find that uncovering the mystery rather than changing the ways that trajectories move along motivates many people in science."
Vaughn has discovered that children who enjoy interacting with other children become more socially skilled and socially competent. Most recently, his research has expanded to include the roles that sleep may play in a child's cognitive and social/emotional development and adaptive functioning for preschool children. He has found that children who receive more sleep tend to develop higher quality social relationships and a larger vocabulary.
Vaughn is a recipient of the Creative Research and Scholarship Award, which was presented to him at the ninth annual Auburn University Faculty Awards ceremony in October. The award recognizes and encourages the individual efforts of Auburn faculty who honor the practice of mentoring undergraduate research and scholarship, and it is meant to highlight significant commitment to undergraduate scholarship and creative work outside the classroom.
Vaughn credits his career success to a personal drive to solve questions. "I'm curious about puzzles and mysteries, and to me the interesting and exciting part about science is finding the solution to a puzzle or demystifying something that people don't really know about," he said.
"When I was invited to come to Auburn, the most impressive thing I noticed was the degree of collegiality and support presence in my department and the College of Human Sciences," said Vaughn, who has been at Auburn since December 1988. "I thought, 'Yes. This is a place I could complete my career.'"
As a father, Vaughn's advice for child rearing is "that not everything you learned in textbooks applies to you. Your family situation and your child is going to be unique, and many of the things that are given as advice don't apply."
Vaughn said he finds satisfaction in seeing students complete their programs, especially on a graduate level of instruction.
"Watching students who didn't think they were ready or belonged walk across the stage at graduation gives me a thrill," he said. "I really do like that. I am happy to talk to any student who really wants to learn about human development at almost any time."
"I know that I will never stop being curious and never stop finding out things I didn't already know," Vaughn said. "I've been very fortunate to find interesting things several times. Staying curious and never thinking that you know all you need to know about some phenomenon, I think is the key to creativity."
by Tori Rivers
To learn more about Brian Vaughn, visit his faculty page or the Auburn Research Blog
Categories: Health Sciences


text:
Play Diplomacy over HTTP https://github.com/avieth/diplomacy-server
|Latest on Hackage:
This package is not currently in any snapshots. If you're interested in using it, we recommend adding it to Stackage Nightly. Doing so will make builds more reliable, and allow stackage.org to host generated Haddocks.
Play the board game Diplomacy over HTTP. Players may participate via their own private devices, so long as they have network capabilities and a good web browser.
Quick start
Start by installing the program.
```bash` git clone email@example.com:avieth/diplomacy-server.git cd diplomacy-server cabal install
In order to get up and running you need a public/private key pair and
certificate, because the web
server uses secure HTTP. Here's how to create a key pair and self-sign a
certificate using OpenSSL.
Note that your browser will warn of an untrusted certificate when you connect
to the server.
openssl req -x509 -newkey rsa:2048 -keyout server.key -out server.pem -days 365 -nodes
When running the server, the key and certificate file locations can be
specified using
-k and
-c respectively; the defaults are
./server.key and
./server.pem. When running the server you must also give a username and
password for the administrator. These credentials allows you to create, start,
advance, pause, and destroy games.
./Main -u <username> -p <password>
The default port is
4347, but this can be changed using
--port. With
the server running, navigate to
https://<host>:4347/v1.0.0/diplomacy to
begin playing via the simple but effective web client. The workflow is as
- Administartor creates a game, choosing a password for it.
- Players join the game using the administartor's chosen password.
- Adminstrator starts the game.
- Players use their own devices (smartphones, laptops) to view game state and issue orders.
The game will advance automatically unless the adminstrator pauses the game. In this case, the game will advance only when the adminstrator explicitly advances it, at which point the automatic advance feature kicks in again. This is useful for putting a game on indefinite hiatus.
The simple client
The file
client.html is a barebones, not-so-user-friendly interface for
players and administrators (game-masters, if you will). It should provide
all necessary functionality to play a complete match, and should work
properly on all smartphones and personal computers with up-to-date web browsers.
To input typical and retreat phase orders using this client, one must type the order object as it would be written in a pen-and-paper game; the map is not interactive, but this would be a nice improvement.
A better HTML/JavaScript client, or even native iOS and Android clients, would be very nice to have. Ideally, we could use the definitions of the diplomacy Haskell library to produce these clients. This way, we don't need to reproduce the basic definitions like those related to provinces and their adjacency, and we could also use order validation definitions to give helpful feedback when the user attempts to input a new order (highlighting valid move targets or support subjects, for instance).
A note on REST
This program uses the rest package, but it doesn't give a RESTful API; the server is stateful. This package was chosen because it was relatively quick and easy. It ought to be swapped out for something which
- Does not claim to be RESTful.
- Allows us to easily reuse handlers for HTTP and Email input.


text:
As we all know, I tend to heap too much onto my plate. I'm always coming up with new ideas for projects and things to do, and I love being busy. I work well with a deadline and can often get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time if I set my mind to it. For the past month or so, however, I think I set too many goals for myself — too many big goals, at least.
I often have difficulty accepting that there are only so many hours in a day. I want to cram as much as possible into each day. I also like to think of myself as superwoman, as capable of getting more done than anyone else. As a result, I never give myself time to just relax and breathe. It's been a problem for a while now, but it's only recently starting to really hit me, as I struggle keeping up with my many tasks.
With all that being said, I've been working on modifying my game plan for the next couple of months. I'm re-prioritizing based on urgency and importance, and pushing some goals that, while I'm anxious to accomplish them, are not very pressing in the grand scheme of things.
I'm also trying to figure out the best way to get in some relaxation time. The problem with relaxation time is that I always feel like I'm wasting my time, or that I should be doing something more productive. Unless I'm completely exhausted, I can't just sit and zone out to TV. It feels like a waste to me. So I'm looking for ways that I can relax and still be "productive" in a soothing, relaxing way. I'm thinking crocheting, cross-stitch, reading, etc. I also have little projects that I've been putting off because they're not urgent, but which may provide a bit of a release mentally — things like putting together project kits for Avery, making story and music CDs for the kids, filing, or searching for Usborne graphics for parties.
Originally Saturday nights were going to be my pseudo-relaxation time, when I took care of creative or more open-ended tasks, but as I started slipping in my regular weekly tasks, Saturday nights were taken over. I think it's time to bring them back. I also think perhaps I should schedule "catch-up" time into my week, so if I start slipping in my tasks they don't start seeping into my weekends.
I know I'm always rearranging and tweaking and adjusting when things don't go according to plan (or when I schedule too much into an already-full planner). While I've made a lot of progress this year on learning about myself and what works for me, I'm still working on the scheduling and planning. All this adjusting is just me figuring out the best way to work. For me to maximize not only my time, but my efficiency, productivity, and mental capacity, I need a lot of trial and error. And I've certainly had that! I'm definitely still a work in progress. But I'm confident that I'll find something that works at least most of the time — eventually.


text:
The traditional CRM model has always looked somewhat like this:
Sell direct, with a supplemental partner ecosystem also reselling or acting as VARs for the core CRM offering.
But the SaaS concept has changed this model a little bit. Many of the initial SaaS leaders failed to create a channel for various reasons. The multi-tenant model lent little room for profit margins for VARs – since the products are so inflexible. And many SaaS vendors could not be too elastic with pricing with partners due to such expensive back ends.
All that is changing. While every SaaS vendor and their brother claim to be taking advantage of "the cloud," – we are seeing some channel distribution pop up in various ways when it comes to SaaS.
NEC has just announced a "SaaS applications store" where users can put together SaaS packages from multiple vendors. It is good to see more and more indirect SaaS options – this is the only way the concept will really flourish in my opinion.
I am excited to see how Sugar's own Data Center Edition (DCE) concept takes off. Cloud Computing may mean a lot of things…but we see the importance of portability in a cloud model. DCE will allow companies to access cost effective, vertical SaaS CRM solutions built on the Sugar platform from various providers. They need not work directly with Sugar and can take advantage of the great industry expertise of our partner ecosystem. What's most important is that these users can take their CRM with them, as it were, and move it from a partner's servers to their own, or to another cloud-based infrastructure provider such as Amazon.
I hate to add to the already overusd cliches surrounding the buzzword, but the sky is the limit when it comes to Sugar and Cloud Computing…


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- Design
25 Inspiring Geeky Bedrooms
in Design
25 Inspiring Geeky Bedrooms
Writen by Alexandru / 0 Comments
People are always living their lifes by following way to many rules and they forget to do what they love. Enter as many bedrooms you want and you will realize that most look almost the same. Today, I want to show you 25 geeky bedrooms that are inspiring.
Ok, maybe you don't want to have a Star Wards bedroom but you can have your personalized bedroom with your own passion.
Alexandru is the co-owner of TopDesignMag. "If it looks easy, it's hard. If it looks hard, it's impossible. If it looks impossible, it's due tomorrow. At 8 A.M."
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Celebrate the start of your weekend with a chance to hang out with Berlin-based DJ extraordinaire Thomas Gold. In celebration of the 200th episode of Thomas Gold's "FANFARE" mixshow (airing on SiriusXM Radio in the U.S.), a national contest is happening this weekend! See below for details!
Enter-to-win a trip for you and a guest to see THOMAS GOLD in New York City on April 22 at Space! Contest ends at 11:59pm EDT Sunday April 10. Grand prize includes two domestic flights within the continental U.S., hotel accommodations at Ink 48 Hotel in Manhattan, meet/greet with THOMAS GOLD and photo opp in NYC's Times Square, VIP entry to see THOMAS GOLD at Space on April 22, hangout with THOMAS GOLD backstage and more! Visit www.Thomas-Gold.com to enter-to-win. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Must be age 21-over to enter.


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PIL filed in Delhi high court challenges DDCA inquiry
The petition, filed by Ramakant Kumar, challenged the December 22, 2015 notification by the directorate of vigilance of the Delhi government, which set up the commission under former solicitor general Gopal Subramaniam.india Updated: Jan 16, 2016 09:49 IST
The Aam Aadmi Party government's decision to set up a commission of inquiry to probe alleged "malpractices and irregularities" in the functioning of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) was challenged on Friday via a PIL filed at the Delhi high court.
The petition, filed by Ramakant Kumar, challenged the December 22, 2015 notification by the directorate of vigilance of the Delhi government, which set up the commission under former solicitor general Gopal Subramaniam. The commission has been directed to look into alleged irregularities in DDCA between 1992 and 2015, and to submit its report within three months.
Kumar's petition has claimed that the AAP government's decision was "unconstitutional, illegally and beyond their jurisdiction" as the approval of lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung had not been taken. It also said that the December 22, 2015 notification was held as unconstitutional and illegal by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) on January 7, which had also cancelled the commission. The plea also alleged that the Delhi government has refused to accept the MHA's decision.
A letter, which had earlier been issued by the lieutenant governor's office had said that the "ministry of home affairs, Government of India, has held that the notification... issued by Directorate of Vigilance, Government of NCT of Delhi, is unconstitutional, illegal and therefore has no legal effect".
The PIL, which had come up before a bench of chief justice G Rohini and justice Jayant Nath, was opposed by the Centre on the ground of locus. Additional solicitor general Sanjay Jain, appearing for the Centre, said the plea was not maintainable as the petitioner has not made the Union government or DDCA as a party.
The bench directed Kumar to provide a copy of the plea to the Centre and listed the matter for further hearing on January 27.
(With PTI inputs)
First Published: Jan 16, 2016 09:49 IST


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Trixie Rules!
She sits slumped in her cubicle, fingers flying over the office keyboard,
working hard. On her third game of Tetris. Her short dark blonde hair with its
crooked part is pulled back loosely with a scrunchie, and her pale blue eyes
focus intently on the monitor. At thirty-two years old, she has never been
married, nor has she been in a serious relationship. In times past, she would
have been called an old maid, but we call her Trixie.
Trixie wears no makeup to conceal the rosacea across her cheeks and short pert
nose, giving the false impression that she may have a secret drinking problem.
False because she enjoys being in control of her surroundings too much to hand
that control over to strong drink.
Trixie is compact, curvy and not very tall, but is comfortable with her lack of
height. She dresses to please herself. I recognize that blouse—she's worn it
many times during the past five years. Fashion means nothing to her, comfort is
But she rules the office. Well, at any rate, she has the entire staff convinced
she could run the place by herself. It would be a dictatorship, however. And
depending on whether you were in her good graces, it could even be a benevolent
one. She's practiced the laugh. You've even heard it: "Ah…ha..ha…I'll get you my
pretty! And your little dog,too!" See my goose bumps?
Trixie prides herself on always being caught up on her work, and knows company
policy almost by memory. Her skills of observation are amazing, honed to
perfection from her early days as a newspaper reporter. It is rumored that she
will apply for the position of supervisor within the next few months. If she is
promoted, there could be a coincidental mass exodus of employees.
She drives a minivan. Not unusual, right? Except remember that she has no
children of her own—but her sister has seven, including some adopted, which
Trixie is helping to raise. Because Trixie lives with her sister and family, she
is relied on as a babysitter/chauffeur/nanny, and gleefully exults in the level
of need demonstrated for her presence. She has become a pack master for Boy
Scouts, which takes up several hours of her time and energy each week. She helps
with homework, orders chores to be done, makes lists upon lists in her quest to
be in charge and schedules every moment of vacations. Her involvement with her
family gives her a constant source of validation for her chosen state of
singleness. She appears secure in her position, knowing that she would never be
asked to leave because she provides so many invaluable services. She has made
herself irreplaceable.
Suddenly Trixie laughs. All is right with the world. Her neighbors in nearby
cubicles laugh with her. Her laughter ends with a snort, which becomes the
source of further hilarity. She is mistress of all she surveys; proven by her
competency at winning yet another game of Tetris.
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Jun 27, 2013
Retirement Planning - a light bulb went off
Late last year I did a post ( http://canadianloon.blogspot.ca/2012/09/things-im-watching.html ) where I talked about retirement and Ecuador. Looking back at it now I can see where I was trying to convince myself, as much as the readers, that this was the life for me. Retire after 35 years, move to a place with perfect weather and live cheaply and very comfortably for the rest of my life. I watched blogs (that are in my links on the side of this blog) and I continued to research, but there was a few little nagging things that over time became bigger and bigger issues. The prime one being the language, do I really want to learn a new language? I don't want to be a gringo who only speaks english, I get pissed when I see people who live in Canada for many years and make no effort to learn english for french, why would I go to another country and do the same?
For me there are some issues with how animals are treated and little things like people pissing in the streets treated as normal. Just my issues. Now with the giving asylum to so called "whistle blowers" like Snowden and Assange I just don't have the respect for the country. A shame because it looks like a great place. In the end I think I would still love it there, and it might not be completely off the table, but the light bulb went off the other day as to what I should be doing - boating!
When I lived in Bermuda I was first introduced to the boating lifestyle by my good friends Doug and Carolyn. They had a lovely 27' Albin named Veebyes. They have since put the boating life style on hold for the RV lifestyle traveling around the US and Canada. Their adventures can be found here - Triangle Drifters They would have myself and my ex-wife out onto their boat for day trips on a regular basis. It was nice, sitting back for the day, relaxing and taking it easy, a nice BBQ for supper and they would put us ashore come dark. A wonderful day. I even looked at getting into it while we were on the island but it wasn't cost effective and we would only be there for under 3 years so it was quickly abandoned.
For the past 15 years that I have been living in the Ottawa region, I have spent much of that time paddling on the Rideau River. I paddle and I look at the boats and the people who are cruising and they look so relaxed and having fun. Particularly those who are out every night or those just slowly cruising along at 5 knots. I'd go out for a very early morning paddle and watch these people enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the early mornings on the deck and I think "oh, now that's the life". I don't like the cottage thing as you gotta drive hours to get to anything that we could afford in this region and then your stuck at one site for eternity. You get a bad neighbour, your stuck. With a boat, you just slip off from the lock station, or pull up the anchor and the problem is gone. Most boats are much cheaper then a cottage and easy to have them located anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours from the house.
Just over two weeks ago, one of the guys who I work with (Rick) dropped by my office before leaving on a 1 year trial retirement. He's taking a years leave without pay and they are going to try the boating lifestyle full time. I believe the plan is for them to spend the summer in the Kingston region, then take the inner coastal waterway down to Florida and hop over to the Bahamas and then return next spring. If they enjoy it and its cost effective, he'll pull the plug and be officially retired. What a great plan. His adventures can be found here - Living Life at 7 Knots (what a great blog name)
He and I talked for a couple of hours about his experiences with buying a boat, the Rideau Canal, the St Lawrence and the 1000 Island and Kingston and it really got me thinking about how much I enjoyed the bit of boating I've done, the potential cost effectiveness and how that might be a good retirement plan for myself. So started the research.
One thing I learned very early on from Doug and again from Rick was to try and avoid gas engines at all costs and go diesel. I knew it was a buyers market ever since the economic crash in the states a few years ago and I was pleasantly surprised at how cheap boats are. The hitch? They are all gas powered - DOH! You can easily pick up a few year old SeaRay for under 40k. But there are a ton of them for sale and the gas prices would be insane. I got thinking, I really don't want a "go fast" boat. I just wanna putt putt along and smell the roses, what about trawlers or tugs? They are usually diesel. Oh, not as many of those for sale and the prices are double that of the gas powered. hmmmmmm...
So what do I need? a 34 footer? a 25? trailer or not? diesel or gas? resale value? availability? To many questions. Back to starting from scratch. I started to read blogs and watching discussion forums, what are people talking about? Didn't take long to come across several interesting options - Nordics, Rangers, North Pacific's and Rosborough's. All are either tugs or trawlers, some can be hauled around on trailers and all are considered economical and great cruisers. They also retain their value, but that mean higher prices. Right off the bat it jumped out at me that the prices on the the first 3 brands were going to be out of my range for quite a few years thanks to my ex-wife and her lawyer foolishness (that post is coming soon - I feel I can speak openly about it now and people should know about the crap people go through). But then I came across this boat called the Rosborough RF-246 affectionately known as a "Rossi" by their zealous owners.
My planning thoughts are to get one of the smaller boats as I don't need to live on the thing. I want something to spend weekends and a week or so at a time during the summer months. Something good for the Rideau Canal system but ok for a run to Kingston through the 1000 island or out onto the Ottawa river. Buy this boat and run it till retirement as a way to see if it's a lifestyle I want and if so, sell it at retirement and move up to a live aboard 34 footer - I really like the Nordic 34 :-)
First look at it and it doesn't jump up at you with European speed lines or ultra modern designs. You go WTF is that ugly thing? That's a Nova Scotia fishing/work boat. Yup, it kinda is. As I looked at it more and more the more I loved the styling and the look. I emailed the company for shits and giggles just to see the pricing, knowing all along that I'd be looking on the used market. Here is the brochure, click the image for a bigger view.
Sure enough, I priced a new one up with all the options that I would like and way out of my price range. It was funny when I got to a final price tag delivered, taxes, licensed and ready to go. How the hell does anyone buy anything new when the used market is such a buyers market? The company told me they are sold out of the 2013 line and the earliest I could get a new boat would be Sept and it would be a 2014 model line. Someone out there has money.
I started looking at the used market and joined a yahoo group that discusses Rossi's. What happened on the first day? A guy from Ottawa lists a Rossi for sale that sits in the 1000 Island. WTF? It's a 2004, has all the options I would want and located exactly where I need it. Price wasn't to bad either, less then half of what a new one would cost.
I had to take my fingers off the keyboard and stop looking at it. I just can't afford it right now saddled with all the divorce debt, college education for my kids, child support and spousal but man what an opportunity. But for the next 2 years I just have to back off and get back on my feet. Right now I can't even afford a trip to Bermuda to see my best friends so - NO BOAT! :-)
Then spent some time learning the "real cost of owning a boat". It's like owning a house, you gotta be prepared. With a boat you have insurance, dockage fees, gas, winter storage, shrink wrapping, lock charges, licensing, maintenance, bottom paint, pumping charges etc etc.... the list goes on and on. I worked out all the numbers and I gotta say, the Rossi is one of the most efficient and cost effective boats I can find. No woodwork on the outside, which adds to it's ugly duckling look, but outside of cleaning fiberglass and cleats it's a lot less cleanup. The inside is laid out like a small RV, with a kitchen, dinette, a head (no shower) and a V-birth for sleeping. Views are good due to windows all around and sliding doors right beside the helm so you can quickly jump out for docking and other things. A very well thought out boat.
You can get the boat in diesel but turns out this boat can be even more efficient running outboard gas engines. Reports indicate less then 2 gallons per hour @ 7 knots. That is amazing! Even less at 5 knots and lower, which is my speed. Most of the used boats I have looked at have either single or dual outboards or inboard diesels. Each configuration works well for my needs.
Now I need to be patient. I really can't afford this right now. But working the numbers of after some debt payoff, end of child support and end of education costs, I'll be in the ballpark easily.
After retirement, even moving up to a live aboard becomes even more economical. No mortgage (replaced with a boat payment) and living a simple lifestyle makes this as economical or less so then staying at home. As long as you don't bomb up and down the waterways at Mach 2 burning gas like it's the 1970's it can be a very economical way to live and see the sites. Many older folks run boats and as long as your health is good it's a very easy lifestyle. I'll be retired at 55 and this is a good way for me to leave "the business" behind. Come winters slowly head south on the boat and back up to the waterways I love so much in the summer.
Compared to Ecuador I have to say I feel a lot more comfortable with this idea but I'm always subject to change haha. Jen laughs at me and thinks that I'm looking at this too soon since my retirement is 8 year away. But my thoughts are that you can't start thinking about it too soon. It comes fast, I have 27 years done already, and I need to be prepared. I could keep working but if I have something to go to that I love, why would I? One thing the divorce has taught me is "how much money do I need to be happy?" Turns out, not much. She gets most of my money that I work my ass off for and if I continue to work, she just continues to collect. Once I'm eligible for retirement, why should I work when I have a passion to go towards? I think Jen would like this lifestyle as well, but like me, she would need to live it as well and only time will tell.
For now, clean up the debts and continue to research and when the time is right and the opportunity of a good clean boat comes up, jump!
A great article on getting a Rossi - http://compactyachts.com/boats/the-rosborough-rf-246-i-cant-be-objective/
5 comments:
Wow -- now that's a post Scott!ReplyDelete
Exciting. I like the idea of having floating cottage. And knowing how much you enjoy the water and paddling adventures, I can definitely see you having a grand time.
What a great post, keep up the Dreaming! The Rosborough is a great boat. I have read of many couples Looping in those boats.ReplyDelete
Thanks Candis! and thanks Sheldon and welcome to my blog about to head off and check yours out as well, I'm betting that your a c-dory owner given the name of your blog? :-) Will see in a sec!ReplyDelete
ohhhhh and Tollycraft - very nice!ReplyDelete
Just read your blog Scott :) Sounds definitely like a plan there and I can see you enjoying it immensely. Would be the best combination of all your worlds - camping, canoeing, boating, photography, travel. Don't give up your dreams! :)ReplyDelete


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Galena, Illinois
Camp Chef
Camp Description
The Country Experience is a week-long sleepaway camp for 7-12 year olds on a working family farm near Galena, Illinois. Our environment has been prepared so campers can be "inside the fences" and participate in hands-on experiences with real-world tools to contribute to the farm, build life skills, and develop their character.
Job Description
The Country Experience is seeking to hire dynamic camp staff who are passionate about farm life, fresh air, working with youth, self-discovery, and growth. The camp chef will be a full-time resident on the farm and guide small groups of campers through knife skills training, meal preparations, clean up, baking/canning. As chef, you will be an integral part of camp whether it be collecting eggs, playing games, incorporating freshly harvested vegetables into the menu, eating meals family-style, telling campfire stories. Become a key member on our farm this summer and help kids learn something about themselves, and learn a great deal about yourself along the way. The ideal candidate is a fierce worker and fun to be around, has the ability to improvise, able to pick up cues and jump in to guide or help, can engage with campers and families appropriately, and thrives on overwhelming sense of accomplishment after each day.
Schedule & Timeframe
Season runs May 30th – August 25th. Staff is expected to stay on the farm as a resident for the duration of the summer. Camp is in session Monday-Friday. Some Sunday preparation and Saturday farm work will be needed. The chef will stay in the lower level of the farmhouse with private access, bedroom, and full bathroom. Adjacent to your quarters, there is a separate staff area with wi-fi, tv and storage. All groceries and meals are provided. The nearby town of Galena has attractions and shops for all your farm life needs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Preparing a weekly, balanced, healthy menu and grocery list that utilizes farm produce
- Maintaining the kitchen for both safety and function
- Cooks appropriate amount and variety of food for each meal
- Prepping all produce and meats prior to meal preparation time as needed
- Preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside campers and other staff
- Serving meals on time- 8am, 12pm, 6pm
- Communicating with other staff the needs for each meal-time
- Teaching knife safety and other related demos to campers in small groups on the first day of camp
- Guiding the transfer of meal items to and from the gathering barn dining area
- Facilitating kitchen clean-up with the group- leftovers, compost, dishes/sanitation
- Guiding kitchen projects in a way that allows for an active and confident camper role
- Lead or assist with additional food-related projects such as canning and baking
- Leading by example
- Work with other staff during non-camp days to prepare group meals
- Being capable of and interested in stepping in as a camp counselor when needed, engaging in camp when not needed in kitchen
- Pitching in on non-kitchen related farm projects as needed
Desired Qualifications
Applicant must be in school for culinary arts or have equivalent work experience. Interest in farm to table cooking a must. Experience in farmstead living, baking, canning, organic gardening, Montessori, and character development a plus. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Ideal applicants should be able to think on their feet, enjoy farmlife, work well with children, be able to juggle many hats, have good time management skills, and see the glass as half full.
How to Apply
Please message firstname.lastname@example.com and include a letter expressing your personal interest, skills, and experience. We would like to know about your character and why you would not only be an excellent camp chef but also great for camp and with campers.
Starts at $250 a week plus lodging and meals with an end of season bonus.


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from my mom's kitchen. Most of my recipes come from my Mom's and my Mom-in-law's kitchen. Both are very great chefs in their kitchen. Khurma is great for casual munching and can be stored for several weeks in air tight container. You can also carry Khurma while you are traveling.
- 2-cups all purpose flour
- 1-stick of butter
- ½-cup sugar
- 5-tbs water
- Melt the butter and mix the flour and make stiff dough.
- Divide into a big ball and roll into ½ inch a thick.
- Cut into a small square shape and deep fry on medium heat till golden.
- In pan, put sugar and water together and make one string syrup, now add all the square and mix it continuously.
- Now khurma is ready.