Well, you don't have to bring your skates, even if you want to do some skating, because most ice rinks offer rentals. If you have room in your suitcase, however, pack your skates and save yourself some money, as you'll have plenty of chances to visit the skating rinks on Cape Cod.
Public skating events provide affordable fun for the entire family, and some arenas even let you rent to whole building for a short period, should you have a large group or want the privacy of skating by yourself.
While ice skating isn't unique to Cape Cod, it is a quintessential winter activity on the east coast and is well worth trying if you're only here for a short time.
Those staying in Bourne might want to go for a skate at the John Gallo Ice Arena. This rink hosts skating lessons, hockey classes, and sessions by the Bourne Skating Club starting in the fall, and also has public skating ice times available. Generally, skating is open from noon until 1:30 PM Monday to Friday, although there are exceptions if an event or lesson is occurring at that time. Sunday skates are also possible when the rink is free.
The cost for a skate is $4 for adults and $3 for students. You can rent skates for $3, as well. Keep in mind that there isn't an ATM on-site and it's a cash-only building, so make sure you hit a bank machine prior to arrival to avoid having to make another trip.
Tony Kent Arena in South Dennis is home to various Cape Cod hockey teams and hosts clinics, lessons, and programs throughout the year. It also has public skating on most Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, along with pick-up ice hockey on Saturday nights.
Skating at the rink costs $6 for adults, $5 for children 11 and under, and $2 for seniors over the age of 55. If you don't end up bringing your skates on vacation, you can also rent them here for $4. If the ice isn't being used on a particular day, you can rent a private ice time for your group with rates starting at $180 for 50 minutes.
The Charles Moore Arena in Orleans has figure skating lessons, hockey camps, learn-to-skate programs, and now, in 2018, a curling league. Of course, this arena also offers public skating throughout the winter, with ice times available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM and Sundays from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. The cost is $5 for adults and $4 for kids under 12, with skate rentals being $2.
The Falmouth Ice Arena is home to Falmouth High School's hockey teams, Falmouth Youth Hockey, and the Falmouth Figure Skating Club. There are two rinks here, an NHL rink and a mini rink, so there is plenty of ice to go around. The mini surface has multiple public skating times on Tuesdays and Thursdays and additional openings on some Wednesdays. The larger rink has ice times on most Friday nights, with some Wednesday sessions, as well.
The newest and most impressive facility on this list is the Hyannis Youth & Community Center, a multi-use complex owned and operated by the Town of Barnstable. The building features two skating rinks, a gymnasium, meeting rooms, a skate park, an indoor walking track, and a game room, so there's plenty to do there throughout the year.
Public skating is available pretty much every day at the facility, with weekday public skating taking place between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Sunday skates running from 2:10 – 4:00 PM, and Saturday skates going from 4:00 – 5:20 PM. There are also stroller skates, family skates, and stick practices on various days throughout the week.
The cost of a public skate at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center is $7 for adults, $5 for kids 17 and under, and $2 for seniors aged 62 and up. Skate rentals are available for $5, and skate sharpening costs $6 per pair.
Although the ponds on Cape Cod occasionally freeze over during the winter, local officials do not recommend skating on them. The main reason is that most of these bodies are kettle ponds that have currents and are fed by streams, making it difficult for them to freeze evenly. If you find yourself on a thin section of ice, you could easily fall through and end up in serious trouble, so it's a good idea to stick to safer sheets of ice.
Some towns set up free public outdoor rinks in the winter, with Brewster and West Yarmouth being recent examples. It remains to be seen if we'll have any outdoor skating in 2018, as it's always weather-dependent. Check the website of the town you're staying in closer to your arrival date for more information on outdoor skating availability.
If you're coming to the Cape in the winter, experiencing some winter activities is a must, and ice skating is a pleasant way to start. If you've never skated before, a public skating time at a local rink is a great way to ease yourself into it, but remember to bring a helmet with you for safety's sake.
You should also be aware that public skating schedules are dynamic, as special events, private rentals, and hockey tournaments can disrupt their timing. As a result, always check the calendar on the rink's website before heading there.
Cape Cod has so much going on in the winter that you'll never be short on things to see and do. Book your vacation rental today and don't miss out on experiencing winter like it's meant to be.
There's something for everyone on Cape Cod, and if you choose to bring the little ones or even teenagers on your vacation, you'll never be short on things to do. Obviously, the Cape is full beaches, bike trails, marinas, hiking paths, and other great family-friendly places, but there are also amusement parks and fun centers for you to enjoy throughout your stay.
When it's chilly or raining, or if you just want your kids to entertain themselves for a little while, these attractions are a great place to spend a few hours or an entire day. And since you can find an amusement park pretty much anywhere on Cape Cod, you'll never have to travel far to get there.
The following is a list of family fun centers and amusements parks that are waiting for you on Cape Cod.
Although it's technically just off the Cape in Wareham, Water Wizz was the Cape Cod area's only waterpark until 2018 and brings in roughly 100,000 visitors annually. The park is mostly made up of waterslides, although there is a lazy river and a wave pool, as well. There is also an area with slides and activities for smaller children, should you travel with very young kids.
Water Wizz is a large park where you'll probably want to spend an entire day, so plan accordingly. You won't have to pack a lunch or leave the park to eat, either, as there are numerous on-site restaurants and a shop with all of the essentials.
You'll come across Ryan Amusements locations in Falmouth, Hyannis, South Yarmouth, and Buzzards Bay, in addition to other communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Most of these centers have bowling alleys, while all of them offer video games and party rooms.
Ryan Amusements is a great place to let the kids play indoors when the weather doesn't cooperate, and since you only pay for the games you play, it's possible to get away without spending a whole lot of money. The fact that this is a chain of fun centers is also helpful because you know precisely what to expect at each location.
The Cape Cod Inflatable Park is the most extensive attraction of its type in the world and has four distinct areas. First, there's the original Inflatable Park, which is basically a series of themed bouncy castles. Each apparatus provides a different experience for children and adults alike, and your kids are likely to spend hours navigating through the park.
Next, there's the Challenge Zone, which is an adventure park with zip-lining, rock-climbing, a trapeze, a tightrope, and numerous other tests for your endurance and strength. Older kids will spend hours trying to get through the various courses and challenges, and parents are allowed to participate, as well.
Thirdly, there's The H2O, an attraction that just opened in 2018 featuring a waterpark, a lazy river, some waterslides, and a private pool with cabanas. If you rent one of the cabanas, you can spend the entire day relaxing by the swimming pool, or you can just fill your time enjoying the other water-based activities.
Finally, there's the Shark Tank, which is the largest arcade on Cape Cod. With over 50 games and a climate-controlled environment, the Shark Tank is a pleasant place to kill an afternoon if you'd rather be indoors.
All of these attractions come together to create a park where you can spend multiple days without your kids ever getting bored. Pricing depends on which parts of the venue you'll be using, but you can decide what you want to experience after you arrive at this one-of-a-kind park.
There are many different places to play mini golf on Cape Cod. Depending on where your vacation rental is located, you can choose Cape Escape Adventure Golf, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, Skull Island, Wild Animal Lagoon, Putters Paradise, or Harbor Lights Mini Golf, just to name a few, to play a round.
The great thing about there being so many different courses is that each one offers something different. For example, Cape Escape Adventure Golf, in Orleans, has fishing boats and koi fish, while Harbour Lights in Brewster features a waterfall and serves world famous Gifford's Ice Cream. Putters Paradise in Yarmouth is a Cape Cod-themed course and Skull Island, also in Yarmouth, takes you to a deserted island that is protecting a pirate's treasure. You'll have the chance to experience all different forms of mini golf during your time on the Cape.
There's a little bit of everything at Grand Slam Entertainment, as you can ride the bumper boats, take a few swings in the batting cage, hit the zip line, or climb the rock wall. The center is located right on Main Street in Harwich and is close to Bud's Go-Karts and the Trampoline Center, so you can spend the entire day in this area while trying a variety of different things. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, as well.
Grand Slam Entertainment is a cash-only facility, and you must pay for each attraction individually. As a result, you want to make sure you visit an ATM before arrival.
Almost right next to Water Wizz of Cape Cod in Wareham is Cartland of Cape Cod. This amusement park is known for its go-karts, and for good reason because it has three different styles, but it also features bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages, boxing robots, and water balloon fights.
Cartland isn't the largest amusement park on Cape Cod, but it's certainly worth taking the kids to if they're into go-karts. Remember, however, that this park is entirely outdoors, so it's only an option when the weather isn't an issue.
Getting your kids out fishing is always a good idea, and Cap'n Kids Fishing Adventures makes it extremely easy. This fishing vessel is specially geared towards children, as it takes two-hour trips into the ocean on a boat certified by the U.S. Coast Guard and provides everything they'll need throughout the day. If you want to get your kids out on the water, this is probably the best way to start.
Keep in mind that at least one responsible adult must accompany the kids on the boat, but you'll be able to relax while the professionals teach them how to fish and keep them thoroughly entertained throughout the ride.
When traveling with kids, it's vital that you have a plan to keep them occupied each and every day. While it's nice to have free attractions like the beaches on Cape Cod, taking them somewhere different on occasion also makes for an enjoyable day.
Take the time to research a few of these fun centers on Cape Cod before your arrival and figure out a plan based on what your children enjoy. You'll be happy that you're aware of all the choices Cape Cod has to offer throughout your vacation.
With cold temperatures causing problems throughout much of the northern United States, planning your summer vacation might not be a priority. After all, even though we know the cold isn't permanent and sunny days will come again, it's tough to get in the mood to book a beachfront vacation home if you've just finished shoveling six inches of snow.
The truth is that there's no better time to book your vacation than right now because you'll find more rentals available and you can get an early start on planning your activities. In addition, organizing a vacation immediately gives you something to look forward to as you suffer through a few more months of winter.
To help get you in the mood, we're going to use this space to remind you of just how exquisite Cape Cod is in the summer. Here are a few of the things that you can look forward to on the Cape in 2018.
No matter where you choose to stay on the Cape this summer, you are sure to find a beach nearby. Some beaches are busier and livelier than others, but you are sure to find the exact seafront experience you are looking for if you plan early.
As part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point Beach features a scenic shore, bike trails, and sand dunes. Swimming and surfing are both possible at the beach, although there is a bit of a dropoff, so it might not be ideal for those with small children. This particular beach gets sun all day long in the summer, making it a sunbather's dream.
Mayflower Beach in Dennis is one of the calmer beaches on The Cape and is popular with families because of its shallow water. The beach also has a boardwalk, making it easy to get to the water from its expansive parking lot. If you have children and are staying in Dennis, this is your best bet.
Sitting in the Orleans area, Nauset Beach is a 10-mile-long stretch of sand featuring calm water that is great for swimming. Surfing and off-roading are possible at the beach, as well, making it a choice for those who wish to relax and those who want adventure alike.
Of course, it's not all fun in the sun when visiting Cape Cod, as your vacation can be educational, as well. Since this part of the country is where the pilgrims first settled, you won't find more history anywhere else.
Located in Sandwich, Heritage Museums & Gardens is a former plantation that is now a scenic garden that is open to the public. The museum has a collection of classic cars, an art collection, and working historic carnival rides.
Built sometime between 1907 and 1910, Pilgrim Monument is part of the Provincetown Museum and was created to commemorate the landing of the pilgrims in 1620. The monument remains the tallest granite structure in the entire country.
Like pirates? Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth is one of The Cape's newest museums and contains real treasure from an 18th-century shipwreck. The museum is loaded with history and is well worth checking out during the summer.
Cape Cod is known for its annual events and festivals, giving locals and visitors alike something special to do during the summer. If any of these events excite you, book your vacation rental now, so you don't miss out.
Concerts, animals, food, and carnival rides, the Barnstable County Fair truly has it all. The fair takes place in late July every year and provides fun for the entire family.
In mid August, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra comes to town for the annual Pops by the Sea concert at Hyannis Green Village. You'll want to buy your tickets to this event well in advance, particularly if you plan on attending the pre-concert luncheon.
Provincetown becomes a party town every August during Carnival Week. This annual festival attracts 90,000 people to the area for its parade, cruises, and dance parties. Costumes, floats, and food vendors make the events taking place over the course of the week well worth a visit.
Of course, getting out there and keeping active in the outdoors is all part of a Cape Cod summer. Going for a bike ride on the Shining Sea Bikeway, hopping aboard the Island Queen Ferry, which travels between Falmouth and Martha's Vineyard, or renting a boat in Wellfleet Harbor are well worth doing during the summer.
No matter which part of Cape Cod you end up staying on, you'll have easy access to some of the best hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities in the entire country.
Every day that goes by means we are closer to summer on Cape Cod. While you still have a few months to go, the countdown is on, and before you know it, you'll be relaxing on the beach, enjoying fresh seafood, and taking in everything that summer on the Cape has to offer.
Start planning your Cape Cod summer vacation early in 2018, and you can avoid missing out on the perfect vacation rental on the ideal part of The Cape. By putting your vacation together now, you can make the most of your time on Cape Cod this summer. Visit Kinlin Grover Cape Cod Vacation Rentals and book now. You'll be glad you did!
Cape Cod has always been oyster country, as even before the arrival of the pilgrims in 1620, French explorer Samuel de Champlain noted the abundance of the shellfish in areas like Wellfleet Harbor. And while the oysters of Cape Cod are known internationally, it is becoming more challenging to get your hands on them unless you come to The Cape.
The quality of Cape Cod oysters has spawned an entirely different type of visitor to the area, as people will rent a vacation home just for the opportunity to try some of the heavenly, fresh oysters found here.
Typically, Cape Cod oyster season runs from October until sometime in February or March, depending on when the supply starts to get low. Since oysters are one of the region's most valuable natural resources, officials regularly monitor the stock and adjust the season accordingly.
Keep in mind that oysters are commonly part of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals on Cape Cod, so if you want to do the holidays the Cape Cod way, make sure you track some down.
Once you arrive, you'll find some different ways to get yourself some oysters, depending on how adventurous you are and how badly you want the freshest shellfish available on The Cape.
Feel like spending your vacation digging in the sand? For a small fee, non-residents can pick up a shellfishing permit to do their own oyster picking on many of Cape Cod's beaches.
Before you head out on your recreational shellfishing excursion, make sure that you are aware of any town-specific rules that are present. These laws govern how many oysters you can harvest per day, the minimum size of the oysters you can pick, the times that you can be out in the water, and even the water temperature that you can be out in.
The rules are in place to prevent the supply of oysters from eroding too quickly and keep you safe, so either give the local town hall a call or ask about the rules when picking up your permit.
From there, you'll want to grab the right equipment. While you might luck out and find some oysters right along the beach, most are out in the water. You don't need anything fancy like a lobster trap, as just a few pieces of equipment will make you more comfortable as you venture into the ocean during Cape Cod oyster season.
Start by picking up a pair of chest waders, as you won't want to venture into the frigid Cape Cod waters without the necessary protection and these waders allow you to go into deeper water. A wetsuit jacket and a pair of waterproof gloves are advisable, especially when visiting in the winter. A floating bucket is also a good idea because it allows you store your catch without returning to shore.
There isn't a specific technique involved with harvesting oysters; all you have to do is search the shallow waters along the beach. Oysters don't bury themselves and are relatively easy to spot, so you shouldn't have much trouble as long as you end up in the right location.
Finding the perfect spot can be a challenge, as very few locals are willing to give theirs up. Look for other people searching for oysters because as long as they're in a public area, you're free to harvest there, too.
The oysters of Wellfleet are known the world over, and there's no better place to get them than through the Puffer family at Wellfleet Oyster and Clam. Farmers catch wild oyster seed and then raise the oysters the same way that they would be in the wild. The result is some of the world's best oysters. You can order some by calling the company directly.
East Dennis Oyster Farm has a store in East Dennis where you can buy oysters by the box. You can also call ahead to place an order and schedule a pickup, which makes sense if you are staying in town or a neighboring community like Barnstable.
Chatham Shellfish Company has been in business since 1976 and sells its oysters throughout stores in the area. It is possible to order oysters directly through the company's website, and they will be delivered right to the door of your vacation rental in a matter of days.
Of course, no visit to Cape Cod is complete without stopping by an oyster bar. In Wellfleet, Mac's Shack is the place to go. This restaurant doesn't allow reservations, so make sure that you get there early for access to incredibly fresh Wellfleet oysters, in addition to an extensive wine list. Keep in mind that this location doesn't open until the very end of oyster season.
It doesn't get much better than Oyster Company Raw Bar & Grill in Dennis Port, which has been around for a long time and remains a favorite for locals. The restaurant harvests its own oysters, and clams and other shellfish are available there, too.
Sitting right on Main Street in Hyannis, The Naked Oyster Bistro & Raw Bar harvests oysters from its own farm, ensuring that you have access to the freshest shellfish available in any restaurant.
As you can see, you won't have any trouble finding somewhere to try some of the world's best oysters on Cape Cod. What you might struggle with is figuring out which variety you like the best, as the oysters from each location differ slightly in their flavor.
Take some time exploring the local oyster scene to see if you can tell the difference between the varieties or, better yet, get out there and harvest your own this winter.
This is the first in a series of articles about cycling on Cape Cod. Expect in depth articles on individual bike paths in the upcoming months. Bike trails and paths are everywhere on Cape Cod, and this isn't by accident. The presence and design of the trails are purposefully done, as those who planned the bikeways studied similar coastal areas, such as those found in California, and tried to emulate their scenery and accessibility.
The natural beauty of the area means that visitors want to spend their time outdoors and there's no more convenient or exciting way to experience the environment than by choosing a route and following it for a few miles.
Cycling is popular from early spring through the autumn. Basically, if you don't see snow on the ground, you are sure to come across locals and tourists alike using the bike paths. While cycling has always had a place on Cape Cod, it really took off following the 1978 purchase of part of the old Pennsylvania Central Railroad grade by the Department of Environmental Management. This purchase provided the land necessary for the Rail Trail, which has become very popular and has helped to create the cycling culture that is present today.
In fact, the popularity of biking has risen to the point where if you visit The Cape and don't get some cycling in, expect some serious questioning from friends and family as to why when you get home.
So get out there and enjoy nature on your next visit to Cape Cod!
Heading out for a cycle on Cape Cod doesn't stop at choosing a destination and then starting your journey, as each trail has its own story and a unique set of activities along the way.
Many trails have picnic spots, complete with tables and shade, providing you with everything that you need for a quick meal. These points, which often sit in a state park, are fabulous because you can pack a lunch, eat along the trail, and then return to your vacation rental for dinner.
Some paths, such as those along the National Seashore or in Nickerson State Park, have swimming opportunities, as well. Be sure to pack your swimsuit because you can work up a sweat along the trail and then cool off in the water.
The great thing about accessing a beach via a bike path is that they tend to be away from the roadways and, therefore, are secluded and less crowded. Locals will tell you that the best place to relax on the beach and enjoy the dunes is along an oceanfront trail.
Don't know which type of bike to bring to Cape Cod? Well, in short, it depends on the type of bike trail you wish to take. There are numerous paved paths in the area, which you can easily navigate with a road bike. These pathways are well-maintained and smooth, so you won't have any trouble travelling from place to place.
If you plan on trying some of the unpaved trails in the region, however, a mountain bike is a must. These trails offer a more technical and challenging ride, but the payoff is always worth it.
And when speaking of the payoff, of course, we mean the views. Each bikeway has a different landscape and, therefore, a unique scene to offer those who complete it. One trail might present a panoramic look at a lake, while another might get you up close and personal with a cranberry bog.
There are woodlands, parks, canals, flowers, wildlife, and anything else that you could hope to see on Cape Cod along these trails.
You can also get close to history while taking a bike trip, as bridges, homesteads, and museums seem to pop out of nowhere, allowing to experience one-of-a-kind attractions while out for your cycle.
Before embarking on a cycling journey on The Cape, make sure that you are aware of the rules.
Most of the rules are common sense, as all riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet, but it is advisable that all bikers have one.
Riders should stay in single file and announce themselves when passing others. It is critical that you don't ride too fast, either.
Finally, riders should keep to the marked trails because it is illegal to ride your bike off the paths.
Following the rules and guidelines ensures that you'll have fun, and stay safe at the same time.
That's it! You're now ready to take on the breathtaking and accessible bike trails that line all areas of Cape Cod. It doesn't matter if you're staying in Woods Hole or South Dennis, there is a scenic trail at your disposal.
Just don't forget to bring or rent a bike on your next visit.


I love using Skype to teach English! Both my primary age students and my students in their last years of schooling love how easy Skype makes it for us to collaborate on their learning and enjoy discovering new skills on their computers while we work. Technology such as screen share makes it so easy for us to collaborate on written pieces, and online games, activities and guides are also used to support learning. The chat function enables the student to access all of the notes we have made from the lesson, which they can use for homework or revision outside of the lesson, and free online resource-sharing websites are used to give students access to supporting materials for us to work on together. Students can develop their ICT skills while they learn and don't even need to leave home!
Every student receives a FREE introductory Skype session, where we can meet each other, I can find out more about their learning goals and needs and can show them what to expect on Skype. Students also receive a pack of 'hard copy' resources to make sure they have everything they need for our lessons. Each term, parents will receive a short update on their child's progress and what they will be working on in the following term, which can be shared with your child's school.
Structured, multi-sensory tutoring session which allows learners to work on the goals we have agreed together in a fun and safe learning environment. I try to use lots of games in my teaching to keep the sessions engaging and memorable, as well as linking them to your child's interests and school learning as often as possible. I work with each of my learners on spelling and reading strategies they can use to help them outside of lessons, as well as building on comprehension and punctuation. Older students will also focus more on academic reading and writing, as well as ideas for planning, note-taking and revision.
Every student receives a FREE introductory session, in which we can meet each other, I can find out more about their learning goals and needs and can show them what to expect from tutoring. Each term, parents will receive a short update on their child's progress and what they will be working on in the following term, which can be shared with your child's school.
Structured, multi-sensory 1:1 sessions for children in the primary grades who receive schooling in English.
Learners work on individual goals we have agreed together in a fun and safe learning environment. I try to use lots of games in my teaching to keep the sessions engaging and memorable, as well as linking them to your child's interests and school learning as often as possible. I work with each of my learners on the maths basics they need to help them fill the gaps in their learning, as well as building on their strengths to support them with the age level content they will be working on in class. We use lots of resources to help make learning visible and practise strategies together which they can use to help them outside of lessons.
Multi-sensory lessons from the comfort of home! Screen-sharing allows us to easily collaborate on extended writing projects and we will make plenty of use of online games and websites during lessons to make lessons engaging and fun! Price per 60 minute session.
Structured, multi-sensory 1:1 teaching for children in Grades 2-10. For students in Berlin who receive schooling in English or are English Native Speakers.
60 minute lessons priced at 35 euros if conducted at my home in Wedding. Rates for lessons at student's homes are based on 35 euros for teaching and planning time, plus travel expenses - please contact me for details.


This class builds on the skills learned in Basic Obedience (Level 1). Increase your dog's focus and continue to improve their skills through positive training methods. Your dog will learn to run to their "place" and stay, "heel" and walk nicely on a loose leash, as well as "come" when called.
Pre-registration is required for all our classes and workshops. Due to limited space, our classes are non-refundable.


text:
Scientists Identify Gene For Sexual Behavior In Male Flies
A team of scientists from four universities has isolated the gene that controls most or all sexual behavior in male fruit flies. Their research is the first to pinpoint a single gene that works in the brain to govern nearly all aspects of a complex behavior in adult animals.
The scientists from Stanford, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Brandeis University and Oregon State University report their findings in the Dec. 13 issue of the journal Cell.
The gene fru governs the fly's courtship and mating ritual, including its courting song. Here a male with a normal copy of the gene lifts one wing and vibrates it in a rhythmic song, as recorded on an oscilloscope below the drawing. Males with a slight alteration, or mutation, of the fru gene have subtle changes in their songs. With severe mutations, the flies do not sing a note, though they can flick their wings and can use them to fly. (courtesy: Jeffrey Hall, Brandeis University)
Geneticists have known for years that the gene, called fruitless and nicknamed fru, influences sexual orientation in the fly Drosophila melanogaster. Male flies with some mutations in the fru gene become bisexual -- they cannot tell other males from female flies when courting. With this research, the team of geneticists cloned and isolated the fru gene, and showed that it controls much more than the male's choice of partners.
They showed that the fru gene is:
A master gene that controls not only sexual orientation but all, or nearly all, the steps in the male fly's elaborate courtship ritual -- from its first interest in a female through its rhythmic courting song, to its attempts to mate.
Part of a group of genes that work together to govern all aspects of sex in these flies, including development of male and female organs.
At work in a very small fraction of the cells in the fly's brain. The properties of the fru gene's target neurons suggest that they carry out command-and-control functions to set up and coordinate the complex events of male courtship and copulation.
"There has been speculation recently that no single gene could control a complex behavior. This work shows that a gene can do so -- at least in fruit flies," said Stanford biologist Bruce Baker, one of the four principal investigators of the study.
The gene fru governs the fly's courtship and mating ritual, including the male fly's ability to recognize a female. Males with a normal copy of the gene, at right, pursue only females. Males with an alteration, or mutation, of the fru gene, at left, court both sexes, and sometimes form chains with each male courting the one in front of it. (courtesy: Jeffrey Hall, Brandeis University)
The lead author on the Cell article is Lisa Ryner, a research associate in Baker's lab at Stanford. The principal investigators on the National Institutes of Health-sponsored study are Baker, professor of biological sciences at Stanford and an expert on the molecular genetics of sexual differentiation; Steven Wasserman, associate professor of molecular biology and oncology at UT Southwestern, an expert on the molecular genetics of fertility; Jeffrey Hall, professor of biology at Brandeis University and an expert on genetics and fly sexual behavior; and Barbara Taylor, assistant professor of biology at Oregon State University and an expert on genetics and the fly's nervous system.
Co-authors include postdoctoral research fellow Stephen F. Goodwin and research associate Adriana Villella of Brandeis; postdoctoral fellow Anuranjan Anand of Stanford; and Diego H. Castrillon, formerly an M.D./Ph.D. student at UT Southwestern, now a resident in pathology at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard University Medical School.
"These findings on fru provide a starting point for a whole host of other studies, to learn how sexual behavior and sexual orientation are specified by genes and controlled by the nervous system," Wasserman said.
"Our data so far suggest that fru is involved in interactions between a handful of specific brain cells that in some way direct the various steps of male courtship behavior and copulation," Taylor said. "This is an important tool -- here we have a gene that allows us to extract some behavioral element and then go into the nervous system and see how it is organized."
"This is a spectacular example of the value of open exchange at scientific conferences," said Wasserman. The labs joined forces at an international meeting when he and Baker realized that each of their groups had half the essential information needed to clone and understand the role of the fru gene. "We had a map, and they knew where the crucial point in the map was," Wasserman said. "To go on and understand how the gene works called for the skills of the other two labs as well."
Important evidence that fru is the gene normally controlling most male sex behavior in the fruit fly comes from the fact that it fits in a hierarchy of genes that governs all other aspects of sex as well. In Drosophila males, "doublesex" (dsx) commands the development of male sex organs and other male characteristics, while "fruitless" (fru) commands male sexual behavior. Genes higher up in the family tree act to turn off dsx and fru so that female flies do not exhibit male sex organs or male behavior. (courtesy: Bruce Baker, Stanford University) Could human sexual behavior be commanded by a single gene? So far, no gene similar to fru has been found in humans or other animals. But geneticists have been studying fruit flies for more than 80 years to learn how genes instruct the building of the fly's body and the function of its cells, and insights from that work have already helped explain how the human body develops.
"In any complex organism, brain formation and function must be controlled in part by genes," Hall said. "The question is not whether but how do the actions of a given gene influence some interesting aspect of behavior."
However, he said, "Even if a gene of this sort could be identified in humans, that does not mean it would solely 'determine' behavior. By definition, those actions are also influenced by upbringing and environment -- even in flies."
Related Brain Articles from Brightsurf:
Glioblastoma nanomedicine crosses into brain in mice, eradicates recurring brain cancer
A new synthetic protein nanoparticle capable of slipping past the nearly impermeable blood-brain barrier in mice could deliver cancer-killing drugs directly to malignant brain tumors, new research from the University of Michigan shows.
Children with asymptomatic brain bleeds as newborns show normal brain development at age 2
A study by UNC researchers finds that neurodevelopmental scores and gray matter volumes at age two years did not differ between children who had MRI-confirmed asymptomatic subdural hemorrhages when they were neonates, compared to children with no history of subdural hemorrhage.
New model of human brain 'conversations' could inform research on brain disease, cognition
A team of Indiana University neuroscientists has built a new model of human brain networks that sheds light on how the brain functions.
Human brain size gene triggers bigger brain in monkeys
Dresden and Japanese researchers show that a human-specific gene causes a larger neocortex in the common marmoset, a non-human primate.
Unique insight into development of the human brain: Model of the early embryonic brain
Stem cell researchers from the University of Copenhagen have designed a model of an early embryonic brain.
An optical brain-to-brain interface supports information exchange for locomotion control
Chinese researchers established an optical BtBI that supports rapid information transmission for precise locomotion control, thus providing a proof-of-principle demonstration of fast BtBI for real-time behavioral control.
Transplanting human nerve cells into a mouse brain reveals how they wire into brain circuits
A team of researchers led by Pierre Vanderhaeghen and Vincent Bonin (VIB-KU Leuven, Université libre de Bruxelles and NERF) showed how human nerve cells can develop at their own pace, and form highly precise connections with the surrounding mouse brain cells.
Brain scans reveal how the human brain compensates when one hemisphere is removed
Researchers studying six adults who had one of their brain hemispheres removed during childhood to reduce epileptic seizures found that the remaining half of the brain formed unusually strong connections between different functional brain networks, which potentially help the body to function as if the brain were intact.
Alcohol byproduct contributes to brain chemistry changes in specific brain regions
Study of mouse models provides clear implications for new targets to treat alcohol use disorder and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Scientists predict the areas of the brain to stimulate transitions between different brain states
Using a computer model of the brain, Gustavo Deco, director of the Center for Brain and Cognition, and Josephine Cruzat, a member of his team, together with a group of international collaborators, have developed an innovative method published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Sept.
Read More: Brain News and Brain Current Events

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
HomeCommunity EngagementAmerican Public Transportation Association Recommends Expansion of Late-Night Transit Service
American Public Transportation Association Recommends Expansion of Late-Night Transit Service
September 12, 2019 Smart Cities Connect Community Engagement, Smart Mobility
A new report, "Supporting Late-Shift Workers: Their Transportation Needs and the Economy," from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) calls on cities to expand and invest in late-night transit service to support the growing population of people who work late shifts.
The report found that late-shift workers in metropolitan areas are 40% less likely to commute via public transit if there are inadequate connections. APTA found that 17% of metropolitan areas' overall workforces are made up of individuals who work the late shift, typically between 4 p.m. and 6 a.m. Late-shift transit commuters earn an estimated $28 billion in wages and generate $84 billion in sales each year. Increased late-night transit access will result in access to opportunities for late-shift employees and increase the pool of workers for employers.
"The late-shift is a growing source of opportunity for the American economy. When public transit providers, private sector businesses and policymakers work together, late-shift transportation can be improved through increased funding, new public policy and innovative service," said Paul P. Skoutelas, APTA president and CEO.
Some of the study's proposed solutions for transit operators, business owners, and policymakers include:
increasing operating hours of public transit;
establishing programs dedicated to funding late-shift transit operations;
investing more in transit infrastructure;
forming innovative partnerships to meet late-shift mobility needs; and,
formalizing frameworks to allow employers that benefit most to subsidize late-shift transportation.
"As we continue to upgrade and modernize our public transit systems with an eye to the future, we can't afford to leave behind one of America's fastest growing areas of the workforce," said Skoutelas. "Innovation will drive new partnerships, and increased infrastructure investment will see public transit systems leading the way with increased ridership and enhanced operations during the late-shift, as well as during more traditional hours."
Scooter-Sharing Company Spin Provides Six Nonprofits Access to Street Data Toolkit
National Complete Streets Coalition Opens Applications for 'Safe Streets, Smart Cities Academy' – Due August 19
Nevada Highways Look To Modernize Without Compromising Public Safety


text:
All Forums Category: US Stamps and Covers Discussions Forum: US Classic Stamps - As Issued and Used
Is This Scott 313/ My Catalog Says $700.
ddreisba
My question is in the title. I was clearing off my desk and came across it. i've had it for a while, long enough to forget where it came from . My elderly Scott Specialized values it at over $700. I don't have that kind of money to spend on stamps. I didn't mount it in the album because I couldn't believe it is real. The perf are about right. I couldn't find a watermark, but with US stamps I seldom can. What is your opinion?
Measure the perf. 12 for #313,10 for #480. No watermark is 480.
rogdcam
It is perf 10 and so it is a Scott 480, catalog value $35. Sorry.
jkelley01938
Looks like perf 10 to me
revcollector
Caper123
Also looks like a sizable tear from the top middle. That and the heavy cancel would severely lessen its value.
Yes, it is perf 10. Thanks for the help. I am not disappointed. I'm just glad to get it settled. People who expect to get rich from collecting stamps and coins end up in a loony bin, or a jail. But I do wish albums had signs for people like me: "Hey, stupid, there is a stamp that looks a lot like this one a few pages on!"
Cephus
But I do wish albums had signs for people like me: "Hey, stupid, there is a stamp that looks a lot like this one a few pages on!"
But that's where education comes in. Learning about stamps is a major part of collecting stamps. It's a never-ending process.
What I think drives a lot of us crazy, and this isn't aimed at you because you didn't just show up looking to make a buck, but the number of people who do come here, with one or two posts, saying "I found a stamp, tell me how rich I am!" Sorry, I have no interest in helping people like that. This is a forum for collectors, people who care about the stamps and postal history. Anyone who is just looking to make a buck is a speculator or an opportunist and I have no interest in people like that. They want to use our expertise, for free mind you, so they can make money. Hard pass on that, thanks. If they think they've got something worth a bundle, let them send it in to be expertized. That's what expertizing is for. Of course, that takes time and money and most of the people who are riding the "gimme gimme gimme" train don't want to spend any of that. They just want to be told that they're sitting on a gold mine. They never ask because "my collection has a space for this stamp, is this legitimate?" Those are the people who actually deserve our help.
I do think that Scott could do a better job of cross-referencing stamp catalog numbers that share common designs but differ in watermarks or perforations etc..
Stephen J Bukowy
rogdcam,
I use the stamp identifier for definitives in the US Specialized for that purpose. Helps a good bit.
Capthickey
I have found this app helpful to differentiate between/among US stamps with the same design: "Stamp ID Pro: Collect Stamps." It's available in the Apple App Store. Not sure if there is an Android version. Still need a perforation gauge and watermark detector, but it's a nice complement to Scotts.
Edited by Capthickey - 08/18/2022 7:47 pm
John Becker
Scott has a lot of often-overlooked information in the introduction, the "Identifier of Definitive Issues" and the fine print below each listing. This footnote under Scott 313 about the perf 10 varieties has been in the catalog since 1941, over 80 years:
That said, the listings for 479 and 480 are not quite as transparent to work backwards, nor illustrated. I don't have examples of any of these four.
Part of the reason, I am a Scott tragic,
Their "cross referencing" is the best I have encountered in a general catalogue.
that together with a fabulous font.
Scott's cross-referencing, especially for non-US countries, sucks. One of the main issues is that Scott will send you forward in time to a similar issue but not back in time. One way Scott.
Yeah, one always has to find the original issue of a design to find out where else it shows up.
Gee, you guys are dinosaurs.
Say you collect Cambodia, scan the Scott pages, produce an *.pdf
and have it OCR.
Just CTRL F for your stamp type, say "A7" and there is every instance of that stamp.
I have 24 Catalogues of Turkey under OCR
and could not work without it.
My Forbin is under OCR (Not sure if "Stampsmarter" is)
My Western Australia Mogens Juhl similarly.
Monographs are esp great for OCR.


text:
Q: Use of inserted and deleted tables for logging - is my concept sound? I have a table with a simple identity column primary key. I have written a 'For Update' trigger that, among other things, is supposed to log the changes of certain columns to a log table. Needless to say, this is the first time I've tried this.
Essentially as follows:
Declare Cursor1 Cursor for
     select a.*, b.*
     from inserted a
     inner join deleted b on a.OrderItemId = b.OrderItemId

(where OrderItemId is the actual name of the primary identity key).
I then do the usual open the cursor and go into a fetch next loop. With the columns I want to test, I do:
if Update(Field1)
   begin
          ..... do some logging
   end
The columns include varchars, bits, and datetimes. It works, sometimes. The problem is that the log function is writing the a and b values of the field to a log and in some cases, it appears that the before and after values are identical.
I have 2 questions:

*

*Am I using the Update function correctly?

*Am I accessing the before and after values correctly?

*Is there a better way?

A: If you are using SQL Server 2016 or higher, I would recommend skipping this trigger entirely and instead using system-versioned temporal tables.
Not only will it eliminate the need for (and performance issues around) the trigger, it'll be easier to query the historical data.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Which is Best: Refund or Replacement?
Blog 2009 May Which is Best: Refund or Replacement?
When Broken Arrow, Oklahoma consumer Angie Gallant didn't get complete satisfaction from the manufacturer for her defective 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, she realized it was because of an ambiguity in the lemon law of Oklahoma. She took the fight on personally, and was highly instrumental in the passage of Oklahoma State Bill 812, which considerably strengthens that state's lemon laws. Now consumers will get their due and Gallant is being hailed as a hero—although she says she just wanted a car that worked.
Because of the then-flawed statutes, Gallant had to settle for a replacement and the charge of a $1,530 fee for miles driven on the defective car. Under many state laws, however, you don't have to settle for what the manufacturer is offering as a remedy.
In his many years as a consumer activist and lemon law attorney, Taylor has had much occasion to research the fine points of these laws and observe them in action. He has been a lemon law California specialist since 1987, and he and his firm, Norman Taylor and Associates, have handled over 8,000 cases for consumers with a 98 percent success rate.
It is important that a consumer makes an informed choice as to the available options when it comes to a defective vehicle. For example, a refund can include the down payment, all monthly payments made including finance charges, and the loan balance fully paid off. It can also include sales tax and registration fees and other expenses incurred in connection with the defective vehicle such as rental cars, towing, repairs and storage.
If replacement is chosen as a remedy, replacement must be with a new vehicle comparable in make, model and options to the vehicle being replaced. The manufacturer must typically pay any sales tax and registration fees on the new vehicle. If the defective vehicle was still under the terms of a loan, the consumer can normally keep the existing loan and full credit for all payments made.


One way that YALSA members can connect with one another is to form an Interest Group around a common topic, geographic area, job or member type. Interest Groups are grassroots, member-driven groups that focus on facilitating networking and information exchange between members. Topics that members formed groups around in the past include anime, gaming, music, TAGs, technology, teaching YA Lit, summer reading, student members, serving teens in urban areas, readers' advisory, professional development, outreach to teens with special needs, and managing YA services. Interest Groups can also be formed to bring together members of a specific city, state or region.
Interest Groups may sponsor conference or symposium programs, contribute to YALSA's blogs and publications, and more. The groups are completely self-initiated and not appointed by YALSA officers. Members of Interest Groups are not required to attend the Annual Conference or the Midwinter Meeting, and there is no limit on the number of virtual participants an Interest Group may have. No work is required of Interest Group members--the level of participation is up to each member.
Not sure you want to commit to an Interest Group? Then just hold a local meet-up.
To learn more about YALSA Interest Groups, including how to start one, please read the FAQ.
To participate in one of the groups below, members can just email the convener and let them know you want to join (these groups are for members only).
The Los Angeles County Area Interest Group provides opportunities for YALSA members from the greater Los Angeles County area to contribute to the mission of YALSA by: (1) Connecting and networking with local Teen Services librarians, library staff, and advocates; (2) Sharing and evaluating local resources for teens and young adults; (3) Collaborating on projects and/or programs; (4) Providing and share learning and training opportunities; (5) Representing YALSA at library related symposiums, institutes, and conferences, and vice versa; and (6) Connecting YALSA with relevant state and local associations and organizations. Convener: Jane Gov. This group has a channel on YALSA's Slack account.
The YALSA Teen Mental Health Interest Group brings interested individuals together to explore the issue of teen mental health and the ways this issue impacts library services for and with teens. The group serves as a forum for pre-professionals, library workers and youth advocates to network and share information and resources, especially those which help individuals build knowledge and skills related to the following areas in YALSA's "Competencies for Librarians Serving Youth:" knowledge of client group; communication, marketing and outreach; knowledge of materials; and services. This group has a channel on YALSA's Slack account. Convener: Meaghan Hunt-Wilson.


text:
Hudson Meridian is recognized as one of the largest privately held companies in New York!
21 CLARK STREET, LANDMARK HISTORIC DISTRICT IN BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
The Freshwater Group/Tishman Speyer Hudson Meridian is renovating this existing dormitory into senior housing which includes a substantial size amenities center with a pool and multiple activities areas, full lobby fit-out, restaurants and cafes.
Hudson Meridian Welcomes Richard Cote Back to the Fold as Executive Vice-President
New Yonkers Downtown Tower Reaches Milestone
Top 20 General Contractors in NYC by Ground-up Construction Projects
First look inside Brooklyn Bridge Park's Debated 1 Hotel
World-Architects Magazine interviewed Marvel Architects on the recently completed Pierhouse and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge project where Hudson Meridian was the Construction Manager.
Hudson Meridian conducts Safety Stand Down on Eye Protection & Scissor Lifts at Queens Plaza Residential Development 28-10 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY
GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY AT "THE BOULEVARD"
Ground breaking ceremony at "The Boulevard" in Staten Island, New York a 460,000 SF multi-level shopping center.
Hudson Meridian is excited to be part of this exciting new project.
587 Main Street Project making great progress!
Dan Hooker is the Senior Project Manager for this 28-story residential tower in downtown New Rochelle. As part of the downtown's district revitalization plan, 587 Main Street will consist of 229 residential rental units with retail space and 234 on-site parking.
Larkin Plaza, Yonkers NY
Rich Cote, SVP and Project Executive talks about the new residential project nestled in the Lower Hudson Valley in Yonkers. The first tower will be 25-stories with 272 residential units and another 17-story with 170 residential units. Ground level retail space with a 3-story attended parking facility.
SAINT DAVID'S SCHOOL
Members of Saint David's School joined with the project team on Thursday, April 27th, to celebrate the completion of the steel framework on the new renovation and expansion of Saint David's School on Manhattan's Upper East Side. During the ceremony, the Head of School and Chair of the Building Committee led the signing of the beams on the six-story, 100,000 square-foot building. Zubatkin is currently working with Saint David's to reprogram their facilities as part of the overall renovation and expansion of their campus. The project team includes PBDW Architects as architect and Hudson Meridian Construction Group as construction manager. Congratulations to the team on this significant milestone!
10/06/16 - HUDSON MERIDIAN CELEBRATES TOPPING OUT OF THE RESIDENTIAL TOWER AT 86 FLEET PLACE IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.
Brooklyn, NY - Another milestone in the construction of 86 Fleet Place, Brooklyn's newest skyscraper across from 160 Myrtle Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn was reached today. A topping out ceremony was held this afternoon at the project site of the new mixed-use development.
The ceremony celebrated the completion of the 33-story, 346 foot residential tower which includes over 400,000 sf of residential units, 10,000 sf of commercial space, 35,000 sf of parking spaces, and 10,000 sf of amenity space. The 440 rental units will have wood flooring, stone countertops in the kitchen, tile and stone bathrooms, and washer/dryers in each unit. The project also consists of cast-in-place concrete structure with two-levels below grade, glazed window wall systems, four (4) passenger elevators, one (1) service elevator, and two (2) vehicle elevators. Landscaped roof decks are located on the 2nd and 33rd floors as well as amenities space on the 2nd floor.
"We are proud to be the construction manager for this amazing development and grateful to the hundreds of construction workers that have brought us to this milestone occasion. I am happy to say that this project has progressed to date relatively accident free. Safety is paramount to Hudson Meridian and seeing all of you safely home to your families every day is and should be everyone's priority. I am also pleased that the project today is over 50% complete and we are on schedule and within our client's budget. We can all be proud of the work performed to date and I stand here today in front of our client to state when the project is complete, we will be equally proud of the finish product, delivering the architects design intent of a SPECTACULAR ADDITION TO BROOKLYN'S SKYLINE," said William Cote, President of Hudson Meridian Construction Group.
The construction of this development is expected to be completed in the fall of 2017 with over 300 workers on site over the two and a half year construction period.
Hudson Meridian Projects on the "TOP STARTS" List on ENR's Larges Projects Started in 2015
28-34 JACKSON AVENUE, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY
86 FLEET PLACE, BROOKLYN, NY
Hudson Meridian Construction Group Appoints Richard Cote as Executive Vice President
Hudson Meridian Construction Group Appoints Peter Monte President/Chief Operating Officer
Hudson Meridian Construction Group
61 Broadway, 7th Floor


text:
Impact Report 2021-2022
Sector Spotlight: Farm to Early Childhood
Sector Spotlight: Farm to Corrections
Sector Spotlight: Campus
New Tools to Support the Network
What's Next? Rooted in Community
What's Next? #F2iSummit 2023
FINE Faces
Cumulative, Iterative Change
As we reflect on this past year, and the decade that preceded it, we notice how the work of hundreds of organizations, businesses, agencies, and institutions adds up. Our strong, dynamic and growing network connects individual actions and creates meaningful ongoing impact. Our network makes a difference. We've come a long way. We still have a ways to go. We'll get there together.
– Peter Allison, Executive Director, FINE
Growing New England's farm to institution movement for over a decade, FINE:
Serves as the backbone for the farm to institution network in New England, supporting partners with key connections, tools, and resources to amplify their impact
Catalyzes collaborative projects that address key barriers in the New England institutional supply chain
Advances a policy and programmatic agenda
Read on for highlights of FINE's impact, Summer 2021 - Fall 2022...
FINE creates so many tools and models at the regional level that we routinely use in our R & D to build our network at the state level. FINE connects us and makes us all better.
– Renee Page
Executive Director, Healthy Communities of the Capital Area; and Coordinator, Maine Farm to Institution
This important work needs your support.
Every little bit helps! Please consider DONATING today to support FINE.
Click that donate button, or make checks payable to FINE and mail them to our fiscal sponsor:
TSNE • 89 South St, Suite 700 • Boston, MA 02111
Through the New England Farm to Early Childhood (Farm to EC) project, FINE is improving access to healthy, regional, culturally appropriate foods, nutrition education, and hands-on agricultural experiences for our youngest eaters.
We see this as an essential strategy to address the systemic, race-based inequities built into our food and childcare systems. In the past year we have:
Convened a regional community of practice of 15 food systems stakeholders.
Conducted collaborative research to understand the social, political, and economic systems that influence the availability and quality of Farm to Early Childhood programming across the region.
Coordinated the provision of technical assistance to each state to expand farm to early childhood professional development trainings for educators.
As a result of this work members of the COP and regional food systems stakeholders:
Are more knowledgeable about the role of Farm to EC in creating a just and equitable food system
Are better connected to the stakeholders, funding, and policymakers that affect Farm to EC programming and accessibility in their states, and are better equipped to influence those systems.
Have gained valuable connections with leaders doing similar work and drawn on these colleagues' support to advance their state Farm to EC work
Have a broader understanding of what Farm to EC looks like across New England
Have a better understanding of the key challenges and opportunities to equitably expanding Farm to EC opportunities in each New England State
Have access to a set of recommendations for the region and each state that are orienting state and regional level work.
In the spring this collaboration will continue to create a work and funding strategy based on these recommendations for the next phase of the project, and begin offering professional development trainings and mini-grants to educators that have completed those trainings across the region.
This project is funded by a USDA Farm to School grant and was developed in partnership with the Northeast Farm to School Collaborative.
As a result of the research, professional learning and partnerships within the New England Farm to Early Childhood Project, we were able to successfully advocate for the inclusion of early care in Rhode Island's Farm to School Strategic Plan. This will significantly elevate awareness around this sector and open up opportunities for funding, policy change, and partnerships. Ultimately, this will expand quality early childhood food literacy and nutrition equity in our state.
– Alison Tovar, Associate Professor, Brown University School of Public Health
– Heidi Hetzler, SNAP-Ed, University of Rhode Island
Food is fundamental to us all, and is of critical importance to those who reside in our carceral system. Incarcerated people rely on the system for all of their nutrition, and they have few choices about what, when, or where they eat.
This past year, FINE expanded our understanding of food in the carceral sector through research, relationship building, and strategic planning. We:
Conducted Research. We teamed with students and faculty on three research projects to deepen our understanding of complex policy issues impacting food service operating conditions, and prison and jail gardens. Formerly incarcerated individuals provided candid insights into their experience eating, serving and growing food while incarcerated.
Convened a Community of Practice. We brought together leaders in food service operations in departments of corrections in Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts to identify common barriers, successes and opportunities to improve food conditions.
Built the Network. We engaged non-profit leaders in our region and across the country, including Vermont Works for Women, Salvation Farms, Impact Justice, Center for Science in the Public Interest, and The Maryland Project for Food and Abolition.
Hosted a Carceral Food System Forum. Nearly 50 attendees convened on issues of policy, prison and jail gardens, metrics and data collection, and prison food reform.
FINE's work in the carceral system is supported by grants from Cotyledon Fund, the Whitehead Foundation, and the Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation.
Collaborating with FINE helps us to expand and deepen our work to improve food conditions in New England's carceral facilities. FINE sparks meaningful connections, provides opportunities to strengthen relationships, and serves as a key partner in working toward a more equitable food system that includes New Englanders who are incarcerated.
— Leslie Soble
Senior Program Manager, Impact Justice
We gain so much from our collaboration with FINE. I've met producers at the summit who now supply our kitchens with high quality products at a price we can afford; and I've benefited from connecting with other people who grow and serve food at prisons around New England.
— Mark McBrine
Food Service Manager, Mountain View Correctional Facility, Charleston, ME
The New England Farm & Sea to Campus Network is a community of higher education and food systems stakeholders who connect, share, and collaborate to develop transparent regional supply chains and educate campus communities about regional food systems. Over the last year, we:
Expanded our network and outreach, connecting with 123 colleges (an increase over the last two years), including 21 that are new to FINE.
Increased accessibility of virtual events, via our webinars, including a Spanish-speaking presenter and ASL interpretation.
Increased the diversity of our network with targeted outreach to community colleges and BIPOC-led and serving organizations.
Our work focused on timely issues including labor, food insecurity, the rise in food and packaging waste, and of course, values-based food procurement. By focussing on these issues, all exacerbated by the pandemic, our goal was to support action, share ideas, and elevate demand for change. We also contributed to FINE-led and externally-led research projects that help us better understand the changes in farm to campus over the last two turbulent years and to uncover solutions to ongoing challenges.
Why you need USDA's National Agricultural Library for your farming and food systems work
Incorporating Worker Values into Local Food Procurement
Campus Food Pantries: Bunker Hill Community College & Food Link's Community-Focused Partnership
Adding to our existing tools like the Resource Database (400+ resources and growing!) FINE has added some new tools recently:
Farm and Sea to Campus Data Center Newly launched, this replaces previous campus surveys with an iterative, user friendly data collection tool that generates reports for institutions and streamlines the aggregation process. We hope to make this tool accessible to other sectors in the future
Farm and Sea to Campus Purchase Tracker Supports colleges (and other institutions) in collecting and analyzing their purchasing data. It simplified the process of understanding values based purchases and makes it easy to set a baseline and measure progress.
Vermont Local Food Incentive Tracking Tools FINE worked with NOFA-VT, Northbound Ventures, VT Agency of Ag, and advisory group to develop series of tracking tools to support schools in tracking towards local food incentive.
Vermont Local Foods Tracker and Calculator
Vermont Local Foods List
Food and Agriculture Data Explorer Continued work with USDA AMS to enhance regional food systems work in the face of COVID-19 and other crises. Supported the development of new Data Explorer to streamline process of collecting food systems data. The Explorer aggregates data that was previously located in multiple places into one platform that allows you to view maps, build dashboards, download raw data, and upload new data.
Guide to Purchasing Non-toxic Foodware for Institutional Dining FINE is working on an EPA funded project to assess the risks of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in foodware in college dining. Our research, in partnership with Smith College, resulted in a series of recommendations for purchasing non-toxic foodware in institutions.
What drivers underpin complex farm to institution systems? FINE's research seeks to answer questions, and generate collective awareness and action. We work with a variety of research partners, including students, leading to new relationships, network expansion, increased funding, and policy developments.
The following are just a few examples from the past year.
New England Feeding New England
FINE is one of 17 researchers participating in the New England Feeding New England project, a 10-year initiative to prepare the region for system shocks such as climate-related weather events and public health emergencies. NEFNE's goal is for 30% of food consumed in New England to be produced or harvested in the region by 2030. The research team is conducting an in-depth exploration of the baseline starting point on route to our goal of 30% regional goal. That report will be available in early 2023.
Partners: The New England State Food Planners CoP, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund; researchers from American Farmland Trust, Northbound Ventures, Clark University, and others.
Gardening in a Carceral Context: A landscape assessment of Massachusetts county jail garden programs
In 2021, FINE partnered with a group of Smith students as they conducted a landscape assessment of Massachusetts county jail garden programs; they explored many variables, including the food they grow, where it is served, motivations for starting the programs, challenges in starting and maintaining them, and their impacts on incarcerated individuals. Their recommendations will inform an advisory group that will work with FINE to identify where the highest impact opportunities exist for our work in the carceral system. This research will allow us to be intentional about how we create long term, system changes to the quality, quantity, and locality of food served to incarcerated individuals. Download the report (PDF).
Partners: Smith College
Rhode Island Tracking and Traceability
FINE is working on a collaborative project in Rhode Island to define the need for a local food procurement tracking and reporting system. The final deliverable of our work will be a set of recommendations to Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) as well as a drafted RFP, which RIDE will use to procure the desired platform(s).
Partners: Karen Karp and Partners, Center for Good Food Purchasing, Digi Cyber, Rhode Island Department of Education
Organic Dairy Market Demand Research
FINE is working with a variety of partners to better understand the potential markets for organic dairy products at New England Institutions. This research is a response to the ongoing crisis organic dairy farms in New England are facing due to the loss of long term contracts and the steep cost of producing high quality dairy products. This ongoing research is resulting in new relationships and institutional markets across the region.
Partners: NOFA-VT, Northbound Ventures, Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership
The State of Prison Food in New England: A Survey of Federal and State Policy
Over the last two years, FINE has worked with a team of students and faculty at the Vermont Law School to understand the policy foundations related to food in the New England carceral system. This includes federal, state, and facility laws, regulations, and policies related to contracts, nutritional standards, funding, and monitoring. Through this research, we are identifying opportunities to advocate for policy changes that will create lasting impact to the food system in New England's prisons and jails. The final report will be ready in early 2023.
Partners: Vermont Law School
FINE was just funded to support a new regional food system partnership of three New England communities in a three-year iniative: Rooted in Community: A localized approach to growing the farm to institution movement in New England. This will create a collaborative values-based approach to building a community-based food system that shifts the institutional power dynamics around race.
The three New England communities of Springfield, MA, New Haven, CT, and Cumberland County, ME, will serve as a cohort for shared learning and implementation of farm to institution initiatives in schools, colleges, health care, and the corrections system. The cohort is represented by community-based organizations: Springfield Food Policy Council, Cumberland County Food Security Council, and the City of New Haven Food System Policy Division, all of whom are already driving food systems change at the local level.
Rooted in Community: A localized approach to growing the farm to institution movement in New England.
Three objectives will drive this project:
Community level: Plan and implement multi-sector community-driven farm to institution initiatives in three New England communities, ensuring authentic engagement with residents who are most affected by this work and prioritizing disinvested communities.
Cohort level: Establish a cohort among three communities for peer-to-peer learning, capacity building, and cross-cohort leveraging.
Regional level: Reinforce and grow New England's farm to institution movement by creating a dynamic and multi-directional exchange of promising practices, success stories, and relationship building opportunities between the community cohort and the broader New England network.
In this sobering period of uncertainty, I am buoyed by the opportunity for learning in this Rooted in Community cohort, which will inform our communities and hopefully others who witness our work together.
– Liz O'Gilvie
Director, Springfield Food Policy Council
Theme: CommUNITY Powers the Food System - f2isummit.org
The Northeast Farm to Institution Summit strengthens the regional food system by celebrating and supporting the role of institutions as anchors in the region. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders in a collaborative process, the summit generates ideas and connections that advance the ability of the Northeast to support viable farm, food, and sea businesses and healthy, just communities.
April 18 & April 29, 2023
Learn & Share Online during two days of educational content.
April 27 & 28, 2023
Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Providence, RI
Coordinate, Strategize, Connect & Celebrate in Person with networking and action-oriented strategy sessions designed to integrate and align our (net)work, plus facilitated field trips and discussions, followed by an evening networking reception.
Hundreds of attendees representing institutions, food service management companies, non-profit organizations, farms, food distributors, food processors, government agencies, foundations, and others in the food supply chain.
Four days of programming—two virtual and two in-person—with keynote speeches, panels, breakout sessions, workshops, and demos.
Robust virtual and in-person networking opportunities embedded throughout.
Agenda, details, and registration... coming soon!
Sodexo teams have participated in the #F2iSummit since its inception. We always glean new best-practices; appreciate the insightful workshops and presentations; and make new connections that further our efforts around sustainability and local purchasing in New England.
— Michael Ward
Senior Vice President, Sodexo
Sponsorship for us is a way to publicly affirm our support for FINE and the farm to institution movement.
— Simca Horwitz
Co-Director, Massachusetts Farm to School
Become a #F2iSummit Sponsor
Some of the FINE Staff and Network Advisory Council gathered at Knoll Farm in July 2022 to connect, inform, and guide the collective effort of this network.
FINE's work is guided by a Network Advisory Council, a team of deeply committed advisors who not only form FINE's governing body, but collaboratively shape farm to institution activity in New England. We are grateful to each of these professionals for their unique experience, passion, and commitment to improving our shared food system.
FINE Staff located around the region bring varied experience, passion, humor, commitment and energy to proudly do the work that supports the network day in and day out - we are here to help you succeed in your efforts - and collectively, to mobilize the power of institutions to transform the food system.
FINE Staff
Peter Allison, Executive Director
Britt Florio, Program Coordinator
Hannah Leighton, Director of Research and Evaluation
Sarah Lyman, Director of Communications
Dana Stevens, Event & Project Manager
Tania Taranovski, Director of Programs
FINE Network Advisory Council
Andy Cox, Smith College
Karl Dias, Founder and CEO, FATBOY Foods
Kristen Dunphey, State Campaign Manager, Share Our Strength
Kyle Foley, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Shelley Goraj, MaineGeneral
Christopher Howland, UMass Amherst
Christine James, The John Merck Fund (ret.)
Nancy Kohn, Health Care Without Harm
Michael Lawrence, ML Design Studio
Josh Marshall, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food Melissa Motejunas, Native Maine Produce
Renee Page, Healthy Communities of the Capital Area / Maine Farm to Institution
Kirby Roberts, UMass Dartmouth Dining Services
Jesse Rye, Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Cara Santino, CitySeed
Julianne Stelmaszyk, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Latha Swamy, City of New Haven, CT
Matthew Thompson, Harvest Table Culinary Group
Charissa Zapata-Walker, Boston Waterfront Initiative, The Trustees of Reservations
We greatly appreciate all of FINE's Funding Partners Our work and impact would not be possible without the generous support of funding partners who provide funds as well as essential guidance and connections that inform our programs, projects and network building initiatives. In FY 2022 (July 2021 - June 2022) we raised $649,130 from a diverse mix of funders, and had ending net assets of $709,904. Thank you to the followingpartners:
Foundations: ($570,000)
The John Merck Fund
Henry P. Kendall Foundation
Cotyledon Fund
The Daybreak Fund
Whitehead Foundation
Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation
Federal Grants: ($41,696)
USDA FNS: Farm to School Grant
US EPA: Healthy Community Grant Program
Earned Revenue/ Contracts: ($29,709)
Contributions ($7,725)
We want to offer a special appreciation to The John Merck Fund, who has been a foundational funder and thinking partner since our inception. This past year the fund completed its spend out plan and FINE received our last grant. Thank you JMF board and staff for being such a FINE funding partner!
FINE is a fiscally sponsored project of TSNE.


The video call, which was streamed live during the event, demonstrated how disruption can also impact the way companies are run. At just 21, Izquierdo is already one of the most experienced authorities in the Ethereum ecosystem and "a leading expert in decentralized organizations," said Forcano.
His company is developing a digital infrastructure with the goal of facilitating the creation of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). With this new platform, Aragorn wants to offer the tools required to manage the governability, accounting, financing and other key areas of this new organizational model.
"Companies as we know them are comprised of people who build and offer services for other people to consume. Capital becomes an intermediary: investors put in capital so that on one hand the company can charge customers for the service, and on the other it can compensate the employees for their work." explained Forcano.
As opposed to this model, what decentralized organizations do is "disintermediate the capital" putting suppliers or manufacturers of the product in direct contact with consumers using a predefined protocol where the value is logged in a token. "This allows the community to interact directly without needing an agent who intermediates." added BBVA's head of talent and culture.
One of the first examples of this operating model is Bitcoin: "It doesn't have a CEO or employees or a headquarters, but the organization has been running for 10 years thanks to an incentive system that compensates the community for its work and fosters decision making in the interest of the ongoing running of the protocol." explains Izquierdo.
Aragon operates in a very similar way: it has created a community of software developers who participate in the company by means of an incentive system based on tokens, and now the company is working on developing solutions that will enable other companies to adopt these organizational models. "We want to facilitate the creation of organizations in which people can decide the incentive system and the way people can collaborate between themselves to create a service." he adds.
For example, one of the alternative governance models that they are exploring through Ethereum is the concept of liquid democracy. This system is based on giving the organization's members the option of voting directly in the decision making process or delegate their votes to experts in specific areas where in which they may lack a minimum level of knowledge.
"The most interesting thing about what you are doing is the opportunity to explore and design new models of corporate governance." explains Forcano, who stressed that the greatest challenge lay in giving communities the power to "govern, make decisions, and decide how the organization will grow in the future" by themselves.
The next step after 'decentralizing' the way of working through software is automating these decisions so that the organization can run itself autonomously. The idea is that, once they are agreed on in accordance with the chosen governance model, the rules can be hardcoded into 'smart contracts' and recorded in the blockchain, allowing the organization or company to function autonomously.
In fact, Aragon has set up the Aragon Foundation to nurture the project in its early phase. The Foundation intends to lose almost if not all its power in the future, "and to disappear, if possible." The goal is to, in the long run, transfer all its power to the token-owner community.
After the video interview, Ron Brown, BBVA Global CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) sat down with Chris Downs, CEO of Normally, a data product and service design studio took to the BBVA Open Summit stage to discuss how the company is exploring new tech-enabled internal organization models.
Normally solves complex design problems for some of the world's largest organizations including the BBC and Facebook, and has developed mechanisms to automate specific employee time and resource management processes. In their case, thanks to artificial intelligence. "Our employee's salaries are calculated by an algorithm," explains the CEO.
Rob Brown (BBVA) and Chris Downs (Normally) during BBVA Open Summit.
Thus, explained Downs, we are able to guarantee the transparency and fairness of the system, replacing subjective criteria with the assessment of workers' objective skills and capabilities. Also, the company's employees only work four days a week —"they can organize their own time freely"— and rely on a chatbot to decide if an employee can take a few vacation days off or not.
"It is much more efficient than delegating the decision on an individual: the system takes into account the available data on the employee and the company to make the best decision," he says.
"To change the way we work we need to change corporate cultures, and this begins with leadership attitudes, who must always put their teams' interests ahead of theirs," concludes Downs.


Use this template to document exercise outputs of the blueprint, Optimize Your SQA Practice Using a Full Lifecycle Approach. Document your findings from each exercise, and use this information as a reference for filling out your SQA plan and optimization roadmap.
Apply SQA across critical development process steps to ensure quality all the way to product delivery.
Thanks, Ann for letting us know about this issue. Someone will reach out to you shortly.


text:
Disneyland Furloughs 350 Employees Following New California Stay-At-Home Order
Unfortunately for so many, working during a global pandemic is a bit of a rollercoaster. That's especially true for those working in the service industry, whose jobs are increasingly threatened by the rising number of COVID-19 cases across the country. With a new stay-at-home order going into effect in Southern California, Disneyland is furloughing 350 employees after reopening in the summer.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the new SoCal and San Joaquin Valley restrictions go into effect on Sunday night. Under the order, bars, wineries, nail salons, hair salons, and other personal care services must shut down operations. Retail stores are being limited to 20 percent capacity, and restaurants can only offer takeout or delivery services.
Disney plans to keep the retail locations at Downtown Disney and Buena Vista Street in California Adventure open with "enhanced health and safety measures in place for guests and employees." They will also keep restaurants open that can offer take out, including Marceline's Confectionery, Trolley Treats, and others.
The employees impacted are being placed back on furlough, after Disney first furloughed thousands in the spring when it temporarily shut down its theme parks. After reopening, Disney laid off 28,000 employees in September because of the economic impact the pandemic had on its various parks.
The strict stay-at-home order from California Gov. Gavin Newsom comes as the state reports increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations following the Thanksgiving holiday. Sadly SoCal is simultaneously facing massive wildfires that's displacing thousands of residents and causing local energy providers to start precautionary blackouts.
Disney Plans to Lay Off 28,000 Workers From California and Florida Theme Parks
Disneyland Employees Stage Rally Demanding Reopening of Amusement Parks
Medical Expert Says COVID-19 May Cause Erectile Dysfunction
NewsCaliforniaDisneyDisneylandCoronavirusCOVID-19


text:
Illustrations by Black Design
Below-the-line collaterals conceived to support Singapore's nomination for the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity exhibition.
Hawker Culture in Singapore is a way of life for most citizens, and has brought together people from all walks of life to dine and bond over food, which are prepared by hawkers. Hawker Culture in Singapore is a way of life for most citizens, and has brought together people from all walks of life to dine and bond over food, which are prepared by hawkers. Hawker Culture is transmitted through the generations, and comprises a wide variety of cuisines that reflects the multicultural identity of Singapore.
Promotional postcards are distributed during the exhibition.
Brochures in all 4 national languages in Singapore - English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil - were developed to be given out to the public when they visit the exhibition.
"chope" culture in sg
In Singapore, there is an unspoken culture of using tissue packets to reserve seats while one goes to grab their food, thus translating this notion into a free gift that is given out to exhibition visitors.
A very limited run of reusable cutlery is given out free to the public as gifts when they visit the exhibition.


text:
Q: Keypress event not detetcting Ctrl+V event in CHrome borwser AngularJS
element.bind("keypress", function() {
    if(attrs.id == 'headEdit' && scope.selectedTab.facebook){
        return element.text().length <= 50;
    }
});

Here I can set maximum text length as 50. But when paste some text(cntrl+V) into this box, the text exceeds maximumum length. This problem only in Chrome browser.

A: Something Like
element.bind("keypress", function() {
if(attrs.id == 'headEdit' && scope.selectedTab.facebook){
   // return element.text().length <= 50;
    return    element.val(elem.val().substr(0, 50));
}
});

A: probably it's better to use ng-change?
<input ng-model="someField" ng-change="validate()">

to keep it Angular way
or even better to use ng-paste
<input ng-paste="validate">


text:
Grateful Dead – The Grateful Dead (1967/2017) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]
Grateful Dead – The Grateful Dead (1967/2017)
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/192 kHz | Time – 01:54:25 minutes | 4,23 GB | Genre: Rock
Studio Master, Official Digital Download – Source: HDTracks | Front Cover | © Rhino Entertainment
Has it really already been 50 years since The Grateful Dead released their debut album? My, my, those half-centuries certainly do fly by…
In commemoration of this momentous anniversary, we're kicking off an equally-momentous, utterly epic album reissue series of the Dead's back catalog, one which involves two-disc deluxe editions and limited-edition picture disc versions of all the group's studio and live albums. The original albums will have newly remastered sound, the second disc of each will contain unreleased recordings, and the 12" picture discs will contain that same newly-remastered audio. Mind you, it'll be a limited-edition situation with the vinyl reissues, so if you don't rush to get one of the 10,000 copies we're producing, you'll be out of luck.
In the case of THE GRATEFUL DEAD: 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION, the bonus disc features the band's complete unreleased concert from July 29, 1966 and select cuts from July 30, 1966 at the P.N.E. Garden Auditorium in British Columbia. The band's performances at the Vancouver Trips Festival are among only a handful of recordings that exist from the Dead's first two years, so just know what a big deal this is.
The Grateful Dead's eponymously titled debut long-player was issued in mid-March of 1967. This gave rise to one immediate impediment — the difficulty in attempting to encapsulate/recreate the Dead's often improvised musical magic onto a single LP. Unfortunately, the sterile environs of the recording studio disregards the subtle and often not-so-subtle ebbs and zeniths that are so evident within a live experience. So, while this studio recording ultimately fails in accurately exhibiting the Grateful Dead's tremendous range, it's a valiant attempt to corral the group's hydra-headed psychedelic jug-band music on vinyl. Under the technical direction of Dave Hassinger — who had produced the Rolling Stones as well as the Jefferson Airplane — the Dead recorded the album in Los Angeles during a Ritalin-fuelled "long weekend" in early 1967. Rather than prepare all new material for the recording sessions, a vast majority of the disc is comprised of titles that the band had worked into their concurrent performance repertoire. This accounts for the unusually high ratio (seven:two) of folk and blues standards to original compositions. The entire group took credit for the slightly saccharine "Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion)," while Jerry Garcia (guitar/vocals) is credited for the noir garage-flavored raver "Cream Puff War." Interestingly, both tracks were featured as the respective A- and B-sides of the only 45 rpm single derived from this album. The curious aggregate of cover tunes featured on the Dead's initial outing also demonstrates the band's wide-ranging musical roots and influences. These include Pigpen's greasy harp-fuelled take on Sonny Boy Williamson's "Good Morning Little School Girl" and the minstrel one-man-band folk of Jessie "the Lone Cat" Fuller's "Beat It On Down the Line." The apocalyptic Cold War folk anthem "Morning Dew" (aka "[Walk Me Out in The] Morning Dew") is likewise given a full-bodied electric workout as is the obscure jug-band stomper "Viola Lee Blues." Fittingly, the Dead would continue to play well over half of these tracks in concert for the next 27 years. –AllMusic Review by Lindsay Planer
Disc#1: Original Album Remastered
1 The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion)
2 Beat It On Down The Line
3 Good Morning Little School Girl
4 Cold Rain And Snow
5 Sitting On Top Of The World
6 Cream Puff War
7 Morning Dew
8 New, New Minglewood Blues
9 Viola Lee Blues
Disc#2: Live at P.N.E. Garden Auditorium, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 7/29/66
1 Standing On The Corner
2 I Know You Rider
3 Next Time You See Me
5 You Don't Have To Ask
6 Big Boss Man
7 Stealin'
8 Cardboard Cowboy
9 It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
10 Cream Puff War
11 Viola Lee Blues
12 Beat It On Down The Line
13 Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
14 Cold Rain And Snow
15 One Kind Favor
16 Hey Little One
17 New, New Minglewood Blues
Jerry Garcia – lead guitar, vocals, arrangement
Bill Kreutzmann – drums, percussion
Phil Lesh – bass guitar, vocals
Ron "Pigpen" McKernan – Vox Continental organ, harmonica, vocals
https://subyshare.com/cc5d4d44q6ul/GratefulDeadTheGratefulDead50thAnniversaryDeluxe2017HDTracks24192.part1.rar.html
https://subyshare.com/um9drgfnaynr/GratefulDeadTheGratefulDead50thAnniversaryDeluxe2017HDTracks24192.part2.rar.html
https://subyshare.com/spd4z4tzat7k/GratefulDeadTheGratefulDead50thAnniversaryDeluxe2017HDTracks24192.part3.rar.html
https://subyshare.com/be3g9thkdusr/GratefulDeadTheGratefulDead50thAnniversaryDeluxe2017HDTracks24192.part4.rar.html
https://subyshare.com/tehyub6z4q8r/GratefulDeadTheGratefulDead50thAnniversaryDeluxe2017HDTracks24192.part5.rar.html


text:
Precision health program ushers in new era of health care innovation
Transdisciplinary program will embrace innovation and lead the future of health
Mike Fisher, for the Cumming School of Medicine
The new precision health program at the University of Calgary will bring together future health-care leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators with the goal of improving patient care.
"The precision health program expands our offering of modular credentials and graduate education with experiential learning," says Dr. Ed McCauley, UCalgary president and vice-chancellor. "The focus on precision medicine and precision health ignites exciting new areas of discovery. Program participants will be job-ready, and the community will benefit from health-care professionals who hold a patient-centred mindset and experience in using advanced technologies."
The blended online delivery will ensure that the program is accessible to professionals across Canada, the U.S. and the world. Students can choose from four specializations that were designed to enhance their potential as health-care leaders in the areas of precision medicine, quality and safety, health professional education, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
"This new era of precision health brings in opportunities to customize care for individuals and populations," says Dr. Beverly Adams, MD, senior associate dean of education in the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). "This program was built around the concept of co-production of care, which is when the patient and health-care provider decide collaboratively how best to meet a patient's needs."
The precision health program is the first of its kind, not only because it brings together doctors, nurses, and social workers with thought leaders from other disciplines, but also because it is "stackable," meaning that students who complete the one-year graduate certificate can earn credit toward the graduate diploma. A master's degree in precision health, which the certificate and diploma would stack into, has also been developed and is awaiting approval from the ministry of advanced education.
"We are living through a revolution in health," says Dr. Jon Meddings, CSM dean. "Precision imaging and treatment, and precision public health, are coming faster than you may think. We are moving toward the personalization of medicine, focusing on the patient as an individual, rather than one-size-fits-all medicine."
A new era of health care
Today, technology is the driving force behind improvements in health care, and this rapid rate of change is hard to keep up with. The ability to understand artificial intelligence (AI) and gene editing technologies, as well as the ethical implications of big data and patient consent are new competencies for those working in health care.
"The precision health program is designed to support health-care professionals in a rapidly changing world," says Dr. Dave Anderson, PhD, academic director of the precision health program and an instructor in the program. "From integrating modern tools of genomics and molecular biology, to leadership in health-care quality and safety, health education, and innovation and entrepreneurship, the elements of this program are all designed to ensure that the benefits of precision health are fully realized for patients and professionals across our health-care system."
Thousands of genetic trials are currently underway for treating cancer, as well as hereditary and neurological diseases. "Bringing together entrepreneurs with health, safety and genomics experts will promote continuous improvement and ongoing advancements in the field," says Dr. Oleksiy Osiyevskyy, PhD, who is leading the entrepreneurship and innovation stream.
AI technologies allow researchers, physicians and health-care workers to comb through vast amounts of health data to pinpoint customized treatments that work best for each individual patient.
These new technologies are currently being applied in the search for a COVID-19 vaccine.
An innovative approach to the curriculum
"We're providing an exciting, innovative and accessible curriculum that is available only at the Cumming School of Medicine," says Adams, who led the program design and development. "The program will give learners a strong advantage, readying them for the future of health care."
The program's connections to community, health care and industry partners will strengthen the participants' networks while offering new opportunities for professional development.
The program is aligned with the University of Calgary's Unstoppable: Growth through Focus strategic plan, which aims to create Canada's most entrepreneurial university by expanding transdisciplinary graduate education that is geared toward professionals.
"We are offering experiential learning opportunities dealing with current clinical problems," says Adams. "The result will be better health care for patients."
Admissions to the program are now open for instruction commencing in September 2021. Find more information
Celebrate Innovation Week with UCalgary Nov. 16-20
Innovation in sustainable food cultivation can change the world
PhD student and alum explore innovative wearable technology
Learning to lead: UCalgary launches embedded certificate in leadership studies
Modular education in nursing offers innovative advantages in a competitive labour market
UCalgary researcher's innovative program benefits Canadians with disabilities and their families
future of health care
Sign up for UToday
Delivered to your inbox — a daily roundup of news and events from across the University of Calgary's 14 faculties and dozens of units


If 2016 has taught us anything, the world is full of savage beasts. In order to shelter from the storm, we are getting to know our movie monsters, because forewarned is always forearmed, right?
To get properly tooled-up, it's time to go back to monster school, and where better than the original house of horror? RADIANT CIRCUS will be heading to the UNIVERSAL MONSTERS season c/o Picturehouses.com as part of their excellent CULTURE SHOCK strand, but we're kickstarting the mayhem tonight at home with #FRANKENSTEIN.